Friday 5 October 2007

The Scoop On Harry


Hello all,


Thank you all for giving Harry such a great welcome. I thought I'd tell you a little more about him and how he came into our life.


We heard about him last week via Planet Airedale. After talking it through we called and said we would like to know more with a view to offering him a new home. We were told he was in good health, had grown up with cats and other dogs, and lived with children all his life. These were all essential to us really. We would not want Flakes to have a dog around that was aggressive or rough with her. She is 15 herself and enjoys the quiet life. We need a dog that is used to children so that E & J are safe and happy when they are here, and knowing he was good with other dogs, both in his family and out and about was important to us too. When we met him he certainly did seem to tick all these boxes as well as being the HUGEST cuddle monster. We had a good talk with his previous owner and learnt more about him. His health has always been good, and the only real issue he has is with fireworks, leading to him needing meds around bonfire night and other times when there are likely to be lots going off such as New Year. We had another chat and decided we were happy and more than willing to give him a home.


He came to us on Saturday. He enjoyed having a good old nosy around the house and garden, then met Flakes. He was a perfect gent, standing a little away from her so she was not crowded. As you saw from the photos in the last post, he then lay close, but with his head away as if to say "it's OK, I'm a nice guy". He has continued to be lovely with her, apart from eating her dinner on two occasions!


The first night he was unsettled, as expected. I ended up taking a blanket and sleeping on the couch and he soon settled. Since then he has slept soundly until the alarm goes off in the morning.


He has met E & J and our neighbours little boy and loved all the attention. He isn't phased at all by children shrieking and playing, and just took himself off for a nap when he'd had enough. We have explained to the girls that he's old and to leave him be if he's sleeping. They also have a ten year old dog at home, so they understand this well.


As Harry has never been off lead, we won't let him either, especially as everything is very new and interesting at the moment. We have bought him a long, strong flexi lead and he loves the freedom that gives him. He has met lots of dogs out and about, including several of Oscar's friends and loves meeting them all and having a good old sniff.


We took him to our vet for a look over and he said he's in great shape. All he recommended was a big juicy bone to clean his teeth up, and some cod liver oil for his joints.


He has brought a lot of happiness back into our house already. As I said, he adores fuss, cuddles, tickles and scratches. He is so easy to live with. All he asks of us is food, walkies and lots of love, and we have lots of love to lavish on him.


I am so sure that Oscar did have a paw in it and that we were destined to help Harry out. He keeps going out to sit or lie by Oscar's plant pot and it really is like he's out there paying his respects and thanking him.


His previous owner and the rescue coordinator think that we should still get Cassidy, and we of course are happy with that. Harry is used to the company of 2 dogs, one of whom is still very young, so he is used to puppy ways. We will make sure he has plenty of time out so he does not get over tired. He is so calm and well behaved, I'm sure he will show a new pup his wise old Airedale ways.


We know we have potentially set ourselves up for more heartache in the future by adopting an older boy, but we thought this through, and sad as it will be, it will be easier to accept the shock of Oscar's untimely death. We will make sure Harry enjoys every day of his new life to the full. I think he's having a blast already!


They're be some more puppy news and photos over the weekend.

Katy and Martin x

40 comments:

Snowball said...

Hi Katy and Martin,

We are glad that you are aware of the potential heartbreak you might be facing but still go ahead and welcome him into your lives.

Luv,
Snowball

Ruby Bleu said...

Hi Katy & Martin,
I am so happy you got Harry...he seems to be such a handsome, sweet gentleman. I'm sure Oscar is smiling down on all this, so happy that you guys are happy!!!

Lots of Licks, Ruby (and her Mom, Michele)

The Black and Tans. said...

Harry, we are so pleased you have settled into your new home, almost a week now! Bet you feel as though you have always been there now and I expect Katy and Martin feel that way too. Such a good feeling isn't it? believe us we know we have been in the same situation as yourself.
Have a great weekend and we look forward to seeing more photos of you. You certainly have great character.

Molly and Taffy

Princess Patches said...

Hi Harry! We are really glad you are settling so well in your new home. Enjoy those raw meaty bones, big boy. It won't be long before Cassidy shows up to chew on your ears and beard. Have a fun weekend!

