You may remember our young boy Hatfield who arrived as a stray at only 8 months old. We did an appeal for him looking for a foster or forever home and he didn't receive any applications. We were bewildered as he was the sweetest, kindest, easiest, lovable most chilled out boy, so we did a post asking why people thought Sighthounds struggled more than other breeds to find homes here in Ireland and we also asked those who already owned by a sighthound to share their experience of living with them, which you did in abundance, thank you.
Clare, pictured, is no stranger to GalwaySPCA nor is she a stranger to the wonderful qualities sighthounds have. Clare has adopted twice from us and both were lurchers but, this time round with her little sidekick Tavish the terrier growing older, she really thought a smaller dog similar in size to Tavish would work better so she applied for one of our smaller dogs. Our kennel manager, however, wasn't convinced but went ahead and arranged for Clare, her partner Dave and, of course, Tavish to come for a visit to meet said small dog but also told Clare that she had the "perfect dog" for them to meet also.
The small dog viewing went OK but our kennel manager knew that she was about to produce her ace card with her "perfect dog match".
Enter Hatfield. Fair play to Tavish, having already lived with 2 lurchers, he was in full agreement with our Kennel Manager. He was much happier to have Hatfield by his side as they headed off around our fields together and with Hatfield following Tavishs every move being playful but respectful of his new little friend. Tavish seemed to sense that Hatfield was young and at times unsure and seemed to delight in, once again, having to play the big brother/protector role to another long legged friend.
Clare was, once again, won over by a Sighthound as was her partner Dave who was new to the breed and we left them to chat together. Tavish and our kennel manager secretly "high fived" knowing it was a done deal.
Of course it was!
We hear that Hatfield has settled in just as wonderfully as expected. He loves being a forever dog in his forever home. He loves his new Mum and Dad but most of all he loves his little, somewhat opinionated, greying older brother Tavish who equally loves Hatfield back.
We are, as always, forever grateful to everyone who chooses to adopt one of our amazing dogs but especially those who choose to adopt the more "overlooked".
Way to oo Tavish, we couldn't have done it without you!!
We wish you all many happy years together.
