Torteval Irish Wolfhounds

Gillian and Brian Oliver, who have lived in Fuengirola for many years, vowed never to have another dog after loving and losing an assortment over the years, but then in spring 2004 along came Beamish, almost by accident (in fact, one of the worst sort of 'accidents' as he was the result of a brother-sister mismating).

Soon after his arrival at nine weeks old, his breeder phoned to say that his sister had been returned having been mistreated by her owner, and would the Olivers take her too? Knowing that the puppy had been kicked, Brian took her straight to the vet, where a real leg fracture was diagnosed, together with internal damage.

Now, Molly is almost fully recovered, and she and Beamish are inseparable. At home she is the boss, but elsewhere she is a wimp who likes to stay close to Beamish.

The dogs love travelling in the Olivers' caravan (though Gill and Brian would be happier if it was a bit bigger) where they have a double bed each, while Gill and Brian make do with the singles!

Now three-and-a-half years old, Beamish and Molly are both in good health, and love their walks down to the beach. Unfortunately, Spanish fishermen rarely use dissolvable fish-hooks, creating plenty of work for the local vets removing hooks from dogs' mouths, so Beamish and Molly wear muzzles on the beach. This they love, as they associate them with happy times. A muzzle also prevents Beamish from picking up raw mussels - not good for his tummy.

Walking along the sea front is a slow business, as most Spaniards, although they are familiar with mastiffs, have never seen such tall dogs. Families tend to look petrified at first, but after a few minutes parents and kids settle down to stroke Beamish and Molly, who love the attention. They have learned to lie down when people stop as if to say, "Oh, go on then - ask about us, and we'll have a rest!"

Eventually, they pull to cross the road, and then head back to the square where the bar owner puts chairs and a table outside for Gillian and Brian, so they all can stop for a drink. The dogs both enjoy drinking straight from a water bottle. People pass, and the dogs lie down and wait for them bend down and give them loves and hugs. Then after an hour or so they get bored, and set off for home pulling Gillian and Brian up the hill.

They seem to love people and hugs more than walking, and of course, they love their home and their settee. They're happy dogs, preferring plastic bottles and playing with each other to toys.

Recently, they went to visit their new home which is under construction. Neither of them could believe the stairs! They went up, Beamish vaulting, Molly like a little lady, then came back down, and then ran in and out of all the rooms. Once it's finished, upstairs will be out of bounds to them but meanwhile, exploring is great fun!