Rainbow Bridge: Golden Cocker Spaniel Female

  • Dog ID 74063
  • Status Rainbow Bridge
  • Registered 25 Aug 2014
  • Name FERN
  • Gender & Breed Female Cocker Spaniel
  • Age Older Adult
  • Colour Golden
  • Marks & Scars Working Type. Slight white chest. Few fatty lumps including a large one on her lower chest. 3/4 docked tail. Crusty dark brown nose.
  • Tagged No
  • Microchipped Yes
  • Tattooed Unknown
  • Date Lost 24 Aug 2014
  • Where Lost Lost from Low Chantry Farm Boarding Kennels, Middleton Tyas whilst in their care.
  • Lost In Region North East
  • Lost In Post Area DL10
  • Date Found 17 Nov 2014
  • Where Found Retrieved off the A1M on 16/11/2014 after lying there for 11.5 weeks in 2 black bin bags. Her remains were taken to vets and her microchip scanned.
  • Found In Region North East
  • Found In Post Area DL10
  • Date Reunited
  • Other Info
  • Listed By SCD
  • Views 15750
  • FERNPoster Image
  • FERNExtra Image

 

Sightings and Information

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Louise
Heartbroken for you. Harvey's law is so important x
SCD
Thank you Everyone for your kind words. We are backing Harvey's Law e-petition all the way in memory of our gorgeous little girl. Please can you sign it for her. http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/62490

One of Fern's lovely little daughter was stolen 2 year ago to the day we found out of Fern's death. Lets find her. http://www.doglost.co.uk/dog-blog.php?dogId=45289

Xx
DogLostSherlock- Area Co-ordinator & Police Liaison - Avon & South Gloucestersh
Poor baby....so sad to hear about Fern, especially the devastation Highways have unnecessarily caused her owners....Having experienced their poor insight on such matters, they really need to start respecting animals and owners, investing in halos and education for their staff.
At least you have your beautiful memories of Fern and the wonderful time you had together...she will never be far away and forever in your hearts xx God Bless dear Fern xx
Gloria
This is very very sad my heart goes out to you. You put trust in people and have been let down terribly R.I.P Fern. x
Paula Griffin's Mum
How very very sad, Fern’s loving owners completely let down in every way imaginable, so so sorry for your loss, RIP beautiful Fern we’ll light a candle for you tonight, our thought are with her family…

DogLostMax - Area Co-ordinator - Cornwall & Area Volunteer - Durham & Ireland
So sorry that you have gone through all this. It is bad enough losing a pet but this.... Heartbreaking.
Run free Fern. x
Seeks
SCD I am so sorry this has happened and appalled at how Aone+ as well as The Highways......They also sub contract into more than one department all coming under 'the highways agency' on the big roads....Its a;ll wrong!!

I so feel for you....You have done such am amazing job on your page and on the ground. I so wish you had had a better outcome and really do feel for you.

Thinking of you and your family as well as lovely Fern who is now in the warmth and love over the bridge.

I am so deeply sorry xxxx
ClaireC
I am absolutely appalled to read this tragic story of the sad events. How disgusting of them all and hope they feel ashamed of themselves for allowing this to happen.

