Rainbow Bridge: Black Labradoodle Female

Sightings and Information

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2011-08-18 12:42 zen

have noW had confirmation in writing re the procedure... it states, a collar and tag should be looked for and owner contacted if there is a phone number on it. all dogs should be scanned and a tattoo looked for in the ears... the dog should then be kept in cold storage for a week to allow owners to collect their dog if wanted.... well well well, NONE of this procedure was followed what so EVER. poor duffer was with in 2 hours of being found disposed of.... BALFOUR BEETY who were responsible for this have a lot to answer for... i must say the lady i talked to from the highyways agency was very helpful and sympathetic... she is going to pass on her concerns to someone who will be contacting BALFOUR

2011-08-15 12:42 Vizsla55

So sorry sweet baby girl, run free at the bridge, thoughts and love to your dear family. xxx

2011-08-15 09:36 Meru

So very, very sorry to hear about Duffer - RIP sweetheart xx

2011-08-15 09:10 Jack Russell 4

Run free at the bridge gorgeous girl xxx

2011-08-13 18:10 DogLostJayne - Founder Doglost.

Harry thanks so much for your kind message on ansaphone wanting to help...have rung back but informed you are on holiday...do ring back when you come home...its so kind of you to think about others missing dogs.

2011-08-13 14:53 digbysmum

This is truly heartbreaking - I am so very sorry. I am totally disgusted at the lack of compassion shown by the "authorities" in their handling of the situation. Heads need to roll. My thoughts are with Duffer's family at this terribly sad time. Run free at the bridge beautiful Duffer - you were truly loved xx

2011-08-13 13:37 jobadger

I deeply sorry that this lovely girl was treated in such a cold way. I'm appauled by the attitude of a 'communications' officer. I'm so sorry you've had to go through this. Play happily lovely girl - you'll meet up with your family again. xxx

2011-08-13 13:01 zen

harry wont be on the internet untill next week, and duffers owner is just not strong enough at the moment to look at this, but im sure when they do they will be overwhelmed by the support they have on here, and the love felt for duffer

2011-08-13 08:21 Jill

RIP Duffer.x

So wrong that this information was not given to Harry at the appropriate time.

2011-08-13 00:00 abbeyjune

Ime so sorry for your loss.Safe now in Gods arms xxxx

2011-08-12 23:15 gsd4me

I am so sorry to hear about your sad loss and the horrific management of the whole business by those responsible. Although not involved in this search, please don't be worried about the time others have spent. I would not be any way annoyed with you, had I been, and am sure those who did try to help feel the same way.
Rest in Peace Duffer and may you come to terms with your loss in good time.

Last edited: 2011-08-13 05:33:29 by Angus

2011-08-12 22:26 littlehelper

B.....ds hot air ballons, so sorry my brothers dogs, jumped a 6" fence in Nott's when one came over their garden. he never got them back and never got over this cattle sheep and other animals all suffered as well, they did get done, but never ever makes up for things like this RIP DUFFER

2011-08-12 21:29 dawny

Im so sorry to hear this sad news,our thoughts are with you, run free at the bridge Duffer, rest in peace xx

2011-08-12 19:55 Unknown

So sad to see this. Will pray for Duffer and his owners. My sympathy goes to them at this time RIP sweetheart. Now go play at the bridge. Night, night and God Blessxxxxxxx

2011-08-12 19:18 DianeM

This is just so so sad, my thoughts and prayers are with Duffers family, run free at the bridge sweetheart xx

2011-08-12 19:08 Auntie Katie

I am so so sorry to hear of the loss of your gorgeous girl. I know how tough losing them can be - I have just lost one of my own but was lucky enough to be there for him at the end, I'm sorry that you had this option stolen from you.

There is another poem that I hope will bring you a little comfort at this terrible terrible time. My thoughts are with you. xx

-----------------------------

I just wanted to let you know that I have made it home. The journey wasn't an easy one, but it didn't take too long.

Everything is so pretty here, so white, so fresh and new - I wish that you could close your eyes and that you could see it too.

Please try not to be so sad for me but try to understand - God is taking such care of me...I'm in the shelter of His hands.

Here there is no sadness, no sorrow, and no pain. Here there is no crying and I'll never hurt again.

Here it is so peaceful when all the angels sing. I really have to go for now... I've just got to try my wings.

