Pady

MAY 2018

Pady and Sanson are the luckiest boys – their fosterer, Hayley, has fallen in love with them and has adopted them so they won’t be going anywhere.

WE ARE DELIGHTED THE BOYS ARE STAYING PUT   

It came as no surprise to anyone but it was to the delight of us all that Hayley joined the ranks of “failed” fosterers and Pady and Sanson are staying with them forever. She tells us “The boys are coming along and have settled in very well within our family.  They have at times been a challenge, I can’t deny that, and it’s been double trouble when they have their moments! However, that said, they really have come so far from how they first arrived with us. Although Pady is still very nervous when meeting new people and tends to hide behind or underneath an object, peeking out to see what his brother is doing and if the coast is clear, he is now very gradually edging forward after watching Sanson pave the way. 

They are very loving boys and are learning their manners. However, they can be quite high energy, probably the Collie in them, and Pady is most definitely the ring leader! (Our garden looks like a bit like a dirt track right now with their daily mad half hours and most of my beautiful Bluebells and Lily of the Valley are no longer upright)!

We do still have some separation anxiety with them when we leave them for short periods but I’m so pleased to say, though, this is now improving through practice and our perseverance, especially at night time. We have had several nights in a row now so fingers crossed it’s working. They do still soil indoors from time to time, but it’s usually when we are not with them.

My daughter, who is at University, came home after not seeing the boys for a few weeks and she was amazed at their progress. They are receiving lots of time, patience, love and care from us all and this has made such a difference to them, although they are still very untrusting of new people. I think even this will change as time goes along. They love car journeys and are good on the lead but they are a bit over-excited when meeting other dogs and cats are definitely a no-no! 

They have become very much part of our family and, through all of the challenges, we are now coming out the other side. At first, we were lulled into a false sense of security and they were reasonably calm but, once they found their feet (mainly Pady’s feet)! we came to experience barking excessively, running mad (chewing and breaking my husband’s glasses, chewing through the Internet and telephone lines, they pooped and wee weed on the sofas, pulled down part of my lovely Laura Ashley curtains and we had lots of sleepless nights). 

However, I cannot tell you how far they have come along now. We have given them a family, so much time, patience and love and they have learnt many new things and positive behaviours. Bearing in mind I do not think that they had lived in a home previously, they had a lot to learn.  We still have a way to go especially with Pady’s nervousness and anxiety but, my goodness, how they have progressed.

We hadn’t expected to fall in love with two little fur babies! I did tell everyone at the outset, this was not going to happen! Our aim was to help as many dogs as possible to ‘give back’ to the breed for all the wonderful and amazing years we had with our beautiful and oh so gentle Golden boy ‘Hennessy’ who sadly passed away a year ago this Sunday and, one day, when the time was right, the plan was to then welcome another little Golden Retriever puppy from our breeder to our home and do this alongside fostering. Due to two little boys and their journey getting into our hearts, those plans have now changed!

We have been on such a journey with the boys that we would love to give them the stable home they need and deserve after the obvious traumatic time they appear to have had.  We feel it would be detrimental to their development to set them back by having to learn to trust all over again and specifically bearing in mind their separation anxiety issues. We would like to help the boys and build on the amazing steps forward we have made with them”. 

HISTORY

Pady and Sanson are two drop dead gorgeous 15mth old neutered Golden Retriever Crosses. They have both undergone full health checks and have received all the necessary vaccinations for them to acquire their Pet Passports.

Lorraine wrote “Whilst we’re not an International Rescue and obviously concentrate our efforts in Ireland, we do on occasion help the odd overseas dog. In 2017, we imported 2 dogs from outside of Ireland and the UK and we were recently asked by the same Spanish rescuer if we could help a pair of young brothers who were surrendered to a Pererra (pound) with “permission to sacrifice”. The boys travelled in luxury and even had a nanny in the back of the transport with them for the entire journey to ensure their welfare”. On arrival in the UK, the two boyswent into foster with Hayley.

ON ARRIVAL AND EARLY DAYS

Hayley tells us “Pady and Sanson, the ‘joined at the hip’ little brothers, arrived with us just 4 days ago now after their journey from Valencia, Spain.I have to say that IRR used a superb transport company to bring the boys over and they had been given a very large crate indeed to travel in, with a lot of room to manoeuvre, which was great, and there were not many dogs onboard either. The drivers were the most kind and caring men who looked after all of the dogs really  well, with regular walks and re-assurance. They even provided updates, including photos and a video clip, so we didn’t worry about them. The dogs seemed to love them!”

Despite their good treatment, the boys were, understandably, extremely nervous and timid when they first met with their fosterers and both boys ran into the dining room with Pady hiding under the table.  Sanson went to Hayley’s husband for a re-assuring stroke and Pady came out and walked a step forward too before retreating back under the table. Sanson was the bolder of the two. Pady stayed hidden for a while but, very gradually, attempted to venture out. 