Poppy & Penny

Clover said...

Hi Katy and Martin,
It's great to hear that Harry is settling in well and we can tell that is going to have a very fun and happy life with you!
Love Clover and Mom

Molly the Airedale said...

Katy and Martin,

You both have hearts of gold to welcome Harry! Bless you! He's sure one handsome boy and soon he'll be a big brother to little Cassidy!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

Noah the Airedale said...

Hi Katy & Martin,
We're really happy that things have settled down to a nice routine for you and Harry. He sounds like a great dale. Unfortunately heartbreak is inevitable for all of us but what is important is quality of life while they are with us.
Oscar's time was too short and it was a shock. We hope you enjoy Harry for many years to come.
Take care,
Denise & Bryan
Noah, Willow, Tess and Lucy

Frasier said...

We are so happy for you guys!
He really looks so sweet
Frasier

Anonymous said...

We are so happy! We loved hearing more about Harry. He is quite handsome and we think it is very sweet he goes to pay his respects to Oscar. You have done a beautiful thing by giving him such a great home.
Hugs,
Sitka, Tia, and Shelli

Boo Casanova said...

sometimes adopting an older dog is easier than a pup! mom been very upset when dopey has accident in the house again and again. one day he seems to know where to do his Ps, the next day, accident everywhere. :(

i'm sure harry still have many more years to go with the love you all are giving him. and with little cassidy coming soon, he will feel young again!

wet wet licks

Boo

Kirby said...

Hi Harry,

I'm so glad you are settling in so well. It is wonderful that you and Flakes are hitting it off, and that you are such a nice boy around E & J. Oscar truly is one smart pup putting you and your new mom and dad together. You all will enjoy years of happiness to come!! I can't wait to hear and see more of you!

Katy & Martin,

I (and my mom)think that you made a wondeful decision in adopting Harry. As an elderly gentleman, yes, you could be setting yourself up for heartache, but we think all the happiness and joy you will bring each other far out weighs the heartache that comes with losing a dog.

Wishing you all tons of joy!!

Your Pal,

Kirby

Unknown said...

Harry sounds like a nice guy, someone I would prefer to hang out with over the Doofus. You guys are great for taking him in and giving him sooo much love.

Agatha and Archie said...

We are thrilled for both you and Harry and may each day be love and fun filled!1 PL@ and A+A

Gus said...

We understand the concern about adopting an older dog, but also know that there is lots of love still to share, and often they seem so wise and so grateful. Dogs (and people) can leave us at any time. Please enjoy Harry and Cassidy for whatever time you have together, and know that we will all gather to congratulate you when you are happy, and comfort you when you need us

Eddie N Peaches said...

Congratulations on your new buddy, Harry. How nice of you to give him a new place to rest his head.
Whoofs & Baroos,
Eddie, Peaches & Bella

PreciOus said...

Hi Katy and Martin,

I agree whole-heartedly that Harry deserves to live his new life to the fullest despite being an old chap. One with a young heart, he will be. =)

Snuggle,
Precious

Stanley said...

WooHoo! I knew that this was a great match! So glad Harry adopted you guys. Sounds like you're all good for each other.

I hope to be a gentleman just like Harry Boy someday. Maybe he will let me sit in tutelage under his massive paws.

Congratulations to all 3 of you!

Goober love,
STanley

Suki & Joey said...

I can't tell you how happy this post made me! How wonderful to give this older gentleman a home when so many would not. You and Martin are such great people and will give him a wonderful life :)

Can't wait to hear more about Cassidy, too!

Katy, Suki & Joey

Princess, Tank and Isaac: The Newfs of Hazard said...

So Harry, are you really as big as you look? You've done a great job rescueing Katy and Martin! Be sure to teach Cassidy well! Such a distinguished chap!

Oskar the Airedale said...

Hey Harry,
You are definitely one handsome and sweet Airedale! But dude... what's the deal with the big bushy eyebrows?! I thought Oscar was a great Denis Healey look-a-likey, but now I think you have him beat on that one!
Anyway, good job on finding (with Oscar's help) Katy and Martin. They really are the best, as I'm sure you can see by now. You're going to have so much fun with them and soon little Cassidy!
osKisses,
osKar

Lacy said...

woofies katy and martin and heehee u too harry!!! he is a very handsome doggy dude..thats fur shure...we as animals lovers put our hearts on the line when we get a new one...we could have them for years and years or not long at all...but its in our blood...and i thinkies harry will make a greawt big brudder to cassidy....and i do believe oscar had a paw in it....

b safe,
;)lacylulu

pp's cant wait for the new pickturs...

