blog Archives - Page 2 of 17 - Pedigree Dogs Ireland

Cuca the Cocker calling from Lisbon

Dear Doris I have been reading your Agony Aunt blog and I have to say you are a good adviser and a friend to those who look for your opinions. I'm a 13 years old female Cocker Spaniel without pedigree (I was never in possession of my papers) and my humans never cared about it as they love me the way I am. They had another Cocker before me and that one had a real pedigree however my owners never went to dogs shows with her despite the fact that anybody she passed in the street, stopped & wondered if she was a show girl. I know you are almost as old as myself and have spoken before about your failing eyesight, but I’d like to know how you are coming to terms with the problems with yours eyes as it is something that is bothering me. Having said that my biggest problem is the weakness in my bones. My legs and ankles are betraying me often....I take medication for my bones and eat boiled green vegetables almost every day. I'm still very happy when my humans take me f…

There’s none so blind as those who will not see

Fortunately there aren't many times when I have to ask myself, why did I set up the web site Pedigreedogs.ie The idea that I thought at the time & still do, was the best thing since sliced bread, came to me over 4 years ago now. Back then when we were desperately trying to tell the world that there was a classified type dog web site out there that went about things the right way, we advised everybody that we were in this for the long haul, and for that at least we can't be criticized. Any real follower of the site will know that we are passionate about dogs, all shapes & sizes, and that the site is a hobby that takes up a fair amount of our time. If we are not working on the site we are always thinking of ways to get our message in front of more peoples eyes. So what is our message ? Our message is responsible dog ownership. That applies to owner / breeders & of course to the people that have just taken on the life long commitment to a dog. Maki…

Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 – EXCLUSIVE

Coming hot on the heels of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 Mr Simon Coveney TD, Minister for Agriculture, has leaked details of his latest plan to a fan of Pedigreedogs.ie that in turn gave us the exclusive on this piece of news. Now I'm not sure if you heard or read about the latest piece of legislation where it is planned to ban smoking in cars where children are present that Minister for Health James Reilly hopes to have ready in the next few weeks. It now seems that Simon Coveny wants to make a slight amendment to the recent Animal Health and Welfare Act and introduce this piece of legislation so that it will also be against the law to smoke in a vehicle if an animal is present at the time. Evidence shows us that children exposed to second hand smoke in cars can suffer from tobacco related illnesses for up to 25 years later & Mr Coveney has called for the measure to be introduced to include animals & "prevent serious health problems for our domesti…

Dalmatian – Featured Kennel – Pedigreedogs.ie

Name of Kennel / Prefix / Affix: Lacsar What age were you and how did you become involved in the world of Dogs? I have been involved in dogs all my life; I grew up with Border Collies who were rescue dogs which we kept as pets. Dogs have always been my main interest in life. When I was 7 my mother Mairin bought me my first show dog, Rascal, a Shetland Sheepdog, who’s name contributed to what we would eventually register our affix in 2011, ‘Lacsar’, the reverse spelling on Rascal. What Breeds of Dogs have you had over the years? As my mother grew up her family always had Jack Russell Terriers. Before I was born she became interested in Border Collies which I grew up with until I first saw a Shetland Sheepdog at Crufts 2006. We have also owned a few dogs of various breeds such as a Shih Tzus and Cocker Spaniel before finally settling on the breeds we now own, Dalmatians and Japanese Shiba Inu, and I can’t see that changing any time soon as they are both breeds which are ve…

Dangerous Dogs as a result of irresponsible owners

Now I’m not going to sniff around the bush on this one, but between you & me, and I’m hoping this reaches out to a lot of you, I’m sick to the back molars with the negativity surrounding so called dangerous dogs & the online sale of animals on internet sites. Everywhere I look these days it’s at the end of my snoz. TV, newspapers, even online, you can’t get away from it. The first thing I’d like to state is that NO dog was ever born dangerous. We all start out with a blank canvas. Kind of like you humans. The difference is, it takes you so called superior beings way longer to get a grip on reality, and from what I have seen over my 12 human years, some of you never actually go on to grasp same. Us dogs on the other hand have a far smaller window to get accustomed to all our future life might throw at us. We have to get to grips with all of this, certainly before we turn 3 months of age, so having a good start in life is paramount. Now again like you humans w…