Hayley explained “We took the boys to the garden on leads then, having closed the dining room door, we lead them from the garden to the lounge, where we had set up their beds, so as to introduce them to where they would be sleeping.  Pady went straight to his bed but Sanson preferred the floor.  As this did not change, we placed a duvet on the floor and Sanson seemed very happy and content sleeping here. I slept on the sofa that night, just to settle and re-assure them, but they slept just fine and didn’t wake.

Over the past few days, we have seen the boys grow in trust and confidence with us, with Sanson still being the slightly bolder of the two.  He always steps forward as Pady stays a little further back (unless a treat is involved) when Pady is right up the front of the queue!”

HEALTH

Pady is in good health and has a lovely thick coat and bright eyes. He has, however, been biting the base of his tail from time to time.  Pady does pant quite a lot of the time, hence we sometimes call him ‘Paddy Pants’

.Sanson is in good health. He is eating and drinking well although he does eat less than his bigger brother, Paddy, whilst still loving a treat. He is on the thin side and does need to put some weight on, which we are working on, but this will come right over time I’m sure.   Sanson is toileting well and regularly and also sleeps really well and peacefully, with his brother in his bed by his side!

 SOCIAL LEARNING

TRAVEL: They enjoy travelling in the car.

BASIC TRAINING: I don’t believe Sanson or Pady have received much, if any, basic training, however, they are both very quick to learn. Although they do not respond to their names,   within the 4 days we have had them, we managed to teach the boys to sit and the down command.  They also understand no! This is amazing so far!

The boys are fine with household appliance noises and also with road traffic sounds, apart from loud motorbikes, but that goes for me too!

HOUSETRAINING: Apart from the first night when they both ‘pooped’ in the dining room, they have learned to toilet outside. 

IN THE GARDEN: Sanson and Pady love the garden, especially for playtime!   At times, they do like to chase each other at speed but they are only young so that’s to be expected and it’s nice to see them enjoying themselves.

They do sometimes bark and whimper in the garden but, generally, it’s when they hear a car door close or there are people walking by.  At first, they ran and hid when hearing these noises but, now, they handle these things much better after a little re-assurance.

Sanson and Pady are not the greatest at listening when in the garden just yet but things are all new and exciting and they have only been here for 4 days.  I’m sure this will change in time as other things have already.   

RESOURCE GUARDING: There are no signs of resource guarding. Both boys love their toys, especially their new teddies, which they sleep with. Paddy and Sanson have good manners when we are eating dinner, they come to see what you are doing and then leave the room if you don’t acknowledge them, which is amazing. Pady and his brother mostly do the same things at the same time. Pady and Sanson have not chewed anything so far and just play with their toys and amuse themselves with each other.  

SEPARATION ANXIETY: Sanson, in particular, has displayed some separation anxiety when either my husband or myself leaves the house and has a whimper by the door and appears agitated.  Pady gets a little anxious and comes to see what’s going on but he does seem to settle. They sleep well alone and have not woken in the night or attempted to climb the stairs.  

LEADWALKING: Sanson and Pady both walk very well on a slip lead.

Pady is does not pull and walks nicely beside you, taking in all of his new surroundings. He appears quite well socialised and he doesn’t chase the birds of which there are many on the beach. Pady is fine walking beside a road with traffic noises.

Sanson walks nicely next to you although he does sometimes cross over sides. I think this is just down to him wanting to explore his new environment and we are working on this with him

ADULTS: Pady does take a while to get used to people and he still needs to learn to trust but he is very friendly once he knows someone.

Sanson and his brother are very nervous when they meet new people and only trust someone they are familiar with at the moment. They tend to stay together for support at these times, Pady more so for Sanson’s support than the other way around.

CHILDREN:  We haven’t tested Sanson or Pady with children as yet although I understand they had been tested in Spain with children and were fine. 

DOGS:  They have, briefly, met other dogs, and they seemed ok with. Pady seems pretty chilled out with other dogs, but is very unsure of new people.

CATS:  I don’t get the impression Sanson or Pady are fans of cats as, when opening the door to the garden and seeing our neighbour’s cat paying a visit, they both very quickly darted after him. I think the cat just used up one of his nine lives so I’m not sure we’ll be seeing him for a while! I understood that Sanson and Pady were being cat tested in Spain so, maybe, they were just startled. 

THEIR DREAM HOME

The most important thing is that the boys find a loving home together with people who will help them to carry on building up their trust and who will continue with their positive training.

Hayley says “I could not envisage these two boys living apart as, I feel sure, it would be detrimental to the development of both of them and they would miss each other so much. They very much rely on each other as a pair and I’m sure they will bring lots of rewarding times as a little double act, growing in confidence by learning from each other!

PADY

Pady is an adorable, sweet natured little boy, who relies on his brother Sanson, as Sanson does him; they play and live together very well. 

PERSONALITY

He is a timid, sweet natured dog who is becoming more alert and inquisitive as time goes on. Pady is a gorgeous, gentle but timid little boy, who still needs a lot of help with learning to trust but he is making good progress.

