Branigan 17.4.03 |
An injury to his spine at four months old resulted in temporary paralysis of his
back legs, and his courage in allowing us to teach him to swim (not easy for a
wolfhound) as part of his treatment was heart warming to see. He shows the same
plucky determination in his attitude to his resultant lameness, never allowing
it to dampen his high spirits or his love of the chase. He accepts Darcy as pack leader without question, but on walks he takes upon himself the role of keeping the pack together, ensuring that if any of the others venture too far 'off-piste' (a regular occurence) they are not left behind. Until McKenna's arrival, his relationship with Hogan was simple: sparring partner, best friend and partner-in-crime in whatever mischief they could concoct . . . now, alas, Hogan is often too busy drooling over McKenna to pay much attention to Bran - not that it seems to have cramped his style too much, mischief-wise. McKenna herself is beneath his notice - well, she's a girl, of all things. He tolerates her, but with about as much patience as a ten year old boy might have with an irritating three year old sister. He's by far the most demanding of our dogs, and much inclined to imposing himself physically on whoever he decides should be paying him attention, either by inflicting large, wet kisses or simply positioning his bulk in such a way that he cannot be got around or over without receiving the attention he feels is his due. Not particularly tall, having tired of growing nine months old and a modest 33.5", his genial character and easy going nature make him an outstanding ambassador for the breed, who charms the public and accepts their adoration as his natural right. In December 2007 he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma (bone cancer) and has being undergoing treatment with chemotherapy and bisphosphonates. The story is told in full here. |
Branigan was bred by John Bosanquet of the Santir kennel in Liverpool, one of a litter
of thirteen. We brought him home at the age of eight weeks, and he quickly
settled in and arranged for the household to be run in accordance with his wishes.Even
McGinty, our first wolfhound, didn't have quite the impact on our lives
that this young man has done. |
His Liverpool charm and humour win the hearts of all who meet him, and his
roguish affability somehow compensates for the fact that almost every piece
of furniture in the house bears his puppy teeth marks. He has always laughed
off our sternest reprimands, and even our ultimate weapon, time-out in the garage,
is accepted with cheerful good humour - any improvement in his behaviour
as a result being merely a temporary blip. He is extremely vocal, his motto apparently being: 'If you're not getting what you want, bark. If Mum doesn't get mad, you're not barking loud enough. If she does, bark EVEN LOUDER!!!!' |
Reviewed October 2007 |