Nancy’s Nip & Tuck

Dear Doris, My name is Nancy and I am a 2 year old Heinz variety dog. I am a happy go lucky gal and I live in a good home where I sleep inside and I am loved and treated very well. My humans got me for free from neighbours down the road as their female pooch (My mother I suppose you could call her) who is also Heinz variety but more of an outdoors type, was forever having puppies as she had lots of different male dog admirers ! Unlike you Doris I am not a pedigree dog and I have no papers to trace my family tree. However not knowing what my ancestry is, and there are nights when I lie awake thinking of nothing but my lineage, that's the least of my problems these days and it’s not the reason why I am writing to you. My problem is as follows Doris: I recently overheard a few snippets of conversation when my two humans were having a lively discussion about organising a trip to that place where my friend Buddy was tricked into going to, and came back minus two of hi…

St Patrick’s Day Competition Winner

Good morning everybody I hope you all had an enjoyable day off yesterday. Seems like there was lot’s going on around the country. Now I can’t profess to knowing too much about St Patrick, but reckon he must have been quite an old man that was very unsteady on his feet, as when I went for my evening stroll last night I seen a lot of younger people trying to replicate him, dressing like him, with nearly all of them staggering around the place. You must have been very proud of him to go to so much trouble. Anyhow, I suppose I must be a bit of a closet fan myself as I decided to run my first ever competition ending on his feast day. I’d just like to raise a paw to all the people that entered and shared the details with their friends, and now it’s time to announce my winner, which I snaffled out of a hat just after midnight last night. The FANTASTIC prize of a pet portrait by the extremely talented Gillian Ussher of Perpetual Portraits goes to....Imelda Wade. Congr…

Enemy at the gate !

Dear Doris, I'm Kyla, a 7 year old Leonberger, and I live with my sister, Daisy, another Leonberger, and my two humans. I'm writing to you because I have 2 problems that I need to get off my chest and I'm asking you for advice. I get on very well with my sister and my humans and they treat me well so I probably shouldn't feel so miserable but I am over-sensitive and I don't know how to control my emotions at all. My humans are not very supportive when I get into a fit of barking, as they seem to think that ignoring me is the best way forward. My first problem is that we live on a private road which I believe is mine alone and my responsibility. But this other human walks his dogs down past my gate on my road. I can't remember telling him this was ok. First he had 3 little black and white mutts who would come right up, snarling at me through my gate. As if that wasn't bad enough, he gets a new dog. I heard him tell my humans that it's a pedigree Lab. All I can say is that …

St Patrick’s Day Competition !!!

I hope you all enjoyed watching Crufts as much as I did, and if you were actually there, arrived back safely to your spot on the sofa or your bed the humans like to join you on. Currently I am working on a response to an email I got in from Kyla the Leonberger, which is probably the most taxing one I’ve had to work on to date, but it’s these ones I love getting my teeth stuck into. Now I don’t want all you canines out there to think that my recent arrival on the World Wide Web is all about agony, as I’ve decided to run my first ever competition. (That’s if you don’t take into consideration all the sausage eating competitions that I won in the past) It’s in conjunction with the extremely talented Gillian Ussher of Perpetual Portraits & the superb prize is a portrait of you, that’s after your human has sent Gillian the picture you want done. • All you have to do is 3 things. • Firstly like the Facebook page of Perpetual Portraits • Next, like the page of Pe…

Crufts – Annie go have some fun !

My name is Annie the Afghan I am 3 years old. I just came across your last two blogs and after reading the insightful advice you gave to Bunty and Jack I was hoping you would be able to help me out. My problem is as follows: Doris I have been feeling very anxious lately and nervous, it all came about a week ago when my humans told me that I would be exhibiting at the world’s biggest dog show called Crufts. It’s the fear of the un-known Doris that has me so worried. I am a show girl true & true as I attend a lot of shows in Ireland but I have never been to another country never mind the biggest dog show in the world that just happens to be in another country ! Now, the humans are all excited about what they are calling a “Road Trip” even though there is a boat journey involved. I have never even been on a boat ! It’s a lot for me to take in, I don’t know if I am ready or able for this big challenge so early in my career. I feel so confused it is all I can think abou…

A picture paints a thousand words !

