2018 has quite literally been the Year of The Dog for us!  It began towards the end of 2017, when Sky met Rock Buster at Romainville.  But our journey started four years earlier.  

 

We could never have envisaged what was to come, as we walked Sky that first day at Laytown, in glorious, late-summer sunshine, whilst the horses raced on the beach.  Nor could I have imagined the profound, life-affirming bond that would form with my extraordinary Glen of Imaal terrier.  The seed was planted on that beach in Ireland.  We arrived home, delirious with joy, only to discover that all the photos we'd taken of our new puppy were blurry and out of focus.  This is partly why we choose to show every aspect of The Puppy Years, with ample photos and Pupdates.  It's just how we roll.  

 

Sky gave birth to eight beautiful, healthy puppies last January.  At three days old, one large brindle male was accidentally smothered.  Apparently, it's quite common.  Sky was visibly upset as I consoled her, although I'm not sure who was comforting who.  I wept buckets.  But in that desperately sad moment, we bonded on a much deeper level. 

 

From the very first puppy, Sky had made it clear who was in charge, with a steely look that said 'I've got this'.  I was simply there to keep the food coming and provide back-rubs.  But after the loss, Sky would delegate and come and get me throughout the day.  She would sit by the pen, attentive, anxious, whilst I counted each precious puppy with her.  Once I got to seven, she would wag her tail.  Clearly, Border collies are not the only numerate dogs!

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We are not hard-headed dog breeders.  There, I've said it!  We fell in love with Clodagh from the moment she was born, despite every intention of keeping another Blue.  The decision was purely emotional.  Equally, we both would have been more than happy to keep all seven!  There is an abundance of advice for choosing a new puppy, but very little about selecting the correct owner.  We had to reluctantly take an enormous leap of faith in human nature - frankly, a big ask - when deciding on the best possible homes.

 

An upside of home-breeding has been the response from other Glen lovers.  So many moving, heart-warming stories, each confirming the depth of love we have for our dogs.  Thanks to all of you for sharing your own unique experience.

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A big shout out to some new transatlantic Glen friends, with a special mention to Susan Clancy Dougherty in Connecticut and Maine.  Sadly, she lost her beautiful wheaten Jake after eleven wonderful years.  We just had to share this lovely photo of him doing The Glen Sit.  Such a handsome fella!

 

And so, with two muddy Glens at my feet and a storm circling outside, I hurl another log on the fire and raise a glass...to all the dogs, past and present, that have touched our lives.  Sláinte and Sona Nollag!

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