Henry

HENRY and HECTOR are approximately one year old, male, golden retriever crosses. They are fantastic dogs. Apparently they were sent into the pound by a farmer because they were in his field, playing with the sheep. The pound expected the owner to come forward but he never did, despite the fact that they are exceptionally well trained. They have spent time in kennels since their release from the pound. We had hoped to find a home that would take both of them because they seemed very close. Also, when parted, they were totally delighted to see each other again but, they are also double trouble and can get into mischief together so we decided it might be best, after all, to separate them. This seems to be working very well for both of them.

These two boys have come a long way since the night we picked them up after their journey from Ireland, when they were trembling and petrified.

When they came back from Andy last week there were 2 confident dogs standing before me who had both put a little bit of much needed weight on!

The two boys stayed with us for almost a week before we took Hector off to his fosterer Ange & Josh, and Henry stayed with us.

We had no misgivings about leaving Hector with Ange & Josh, Hector was where he wanted to be and wouldn?t come to the front door, he was not leaving that house again unless it was with Ange or Josh ? the smile on his face really got to me and it's something I will never forget. It makes the sleepless nights and worry about these gorgeous dogs all worthwhile.

Henry seems a little more confident without Hector, I'm not sure if he has pined for him, but he certainly hasn?t lost his appetite and last night (after 3 days) was the first time he played with Jasper our 14 month old golden who has been desperately wanting to play since he arrived! He does this funny thing when Jasper has something in his mouth that he wants, he knows he can't win by tug, so he sits on his head! They have us in hysterics!

Henry is a lovely boy, he is probably quite a sensitive soul, he loves people even more than other dogs, he follows me or Martin everywhere and we think he would suit a very active retired couple as he loves his walks and he needs company. On the other hand (or paw) I know that Ange says he is wonderful with children, so maybe a young family with someone at home most of the day would also suit!

He fitted into our routine very quickly, and he is no trouble at all, he has excellent re-call, is good on lead (when Jasper isn't around) and is house trained. All in all a perfect dog. He adores being groomed and will sit for as long as you can brush and comb him. However, I do think training classes would help give him more confidence.

Henry has lots of love to give to his forever family. He is a darling and if we could keep him we wouldn't give it a second thought. We hope there is someone special enough out there who deserves this little man.

Here is what Helen (our daughter) who has also taken care of him says about Henry:

Well what a gorgeous dog he is!! Henry is such a people dog. There is nothing he loves more than lots of love and attention. He is one of the quietest dogs I've ever met and so gentle. Although he is quite timid and doesn't like loud bangs or anything that will scare him, for example cats!

I have 2 cats and Henry was not taken with them at all. My cat Max, who we were scared would be frightened of Henry just wanted to play and Henry would not go near him and jumped whenever he came within a few feet of him. Hopefully he just needs time to get used to other animals like he is now used to Jasper.

He's never more happy than let off the lead exploring the country side! He's very inquisitive and he was fine off the lead in an open space where we could see him at all times. He was great at recall and was always looking behind to make sure we were still there. He needs a lot of reassurance and a lot of love, which you can't help but give as he is so good and of course gorgeous!!!!

It is official, Henry is now Henry Cooper, bless him. We all had a strong feeling this was going to happen and now it has been confirmed, Maria has joined the rather full ranks of our failed fosterers and fallen totally in love with her charge. When we have such drop dead gorgeous dogs, I suppose, it is no wonder that we cannot resist their charms for long. We are all delighted that Henry will have a wonderful life to look forward to now.

AN OLD FRIEND COMES TO STAY

Maria said. "Finn came here last night (18.2.2009) until the weekend while his new Mum and Dad go away for a few days.

EXCITING STUFF I'VE DONE by Henry Cooper

I’ve got some news for you and thought I’d send some photos of our holiday in Cumbria a couple of weeks ago, well, as you can see we had a really good time but we did walk long, long distances and both me and my broth (Jasper) got quite tired, but Mum and Dad thought it was best we went everywhere they did, so we obliged.

Now for the biggest, bestest most exciting news ever….. I think Mum told you that I would be going to agility with Jasper, well, yesterday was our first day and guess what – apparently I (ME, Henry) was brilliant, and a natural, Mum’s words and the trainers. We had so much fun I can’t begin to tell you, but I did everything I was asked with knobs on! Apparently, Jasper was good too but not as good as me hee hee hee and, the best thing of all is we had the most fun in the whole wide world. I will keep you posted with my progress, but the trainer did say something about me ‘doing very well' and ‘he’s good’ for the first try, I was jumping for joy and Mum was proud too.

Sending you hugs and Henry licks (which I have lots of Mum says, not sure what she means)! Jasper sends woofs and licks too xxx

Henry Cooper x

HENRY AND JASPER - BEST FRIENDS

AGILITY NEWS FROM HENRY (AUGUST 2010)

My Mum says you will be really pleased to know I have completed my Beginners Agility Course and I came 4th in the competition winning a rosette, certificate and pipping my big brother Jasper at the post who came 5th. Mum says it was her fault I didn’t do better as she missed one of the hurdles and confused me! Here are 2 of my photos:-

Anyway, Jasper also then went on to get 1st place in the racing hurdles, he is so fast nobody can catch him! Here are 2 pics of Jasper with Dad too!

Here is a video of me. Mum went far too slowly. I think I will ask Dad to handle me next time as he is almost as fast as Jasper, then I might get a 1st !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We go to Delamere Dog Training Club for our agility and general training and we always have great fun there www.delameredogtraining.co.uk

Sending you licks, wags and woofs

Henry Cooper xx

STUDIOUS HENRY!