THE JANICE ROBERTS OLDHAM DOGS

 

 

The Irish Setter Breeders Club Rescue Scheme was established at the Club's AGM of 1970, based on concerns voiced by Mrs Janice Roberts, founder of the Cornevon Irish Setters and author of the book "The Irish Setter". Janice, later to become Janice Roberts Oldham (JRO), sadly died too young and much too soon, a victim of cancer. The Club agreed that each year a rescue dog be named as the JRO Memorial dog, and a case history be published in the Club's Year Book The first JRO memorial dog was chosen in 1988, but  it was not until 2004 that the most recent dogs appeared on the website

 

                  

 

 

 

2006 JANICE ROBERTS OLDHAM DOG (N0 20) LUCKY/LUCY 2006/39 –owned by Cynthia & Roland  Cooper                     Lucky was indeed lucky, when a man working at a house in Ireland noticed her appalling condition. She walked on three legs  and was so very thin. He was told she was a stray that had wandered onto the property a month ago, and that she had since been hit by a car. This story cannot be verified, but on hearing that she was to “be put down” that very day he phoned a friend who offered to take her in   The lady who befriended Lucky told us how sad it was to see the bones nearly coming through her skin, and how angry it made her. The vet consulted said that a fracture of her left elbow had been there a long time and prescribed Metacam for pain relief.  After a month Lucky had almost reached her correct weight, and through contacts with Briarfield Sanctuary she was notified to the Rescue Scheme.   On arrival in the UK by Courier transport, in spite of care in Ireland, Lucky was in a dirty condition and had some unnoticed problems. Believed to be 8/9 yrs old, she presented as a bitch that had borne many litters. Although house trained, her skin, calluses, and enlarged nipples were ingrained with dirt, suggesting that she had spent most of her life outside, possibly on concrete.   Lucky went to her new home with Cynthia & Roland Cooper on Saturday 5.8.06, supervised by Jane Illingworth.  Jane accompanied Cynthia and Roland on Monday 7.8.06 on Lucky’s first visit to their vet.  We had been made aware of the old injury to Lucky’s left elbow, identified by the vet in Ireland, and now had confirmation that nothing further could be done at this late stage; Lucky was coping with it, managing at times on three legs.  We had also been told about a “sore” at the top of her right leg but were not prepared for a weeping wound. The Vet said it was a type of tumour, which could be cancerous, and took a swab which was sent for analysis. Lucky was also producing milk, but appeared to be in full heat, although we had been told that she was last on heat in June when in Ireland.  Lucky was given an antibiotic injection at this time, put on a course of antibiotic tablets and was to return to the Vet in a week.  She is in the most caring of homes, and Jane says that in spite of her problems, she has the brightest of eyes, and is not in the least put out by all that has happened in the last few days. The tumour, although not cancerous, would not have healed without surgery and was removed.  When Jane saw her again on 1.09.06 Lucky, re-named Lucy had been bathed, now clean, shiny and enjoying life. Her last heat also resulted in a false pregnancy, so after a suitable interval Lucy was spayed, and at this time X-rays of the fractured elbow were taken. Surgery is possible but would be severe. Lucy is not currently on medication and gives no impression of being in pain. Options will be reviewed should the situation change,   Once again we are indebted to a lovely couple, who are experienced Irish Setter owners and knew that they would be taking on an elderly and somewhat neglected bitch, but on finding more serious problems, rolled up their sleeves and  dealt with them to help this most charming of little ladies.   From Cynthia & Roland Cooper When we first met Lucy she seemed very subdued, her eyes dull and looking into the distance; wasn't even sure she likes us. However she has made herself at home. She has become a lovely happy dog with quite an independent sprit. On walks she has her own idea of where we should go. In fact Lucy has settled very well, full of charm and cheek, a loving dog and we love her. From Jane Illingworth Roland said he felt that Lucy had been conditioned to accept without question  whatever came along. This to me sums up what Rescue is all about -Dogs who are grateful for a better life, and People who put the dog's feelings before their own.

                                            2005 JANICE ROBERTS - OLDHAM DOG (NO 19)   FINN 2005/047 - RIP –                                                           

                                                                                               Cared for by Mr & Mrs L Fraser

We call this tribute “The Janice Roberts Oldham Dog” but in truth it is the New Owner who deserves the honour and Mr & Mrs Fraser well deserve to join the ranks of those who have accepted a dog that they recognised would need a lot of care – indeed   carers they became from day one.

