Ciara Swain

SISTERS REUNITED (3.12.2014)

Linda tells us she has, sadly, lost Ciara. Chloe had crossed the Bridge in 2013 so the sisters are reunited once again and, for sure, Bouncer will also be there. 

 On 20th of October, after tests,  Linda was told Ciara had kidney failure and had only weeks to live. The following Friday, cruelly, Linda lost her 12 year old Retriever Cross, Xanda. Both Ciara and Linda mourned her and Ciara tried to keep going for her mum but, sadly, she grew weaker and weaker. She tried so hard to eat but, in the end, she just kept being sick. It was very hard but Linda knew she had no choice but to say the final “good bye” to her.  

Linda, bravely took the unselfish decision to give Ciara sleep on 3rd December. 

Linda says” She gave me her all.  I lost them both within six weeks and it was heartbreaking. I hope they are now playing happily together again over Rainbow Bridge. I’m missing them both SO MUCH xx” 

We all well remember the condition of those 8 poor dogs back in 2005 and, knowing the hell hole they came from, we did all we could to help them by finding them all the most fantastic homes, which we did. Although the lives of three of the four pups have, tragically, been shorter than they should have been, they were all extremely happy lives because of their devoted owners.  

IRR thank you so much for loving Ciara and for giving her the best of everything right to the very end. 

Fly high with the angels Ciara and Xanda and be sure to give special hugs to Chloe and Bouncer for us too.  

THEIR STORY

CIARA and SHANNON were the terrified daughters of Aine. The two girls, who clung tightly together with fear, were destined to be used as the next generation of breeding machines but take a look at them now. Long gone are the terrified faces they had when they came from that dreadful puppy farm. It just goes to show what love and kindness can do. 

UPDATE ON CIARA (13.03.2007)

My beautiful Ciara the dog of my dreams, and my biggest challenge. She has a gorgeous temperament and is great with my four granddaughters. She gets lots of cuddles from them, except when their toys or crayons are around. She loves to lie in the middle of the kids and toys but is banished to the kitchen as she chews everything in sight. She is so naughty at home, and I cannot leave her alone in the living room for two minutes as she will get anything of ours to chew [reading glasses, pens, shoes, cutlery and even scissors] leaving her own toys on the floor. 

I have had four dogs before Ciara two of which were retriever Xs. I have obedience trained them all. I have always enjoyed training my dogs, I enjoy the one to one with them, and in the past have entered open shows, and have helped pet owners with their dogs at our local training classes.

I have taken Ciara training from day one, twice a week. Her sit, down stays, recalls and retrieves are coming on a treat. But her heelwork is a nightmare. Head down, not listening, CANT DO THIS , pulling to the door, didn’t want toys or treats, my trainer shakes his head and says she is hard work. People who I have helped train their pet dogs started making derogatory remarks, and they really knocked my confidence. With the help of my friend Sue [Chance’s mum] I soldiered on.

But AT LAST l think we have turned a corner, after 18 months of trying and Ciara raising two. I think she has got the message. Suddenly we can do this mum, she has a lovely style, and I am so pleased with her. It has been a struggle, but we have come through it, and we are winning. Suddenly our one to one is not a challenge, she wants to please me , and that is all I ask. I wouldnt change her for the world, and now I know she will get better. The hard work and love has paid off. I say to anyone who rehomes a rescue dog it can be hard work, but the rewards are paramount. Stick at it. Thank you to the IRR for Ciara, she is wonderful.