Column: Pausing to appreciate our beloved canine companions for World Dog Day

World Dog Day was marked on Monday, and it comes at a time when rescue charities and dog pounds are still overwhelmed by ‘lockdown puppies’ being surrendered by people who no longer have time to care for them. 

For many of us, having a dog in our lives is a privilege; they are our constant companions, showering us with unconditional love. 

While the work and commitment involved in keeping a pet healthy and happy is not to be underestimated, the rewards are huge. From improving emotional well-being  to giving us reasons to get out in the fresh air, there is no end to the health benefits of having a dog. 

The last census showed that more than half (52%) of the households in Ireland include at least one pet. Of the respondents who were pet owners, 87% said that it had a positive impact on their health and well-being. 

Our dog came into our lives not long after we had a major bereavement in the house. We were fractured, each coping as best we could in our own way.

I had a bit of a scare when I got up one morning to find that the lid had been taken off my oil tank overnight. The tank had been empty at the time, so there was no theft. But the fact that someone had come round the back of the house to look shook me badly. I suddenly felt more vulnerable than I ever had in my life. 

The idea of getting a dog took hold, but I was still at a stage where it was taking everything I had in me to get from one end of the day to the other. I was exhausted even at the thought of having a puppy in the house, a ball of energy that needed training and cleaning up after.

However, shortly after the oil tank incident, I saw a programme on television which I think was called Crufts for Mutts. The title speaks for itself - there were no Best of Breed categories. This was a chance for dogs to shine simply for their personalities and companionship, which after all is why we have them. 

There was one particular dog and owner whose story really stuck with me. It was a young woman who had been in a very dark place in her life and could see no way forward. On the verge of suicide, she came across a stray, frightened dog in poor condition. After attempts to find its owner failed, she nurtured it with the support of a local charity, and it became her reason to live. 

Fast forward a few years, and both dog and owner were clearly full of the joys of life, and full of love for each other.

I don’t know why I hadn’t really given much thought to getting a rescue dog before that. Perhaps it was the fear of the unknown history of the dog. But suddenly, it felt like exactly what our home needed. 

I went to the dog pound and had a really good chat with a member of staff, explaining our family circumstances and that I needed a dog to already be fully trained. 

I thought I might have come across as being overly demanding, but I know now that it is good to be clear on what you want and more importantly, on what you can manage.

There were plenty of dogs in the pound at the time, but the man I spoke to said he felt that none of them were what I needed. We were in agreement  that taking one home just for the sake of it would be a bad idea.

I kept an eye on the dogs coming in over the next month or two, and one day there was a lovely Labrador on the pound’s Facebook page. I immediately rang and left a message, even though it was out of hours. 

I got a call back the next morning, and off I went to Letterkenny with the children, having warned them that we were only going for a look to see if she was right for us. 

As soon as we saw her, there was no doubt that she was the perfect dog for our family, and she seemed equally happy with us. Affectionate but not boisterous, she was well-trained and absolutely adorable. 

More than seven years later, she continues to bring a lot of love into our home. She gets us out for walks, she makes us smile every day, she enriches our lives in more ways than could ever be listed here. 

If you own a pet, you will know exactly what I mean. From the comfort of a purring cat falling asleep on your lap to the joy of seeing your dog beside itself  with excitement just because you have come through the door, they really improve your mood and overall well being. 

Of course getting a pet is not a decision to be taken lightly, and it is something that needs to be discussed with everyone in the house.

But if you are thinking about it, take time to chat to local rescue organisations and see if you can find your perfect match there. Responsible rescues will work with you to ensure that you and the pet are a good fit for each other.

Wherever you get your dog, be it from a rescue charity, a breeder, a relative or family friend, if you are prepared to give them the love and attention they deserve, the rewards will be abundant and immeasurable.