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Dr Mary McCaffrey of The Scotia Clinic in Tralee tells us about her two Saint Bernards, Spencer and Eevie…
Spencer and Eevie.
Why did you decide to get a dog?
Ever since I was really young I wanted a Saint Bernard from watching a programme called George on TV. As soon as I could afford to, I got my first Saint. They are such loyal friends.
Did you have family dogs when you were growing up?
We had a Jack Russell briefly! Big difference in size and temperament
When did you get the dogs?
Spencer came as a rescue on St Patrick’s Day last year, just as the first lockdown started. He was probably about six when we got him. He was just so nervous then.
Eevie came as a pedigree puppy and we planned to show and breed her. Sadly, she developed epilepsy at age two so all of that was abandoned. She didn’t enjoy being in the ring and it would be unethical to breed with epilepsy.
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Mary McCaffrey with her dogs Spencer and Eevie.
How did you come up with his/her name?
Our current two dogs are Eevie and Spencer. Spencer came with his name. Eevie sounded right for her.
Were they hard to toilet train?
Both were really easy to toilet train thankfully. Eevie came just before Christmas and I bribed my god daughter with monetary rewards to take on the task.
Does they sleep inside or outside?
Generally, they sleep indoors, but in the warm weather Eevie prefers to be out. Spencer prefers indoors.
What do they eat? Are they fussy eaters?
They both eat dog nuts as their main diet and are not fussy. They adore big marrow bones.
Spencer and Eevie.
Harness or lead?
Lead
Dog’s worst habit?
Eevie is obsessed with hunting for food since her epilepsy. Because of her height she can get her paws up on worktops to hunt for scraps. We have a baby gate but it doesn’t really work🙈
Spencer is an angel – no bad habits.
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Best thing about having them?
The joy of the greeting when I come home from work. They are amazing company. They love walks so it really encourages me to go out rain, hail or snow.
Long walks or short walks?
Eevie knows the word “walk” and goes into a state of complete excitement is she gets any clues one is coming up.
Because she was overweight, my sister introduced ‘Kennel to 5k’ at the first lockdown to knock the pounds off her. So most walks are an hour. We love beach walks best. But also woods like Ballyseede.
More surprising thing you learned, after getting a dog?
The first time I thought they slept all day and couldn’t escape from the garden! I quickly found that was not true. With Saints, the dribble and drool.
Would you let your dog sleep on your bed?
No
Do they dogs wear a coat/bandana or just a collar?
A collar and we have a selection of bandanas and bibs for occasions like Kerry GAA events.
Top tips for a new dog owner?
• Research your breed carefully and make sure it will work out.
• If you can rescue please do. We have had two rescues, it is so great to seem them leading their best new life.
• Always see the parents and how a puppy was reared.
• socialise early. We took our last 4 to classes so they learned to be around other dogs and people.
• Never EVER leave dogs and children without supervision. Dogs can get frightened and react inappropriately.
• Dogs involve work and commitment.
Mary McCaffrey with her dogs Spencer and Eevie.
How has having a dog had an effect on you and your family and why would you recommend getting a pet?
Dogs are just such great company. Their loyalty is just incredible. They do take work and you have to be prepared for that.