Last edited: 2011-08-12 19:15:18 by Auntie Katie

2011-08-12 19:07 doglady

First off so sorry for your loss of Duffer what a lovely girl she was... I'm sicken by what I have just read........ And makes me thing if Duffer had caused an accident I'm sure you would have been told then Thank god that didn't happen.. God Night God Bless lovely Girl.♥

2011-08-12 19:04 DogLostAngus

So sorry to see the beautiful Duffer did not make it home - stay safe at Rainbow bridge with all your dog friends who are playing free from pain

THE RAINBOW BRIDGE

There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colours. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills, and valleys with lush green grass. When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place.

There is always food and water and warm Spring weather. The old frail animals are young again. They play all day with each other. There is only one thing missing, they are not with their special person who loved them so much on Earth.

Each day they all run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up! The nose twitches! The ears rise up! The eyes are staring! Then suddenly, this one runs from the group! You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take him or her into your arms and you both embrace. Your face is licked again and again and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separate

author unknown

2011-08-12 18:45 Unknown

This is awful. I am stunned that this still goes on. I know of Jester's Law, as I was on this site then. What does it take to phone the number on the dogs disc - nothing at all. What of the other dogs that were killed on the same day? do their owners know what has happened to them? so sorry RIP Duffer. Liz xx

Last edited: 2011-08-12 18:46:00

2011-08-12 18:10 DogLostLostdogs ScotlandSable - Regional Co-ordinator - Scotland

This is so very common and so avoidable if all the authorities got their act together.It is a real disgrace that dogs and owners have to go through this and authorities should be TOTALLY ashamed of themselves. Read Nandor's story here - similar to Duffer.
http://doglost.co.uk/dog_blog.php?dogId=26758

2011-08-12 18:06 DogLostLostdogs ScotlandSable - Regional Co-ordinator - Scotland

So very sorry Duffer, and so sorry your owners had to go through this trauma on top of all else. God bless and keep you safe forever in his arms from this minute on sweetheart. xx

2011-08-12 18:03 jammer

RIP duffer,sympathy to your family, i hope this never happens to anyone else and that lessons can be learnt. sleep tight now lovely girl

2011-08-12 17:49 buffysmum

I am so sorry to hear such sad news. I really dont know what else to say. R.I.P. Duffer. I am sure you know just how much you are loved. xx

2011-08-12 17:32 zen

after a conversation with duffers owners its with great sadness im re-uniting duffer to rainbow bridge. although not complete closure because of the lack of procedure, they are 99 per cent sure it was duffer.. duffers lovely family tried so hard to get her home and my heart goes out to them... i hope if we work with duffers family this lovely dogs legacy is that another owner will not have to go through the heart ache and lack of closure that they of had to endure... duffers family would like to thank everyone for their kindness they have been deeply touched by this and they would like to stay on as helpers.

DUFFER you touched so many hearts and we will continue to fight for a change in your memory..sleep tight lovely girl run free at the bridge now.... my thoughts are with your family

Last edited: 2011-08-12 18:06:54 by zen

2011-08-12 11:07 Pod

Duffer's family should never have had to go through all this. Truly appalling.

There is/was a Jester's Law petition by Nikki Powditch set up in 2005 when a similar thing happened to her Rottie. Her contact details can be googled.

Also GRW have done some research into this in Wales too, see http://www.greyhoundrescuewales.co.uk/news/news.htm and scroll down page. It lists what happens in all Welsh local authorities w.r.t. scanning of dogs.

It brings home the point that it is so important to ask questions &/or visit places in person if possible when looking for missing animals.

So very sorry about Duffer.

2011-08-12 10:34 Ms Doberton

So desperately sorry for the whole family and sharing in your sadness at the loss of Duffer. Remember the good times you all shared and god bless Duffer xx

2011-08-12 09:51 DoodlePost Posters

My heart goes out to you Harry and the rest of Duffer's family and I am horrified to hear of the subsequent traumatic events in trying to get her identified. Condolences to all her family and god bless Duffer xx

Last edited: 2011-08-12 09:57:07 by DoodlePost Posters

2011-08-11 21:10 zen

thank you for the update harry i have talked to the sdc dog warden, and although this is not her area was very upset to hear what had happened to you and would like to be kept informed of all information... i will ring you tomorrow to keep you updated on what she said.... i am so so sorry that you have had to deal with this and try and grieve for duffer.. much love to you and your family

Last edited: 2011-08-11 21:11:35 by zen

2011-08-11 20:28 Harry

I had a phone call earlier this evening from a communications officer from the National communications center for the motorways.
They had been able to speak to the chap who collected Duffer when he came into work earlier in the evening who was 95% certain that the dog in the photograph was the dog he picked up.

when asked was she wearing a collar ... she was.
When we said if she had her collar ... it had a disc on with our name and number on we were told 'it is not their job to check the collar for discs they just scan the dog'

Lets just pause for that to sink in.

