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.
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.
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.
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.
Lily is a home loving cat, but she does enjoy spending time in the back garden and surrounding area. She doesn’t venture far, and if Lydia ever goes out to call her, she soon comes scampering back inside.
This little puppy was generally healthy but had a large pot belly. It looked dramatic but the solution turned out to be very simple.
Sophie is a home-loving cat, and when there was no sign of her for three days, her family knew that there was something very wrong. They searched everywhere for her, and had almost given up hope.
One of the most common questions that I am asked repeatedly is very simple: “How can I stop my dog from moulting so much?” Saul is a typical example of the type of animal whose hair loss causes ..
Lauren’s family originally thought that Geri was a tom cat, christened Jerry after the “Tom and Jerry” cartoons.
Maisie is an unusual Boxer – she is completely white, apart from a few blotches of black spots around her muzzle. Her right eye is a clear blue colour, also caused by an absence of pigment.
As a kitten, Louis used to stay around the family home all the time. He loved being in the house, and he enjoyed playing with humans.
Obi arrived in the Howarth household when he was only 8 weeks old. He was like a Disney puppy, with soft fur, a small body but a large head, and big brown eyes with long eyelashes.
