We are delighted to bring you the news that our first lurcher baby flew the nest last week.
Orca was born in our sanctuary on the 28th June 2024 to mum Sushi who went in to give birth to 15 pups in total (sadly 2 died at birth and one at 2 days old).
He continued to grow but while he may have been by far the biggest pup, he was also the softest and goofiest. He was never involved in the sibling fights (and there were/are plenty) preferring to lollop around doing his own thing often getting himself stuck in corners, under beds and quite fully able to work out how to get out!! Like his siblings, Orca was supplemented with the bottle in the early days, then fed 5 times a day from 4 weeks old and it is thanks to our amazing, dedicated kennel team that this day finally came.
Glynn and Lisa had adopted from us over 10 years ago. A very nervous, shy but beautiful foxhound boy called Piper who sadly passed away from cancer.
They now have Bobby who they adopted from our friends at MADRA - Mutts Anonymous Dog Rescue and Adoption and when they sent in an application for one of our lurcher pups (they had no preference) we knew Orca would be the perfect match not just for them but for 10 year old Bobby too.
So last Thursday we waved our goodbyes to the first of our lurcher babies as he started his journey back to the mountains in Connemara with his new family.
We hear that Orca, who is keeping his name, has settled in amazingly well. He has met the cats, sheep, goats and chickens and while a little confused as to why these new friends have wool and feathers, he loves them all. He has also taken to harness and lead training as though he has been on one all his short life and Glynn and Lisa are besotted with him. As it should be.
We are truly grateful to Glynn and Lisa for opening up their home and hearts to not just one of our pups but especially a lurcher pup as they remain the most common dog standing in rescue kennels all across Ireland.
We are so excited to be able to watch Orcas journey as he continues to blossom and grow.
