Did we ever tell ye that we love dogs? We did? Oh. Ok. Well, we’re telling ye again then…we do love ‘em, so we do. Cats…not so much. No offense cat lovers.

This is ‘Suzy’, an adorable springer spaniel who came along on a family shoot last year. She’s waiting for a stick to be thrown into the water. Suzy loves to swim.

This is ‘Lita Dogeen’, the most loyal little terrier companion anyone could wish for. On Sunday, poor old Lita went off to the Happy Hunting Ground where dogeens go after they leave us. Hope there’s loads of rabbits and stuff up there for chasing Lita. Go get ‘em girl!

And this is the mighty ‘Kuno’ who was rescued from Madra. As you can see, he landed on his feet paws in his new home. Happy doggy days. They do fantastic work at Madra by the way. Google them if you’ve got some doggy love to give.

Then there’s Maj, who loves dogeens sooooo much that she actually went out and bought one. Imagine. Now, Lola did warn her that dogs are not just for Christmas (or just for taking photos of!). But did Maj listen? Of course not. Stubborn Maj went and bought one anyway. Not just any dog either. Oh no. She couldn’t have bought a nice, quiet, chilled-out Labrador could she? Not at all. She had to get a Hungarian Vizsla. Nothing else would do her.

And so arrived Peig. Altogether now…Naaaaaw!

Doesn’t she look like the picture of canine cuteness?

Ha! Don’t be fooled by those puppy dog eyes and cutesy ears people. She is…how can we put this, erm…an…”experience”. Still. Nobody could ever say she lacks personality. Hmmm. That’s a good thing…right?

However. She does photograph rather fabulously (even in fancy dress!). Ok. Don’t hate me for the santa suit. Let’s just put it down to a moment of madness *ahem*.

She LOVES people. Like seriously loves people. Her affectionate nature can be a wee bit over powering at times but it’s hard to fault her for that. She is relentless in her attempts to wriggle her way onto your lap. In her head there is no doubt whatsoever that she is a lapdog. She even loves the vet! No, really, she does. Well it would be hard not to like Tom Rennick. He’s the bestest vet ever (seriously, ask Peig). Anybody around the Tuam area who’s looking for a good one, we couldn’t recommend him highly enough.

The Vizsla is often referred to as the “velcro” dog as they want to be close to their humans all the time. That can be endearing…mostly. The “Ginger Ninja” is another term which suits them rather well we think. Peig loves to run. Bringing her for a “walk” wouldn’t really satisfy her energy levels. She needs to run. A lot. So if you don’t have an active lifestyle or live in a city, do not get a Vizsla. If you do love the outdoors though, then they are an excellent companion and a joy to watch. They’re so athletic and elegant in their movements.

Ideally they should be made to do what they were bred for, which is to be a working gundog. Maj doesn’t have her gun license though (yet). However, as Lola was quick to point out, she does have Hunter wellies! Mind you that probably doesn’t count…

If you like to play fetch with your dog, you won’t find a keener “fetcher”. Peig adores bringing things back to you. She’ll race enthusiastically back and forth after anything you care to throw.

Non dog-lovers just wouldn’t get it that you might want nice photos of your dog. And that you might even bring in a professional to take some! But *ssshhhhhh* we won’t tell them. We just wanted you to know that we think that’s a perfectly cool thing to do. In case ye ever wondered like.