Animal companions: ‘I would be totally lost without her’

Known for their loyalty and devotion, dogs are the favoured companion for 38 per cent of adults over 50 in Ireland, according to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing. That research was conducted in 2019, and it is suspected the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns have served to increase that percentage. Cats were the choice of one in five adults over 50 (21 per cent).

A side effect of the pandemic has been that it resulted in pets receiving more attention and indeed pampering — with sales of premium or “human grade” pet food increasing and stockists offering a more diverse and luxurious range. In fact, according to the New York Times, many over-indulged pooches across the pond, are now refusing to eat regular dog food due to their newly acquired expensive tastes.

This may be a step too far when it comes to indulging a family pet, but psychologist Peadar Maxwell says that the desire to “spoil” a pet is natural as they are hugely important in our lives and can be very beneficial to mental health. “The joy we experience when seeing the delight in an animal companion when we come in the door, suggest a walk or stop to play with them, is heartening to us all,” he says.

Dog owners, in particular, often find themselves chatting to new people because of their pet, while caring for an animal can add structure to the day which is very important in managing our emotional health

—  Psychologist Peadar Maxwell

“Animal companions are a boost to our mental and emotional wellbeing and they can also motivate us to exercise. They boost our mental health by providing companionship and even help with reducing anxiety — also having another being to take care of and having the distraction from our worries helps us greatly.

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“Dog owners, in particular, often find themselves chatting to new people because of their pet, while caring for an animal can add structure to the day which is very important in managing our emotional health; as the predictability feels safer for many of us. But, if you have made the decision that an animal is not for you because of your lifestyle, accommodation or finances, then you might consider sitting and watching birds in a park, observing animals in the field on a walk, or even getting involved in an animal shelter - as the dividends of knowing you are helping vulnerable animals is huge.”

The Wexford-based expert says it is important to only take on the responsibility of a pet if you know that you can take care of them properly.

With this in mind, we spoke to four pet owners in Ireland about how they spoil their four-legged friends and why they feel they are worth it.

Catherine O Keeffe lives in Dublin with her husband, three sons and a four-year-old cockapoo called Joy — “an utter dote” who spends her days basking in the sunshine, “chasing anything which moves” and enjoying walks. Loved by all the family, no amount of pampering is too much.

“Oh lord, she is utterly spoiled,” says the mother-of-three. “Firstly, her bed, which is in her favourite sunspot in the living room, is beyond comfy. She also has a bed in the kitchen but sleeps at the end of our bed — we had great intentions that she would sleep downstairs but that quickly went out the window. I try to limit [edible] treats as I know too many are not good for her but she loves them — and she also gets a nice fresh pack of food each week from the supermarket. But her all-time favourite food is natural yogurt and Kerry kefir.

“She is always getting rubs and cuddles from all of us and really loves the attention. She is such a key part of the family and adored by everyone — she’s the common thread which brings us all together. Pets, particularly dogs, give unconditional love, and I think that’s why they get so much pampering. Having Joy is like having a young toddler in the house who runs to the door when you get home and is always happy to see you.”

Another staff member, gives them biscuits every morning and they sit waiting by his van and won’t move until they get something

—  Stephen Lynch

Stephen Lynch from Waterford makes no bones about the fact his two four-year-old labradoodles, Dora and Rolo, are “super spoiled”. As he runs his own business, they accompany him to work and are lavished with attention from everyone they meet along the way.

“They have their own bed [in his workplace] and make a daily trip to the post office with Lyndsey from accounts to do the banking,” he says. “Vincent, another staff member, gives them biscuits every morning and they sit waiting by his van and won’t move until they get something. They have a two storey ‘Doggie Hotel’ complete with a balcony where they can see what’s going on outside and, as its located by the staff room, they constantly get human company and back at home, they have their own sofa in the kitchen and their own shower in the shed, complete with hot water. They don’t have a specific diet, but there are always some cooked chicken fillets in the fridge for them.

“They really do live their best lives — and some probably people think I’m a bit mad to treat them as I do, but they are really great company and companions. I think one has to have a dog to fully appreciate the joy they can bring. For me, dogs really make a house a home.”

Ber Mullins, who lives in Limerick with her husband Peter, also ensures that her dogs, Willow [a Cavachon] and Darla [a Cavapoochon] enjoy frequent sessions at the groomers. Not only does their care involve keeping their coats in top condition, but they also have a collection of fashionable accessories and a carefully curated diet.

“The dogs are ridiculously spoiled as they have a wardrobe of dog accessories,” she says. “They regularly get groomed ‘Asian Fusion’ style and I brush them every single day. We plan adventure days to the beach or to doggie festivals and take them on staycations at least twice a year and love trying out new dog-friendly hotels and cafes.

“They have a diet of amazing quality food and I plan their dinner menu better than I do the weekly food shop for ourselves. Although they are both crate-trained and have super soft pillows, my hubbie often lets them sneak into the bed for a cuddle.

Proving that it’s not just dogs who are spoilt by their owners, Andrea Campbell is devoted to her cat Belle, who she says has been a ‘guardian angel’

“But they give us so much unconditional love — the moment I come in the door after work and they run to greet me is one of my favourite things every day. I often get told that I spoil them too much but I think they deserve it and when people say stuff like “they’re just dogs” it makes me sad. They are a huge part of our family and they live short lives so I’ll make sure we make amazing memories with them while they are here with us.”

Proving that it’s not just dogs who are spoilt by their owners, Andrea Campbell is devoted to her cat Belle, who she says has been a “guardian angel” to her while she battled with Covid and its after effects. The domestic short-haired tabby is allergic to regular cat food, has her own bed (which she rarely uses) as well as a “kitty sofa” and her owner says deserves every bit of pampering she gets.

“Belle has her own special cat food but also likes to eat whatever meat is on my plate and if we have a Chinese takeaway, I will get King Prawn Fried rice so she can have the prawn tails,” she says. “She also loves tinned tuna in spring water and gives a constant Meow when I’m cooking so I don’t forget about her. Although she doesn’t sleep on her own bed much anymore, she loves her blanket and has her own sofa, which I crocheted for her while I was unable to work after I had Covid.

“I would be totally lost without her — she’s been my companion and little nursemaid throughout my illness and at times, having her in the house meant I had something to get up for as she wasn’t able to fend for herself. But on the occasions when I’ve been overdoing things, she will climb up on my knee and won’t move for an hour or two until she knows I am starting to feel better.

“Anyone who says pets shouldn’t be pampered needs to experience what it is like to live alone or not see family and friends for a long period of time due to illness and only have their pet for company. My granny always said if you can’t give an animal all your love when they give you everything they have, then you are not fit to have them.”