The Flat Coated Retriever Rescue Network: News in June 2022

Introductory Statement

Our introductory statement has helped to answer inquiries from guardians who are contemplating the surrender of a flat coated retriever, potential adopters and potential members of the network. The statement can be read at: http://www.iainrobbe.com/fcrrn_01/

John Doe

In early May the FCRRN were contacted about a flat coated retriever aged 14 months who needed a home. John Doe (pseudonym) is a COVID-19 lockdown puppy and it seems he has had minimal training. He is apparently very strong and wilful and he needed an experienced adopter.

He was in foster care that had been organised by the Flat Coated Retriever Society rescue, rehousing and welfare scheme. We heard about John Doe through a friend who is a member of the Flat Coated Retriever Society and who also knows about the FCRRN.

The good news is that John Doe has found a good long-term home, all being well, via the Flat Coated Retriever Society rescue, rehousing and welfare scheme. He will need a lot of love and training.

Shadow

Later in May the FCRRN were contacted about a flat coated retriever cross called Shadow whose details had been posted by the Black Retriever Cross Rescue (2022) on Facebook. Shadow is about four and he is allegedly “too lively and an escape artist.” It seems the Facebook posting led to some immediate interest so he went to a home in England once he arrived from Eire at the beginning of June.

The Black Retriever Cross Rescue and the FCRRN have agreed to collaborate in the future to help a dog in need which is a positive step.

For both John Doe and Shadow the FCRRN were able to involve two different potential adopters which is heartening. The more choice there is for a potential home then the better the chances of finding a home that can truly meet the needs of the dog.

The Green Light

The FCRRN have responded to several inquiries about our work. The inquiries have been along the lines of, “what if we had to surrender our beloved flat coated retriever…could you help?” Our response is that we are available to help because we have members who are keen to adopt a flat coated retriever and the FCRRN practise our principles of openness, trust, and high emotional intelligence.

Happily there has not been the trauma and sadness of a surrender but it seems the knowledge that we can help is beneficial.

These inquiries have been reminiscent of a moving comment in Amy Bloom’s recent book (Bloom, 2022) where, in a different context, receiving a green light that help is available provides, “the reassurance, the insurance,” and that is all that is needed for now.

Our key aim is to improve the quality of life of flat coated retrievers so please contact us if you think the FCRRN could help.

Dr Iain J Robbé

On behalf of the Flat Coated Retriever Rescue Network (FCRRN)

Email: walesandwm@gmail.com

http://www.iainrobbe.com/fcrrn_02/

“Rescues R Us”

Black Retriever Cross Rescue   https://www.facebook.com/BlackRetrieverXRescue

Bloom, A. (2022). In Love. A Memoir of Love and Loss. London: Granta Publications.