Please try to take some consolation that you now have your beautiful Fern back home with you and will not be parted from again. RIP Fern never to be forgotten by us all xx
Elaine Tinker and Hemps mum
i am so sorry to read this very sad story. Rest in peace fern, thoughts are with your family
Faithsmum
This makes heartbreaking reading so very very sorry for the loss of Fern.Totally agree with you sophiesuds
DogLostCounty Pet ServicesKaren - Solstices Missing Dogs and Wiltshire volunteer
I sit here with eyes full of tears, I as a boarder myself cannot believe that Fern was not safe when left at a kennel, and it breaks my heart that you have had to spend 12 weeks agonising over her fate when as sad as the news was you could have had closure a few days later. Something must be done, who knows how many other missing pets have been killed and owners not notified, me being one of them. I am truly sorry for your loss and my heart goes out to you. Run free beautiful Fern xx
Spindle
So so sorry to read the loss of your beautiful girl. Absolutely disgusting that in this day and age this could happen. Hope she is running free at Rainbow bridge, my heart goes out to you.
#stoppettheft
Ohhhh poor Fern :( x
I am in tears, as everyone no doubt is, reading Your account of how she was found & the absolutely unforgiveable flaws in the system .
I, along with hundreds of others on Facebook & Twitter, have shared for Fern & really hoped that 1 day She would return to you - but not in this way, I am sooo sorry :( <3
I hope lessons are learned (by the Highways & other Authorities) from this & that groups like Harveys Law & Vets Get Scanning get justice for Harvey, Fern & - as you say- many many more beloved Family Pets who've been 'lost to the Highways'.
My Condolencences & Deepest Sympathy to you & your family Sarah
R.I.P. Beautiful Fern x
susieq666
At least the beautiful Fern is at peace, but I'm sure her owners are not. They should make a real fuss about all this, from the loss by the boarding kennels, to the lack of scanning, to leaving her lying there for so long. NOTHING is good here. An owner can do everything right, and still have this happen. Heartbreaking!
LizzyT
i am so very sorry for your loss and my heart goes out to you. RIP Fern. Love to all who loved you so very much xxx
Barney and Ella's mum
Devastated for you and your family Sarah.. you and your family have done an amazing job in your search for your beloved Fern, setting up the Facebook site, organising searches and raising her profile - you have done your girl proud. I am so glad you had the chance conversation with that highways traffic lady, I am so glad she was able to give you information to enable you to find out what happened to Fern-sad and horrendous though it is. Fern will have had an amazing life with you, and you in turn will have amazing memories of Fern that will last your lifetime (we still talk about our pets most days that went 'over the bridge' years ago). I am disgusted at what has happened to Fern, and that the depot had no scanner - so very wrong. If you are able to do so I hope you go back to the Northern Echo and hopefully they will run an article on Fern and what happened to her, it is the only way things will change - by kicking up a stink. I will post on your facebook page shortly, is there a facebook page / email that we can complain to (I am not local to you) but I would like to add my voice in saying that what happened is wrong - it should never happen again. Kind regards Ella Sugdenxx
Esther
I am so sorry. There are no words to describe what you must be going through. RIP in peace Fern
Meru
How absolutely heartbreaking for you. I am so very, very sorry to hear about Fern.
RIP darling girl. Run happy and free at the Bridge beautiful sweetheart. xxxx
Shame on those who didn't do their job properly.
wibble58
heartbreaking news. So sorry you didn't make it home safely Fern. Run free you beautiful, lovely girl. My thoughts are very much with the owners at this very sad time xxx
duffs54
This is absolutely awful my heart goes out to you and Fern, just thinking of what you went through is unbelievable, I am so so sorry xxxxxxx
Ellie
This is heartbreaking, my thoughts are with Ferns family who love her so much. Anyone who has ever loved a dog as a family member can only imagine how distraught they must be feeling. Run free at Rainbow Bridge beautiful girl.
Unknown
How tragic. I am devestated for you. But at least you have closure, and can lay her to rest. Please find comfort that you have not ,lost your girl forever, as she remains in your heart, in your thoughts, and in spirit, until you meet at the bridge when the time is right. Night, night Fern, sleep tight, and have fun at the bridge? RIP+ God blessx A~~~Candle~~~burns for you sweet girl. Please look down on your family who really need your strength at this very traumatic time. Can someone pass the tissues please? God bless fern, and her family (HUGS)XXX Run freexLast edited: 2014-11-18 08:02:18
Pop's Mum
So sorry to read this. RIP beautiful girl. Surely compulsory micro chipping must = compulsory scanning by the authorities otherwise it's pointless :(
DogLostBobble - Area Co-ordinator - Somerset & East Sussex
I am so sorry to read this, such a sad end and unneccesary suffering of her owners. Run free at Rainbow Bridge lovely girl - your family never gave up and found you. My thoughts are with her family x
Unknown
I am so sorry to read this.my heart goes out to you my words wont help but just to let you know I pray you get justice for your Beautiful girl.........
Run Free at the Bridge Fern until the time comes when you are reunited with the ones who love you so very much.God Bless you xxxx
sophiesuds
What an awful thing to happen to poor Fern and her family, sincerest condolences. I hope when your family feel up to it you take the whole fiasco further and demand answers, especially as micro chipping is being made compulsory, not much use if no scanners aren't being used by the people who should be using them! Personally I would take this to the press and your mp and demand an inquiry and apology. As you say how many other animals are missing and owners don't know outcomes. Maybe a petition would help to the highways agency, I know someone did something similar about railway fences and got something done. We pay enough for these services by councils etc we and our pets deserve better.
digbysmum
Am in tears here. Such a terribly sad outcome - not the one we were hoping for. I am so very, very sorry and my thoughts are with the family at this devastating time, who do now have closure and brought her home to rest. Run free at the bridge beautiful Fern - you will always be remembered by those who loved you xxxx
DogLostMillypod (Chris) - Administrative Volunteer
So very sorry. Run free at Rainbow Bridge beautiful Fern.
My thoughts are with you and your family at this very sad time.xx
DogLostMajorjet (Jan) - Area Co-ordinator - Liverpool/Merseyside, North West
Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
DogLostMajorjet (Jan) - Area Co-ordinator - Liverpool/Merseyside, North West
How devastating for you all. Deepest thoughts are with you and your gorgeous FERN. Run free at the Bridge and sweet dreams sweetheart. This story bring back so many memories of what happened to HARVEY (FIND HARVEY fb group). Sending big hugs to you and your family. xxx
Happiness yorkie lover xxx
R.i.p fern x so sad you never made home , I say this with heartfelt condolences to your family who never gave up finding you x at least now you are home with a family that love you and you will always be in our thought xxxxx a candle burns for you precious girl xxxxx
AlisonH
I am so very sorry your beautiful little dog didn't make it home. R.I.P Fern
BBKM
So sorry your beautiful girl has gone to Rainbow bridge. Heartfelt sympathy for you.

