ROSSI
Rossi is a 3 year old male Golden Retriever. He is a beautiful old fashioned Retriever, in that he has very dark colouration, almost red rather than the normal gold or blond colour as seems to be the norm these days.
Simon says "He arrived with me via Andy, another one of IRR’s fosterers who had collected him from Ireland. To start with he was very timid and would cower at loud or sudden noises but over the first week this slowly disappeared and he has become more confident. He certainly has no problems in the agility department and the stairs pose no problem for him and the sofa has become a firm favourite sleeping place!! Also he adores being fussed and will push our other dogs out of the way in order to get more than his fair share of petting. He loves being brushed and combed and looks really handsome.
When Rossi met our dogs Freddie (GR) and Candy (Shih Tzu) it was like they had been friends all their lives. Also, when out walking any dogs we’ve met have been greeted with wags rather than growls so I can safely say he’s a social doggy.
He has been superb with our three children and has been particularly good around my three year old. We also had our friend’s 2 year old girl, Isabella, spending the afternoon with us and she absolutely adored Rossi and would not leave him alone. He took all this, possibly unwanted, attention in his stride.
Rossi is slightly unruly on the lead and does pull but it never becomes unmanageable. I’ve been unable to let him off his lead as our walking places have not been secure enough but I suspect his recall will be very good as while he’s on his flexi-lead I only have to call him and he immediately returns to my side. He is quite a comical boy and has had us laughing at his antics, in particular his ability to grin/sneer by trapping his lip under one canine tooth. He also crosses his front paws when lying down which makes him look quite sophisticated.
Today we said our goodbyes to Rossi who has gone to live with Eric and Jane. We wish them all our very best wishes and we know that Rossi will bring them many years of happiness and joy. As is always the case we’re sad to see Rossi go as he has become a very special dog but we know that he has gone to a fabulous home and will have a wonderful time there.
ROSSI IN HIS FOREVER HOME
Jane said: "Friday 26th March turned out to be an exciting day as Eric & I went to collect Ross from his foster home in Perton & bring him back to Liverpool to start his new life. Not sure if Ross was as excited at the prospect as we were but as we headed north up the M6 he was absolutely no problem.
His early hesitancy on exploring his new surroundings has gradually eased as he gains more confidence. His place of security straight away was our leather settee- this now appears to be ‘his’ place & he is most disgruntled if someone else occupies his seat! At night time Ross has slept at the side of the bed & appears to have slept well as he hasn’t disturbed us, in fact I’m sure he snores in a most genteel manner!
Saturday was shopping day for Ross. A visit to Pets at Home was priority in order to buy food supplies, a bright red collar (you have to show your footballing allegiances in Liverpool!) & name tag. Ross has even shown an aptitude for dribbling the football in the garden but then spoils himself by ‘ragging ‘ it!
On Sunday Eric & I nervously took the plunge & let Ross off the lead in a pretty secure area of parkland. We needn’t have worried, Ross was great. His recall was more or less instant & it was a pleasure to see him stretch his legs, play ‘catch me if you can’ with a doggy pal & generally enjoy his freedom. Since then we have introduced him to swans & geese who inhabit another park- he was very interested but kept well away when hissed at!
Ross is still a bit fearful of sudden noise, entering our garage & other new buildings but even in the short span we have had him we can definitely see signs of a growing confidence & he is becoming more relaxed as he gets to know us & his new surroundings.
Ross is a super dog - its been a real pleasure & we look forward to engaging with him in the coming days in order to provide a secure & loving home, one that he duly deserves."
UPDATE 10/05/10
Rossi continues to progress really well. He has settled into our routine, gaining in confidence day by day & has a bit of a cheeky character coming through. We had our first weekend away in Nottingham this weekend, staying with my sister. Rossi loved the walks down by the River Trent & decided on one occasion to explore the dyke that runs along side - he came out 2 tone chocolate & looked extremely proud of himself, good job there was a hose pipe to hand!
I will be running the 10K Mersey Tunnel run at the end of May & am collecting sponsorship for the Irish Retriever Rescue. Talking of running Rossi has run a few shorter distances with me & loves it, especially when we start out!
UPDATE 7/11/10
Thought it was about time to send news of Rossi. It’s almost 8 months since we had the privilege of giving Rossi his forever home & what a brilliant dog he is too. He continues to thrive & has been great with kids, other dogs & is gradually becoming more confident with the adults he meets.
We ‘puppy sat’ for a friend’s 4 month old spaniel recently. Rossi was a star as he stoically endured being jumped on, tail nipped, ears chewed & even his favourite toy being ‘ragged’. He bore all this with good grace but was relieved when young Harvey went back to his owner!
Rossi has developed a great love of squirrels & loves nothing more than to give chase & then feigns surprise when they disappear up a tree!
We are currently on an obedience course trying to train Rossi to pursue other interests - we are making some progress!
We can’t imagine life without this super retriever whose confidence continues to grow & his personality comes more to light each passing week.
UPDATE: MAY 2012
Jane says “Two years have gone by really quickly since Eric and I picked up Ross from his fosterers in Perton - what a top dog he is too! We only see occasional 'flashbacks' of his former life now as he has well and truly got his paws under the carpet with us.
Ross loves to show off his sociable nature to people and dogs he trusts, usually hurtling up to them and somehow applying the brakes at the last second! The local dog walkers will often find him then demanding any amount of petting they have the patience to give!
His favourite walks are in woodlands where Ross will disappear on a mission to snuff out any unsuspecting rabbits and squirrels. We used to worry as to his whereabouts but no need as Ross is always aware of where we are, especially in areas he is unfamiliar with.
We have also enjoyed some moorland walks but sheep have proved to be a temptation so the lead often has to be at the ready!
Recently I ran the Liverpool Half Marathon and raised £200 for IRR. Putting something back to such a worthwhile cause was all the motivation I needed.
I hope Ross was impressed too!”
©2010 Irish Retriever Rescue UK