Finn, his given name, an elderly dog of at least ten years old was found tied to the fence of a Dog Pound in the Irish Republic when it opened one February morning: it was thought he could have been there all night in deep snow.  Severely malnourished, dehydrated and with mobility problems he never the less wagged his tail; and it was this greeting that probably saved his life. Fostered by Dr Mary Jane Fox, in the Republic, he remained with her until he gained enough strength for Dorothy Park to collect him and take him to her home in Belfast, where he rested a few days, before the ferry journey to Stranraer in Scotland, and from there towards Yorkshire and his new home. We are grateful to Mary Jane for her Emails on Finn’s progress while he was with her; they were to provide valuable insight into his problems.

In mid March when they first met Finn, Ann and Leslie Fraser’s first impressions were good, better than they had expected, he was bright and responsive. After a week to recover from his long journey it was time to visit the vet. In Ireland Finn had been given a vitamin injection and a first part vaccination, now it was time for the second part. He was also wormed and a blood profile proved normal – the one good sign. A fortnight later I called to see Finn; his eyes were bright and he was alert but still so painfully thin. Mobility was a big worry – a foreleg lets him down and he stumbles a lot, there was evidence of what looked like an old injury at the elbow joint, either an RTA or kicking; but X-Rays will be done when he has gained weight.

Early April and Finn has put on weight but is only 18.5 kilos. His appetite is poor, in that what he eats and enjoys one day he refuses the next; these wonderful people are hand feeding him, anything that he likes to make him stronger. Mobility is still a problem, he is exercised little and often and has been provided with pain relief. Leslie has made him a ramp for easier access to the car.  Housetraining is patchy, could be because of his mobility and Ann is sleeping downstairs with him at night. They do not complain but we know how difficult it must be for Ann & Leslie; who remain committed to this most charming, determined and plucky little fellow.

Mid May and X rays have been done; the news is not good. Finn is riddled with arthritis, hips, shoulders and elbow joints all affected. He also has damaged vertebrae in his neck from way back in his life, and a chronic chest infection. If there is any good news it is that the form of arthritis is “reactive” and may respond to long term antibiotics, which will also help with his chest. Finn may manage on his current pain relief and there are steroids to fall back on. While under general anaesthetic Finn had his ears and teeth cleaned, warts around his eyes removed, anal glands emptied and claws clipped. At this point the Rescue Scheme would like to acknowledge the dedication of Vet Mark Goodman, who did everything possible to help Finn and support Ann & Leslie, and the Minster Veterinary Practice in York for its consideration with regard to the Rescue Scheme’s account.

There followed a period when Finn had good days and bad, days when we all thought things were improving, and days when his mobility and eating pattern deteriorated. Ann & Leslie never went out together so that one of them could always be with him. They were also worried because their Golden Wedding Anniversary was due and their family had arranged a celebration holiday. We would now like to thank Kath & Cliff Smith of Banks Ghyll Kennels in Yorkshire. Friends of mine, they have a reputation for looking after elderly and infirm dogs, which live in the house with them during their stay, Ann & Leslie took Finn to visit them and meet their two rescue setters; and he later went back to stay with them in August. Like everyone who has met Finn, Kath & Cliff fell for his undoubted charms, and realising the effort it must be taking care of him without their dog friendly floors, offered respite care if ever it was needed.

We all knew that Finn’s quality of life at this time was managed by drugs and the exceptional care and devotion he was receiving from Ann & Leslie. We talked often and finally accepted that Finn’s back legs had become weaker, his front legs were never going to compensate because the foreleg still gave way. Finn could not manage to toilet without falling over and became doubly incontinent. Mark said Finn had made the decision for us and he was put to sleep on the 29.09. 05.  RIP Brave little Dog

The Rescue Scheme is so grateful to Ann & Leslie that for the last seven months of Finn’s life he had known only love and kindness.   

Barbara Rogers

From Ann & Leslie Fraser – Finn left his mark wherever he went, admired for his courage. He gave us a perfect example of grace in pain and disability, and introduced us to some very caring and supportive people. We thank them all, Mark Goodman and his colleagues, Kath & Cliff Smith, Dorothy Park, and especially Barbra Rogers who personifies all the fine qualities which lie at the heart of the Irish Setter Rescue Scheme.