Siabh Heesom

REPORTS FROM HER FOREVER BROTHER SAM

I heard my folks talking about a NEW DOG!!!!!!!!! They were muttering something about Siabh (pronounced “Seeva” which means “the gentle one”) being a small, light cream coloured 1.4 year old Golden Retriever GIRL.

This is her apparently:-

She looks sooooooo sad but I will do something about that.

Then , I thought to myself GIRL sounds good but what a daft name ….. nowhere near as good as mine SAMMY.

MY DIARY BY SAMMY

Friday 9th December: Last week I went for a massive drive in the car to a place called Scotland where they all talk really strange. I stayed in a hotel and was really well behaved and in the morning we went to a farm where they had lots of dogs. I was let into a yard where I played with a young girl dog and, because we played so nicely, Mum and Dad said that we can go back next weekend and collect her and she can come and live with me in our house. I will need to teach her how to keep my hoomans under control. We are all so excited!

Sunday 18th December: Siabh travelled back really well and we are accepting each other ok at the moment. Mum and Dad said it is very early days yet but they have got everything crossed that we will be a good match.

Wednesday 21st December: I am quite happy with my new sister most of the time. Our humans have had to confiscate my toys as I was becoming a bit possessive and jealous when she went near to them and now we can only have them when Mum and Dad are around!

In our house the stairs run down the centre of the property and we find that it is an excellent vantage point so as not to miss anything!!! We both like laying on the stairs and, apparently, Blue who was here before me, did too.

We have had a lot of snuggles and sleeping together and, so far, she doesn’t seem very bossy although that may change when she gets her paws under the table…. (women tend to be like that).

A few people have said we look similar, except that she has such a slight build compared to me, Sammy the bruiser. My idea of playing is a bit full on for her at the moment so I am being watched like a hawk by my hoomans and they are making me have some good manners. Is it my fault I am so full of energy?!!!

I heard Dad telling someone “It’s only 3 days since we collected her but she is very calm, walks very nicely and seems to know some commands. We’ve got everything crossed hoping that she is going to be a really good addition to our household”.

Sunday 25th December: ‘This is our first Christmas together in our forever home. We have opened our pressies and had our post breakfast nap with our new toys at our sides. We’re off for a walk shortly then down to Stafford with our folks for family visits for the rest of the day.

We think we are both very lucky dogs who have landed firmly on our paws.

SIABH’S EARLY HISTORY

Siabh, was relinquished by her family because, apparently, she attacked their Springer Spaniel.

When Kathryn went to see Siabh and meet the family, she was surprised at how terrified she was. She was ‘like a bullet from a gun’ running from one side of the room to the other as though trying to escape from something that we couldn’t see. This distressed her owners dreadfully.

She was immediately put on Bach’s flower essences to try to kerb her fear. She was fine with her owner but if anyone approached she would become snappy and would bark. Siabh had a crate and she would run to the crate to hide. This was the first issue to be addressed. She had to, somehow, confront her fears and IRR would help her. She went to the vet and was muzzled as, with most dogs, she was beyond terrified. This lassie was going to be a challenge.

She was still incredibly fearful when, after three weeks, she was taken to the kennels and she was placed with Tucker. She was in very good health but so depressed, her head bent hiding under the bowls. A daily bribe with chicken helped her understand that no one was here to admonish her and IRR was going to help her.

After a few days, it seemed to work. Within two weeks, she walked in her harness and was able to be examined by a vet with no problems at all. Kathryn was able to groom her and she seemed to understand that things would only get better if she trusted us. She walked with her head held high and her tail stuck wagging vertically.

She then came to the UK and went into foster in Scotland with Lynn, an excellent fosterer, who has lots of experience and, even better, she was with her pal, Tucker. She mixed well with all the dogs and bitches and was soon learning that love, routine and a kind reprimand with understanding would help her get her to where she needed to be – in a forever home.

PERSONALITY
Siabh is a bit of a “bossy boots” but she is not aggressive. She is very happy to see you but she is excitable and can jump up.

After just a week, she calmed down considerably. She is now on a hypoallergenic food which seems to agree with her and it has helped to remove her overexcitability.

SOCIAL LEARNING

Her basic training is established although she does not always listen.
TRAVELLING: She is happy and content travelling in a vehicle
HOUSETRAINING: She is housetrained
LEADWALKING: Siabh walks quite well on a slip lead and on a harness.
CHILDREN / CATS: Siabh has not encountered either.
DOGS: She has grow in confidence and is quicker to accept other dogs. She is quite a dominant female but she loves the company of other dogs. She is fine with all 3 of my bitches and also my boys. She plays with Betty constantly as they are of similar age. She is now well socialised, has met many different dogs and has shown no aggression.

SIABH’S DREAM HOME

On the whole, she is a good girl and she could go to a new home with or without another dog. However, she does like to play so another Retriever would be ideal for her although she plays with my Boxers happily too.

She needs to continue to be well socialised so she does not deteriorate and so her confidence will keep on building.

Of course, she found that dream home with Mike, Janette and Sammy.