B said...

Welcome Harry, it looks like you've found one of the best homes around. Are you excited to get a baby sister??

Scruffy, Lacie and Stanley's Place said...

Harry...we've loved reading your comments...it's nice to have an older dignified gent put his 2 tuppence in on varying issues. Do you still have tuppence? Hmm...Lacie was SUCH a puppy today. She dug a huge hole. Then she went out to the garage and chewed open and dumped 25 lbs of grass seed everywhere. By tomorrow, we'll see how much of it she ate. Yick.

Toodle pippy barks back at ya,

The Scruffster

Koobuss said...

Katy & Martin,

Thank you for telling us this story. We are so happy for you and for Harry. He sounds wonderful! How nice it is that you have a dog again. Dogs can fill a house and your heart.

Best of luck with Harry. May he give you many happy years. (Cassidy, too.)

Love and Koobuss Kisses,
Koobie's Family

Lorenza said...

Hi, Katy and Martin.
Thanks for this post. It makes us know better Harry. I am sure you will give him all you have in your heart and he will correspond you in the same way.
Sure he will get along very well with Cassidy. I can't wait to see them together.
Have a good night
Lorenza

Marvin -The Hollow Hound said...

I think you are both very brave and so very generous and kind in giving dear sweet Harry a loving home.

He sounds just adorable.

I am so pleased some light and love has come into your life once more.

Take care, love Jeannie xxxxxx

and of course Marvin xxxxxx

the many Bs said...

this story of Harry is heart warming. we are so happy for him and for you. yes, Oscar is definitely looking out for you all.
happy woofers.

Lillie Valentine said...

Hi Harry! Just stopping by to let you know I was here and you should visit my blog. I'm just an airepup but I have a 12 year old brother. He keeps me in line!

Girl Girl Hamster said...

I'm so glad you gave Harry a pawsome furever home. I'm sure he'll be a great big brother to little Cassidy

~ Girl girl

Anonymous said...

It's great to see he's settled and doing so well....

Myeo said...

Hi Katy & Martin

We are sure Harry will make a good brother to Cassidy:)

Both of you are very kind to welcome Harry home despite his age.

Love
Boy n Baby

Mojo, Digger and family said...

Hi Harry.

Are you named after the 3rd in line to the throne? Hang on. Doesn't Prince Harry have curly ginger hair? OMD!!! I should have guessed from your noble bearing that you were of royal blood.

Ok, I think I'll call you sir from now on.

yours respectfully (with a curtsey)
Mojo

Jackson's J1 and J2 said...

Hey K&M, rehoming an older dog is such a lovely thing to do. I'm sure Harry's twilight years with you will be very special. J x

PerfectTosca said...

Listen I want to see a photo of harry with Flakes. I want to know for sure that somebody else is suffering besides me.

Luckie Girl said...

Thank you for sharing Katy & Martin. It does make my day reading about how and why you decide to adopt dear Harry. :)

Ferndoggle said...

What a great story. Harry hit the lottery! I'm so glad he found such a great home.

Ferndoggle, Sherman, Penny & Lola

Katherine and Pippa said...

Older dogs are just so great. You will get lots of enjoyment from harry and he will give you lots too.

So pleased you have helped an older dog to find a home and looking forward to hearing about Cassidy too. Need to update my linky stuff as well.

Good luck

Pippa

Sunshade said...

Harry sounds WONDERFUL Katy and Martin, and like you, I believe he was sent to you by Oscar. Afterall, he seemed to have Oscar's easy going, bubbly pawsonality.

I am so happy for you, and I'm sure the new stinky will learn lots from the gentleman (with a BUTT!!)!

Love nibbles,
Miss Sunshade

Deanna said...

Thanks for taking the sweet old guy in. I don't think you will be sorry!

Lesley Rigby said...

Perfect dog - perfect people! Just reading your story makes me SO happy.