When asked which part of the dog they scanned we were told they did not take her out of the bag to scan her.
So ... no surprise they missed the chip then!
Apparently she was 'a big dog so was a tight fit in the bag so they wouldn't have taken her out to scan her then put her back in again'
Yes that would have been a lot of trouble compared to what we have all been through!
When asked the same question again later in the conversation the story had changed. They said "Around the ears ... i suppose ...is that where the chip is?"
Fills you with confidence she was ever scanned at all.

She was reported at 9:00 Collected and "scanned" by 10:12 passed on to the collection people by 10:30 and collected for 'disposal' by 11:52.
(Or at least ... that is what the system says now).

If it did say this by 11.52 on the Wednesday i am left with the question as to why when we reported Duffer missing to the highways and the motorways we were told that "No dogs had been reported that morning".

We now know that three dogs were killed that morning on this stretch of Motorway.

I am at a loss to understand why it took till Tuesday the following week after more than 5 days of heartbreak for this information to be shared with us.
Even then we were told 'but this dog was not chipped so it can not have been your dog'.

Only after we pressed for more information did we discover this happened within minutes of Duffer being lost and minutes away from where she was lost and the Dog matched Duffers description.

Apparently the local operator who's job it is to inform us does not have access to the information on the computer they are in a different building???? (So much for the internet) They have to phone up and ask for this information.
So either this was not done for 5 days or the information was not on the system for 5 days.


So in answer to your question" Who would not seek out the owners as the very first step in such circumstances?" Apparently the very people who's responsibility this is.

Apologies for the rant. Today has been a tough day for us all.
Thank you all again for everything you have done and for your ongoing support.

Harry

Last edited: 2011-08-11 22:29:54 by Harry

2011-08-11 13:22 Ms Doberton

This poor family having to endure such thoughlessness. Who would not seek out the owners as the very first step in such circumstances? Sadly this family are not alone as someone who experienced something similar last year raised this petition

http://www.petition.co.uk/more-communication-between-authorities/

calling for better communication. I hope the link works if anyone is interested in adding their name to it.

I can advise that I have today received an email from the BBAC representative and I copy here an extract of his email to me:

"I genuinely share some of your feelings at what happened. As I have already said, I have submitted a report to the main committee of the BBAC which is scheduled for Tuesday 20th September when I am reasonably confident there will be open discussion on the behaviour of the pilots who were taking part in the Competition Club events both at Berkley and Ludlow earlier in the year. I realise that will do little to give comfort to the people whose dogs were distressed by this years activities but perhaps lessons have been learnt and better precautions can be put in place next time to give notification of future planned events?"

I know we were sceptical about whether the BBAC would respond to my email and I am pleased they did and that they are taking the matter seriously. The gentleman phoned the owner's family too to express his condolences and concerns about the behaviour of some of the pilots. We can only hope that such discussions raise awareness and give us all a chance to keep our dogs safe in the future.

But not forgetting Duffer and still keeping everything crossed. x

Last edited: 2011-08-11 13:29:47 by Ms Doberton

2011-08-11 12:06 zen

have just had a long conversation with duffers distraught family... not only are they haveing to deal with the waiting to have all this confimed, they are dealing with grief, and also anger that procedures were not followed...

2011-08-10 23:27 zen

oh harry and your family i am so so sorry, untill it is confirmed that it was duffer we will not reunite her to rainbow bridge.. this may be the reason that we have had no sighting of the lovely duffer at all...why they did not scan for a chip at the time needs to be investigated, and questions need to be answered... i will ring you tomorrow for a chat... never ever apologise we are all animal lovers on here, and will always do anything to help... we all pray for a happy outcome, but some times its not to be... take comfort in knowing that duffer touched all our hearts, even though we had not had the honour to meet her.. she had a family that loved her and cared for her... and did not give up looking for her... you should be proud of who you are... duffer knew she was loved.... i loved her too and i had never met her... lets wait till friday and keep our fingers crossed...

Last edited: 2011-08-11 00:11:52 by zen

2011-08-10 21:23 Animal Magic Chelt

Oh no, I'm so sorry....I do hope you get confirmation asap and if it is Duffer I think they owe you an explanation as to why you weren't contacted via her chip details :-(
-x-

2011-08-10 18:33 Ms Doberton

Harry, yes difficult as it might be please keep us informed here and, if it helps and the posters need to be removed I am happy to trawl Cam from Slimbridge to Tesco and any other areas you advise posters have been posted to save you all the trauma. I can't speak for Kate but I think she too will be happy to help on her dog walking travels.