Hi there.. Just a mini blog as I’m, working on a response to an email I got in yesterday from Annie the Afghan hound who is travelling this week to strut her stuff for the first time at the biggest dog show in the world, Crufts. Annie is looking for any advice I may have about travelling overseas, and the huge experience that awaits her. I’m delighted to sat that it looks like my decision to start dishing out my worldly advice seems to have been the right one. Jack the Lab was back in touch to advise that he has taken on board all I had to say, and is currently working on his insecurities and the problems he was faced with regarding the introduction of a new kid on the block, in the form of a yellow Labrador pup. I must say that the picture below brought a small tear to my eye, one of happiness ! Tune in later this week for my response to Annie the Afghan & don’t forget whatever problem you’re facing, I’m all ears ! Doris Dachshund (Blogger & Agony Aunt) …

Hope Springs for Jack the Lab !

Dear Doris I'm worried I'm losing my good looks. I'm a big, shiny black labrador. Wet nose, velvet ears, twinkling eyes, the works. I couldn't walk down the beach without wolf whistles from the girls (and sometimes the boys) and human strangers would call out to my owners "what a beauty" "cor he's a stunner" "you could fit a saddle on him" and "can my dog have his ball back please?" My life changed just before Christmas when a box was brought into my house by the grandparents. Inside was a tiny yellow labrador puppy. I shared my bed, I shared my bowl, I didn't share my ball. At least I got the beach to myself and the wolf whistles continued. All this changed last week when the now bigger YLP joined me in the boot. I tried to attract my owners attention. Surely something had gone badly wrong. I was sure he would turn the car around when he heard the YLP whining like a girl. Wrong Not only did he carefully carry him out of the boot, he gingerly pl…

Bundy’s 2 minutes of joy & the lifelong commitment !

I woke up this morning with the same feeling in my stomach as I get on my birthday & Christmas. I had to get up a little earlier than normal as I wanted to get to this machine before my humans came down from upstairs, the place where they think I never visit when they leave the house for more than 5 minutes. Doh ! The feeling in my belly was justified as when I finally managed to crank up the machine I couldn’t believe my eyes. My very first blog had travelled all the way to the Fair City, as you can see from the dilemma that Bundy has found himself in and written to me about below. "Dear Doris My name is Bundy & I wonder if you have any advice to impart. You see my "Missus" (& I use this term loosely you understand) has just had 5 babies, well I was told before the event that we may be expecting an addition or two but 5!!! Anyway she's looking after them herself & to be honest I haven't as yet been expected to do anything so that's not really the…

Doris the Dachshund – Blogger & Agony Aunt !

Hello...Is there anybody out there ?? I’m not sure if I’m doing this right, but I’ll give it a go anyhow... You see the thing is, I’ve often watched my humans bashing away on this machine for hours on end, and finally the curiosity has gotten the better of me. The human with the whiskers on the face used to spend an awful lot of time on it, but over the last year I have noticed that he doesn’t spend as much time on it these days as he used to, so I have seized my opportunity. I suppose seized is the perfect word as I am writing this when my humans have gone for their daily nap which usually happens at night time. (Strange if you ask me cause I nap whenever I feel like it) This typing thing I must say I’m finding it difficult enough, not having opposable thumb’s but I reckon I’ll get this initial blog, (I think I’ve heard them call it that), done before they wake to make my breakfast. Before I go on, I suppose I’d better introduce myself, my name is Doris, and …

Happy 4th Birthday Pedigree Dogs !

Following hot on the heels of my own birthday comes the birthday of the Pedigree Dogs web site. I suppose in dog years we are nearly the same age. One of the funniest birthday cards I got this year was from a very good friend in West Cork. The inside of the card read: " Hope your birthday is full of simple pleasures " The outside of the card is as per the above picture. I think it sums up our dogs completely, as they don't ask for much from us to be completely happy, and if we provide them with life's simple pleasures, they reward us with as much unconditional love as we can take. Kind of sums up why we set this web site up in the first place. Anyway, 4 years down, here's to the next 4 ! Now all sing together "Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, I saw a big golden dog, and he was having a ...."