Run Free sweetheart, you and your family deserved better than this xxx
Unknown
RUN FREE FERN :(
SCD
This afternoon we have buried our beautiful girl after identifying and collecting her body this morning.

RIP Norbeck Saffron (Fern) 21/03/06 - 28/08/14

Please be aware that what follows may be upsetting to read.

We left Fern at Low Chantry Farm Boarding Kennels on Friday 22nd August whilst we were away. We were due to pick her up on Monday 25th August but received a call on Sunday 24th August at 10pm to say Fern had slipped her lead and had ran off earlier in the day.

In the days leading up to her death, we searched day and night to get her back as we have continued to do so for the last 12 weeks. Fern was sighted several times in the first few days and was described as been terrified and in a state of blind panic.

Fern was sadly killed on the 28th August 2014 on the A1M between Barton and Scotch Corner on the South bound carriageway. This date is particularly painful one for us as it is the date of our daughter’s Birthday.

Her body was left at a pick up point at the side of the A1M in two black bags by a Highways Traffic Officer and left for collection by their contract team Aone+ as per the correct procedures.

Her body, shortly after this should have been collected by Aone+ and taken back to their depot situated next door to the Highways Agency depot near Melsonby to be fully logged and microchip scanned. This is when Petlog should have been notified and we should have been able to collect her.

The contract team Aone+ were never contacted by the Highways Agency to collect the bags therefore no logs were ever made.
From the day Fern went missing up until now we have contacted the Police and Highways Agency several times to ask if there had been any incidents on the A1M involving a dog near Barton. The answer was always no. An actual log of the incident only became available on Saturday 15th November. We received the full log this morning with the details of what had happened.

Fern’s body was never picked up from where she was left on the 28th August and remained at the side of the A1M for 11 ½ weeks until Sunday 16th November when she was eventually picked up and taken back to the depot.

Earlier today we had to identify what was left of Fern’s body. As Aone+ has no scanners at their depot which is an illegal offence, we ourselves had to take her remains to Castle Vets at Barnard Castle where the microchip was scanned and instantly identified it as being Fern.

Through our investigations at Aone+ we have come to learn that when cats are found deceased on the motorway they aren’t even stored in a freezer and it’s not law that they have to be scanned, they are simply disposed of in a skip. There was also a German Shepard type dog in the freezer with Fern, so the owners of this poor dog will not even know it is deceased. This dog is due to be sent to the pet crematorium soon. God only knows how many other dogs and cats have been picked up and disposed of without the owners ever being notified. This is a disgusting flaw in the Highway Agency’s system and something needs to be done about it.

The outcome for Fern and us is not what we hoped for and it is truly devastating. The only saving grace for us is that we have her home and we now have closure.

