BOSS is roughly 18 months old. Someone contacted Sandie about a Golden Retriever cross Labrador who was being abused by his owner. He was being hit and his legs were tied together. Naturally Sandie said that we would take him but, when she arrived to pick him up, he wasn`t a Golden Retriever cross at all but a golden coloured Collie x. Nevertheless, who could refuse to help this lovely boy?

Sandie has had him neutered and he is living in her home at the moment. He gets on really well with all her other dogs and despite all he has been through he is still very loving towards people, bless him.

He, apparently, just loves to be the centre of attention. He is ok with children, as far as we know, but we haven`t had a chance to cat test him. He is a very good jumper and would probably make a good agility dog.

A MESSAGE FROM SANDIE

"I was alerted to Ross's [now Boss] (a lab/retriever cross) situation as he needed to get out of his abusive home immediately. Lab/Retriever cross he ain't - but what was I to do when I saw him? I certainly couldn't send him back to where he came from.

Ross is 18 months old and neutered. He is proving to be a lovely young fellow, extremely intelligent and easily trainable. Although a little wary of strangers, he loves to be in the middle of all the hussle and bussle of the household and enjoys company - he's not clingy at all, just wants to be where the action is. He also understands 'time out' and takes himself off to his crate for a rest. He does have a very unfortunate squeaky bark when he gets excited, but that's the only bad thing about him and that doesn't last long. He's very pretty and very loving. His confidence is growing daily and he will make a perfect pet for somebody who understands his needs and can help develop his full potential. Ross can certainly jump to a great height but there's no fear of him being an escape artist as all he wants is company. He gets on great with other dogs - especially the ladies, and is great with children (even little todlers). There isn't a bad bone in his body, he's very eager to please.

His intelligence and trainability would benefited best with someone
who could work or do agility with him."

UPDATE ON BOSS

Boss in now in foster in Kent with Jas who says of him, "Boss is a very gentle and sensitive dog, he understands things very quickly and is always looking at me so he engages 100%.

He got on with my 3 1/2 year old son in no time and is very happy to follow him around. He is not possessive towards food, toys or anything else as far as I have seen, in fact, my boy offers him food which he gently takes from his hand.

Boss does not run around in the house and has a very gentleman like behavior in his movements and feeding habits, but he loves running around in the back garden and can jump up to 4 feet without hesitation. He has been helping me with gardening and you can see he has green legs as a result.

He pulls a little on the lead and needs work on that but he is not a very strong dog, who could pull you across the street, so he is not dangerous and that can be corrected in no time as he seems very intelligent and eager to please. Also he does not pick up food from the streets while on his walks.

He is a bit too curious about the hoover, lawn mover and strimmer but with experience that should fade away in no time.

He is one little cutie who will make somebody very proud owner."

©2008 Irish Retriever Rescue UK