The Irish Japanese Spitz Association update on Muscular Dystrophy

Following on from this blog kindly sent to us by The Irish Japanese Spitz Association, here's an update on Muscular Dystrophy in Japanese Spitz A new genetic test for muscular dystrophy in the Japanese Spitz: A minimally invasive genetic test using oral saliva swabs has now been developed in UCD. The new genetic test should assist us in identifying affected animals before clinical presentation and also permits carriers to be identified. It should therefore help eliminate the disease from future Japanese Spitz dogs. Registration certificates, pedigrees and microchip numbers are collected with oral saliva swabs from Japanese Spitz dogs. Once saliva is collected, the DNA is extracted and PCR amplification of the DNA is carried out using specific primers for the mutation.So far a total of 64 Japanese Spitz dogs bred in Ireland have been tested. From those, three female carrier dogs were identified. One adult male affected dog was also identified. The affected male is no…

Doris Dachshund’s Agony Aunt / Blog

OK OK since you all asked, here's a page with a list of my replies to all the dogs that have written in to me since I started this column as well as a few blogs thrown in for good measure.... Hello is there anybody out there Bundy’s 2 minutes of joy & the lifelong commitment ! Hope Springs for Jack the Lab ! Crufts – Annie go have some fun ! Enemy at the gate Nancy's Nip & Tuck Dangerous Dogs as a result of irresponsible owners Cuca the Cocker calling from Lisbon A picture paints a thousand words My name is Sammie, not Hannibal Lecter ! Don’t become a Roley Poley Polly ! Doris Day’s in the Summer Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened ! Looking forward to hearing from you Doris Dachshund Email: [email protected]

Golden Retriever pups for sale

Golden Retrievers - If you are looking for a Golden Retriever from a reputable Golden Retriever Breeder check out our classified section. If you still can't find what you are looking for send us an email & we will put you in touch with a Golden Retriever owner / breeder. Golden Retriever Dog Breed Video

Boxers – Featured Kennel – Kilmacud

Name of Kennel / Prefix / Affix: Kilmacud What age were you and how did you become involved in the world of Dogs ? 12 years old What Breeds of Dogs have you had over the years ? Boxers What Breeds of Dogs have you got now ? Boxers What would you consider to be your main Breed and the one people associate you with? Boxers What attracted you to this breed ? Their full of life fun character and their beautiful expression What advice would you offer to anybody that is interested in becoming an owner of this Breed ? Contact your local breed club to find a reputable breeder. Ensure that both parents of your pup are health tested especially heart scored clear. Buy some books about the breed and have everything ready for the pups arrival. I would definitely recommend crate training for your Boxer puppy. Does the Breed have any specific requirements by way of exercise & grooming ? Requires a good deal of exercise Does the Breed have any specific health tests that…

Labrador Breeders in Ireland

This morning we received a phone call from an Irish person living in Switzerland that is interested in becoming the owner of a Labrador pup. The person travels back to Ireland on a regular enough basis and would prefer to source a reputable breeder here rather than try in Switzerland due to the language barrier etc, etc. They came aware of our web site through a google search that led them to this article we posted on our blog nearly 2 years ago about how to source a reputable breeder of Labrador Retrievers. We did of course point them in the direction of our classified section as there is a lovely litter of Labrador's advertised at the moment & also gave them a few other contacts. In time we hope that our breeders tab will be utilized by people who's moral compass is pointing in the same direction as ours, and that people like this person today can search the same with confidence and find a reputable breeder of the dog breed they have become interested in. I…

Dog Breed Village Pet Expo 2013

So that's it for another year. The Dog Breed Village as part of Pet Expo held last week end in the RDS Dublin, was, even if I say so myself, a great success. Now obviously I am not taking the credit for this, I'm just the puppet master, not that the breed village representatives are puppets...No, start again, I'm just the organ grinder not the monkey.. Maybe I should stop digging myself a hole ! What I'm trying to say is, that without the dedication that the breed village representatives display towards their breed, & as a result, responsible dog ownership in general, there would be no dog breed village. Then there would be no success when it comes to getting our message across to the huge amount of visitors that came to the 2 day event, about the right way to go about researching a breed & then a responsible, reputable breeder. Somebody once said to me that we are just custodians of our breed, and hopefully we hand it on to the next generations in the sa…

