Long considered his best friend, the dog has been man’s reliable and trustworthy companion down through the ages. These social creatures have the same ideas of friendship as us and dog owners often see their pets as established members of the family. ‘NewsFour’ went down to Sandymount Strand to meet some owners and their dogs.

Among them was Lucky the daschund, who after eating fibre glass during house renovations nearly destroyed his intestines. He came through surgery living up to his name to wag the tail. Or Toby, a young puppy who, according to his owner Colette, has at present a gift for creating a lot of small soft brown packages. (Colette called him a “shit machine”, but we couldn’t print that.)

There was Ivan, the Keeshond, and camera-shy Cara, a Lurcher, a dog type originally bred by Irish travellers in the 17th century for poaching rabbits and other small animals. And Derek and his faithful companion Vela, who together have braved rough seas in Dublin Bay. Lastly Jake, a boisterous but genial mongrel who was throughly enjoying the water that day.

Thanks to all the owners who took time off their walks to talk and a quiet reminder to all dog owners that once your dog has done its natural business, it’s important that you do yours and tidy up after it. Let’s all try to keep Sandymount Strand dog poo-free.

Doggie do’s and don’ts
1. Be aware that keeping a dog costs money. There may will be expensive trips to the vet so possibly look into pet insurance.
2. Be strict over your dog’s misbehaviour. If you aren’t they will continue behaving that way. Be patient but firm.
3. Dogs like routine. Meals and walks should be consistent and a dog likes to sleep in the same place each night. Dull maybe for you but comforting for a dog.
4. For your dog to lead a healthy life free from illness, means ensuring they have plenty of excercise and a healthy diet. Table scraps only on special occasions, not everyday.
5. Puppies love to chew things and will chew anything. Buy a variety of proper chew toys from your local pet shop. Be alert to them chewing on electrical cords as well.

Vivienne Myles with Cara and Ivan.
Cara is my own dog and is a mixed-breed lurcher, she’s eight and half years old. Ivan is a friend’s dog and is about five years old. He’s a Keeshond. They’re betterknown as Dutch Barge Dogs. A long time ago they were used as guards dogs and companions to riverboat captains who worked along the canals in Holland.

Colette Ward with Toby.
Toby was born on the 12th of January so that makes him five months old. He’s our family’s first dog in a while. My daughter bought him with her confirmation money. She wanted a dog badly so eventually I gave in. We chose the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel because they’re so niceand cute. My husband would have liked aboxer but they’re too big!

Paul with Jake.
Jake is nine year old mongrel. He’s a mixed-breed, half collie, half labrador. He’s an energetic dog and has plenty of vigour for his age. We’re enjoying the walk today and have been down for a swim in the sea. We’ve both worked up a good appetite. Jake here loves nothing better than getting his paws wet.

Phil Noonan with Lucky.
Lucky is a dachshund and turned eight in April. She’s a real family dog, a lap dog really. She’s part of the family and the kids love her. She likes to sit in the lap all the time, like a baby. The breed is very good with children but they have lots of problems with their backs because they’re so long, so you have to be careful with them jumping.

Derek Murphy with Vela (left) and John Graham with Chubby.
Chubby’s a little terrier and is four years old, and Vela is a Labrador and she’s two years old. I named Vela after the constellation in the Eastern hemisphere. Vela’s deeds are legendary. She sails with me on the boat and I kayak with her. She’s an ideal dog for getting you out and about and she’s very therapeutic. She swims all year round so she’s tough as well.