There is nothing that makes our day more here at PAWS, then a dog getting adopted into their forever homes and getting updates on them and how they are settling into life as an adopted rescue dog. Late last year, an adorable springer spaniel girly was surrendered into PAWS’ care as her older owner wasn’t able to keep up with her and he felt she would be better suited to another home.
Holly was a cheeky spaniel, full of fun and almost immediately had everyone laughing at her antics while she kept getting distracted trying to chase her own long ears when they flopped into her view. She was a sweet girl in need of a special home.
Spaniels, especially springers, are renowned goofballs and can often pick up peculiar habits, like Holly chasing her own ears, that bring smiles to people’s faces. They also make great family dogs. However, as they are a gundog breed, they can be very, very high energy and thrive on being given jobs and tasks to complete. They must be kept both mentally and physically stimulated with lots of outdoor activity as if they are left to entertain themselves or get bored, like many dogs, it can result in developing unwanted behaviours like chewing habits or ill manners. This is why, at PAWS, we always try and raise awareness of the importance of matching a dog’s breed and personality to a potential new owner’s. We do this by highlighting dogs’ breed traits or cross of breeds, activity levels, training needs, socialisation, adaptability to busy family life or in need of a more quiet home etc. While all dogs need a lifetime commitment and some training, some breeds have needs greater than others. For example, a border collie needs lots and lots of outdoor activity and excel at training games like agility, while retired greyhounds need much less exercise, usually 2 short walks a day and then they are happy to just lounge. If and when you are considering adopting a dog, be sure to do your own research on different dog breeds to help you get an idea of what kind of dog would best suit you and your family’s lifetsyle. Also, be sure to always talk to PAWS or another rescue centre or pound as there is always an abundance of dogs in Ireland looking for their forever home and there are dogs and puppies of all ages, shapes and sizes, even breeds you may consider unusual or rare.
We thought our Holly was going to be spending Christmas 2018 with us in PAWS, but then a lovely family got in contact with us saying they had seen our post about her on the PAWS facebook page and were eager to meet her. They even already had a springer spaniel lady of their own and were used to what it takes to keep a spaniel happy and content. They thought Holly would make a great friend for her. It was meant to be. It wasn’t long before we were saying goodbye to Holly as she set off to start her new life and settle into her new forever family just in time for Christmas. A few days ago, Holly’s new owners got in touch with us via facebook with the photo below attached and let us know how well she’s settling in. Our hearts burst. As they always do knowing a PAWS dog is doing so well and has found their home. It was a brilliant Christmas present for us to get. If you are interested in adopting a PAWS’ dog, please get in touch or call down to our kennels in Mullinahone, Co Tipperary between 2pm and 4pm Monday to Sunday. Our staff know each and every dog so well and we would be happy to talk through the kind of dog that would best suit your lifestyle anytime. Here’s to lots more adoptions like Holly’s in 2019.