Pady is an adorable little boy although more nervous and reliant than his brother, Sanson.  He has come out of his shell somewhat since he has been here but I feel there is still a way to go in particular with him in learning to trust. Sometimes, he will come to you for affection and, especially when Sanson is getting strokes, they are both vying for attention but, then, at other times, he appears to back away and become unsure again. However, it is still early days and we are going in the right direction.

Pady is most forward of the two dogs when it comes to food and he definitely eats more than Sanson. He loves his toys and especially his teddy bear and often steals his brother’s teddy too and takes both to his bed. Pady does love his new bed and he also enjoys sitting under the dining room table.

 Pady is the stronger willed of the two and takes more coaxing. He can be a little difficult to get indoors from the garden at times. Pady has not attempted to climb on the furniture or up the stairs so we have not encouraged it.

UPDATE ON PADY AFTER A FEW WEEKS OF FOSTER

Pady has improved a great deal and made great strides forward whilst he has been with us these past few weeks. When he arrived, he was the most nervous dog I have ever met, so very timid and anxious, but with all of our love, time, perseverance and patience over the last few weeks, he is really coming out of his shell. 

Pady, whilst fine with us is often very anxious and nervous of anyone new and it takes many times for him to see someone before he warms a little to them. 

Pady and Sanson have been introduced to more situations slowly this past week, but Sanson has taken to these with more ease than Pady has. He tends to find somewhere to hide when faced with new social situations. He does sometimes venture a little, but just a few steps towards people, after watching Sanson do it successfully.

Pady tends to bark when someone comes into his house, but seems happier to go into someone else’s home without doing this. 

He is eating well, seems happy and we are slowly reaching his core and he is letting go of his stubbornness somewhat.

Pady and Sanson, but especially Pady, do display some separation anxiety when we leave them for a short while and especially when we go to bed at night. Pady tends to cry and has on occasion found something or things to chew in our absence, two of which were the internet cable and my husband’s glasses! and also, like his brother, he does tend to soil indoors at night, even if put out to toilet late. Pady is a very clever boy and very inquisitive but can also be quite stubborn at times. This is, however, improving as we get to know how he ticks. He is listening more and coming along with his training quite well although at a different pace to his brother. 

Pady loves our company, is happy, eating well, walks well on the lead, loves his toys and also loves great big cuddles. He is a comical character; sometimes anxious, at times boisterous, very loving indeed. He is a great big fluffy bundle of joy, who has already come along so well.

Pady has come a very long way forward and progressed a great deal from when he arrived with us just a short while ago. However, that said, he does have big trust issues, whilst he is trusting with our family at home, he is still very anxious indeed when meeting new people and barks at anyone new who comes into the home, more so men!  He tends to run and hide and watch from a distance. He does sometimes slowly edge out after watching his brother get the attention and comes a just a tiny bit nearer to test the water. He is very untrustworthy of new people, extremely so, but does not bark when meeting new people outside of our home, only in the home.

Pady is fine on the lead and walks nicely next to you and enjoys being outdoors, he also enjoys travelling in the car. He does bark a fair amount when hearing noises whilst in the garden and then you have the two dogs together barking in unison, as they tend to go where the other one goes.  We are managing to make some improvement in this area by re-assuring the boys by spotting the threat before they do. It is working quite well and we haven’t had so much barking as a result.

Pady, is a loving boy, who just needs a great deal of time and patience in helping him to become the trusting and more confident dog that I feel he can be. He loves a cuddle like his brother Sanson, but he can be a little boisterous and likes to jump up for more attention and cuddles.

Pady is the stronger willed of the two boys, although at first he comes across as the more timid, that’s just a bit of a ruse though.  He can be a bit mischievous and likes to seek out new and unexplored items…. although he is more improved in this area than when he first arrived and he loves to chew on the new antlers I have bought for him and Sanson.   Pady is definitely the harder of the two boys to train, he is just not interested in doing anything he does not want to do and is quite stubborn.  It is very gradually changing though and we are working with him on this, for example he would not come in from the garden at night, not for anything, nothing at all…. it was taking around 20 minutes each time to get him to come indoors, he would not pass you coming in and you had to leave a clear run for him, whilst he decided that he ‘might’ come in, he’ll just take his time deciding and we’ll just have to wait! (Not the greatest time to be playing the waiting game at midnight Pady)! We have, through extreme perseverance, somehow managed to make great strides in this area, it seems if he thinks you want him to come in he won’t, but if you just act as though it’s up to him, he trots in! Power and control eh! Simple!

My Mum calls him a ‘character’ and he certainly is, a bit like a lovable rogue! That said, Pady is very gentle and sits and waits nicely. He loves to lay on the kitchen floor watching me cook and will stay there for ages. He is beginning to listen more and he is coming out of his shell slowly. He is extremely loving, learning some manners and making good strides forward; Pady is a big bundle of fluffy fun and with lots of kindness, understanding and patience, I feel he will become a great and rewarding part of a family.