Barney

Barney is a 2.5 year old male, purebred, cream coloured Golden Retriever. He has seen a vet, just been neutered and has had all the necessary inoculations for him to obtain his EU Passport.

HISTORY

Barney came from a really loving home in a beautiful part of the country but a compulsory walkway on their land was put in place which meant poor Barney’s life was turned upside down. Lots of strangers began walking past his front door and he was getting very confused with all the commotion which culminated in him starting to get overly protective of his surroundings.

To add insult to injury, poor Barney also had to cope with a new baby coming into the family and more major changes in his life. Barney never touched the baby in any way but, with so many horror stories about dogs and small children these days, the family thought it best to relinquish him to IRR who Kathryn, our Irish Co-ordinator, assured them would ensure that he would get the best and most suitable home possible.

It cannot be stressed enough that having to let this stunning boy go was a real heart-wrencher for the family as he was loved beyond words and, for that reason, only the perfect home for him would do.

Kathryn suggested a total change in atmosphere would remedy the situation and this has indeed proved to be true. Since being in foster, he has not showed any sign of protective behaviour and has been thriving living with other dogs and cats.

PERSONALITY

He has a glorious personality and is super affectionate. He was initially worried about his new surroundings in foster but he has now settled in very well.

SOCIAL LEARNING

Travel: Barney travels well. When he went with a nervous Daragh to the vet, he reassured him with lots of licks. Barney lay on the back seat and Daragh was on the floor. Barney was brilliant in communicating to his new friend that everything was going to be all right and that he needn’t worry.

Housetraining: He hasn’t been house-trained but, as with all Goldens, they are quick learners so this should be rectified relatively soon.

Grooming: He has been thoroughly groomed with no problems.

Leadwalking and recall: Walking on a lead will need work as will his recall as he has ‘selective hearing’. When he gets his nose into something, it’s hard to get him to come back so proper training on a long lead with treats will be needed to combat this.

Children : This dog is best suited to a calm, peaceful environment so we feel it best to get him a home without children.

Dogs: Barney has always had canine companionship so a home with another dog or dogs is an absolute must.

Cats: He has been around cats in his foster home and doesn’t seem that bothered by them although the cats are seasoned with dogs and do know what to do when any dogs get out of line.

BARNEY’S DREAM HOME

Barney would be suited to either a home in the country, which is what he has been used to, or a coastal environment. He may be happy with young adults but, better still, a less busy home with an older couple would suit him down to the ground. Having another dog or dogs as companions is essential. Barney is a sweet boy, who longs to fit into the right home and that is exactly what IRR have promised to find for him.

August 2015

Barney has been in foster with his best friend Daragh and the good news is that their fosterer has fallen in love with both of them, so they will be staying there in their Forever Home together.