2011-08-10 18:11 Ms Doberton

Dear Duffer's owners, Clare and Harry

Desperately sorry to hear that you still have to wait to be certain. If it is Duffer it just causes more questions like why did they not scan immediately as clearly there will be distraught owners somewhere.

But I am pleased to say a concerned representative of the British Ballooning and Airship club called me today. I hope you don't mind I have given him Harry's telephone number because he would like to speak with you in person.

I hope to have more to report later but Harry I hope this gentleman's desire to contact you and speak with you directly, and what he says, will help a little.

Whilst you are not the immediate owners I thought they may be too emotionally distraught at this time. Hope that's the right thing to do.

Last edited: 2011-08-10 18:15:03 by Ms Doberton

2011-08-10 17:00 Lynne

So!So! sorry our hearts go out to you xxxxx

2011-08-10 17:00 Lynne

So!So! sorry our hearts go out to you xxxxx

2011-08-10 16:12 Harry

Hi everyone,

It is with great sadness that I have to report that we think Duffer may have been killed on the Motorway.

Despite the fact that we have phoned the Highways repeatedly through out this dreadful time it only became clear yesterday that a dog fitting Duffers description was hit within minutes of being lost on the stretch of motorway just minutes away the fields in which she was being walked.
Why it has taken them so long to share this information with us is a mystery.
We had to push hard just to get the information we have.
Whilst we still await conformation (we have asked for the guy who collected Duffer's body to ID her from the photograph so we can be sure it was her) it seems almost certain that it must have been given the time and place this dog was hit.

I want to thank on behalf of the owners (and all our family) everyone here, and reading this now, for all their help and support. We have, as a family been quite overwhelmed by the kindness and support we have felt from so many people and from people here specifically.

I will of course confirm this as soon as they come back to us again. (we are told this will be at 6pm on Friday!)
But for now we must assume this was Duffer and I would like to ask that everyone stop all their efforts to help us find her ... at least for now until we can confirm this as I we do not want anyone to give up more time needlessly.

Whilst this was not our fault but a failure of others to communicate information far earlier than it was. I would like to apologise to everyone who has given so much time to the search for Duffer and though your efforts may have been in vein you have our love, our grateful thanks and our support in the future for others who find themselves in the dreadful position we have been for the last week.

Harry

Last edited: 2011-08-10 16:18:28 by Harry

2011-08-10 14:59 Kate

I'm leafleting Nailsworth Friday morning as have a dog to walk there, have text everyone of my clients in the local area to keep an eye out.

2011-08-10 00:43 zen

for some reason the email that you have given, keeps returning my email to you, i will try again...

2011-08-09 17:09 zen

hi harry, i have sent the email to you at the email address below that you have given, this is the one that i sent the owners... hope it is of some help to you...

2011-08-09 12:03 Harry

PLEASE NOTE: Duffers new picture. This is a much more recent picture of Duffer which I took at last Christmas and a much better reflection of what she looks like currently. As you can see from the picture she is a sweetheart.

@OldGreyMen Thank you ... the kindness of strangers and the support we are getting we is very moving and greatly appreciated. Thank you.

We like the idea of doing cars in the car parks and have produced a bunch of little flyers with duffers picture to start making that a regular part of our routine until we find Duffer.

We have phoned highways but the Britsh rail is a good idea. We will do that now.

@Flaggbag. Thanks for all your support. We didn't get that email but then the owners do not use email very often. Please feel free to include us any future emails. clarehowells@hotmail.com is the one checked most often.

@Ms Doberton. Bless you. We look forward to speaking to you later.

Last edited: 2011-08-09 12:07:46 by Harry

2011-08-09 08:39 Ms Doberton

Kate and I will be contacting you later today to search from about 5.15pm this evening. Perhaps you would give some thought as to where you think best before we call you. Talk later.

2011-08-09 00:31 zen

thank you old grey man, for postering..i did send an email to the owners telling them to contact british rail and the highways.. i hope that harry received a copy of the email.

2011-08-08 20:15 OldGreyMan

Approx. 70 car windscreens at Cam Tesco car park postered 7.30pm

Harry. It's a very worrying thought, but may be worth a word with British Rail Police - they can be very helpful - also reassuring if no news with them.

