Ben and Zena

Andy their fosterer said
Ben and Zena are a couple of inseperable Golden Retrievers, who needed to spend the twilight of their lives in comfort together. Ben - A lovely old boy of 12 years. He's had an operation to remove a tumour, but is making a full recovery. Although a little wobbly on his legs at times, and taking medication for his breathing, he's still a happy boy with a constantly wagging tail. He just wants somewhere comfortable to spend his time, with little walks and lots of fuss. Zena - A sprightly 11 year old cuddle monster. She's in good health, loves her walks and enjoyed her time in foster with us. She has the saddest eyes, which she puts to good use begging treats and cuddles, I defy anyone to resist. They're both house trained, great on the lead, can be left and are even cat friendly."
Ben and Zena went happily to their forever home in the Midlands today (28 /1/07)

Ben and Zena have been with us for almost 6 weeks now. They have settled in brilliantly and you could not wish to meet a more gentle, friendly pair of dogs. Ben is the eldest and has his grumpy moments, but then he is an old man and with the problems he has with his back legs, I think he is entitled. Zena is quite the little princess and knows exactly how to twist us around her front paw. She has very soft eyes and she uses them to her advantage My daughter has been virtually housebound with ME for four years, so she has the dogs as company all day and I think that they are helping her by giving her a responsibility and taking her mind off her illness a little. We are very proud of our adoptees and loved them from the moment they came into our lives. In return they have given us so much already and with the promise of more to come. Thanks to Andy and Val for fostering these two and bringing them to visit us when my daughter was unable to travel. A huge THANKYOU goes also to Pauline and Lynne and all at the Irish Retriever Rescue who not only allowed us to take Ben and Zena, but have also been such a big help and support over the last few weeks. God bless you all for the tremendous work you are doing. Luv Ben, Zena, Lorna and Rachel

SAD NEWS Sadly, Ben's happiness in his wonderful new home was short-lived and he has now gone to Rainbow Bridge. Everybody misses him dreadfully but, at least, Zena is being spoilt rotten to try to compensate her for his loss. His lovely tribute is on our Rainbow Bridge page.

UPDATE 24/03/09

Zena is recovering from a major operation. Her Mum Lorna said. “Just to let you know that things are going on just fine. Zena is doing all that she used to do but with renewed energy and enthusiasm which is lovely to see.

She is still an older lady however and needs her 40 winks, so here are a couple of photos of her doing just that in the sunshine on the sofa this morning. Bless her.”

UPDATE APRIL 09

Zena is really well. She has fully recovered and is quite bouncy. She has had a few walks recently when I have found it hard to keep up with her at first. Admittedly she does then slow down, but she is really keen and trots along quite happily until she realises that actually she is an old lady and not acting like one!!! Her operation scars are little more than a mark on her skin now, rather like a seam down her tummy, which I suppose is what it is really. I’m so pleased with her progress and the speed with which she recovered. I’m pleased that my wish to give her the best chance rather than give up and have her put to sleep was the right one. I didn’t want her to suffer, but I knew that her fighting spirit would give her a more than good chance of a full recovery. She is such an angel and every day I thank IRR for letting her come to live with us – Merlin too of course, but Zena is very special.

A TERRIBLE DAY

On 25.6.2010 a very tearful and sad Lorna wrote "It is with the deepest sorrow that I have to tell you that we had to say goodbye to our very beautiful Zena this evening. She became listless and refused food a couple of days ago. The vet was concerned that perhaps she had a spread of the cancer that made her so poorly 18 months ago and after a very short course of medication which had no effect, we took her for x-rays this evening. There was a huge growth pushing down on her intestines and her oesophagus was very enlarged so no food was going into her stomach. This had been making her cough and vomit. The only option was to let her go before she got very poorly indeed. The vet was in tears too, so we were a sorry sight.

Zena was the very special dog that we all remember in our lives as our soul dog. She was my shadow and the loyalist of companions. There is no other dog like her and we will miss her more than words can possibly say. She fought to stay with us when all the odds were stacked against her 18 months ago and was the bravest dog to face up to her illnesses, but there was nothing that could be done for her today, other than the only kind thing I had left for her – peace. There is a huge Zena shaped hole left in our hearts and our lives and we are devastated. I know that her sponsors will all be extremely sad too.

I am spending lots of time with Merlin, who seems to realise that something is very wrong and has gone quite into himself tonight. Della, bless her, hasn’t a clue what is happening from one moment to the next, so she is probably the luckiest of us all.

DOUBLE THE PAIN

Lorna tells us " I know that Della was not an IRR dog but you were all so kind about us adopting her and Andy was brilliant in helping me to get her home and so pleased to be able to assist with her. Sadly, we have had to say goodbye to her as well today. She had difficulty getting out of her bed without being lifted and had to be carried into the garden. On arriving at the vets, we were told she was also suffering from kidney failure which would only worsen. We had to make that very sad and difficult decision again to let her go, but it was with dignity and with us cuddling her as we did with Zena.

This has definitely been the worst two weeks of my life."

Words cannot help Lorna and Rachel at this sad time and only time will heal their pain but, at least, Zena and her special friend Della are now reunited at Rainbow Bridge.