We would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has helped us over the last 12 weeks. Everybody has kept us going through possible sightings, searching with us and through Facebook and Twitter. Our strong will and persistence has paid off……. We Found Fern.
SCD
*****STILL MISSING*****
REWARD FOR HER SAFE RETURN. NO RECENT SIGHTINGS SO WE ARE LOOKING AT A STOLEN CASE. IF ANYONE HAS HER WE URGE YOU DO THE RIGHT THING AND BRING HER BACK TO US. WE WILL NOT BE ANNOYED JUST SO GRATEFUL TO GET HER HOME. WE LOVE HER SO MUCH AND MISS HER. THE NIGHTMARES ARE NOT GETTING ANY BETTER.
DogLostRiverlady
Circulating on twitter.....FERN Elderly Golden Cocker Spaniel MISSING http://bit.ly/1FpMlXO #MiddletonTyas #Barton #DL10 Plz RT
Meandmyself
Shared for you. Hope you get her back!
SCD
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/11464274.Hundreds_join_search_for_missing_pet/
Maggie
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/11490836.Appeal_to_help_find_family_pet_who_has_been_missing_for_a_month/
#stoppettheft
I have just seen posts about Fern & have 'liked' her page - I have recently seen & Retweeted Twitter posts about her, but will try to tweet for her as much as poss. - I really hope someone recognises her description in the media & she is soon back with you x
SCD
I would like advice please. She has been missing a month today and are there no sightings in the local area. We believe she might have been picked up/stolen. We have set up a facebook page 'Help Find Fern' to get as much coverage as possible. Can you recommend any websites etc? Could she still be foraging locally? What kind of distance could she have travelled on her own. Thank you.
SCD
Is this the case when she went from boarding kennels which she left in a state of blind panic? Should we be putting our clothes, food there etc.? Thank you.Last edited: 2014-09-05 19:57:26 by SCD
colliebird
She'll go back to or hang around the area she was lost from, or where the vehicle was parked if she was taken for a walk by car. This is almost always the case.
SCD
The reward is in the details and not in the reward bit. I don't know how to get it in there please can a volunteer update or tell me how to? Thanks.Last edited: 2014-09-03 19:54:51 by SCD
SCD
No it is not Fern. Thank you though. Hope that dog is reunited soon as we hope Fern is with us. No sightings for over 4 days now. Devastated.
Unknown
dont suppose this could be her?quite a long way off I know ...
http://www.doglost.co.uk/dog-blog.php?dogId=74370#.VANnHfldXuULast edited: 2014-08-31 19:20:06
DogLostMax - Area Co-ordinator - Cornwall & Area Volunteer - Durham & Ireland
E-mail advice now recieved :) Good luck in finding Fern.
DogLostMax - Area Co-ordinator - Cornwall & Area Volunteer - Durham & Ireland
Have spoken to Ferns owner & she didn't get the info, so have tried to re-send it
SCD
Hi I haven't received the advice sheets etc. Information regarding tracking lost dogs would be good. We have gad no sightings for 3 days now.
DogLostMax - Area Co-ordinator - Cornwall & Area Volunteer - Durham & Ireland
Have seen one on fb page 'Yorkshire animals lost & found share page' (Can't seem to link thru'), have spoken to owner who has checked it out, but it is not her. Have sent advice sheets & scenting advice.
Unknown
Don't lose hope SCD. Keep putting up posters and following up sightings. Ask people not to approach her if they see her, just to save your number to their phone so they can ring you immediately to report a sighting. Hopefully she'll settle in an area and you'll be able to get close to her. If you haven't had any sightings for a little while it may be that she has changed location and you need to put posters up in a wider area. You may want to try and raise local and wider awareness by setting up a FB page.
SCD
DL10 6NH area on Sunday and Monday
SCD
Unfortunately Fern is still missing. She has been sighted in Barton and Newton Morrell terrifed and runs off. There have been no sightings for over 24 hours now. We are distraught and need her home.
Unknown
Any news ?
Red Alert
Added to fb page
Gino
Alerts sent to helpers in DL1,2,3,10.
Unknown
DL10 POST CODE IS RICHMOND ...NORTH YORKSHIRE
Unknown
Need photo ASAP to share around xx
AlisonH
Text sent requesting photo.

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