Last edited: 2011-08-08 22:15:54 by OldGreyMan

2011-08-08 12:09 Harry

@ Jacky Thank you SO much.

@ Ms Doberton

The posters seem to be getting the message out locally.
I feel like most people I stop and talk to already know.
We are now putting up posters increasingly further away too.

You are not treading on anyone toes as far as I an concerned.
All advice, ideas and suggestions are MOST welcome.

I have already spoken to Claire Marshall at the Gazette to ask her to write/run a story about the impact of the balloons (so we can include a picture of Duffer in that story)
Hopefully that will happen.

If you do hear anything back from the BBAC do let me know.
I will check here every day
I am also happy for anyone to contact me or my wife (Clare) directly by phone on 01453 519251

Last edited: 2011-08-08 12:15:12 by Harry

2011-08-08 11:38 Ms Doberton

flaggbag, I know the poster and leafleting has been widespread in/around Cam and as I'm new to this I don't want to tread on anyone's toes as you've probably got this in hand but is anyone planning a piece in the local press? I suggest Claire Marshall at the Gazette might be helpful.

Harry, if I do hear from BBAC I will certainly ask them to forward your question to all those involved on Wednesday.

2011-08-08 10:56 Jacky

Hi All...I have been looking...will keep looking...

2011-08-08 10:42 Harry

Hi,
My Name is Harry. I am the owners son in law. I just wanted to post to say thanks to everyone for their support.
Duffer is a much loved member of our family.

@Lynne were you the person who phoned this in to the owners neighbour?
Sadly this sighting turned out not to be Duffer.

I met someone this morning who was convinced they had seen duffer tied up outside Tescos in Cam two days ago.
Who knows?
Other than this It is now 5 days without word.

@Ms Doberton. Thank you. It occurs to me that these ballons were so low as they landed and took off again that it is possible that someone in one of the Balloons involved might have seen the direction in which Duffer fled?

Last edited: 2011-08-08 11:14:32 by Harry

2011-08-08 10:18 Lynne

Possible sighting on Stinchcombe Hill between 9 00 - 10 00 this morning labradoodle matching Duffer
Sadly not Duffer it was a Male Labradoodle running a long way off from its owner my friend rang as he thought it might be Duffer

Last edited: 2011-08-09 07:31:55 by Lynne

2011-08-07 20:44 zen

ms doberton, what a good idea and thankyou, i wonder if they will even reply

2011-08-07 16:59 Ms Doberton

Have emailed the British Ballooning and Airship club (who organised the event which caused Duffer to run off) asking if they have members prepared to contact the owners to offer assistance in searching for Duffer. Response awaited.

2011-08-07 11:41 Kate

I regularly walk in Dursley with many dogs I'll be looking for Duffer, hope she is found soon.

2011-08-06 18:18 Animal Magic Chelt

So sorry there isn't news yet. Just added poster to www.facebook.com/PawsInTheParkCheltenham to help get word out there.
Fingers crossed there was good news today though.
Maria
-x-

2011-08-05 21:31 zen

it doesnt help this poor dog, that the air balloons that spooked him originaly have been flying this morning and again this evening... come on duffer show yourself your mum is frantic with worry

2011-08-04 20:41 Pod

Selsley Common in Stroud postered for tomorrow's dog walkers...

2011-08-04 18:02 DogLostAngus

Have sent via facebook to family in the area x

2011-08-04 14:45 DogLostJayne - Founder Doglost.

poster e mailed to helpers in GL 2,5,6,8,10,11,12,13.

2011-08-04 12:18 zen

have just spoken to duffers lovely owners, they are devestated that they have had no news on duffer, they are not computer savvy so may not be able to post on here that often... duffer was being walked only 5 minutes from home and he should have been able to find his way home... have given them advice and will alert local helpers

2011-08-04 10:19 zen

thank you jackie, i have emailed owners advice .....

2011-08-04 08:46 Jacky

I will take my dogs up around there a bit later...people are fantastic on here... Im sure you will find her. I live at Highfields so will keep my eye out & spread the word..be strong, she'll be home!!

2011-08-03 22:46 DoodlePost Posters

Link also added to DoodlePost, stay safe Duffer and come home soon.

2011-08-03 22:41 Wizzyvid

Link added to Labradoodle Association Forum

2011-08-03 22:37 Animal Magic Chelt

Stay safe Duffer. Have shared on FB and Twitter.
Maria
-x-

2011-08-03 22:02 zen

will contact owners in the morning