The Bichon Frise is a breed that is becoming increasingly popular. In many ways, they are an ideal breed for a modern Irish household. They are small dogs, with a cheerful, good-natured disposition.
Ness was bitten by a tick and she will never forget the consequences. Ness became seriously ill with Lyme Disease.
Lucy is a carefully selected pet. Simon, a twelve year old boy, and his family did their research, making sure that they met both the father and mother of their new puppy.
Holly is a typical example of a common type of dog that ends up in Ireland’s dog pounds. She was less than a year old, she had come into season, and she had become a nuisance to her original owners.
Jake is a big animal, at around twice the weight of a typical moggie. He is not fat; he has a large frame, and he is very well-muscled.
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.
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.
A few years ago, there were two brothers in Britain who appeared in court because they had allowed their dog to get 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.
The new puppy seemed very healthy, but Isabelle’s mother had noticed that she had a pot belly. She asked me about it when Tilly was brought in for her first vaccination.