Italian Spinone – Featured Kennel – Colheath

Name of Kennel / Prefix / Affix: Colheath What age were you and how did you become involved in the world of Dogs? Eight years old.Dad bred English Cocker Spaniels & Grandparents bred Old English Sheepdogs What Breeds of Dogs have you had over the years? Cocker Spaniel, Doberman, German Shepherd, English Setter, Italian Spinone What Breeds of Dogs have you got now? Italian Spinone What would you consider to be your main Breed and the one people associate you with? Italian Spinone. What attracted you to this breed ? Initially their appearance which is very soft and gentle and this also proved to be a typical indication of their nature. What advice would you offer to anybody that is interested in becoming an owner of this Breed? Make sure all health tests have been undertaken and go to a reputable breeder. Spinoni love people/children/other animals and will be destructive and unhappy if left for hours alone. This breed needs to be part of your family don’t buy one…

Rhodesian Ridgeback – Featured Kennel – Rocksham

Name of Kennel / Prefix / Affix: Rocksham What age were you and how did you become involved in the world of Dogs? Came into the 'World of Dogs' in our late twenties but have had dogs at home all our lives. What Breeds of Dogs have you had over the years? Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Basenjis, Tibetan Spaniels, Cirneco Del Etnas and Miniature Long Dachshund What Breeds of Dogs have you got now ? Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Basenjis, Cirneco Del Etnas What would you consider to be your main Breed and the one people associate you with? Rhodesian Ridgebacks What attracted you to this breed ? Seeking out a large breed of dog to help with getting back into exercise after illness, which had halted my time as an International Athlete, I by chance came across this breed of 'Red Dog' and it ticked all the boxes from the point of view of looks etc, having lived with this breed for now coming on 30 years we have found it to have so much more than just looks. It is the most rewarding of breed…

Parson Russell Terriers – Featured Kennel – Kachru

Name of Kennel / Prefix / Affix: Kachru What age were you and how did you become involved in the world of dogs ? I can’t remember a time growing up that we did not have a dog at home but I got my first own Pedigree dog at 10 years old, a Yorkshire Terrier named Tina. I took her to local shows and as the saying goes, "I got bitten by the bug" What Breeds of Dogs have you had over the years ? Yorkshire terrier, Rottweiler’s, Mastiffs , Dogue De Bordeaux , Miniature Pinchers, Doberman, Akita Inu, Parsons Russell Terriers, Miniature Bull Terriers, Pomeranian and Lurchers. What Breeds of Dogs have you got now ? Parson Russell Terriers, Doberman, Miniature Bull Terrier, Miniature Pinchers and a lurcher . What would you consider to be your main Breed and the one people associate you with? Parson Russell Terrier What attracted you to this breed ? I wanted a active small dog that would fit well in to my family life and also get on with my other dogs and the kids. I felt afte…

Breeder Tab – Reputable Dog Breeders in Ireland

As Meatloaf has sang many times before, " I would do anything for love, but I wont do that" Well I think it's common knowledge as we fastly approach our 4th year live on the world wide web that the team here behind Pedigree Dogs love dogs. That's why we are constantly striving to make our web site " The registered web site for Dogs in Ireland " the place to visit if you are serious about becoming the life long owner of a well bred pedigree dog from a reputable owner / breeder. There has been an awful lot to learn about life online since our start date, some of which we summed up on the blog Health Tested Pedigree Dogs & Google Now we are delighted to announce the latest update / improvement on our site. We have added a Breeders Tab Visitors to Pedigree Dogs are growing day by day, month by month, and the more visits the site gets, the more emails we get from people that consider it to be a trusted resource & respected web site, looking for a particu…

