A Hard Decision But The Right Decision

Yesterday, my Nell went to her new forever retirement home. To say this was a hard decision would be an understatement. Anyone who has trained with me or follows my blog will know how much Nell means to me. She came to me eight years ago in the a terrible state. She had been mis-treated and was fearful, underweight and filthy. Through patience and experience, I was able to rehabilitate this sad little rescue Springer into a faithful companion who was always at my side.

I have been thinking over the last year that Nell has been slowing down. She is no longer as keen to work – she will retrieve for me and help out at client lessons but she is happiest lying at my feet. My job and lifestyle means I am constantly busy and that’s not the best environment for Nell. I have never retired a dog before but Nell is different, I have always considered what is best for her in a different way from other members of my pack.

You may remember I blogged recently about a Flat Coated Retriever I had trained up and owned for a while, Caoimhe. Her owner is a really experience dog owner, someone I know and trust. She has sadly lost Caoimhe and another dog this year and now has just one Flat Coat. She has the perfect home for Nell to live a quiet life, with time to relax and enjoy her retirement.

In the end, this was a hard decision but absolutely the right decision for my little girl.

Posted: September 6, 2021