Molly was a young, healthy Boxer, in her prime. She had bright clear eyes and a shiny coat. But her good looks were spoiled by an obvious problem: baldness.
The Kane family had been considering getting a pet for some time. Hanna and Luke’s parents had heard that pet ownership was good for children.
Poodles are exceptionally popular pets in some countries. In France, people are as likely to be carrying a poodle under their arm as a stick of French bread.
Rita de Brun has written an excellent article in today's Irish Examiner about the relationship between dogs and humans. To read it, follow this link.
Christmas is a time to enjoy with family and friends- a time of year for relaxing and forgetting about the usual daily hassles and stresses.
Most owners are understandably horrified at the prospect of a limb being amputated from their pet. Animals thrive on their independence.
Bua is a young, fit dog. She shows all of the classical signs of full health, with an alert appearance, a glossy coat and bright, clear eyes.
On East Coast FM this week, BrayVet's Pete Wedderburn discussed the problem with cats going into other people's houses. He goes on to discuss Christmas presents for pets and animal lovers.
The focus of the vet spot this week was that phrase coined by Dogs Trust that has become a part of common speech: "A Dog is For Life, Not Just for Christmas".
We all like to see ourselves as "good", yet when you add all of us together, as "society", the outcome is often far from "good".
Jasper has always been a healthy cat. I see him every April for his booster vaccination, and I always enjoy his distinctive Siamese personality.
Almost exactly one year ago, just before Christmas, Lucky first showed signs of having a sore neck. The Martins had noticed that he was suddenly walking stiffly, as if he had a sore shoulder.
Snowy, like most Irish cats, is allowed to come and go from his own home as he pleases.
In the same way as many human psychological problems can be traced to childhood experiences, behavioural problems in dogs can often be linked with incidents that happen early in life to puppies.
On Ireland AM this week, I was able to announce good news: the Minister of Agriculture, Simon Coveney, has announced that he will NOT allow lay people to dock puppies' tails.
Ciara often drives along the road between Knockananna and Tinahealy in County Wicklow. It is a typical Irish country road, with small hills and bends to negotiate.
Two year old Alfie had been a slim, trim, active little dog who loved going for walks. Now he was lazy and getting fat.