Chows – Featured Kennel – Chowlee’s Chows

Name of Kennel / Prefix/ Chowlee’s Chows What age were you and how did you become involved in the world of Dogs? Well we have had dogs all my life but I actively started showing dogs in 2010 What Breeds of Dogs have you had over the years? We have had mongrels rescues Collies Cavaliers Labradors Cocker Spaniels and American Cocker Spaniels and now Chow chows What Breeds of Dogs have you got now? I have a Cavalier and 2 Chow chows What would you consider to be your main Breed and the one people associate you with? Chow chows What attracted you to this breed? The teddy bear look and the scrunched up faces with theses intriguing eyes. What advice would you offer to anybody that is interested in becoming an owner of this Breed? Research research research is this dog for you? If it is someone that is looking for walking companion or a dog to play fetch with I’m afraid the majority will ignore I have been know to have rang home and said please collect they have had eno…

Dog Breed Village Pet Expo 2013

As George Doors was always asked, "What's the scores George Doors ?" Well the scores are finally in for this years Dog Breed Village which has now become an integral part of Pet Expo which is being held in the RDS on the 16th & 17th of November. Visitors to the show will be able to see up close & personal the following dog breeds & talk to some of the most respected owner / breeders of their breed in Ireland. This as well as all the other aspects of Pet Expo make this as show that is unrivalled in Ireland & one that anybody thinking of buying or adopting a dog would be mad to miss out on. Black Russian Terrier Leonberger Club Saint Bernard Emerald Isle Newfoundland Club Rhodesian Ridgeback Basenji Irish Terrier Shar Pei Bracco Italiano Australian Shepherd Saluki Club Of Ireland Italian Spinone Club Of Ireland German Spitz Club of Ireland (Klein / Mittles) The Border Terrier Club Of Ireland Dogue De Bordeaux Club Ireland Alaskan Malamut…

Irish Terrier – Featured Kennel – Inisfire

Name of Kennel / Prefix / Affix: Inisfire Kennels What age were you and how did you become involved in the world of Dogs? I always had dogs at home What Breeds of Dogs have you had over the years ? Golden Labrador, Kerry Blue, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Jack Russell What Breeds of Dogs have you got now ? Irish Terrier What would you consider to be your main Breed & the one people associate you with ? The Irish Terrier What attracted you to this breed ? Terrier facial expression and medium sized dog What advice would you offer to anybody that is interested in becoming an owner of this Breed ? Treat the dog as a family member for life Does the Breed have any specific requirements by way of exercise & grooming ? Minimum effort required, daily short walks. The coat should be hand stripped 4 times a year. Combed or brushed every 2 days as this keeps the coat healthy and it keeps a close bonding with your dog. Does the Breed have any specific health tests …

Pyrenean Mountain dogs – Featured Kennel – Warneton Pyrenean Mountain dogs

Name of Kennel / Prefix / Affix: Warneton Pyrenean Mountain dogs What age were you and how did you become involved in the world of Dogs ? As long as I can remember we used to have dogs What Breeds of Dogs have you had over the years ? Labradors, Cavalier King Charles, Pyrenean Mountain dogs (Pyrs) What Breeds of Dogs have you got now ? Pyrenean Mountain Dogs & Gos d’Atura Catala What would you consider to be your main Breed and the one people associate you with? Pyrenean Mountain dogs What attracted you to this breed ? Their look,as majestic as the mountains that give them their name - massive, beautiful and with tremendous elegance. With their glorious white coats and regal presence, Pyrs are a distinctive breed. What advice would you offer to anybody that is interested in becoming an owner of this Breed ? Pyrenean Mountain Dogs are highly intelligent but do have a stubborn streak which can lead to problems if the handler is not consistent and loving. They mus…

Celtic Link Ferries – Dogs Travel FREE !

The team here at Pedigree Dogs are delighted to welcome on board (excuse the pun) Celtic Link Ferries as one of our sponsored advertisers. Celtic Link Ferries came across our web site through a Google search, and we are delighted that this Irish owned ferry company viewed our site as a perfect place to advertise their FREE service for dogs travelling from Ireland to France and vice versa. Yes you read that right, Celtic Link Ferries DO NOT CHARGE any fee for travelling dogs on their 3 return sailings every week between the ports of Rosslare, Ireland & Cherbourg France. Not only does this represent a potential saving of between € 80.00 & €140.00 on a return trip depending on the size of your dog(s), compared to the likes of Irish Ferries but you and your dog will be travelling in style on the newest & fastest vessel sailing between these ports. A Van / Car & 1 driver AND your dogs can travel one way for as little as € 99.00 Now if that's not enough…

Pet Sitters Our Doris is Cool with that !

