THE IRISH DOG JOURNAL returns

by woofer Mon Oct 05, 2009 19:11

THE first person who presented himself to cast their vote on the Aran Islands this week was a dog, it has emerged.

The border collie named Roger was brought along to the polling station at Scoil Eanna by its owner, who presented a valid polling card in the dog's name.

His owner Seanin Mac Dhonnchadha said that he got the surprise of his life when his 12-year-old sheepdog received the polling card."

http://newsfromireland-quirkynews.blogspot.com/2009/10/....html

by Basset Hound - Dogs and Initiative Wed Nov 25, 2009 17:33

The Irish Dog Journal back in circulation but on the web this time.

Good to hear that Rupert the dog was the first to vote on the Aran Islands the last time around.

What a joy an animal can be. Living as I do in an apartment complex, animals are rare in the environs. Last night my partner was taking our canine friend for his late night walk. They passed into the hall and our dog stopped and scented as they do. My partner turned around. We had a new phone entry system put in leaving an uninhabited space. To our surprise, inside was the neighbourhood cat, yes, cosy from the heat from the new system. My partner called me. I came down and the cat as relaxed as could be stared out at us and a our infuriated dog. I lifted the cat and put him down and the well fed suave feline walked through the hall door and looked at each apartment doorway to see if he could gain access and no doubt find some comfort.

People love animals and it is surprising the number of souls who daily come and feed the cats, birds -- in a silent way in our communties.

Christmas is coming and the news this year bodes much economic discontent and hardship for people and animals to.

Spare a thought for the healing powers of cats and dogs.

Continual studies now find that animals play a role in improving the physical, psychological, spiritual, emotional well-being of people of all ages.

The good news for our elderly people is that a new pet-fostering initiative has been put in place by the Dublin SPCA and Home Instead Senior Care. This is about bringing companionship to older people and removing the burdens involved with full-time ownership of a pet.

Think about fostering an dog first rather than buy a cute little puppy that you feel you can discard when they no longer appeal to you or the children.

by Pooch - ARAN Animal Rights Rally Thu Dec 03, 2009 16:07

The website given for the dog journal is really interesting and worth consulting. Even the adverts are of interest!!!

For details of Sunday March look to events on Indymedia site.

For people thinking of buying a dog for Christmas Present, it is worth looking at the array of websites about dogs and if in doubt, it is worth considering the fostering of a dog for a period of time.

Pooch (a rescue dog and now a companion dog)

by Shitzu - Shame to the Minister of Justice Tue Dec 08, 2009 17:08

How could this happen?

A 'shook' man with deep emotion in his voice was broadcast today to the Nation about his experience having been taken from Dundalk (Minister Ahern's area) to Mountjoy prison because he forgot to pay a 350 euro fine for a dog licence reminder. This man's basic right to freedom was taken from him by our State to punish him for failure to pay for a dog licence.

The humility of the man is worth considering. He was not a man shouting about the injustice he suffered but a man telling his story....

This man explained that his Shitzu Dog called NIMO was given to him by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. His failure to pay was more an oversight that could happen to any human being.

The man spoke about loneliness and the reason he got the dog. He spoke about the dog being his best friend as most dog lovers and cat lovers will empathise with.

Does the Government not grasp the importance of dogs to people who may be vulnerable in Ireland. These dogs often are companion dogs who guide and assist people to cope with their often isolationary lives through illness, old age or otherwise.

Our former Taoiseach Mr. Bertie Ahern has often acknowledged his preference and belief in animal support. He was interviewed recently and he mentioned about the character trait of upholding confidences while at the same time mentioning his cat called Ben. In another interview he spoke of his liking as a young man for the song 'There once was a doggie in the window"

E12.50 is a token licence fee but surely if you charge for a dog, there must be a charge for a cat, a pet mouse or whatever.

How could a man have been put in a prison. He gave a description of his treatment but I missed the details. I hope somebody can enlighten us before the budget!!!! (Also we should note that Ireland has a high rate of termination of unwanted animals viz a viz the rest of Europe - shame on us)

by Dogsbody Tue Dec 08, 2009 22:37

just people who don't pay fines, tv licences or dog licences. Its a crazy society we are living in.

by Beagle - Companion Dog Mon Apr 30, 2012 14:55

Economic growth is what they tell us they want. They say shops are paying inordinate rents and as for rates they are prohibitive and legislation change is needed to stop the upward only clause.

But what about the simple things in life.

What about a little understanding and tolerance?

Last week's Sunday Times featured the story about one homeless drug addict man and a @bobcat (twitter) who became his friend, guardian, mentor, This ginger cat is now featured in a book and both are to be found signing books (paw prints) at bookshops such as Waterstones.

What is so lovely is that the Cat and his friend can go to cafes and are welcome. You see, the English and the Europeans have a healthy reaction and love for their animals.

Alas Ireland falls behind on this. There is no creativity. A little discretion should allow people who enjoy gathering at coffee shops bring their dogs along too. Stop hiding behind rules and regulations that are so often cited and God alone knows if they even exist. A person who is blind, the dog illustrates the fact but what about the person with mental illness - this is the silent condition but the dog is most probably equally essential to their participation in society.

Be friendly, Be kind. Be creative.

Mexico have paved the way of invention for those who bark so much about Poop. They collect it and in return you get wi-fi energy!

Beagle Baggot Street Upper Village in support of his canine friend!