Last week I was lucky enough to get out of the country on a few days holidays, 8 months since we last left our dogs for an overnight. Doris our eldest dog is fast approaching her 12th birthday and as I have blogged here before turned diabetic over 2 years ago. This had quite a large impact more so on our lives, as we wanted to keep Doris to the routine & schedule that she is used to. Routine is paramount in the life of a diabetic dog. It goes without saying that we adore our 4 dogs, but as much as they are a massive part of our lives there are things you want to do with yours that it’s just not possible to do with them. Catching 5 days in Porto,Portugal would be one of them. In the past we have kenneled our dogs, probably once or twice per year, and like when it comes to choosing a vet, didn’t just settle on the first one we came across, or the closest to where we were living / departing from. This has changed since Doris turned diabetic. At first we co…

DOGS ARE THE BEST THERAPY!

Irish Therapy Dogs? - what is all this about I thought, when I was at the Dublin Pet Expo show a couple of years ago. Now, as an Irish Therapy Dog volunteer, I have found the ideal job with Rusty, my Irish Terrier. Rusty came into my life four years ago when I adopted him from a dog rescue centre. He was 5 years old at the time, and had only known life outdoors in a back yard and had little human contact.. Indeed, he didn't want to step inside my home when he first arrived, but soon revealed his kind and loving nature. I contacted the Irish Therapy Dog charity and within a few weeks of application, Rusty and I were approved to begin visiting in Clonakilty at the local Mount Carmel Hospital. We spend between 3 to 4 hours once a week, and the joy that Rusty brings to the patients and people in respite care is a pleasure to see. The nurses call out "Rusty is coming!" when we arrive, and he steps out smartly in his Irish Therapy Dog uniform (jacket, collar and lead) and knows ex…

Connacht Pet Show & Family Fun Day

The Connacht Pet Show & Family Fun Day is taking place in the Royal Theatre Castlebar on Sunday 21st July. The event is a fundraiser for the local SPCA who work tirelessly and voluntarily to rescue, rehabilitate and pay for all veterinary treatment for abused, cruelly treated and abandoned animals. The day will consist of a Novelty Dog Show, small animal pet farm, information on Pet Responsibility and lots of exhibitors with pet products, pet accessories, crafts, and much more! There will be face painting and a bouncy castle for the kids and the Connacht Football Final will be on in the Family Cafe, so the day is guaranteed to keep all members of the family happy. We would be delighted to have a display of Pedigree Dogs taking part on the day, to showcase the wide varieties of Dog breeds there are available. If you have any questions please contact Léon (083) 1381331 or email [email protected]

Your Dog hanging over the mantle piece

We are delighted to welcome on board as one of our sponsored advertisers Perpetual Portraits Gillian, the creative director behind these works of art has been kind enough to offer Pedigree Dogs a FREE portrait that a lucky friend & follower of the site will be lucky enough to win. All you have to do is like this post & share it with your friends on Facebook, then email us a picture of your dog to [email protected] and we will place it in an album on our Facebook page. Then on the 30th June the picture that has received the most likes will be the winner of this fantastic prize. Here's a small bio on Gillian. We think she has a real talent and are delighted that she has decided to share it with us. "I have always drawn and painted, and have always loved animals, so animals have often been the main subject of my art. After lots of pet portrait requests from friends and family, I finally decided to become a full time pet p…

Health Tested Pedigree Dogs & Google

A suggestion that has been made to us here at Pedigree dogs a few times since we started is why not only allow dogs to be advertised that have had all the breed specific health tests done. It's a valid point, and in time something that we would love to be able to implement. After working on the site for the last 3 years, I've learned quite a bit about web sites and how difficult it is to drive traffic to them. Things that Google take into consideration when returning their results when somebody searches is how popular a particular site is, how many people visit it each day, how long do they spend on the site, and do they only look at the first page they land on and then bounce off to another site, or do they stay and check out your site, checking out more than 1 page, and clocking up valuable time on your site, which Google then interpret as a good match to the person's search term, etc, etc. So let's take a look at the very popular web sites in Ireland that carry a do…