Torteval Irish Wolfhounds

That dear and precious boy will always live in my memories, and continue to often bring a smile to my heart, as I am certain he will so many others. He was so very, very special, you were so blessed to have been entrusted with the privilege of being his mum and dad.
KN, USA

My heart breaks for you all. Your big goofy boy - but you did him proud, you got him his six months. What a lad he was. When his cousin Wilson died, the cardiologist wrote, "He really was a great character and heaps of fun." The same could be said, many times over, for Bran.
TC, Colorado

What can we say, we are heartbroken at your loss. Bran touched all our hearts, he was a darling boy. Our thoughts are with you both.
FSK, Scotland

Branigan was a wonderful dog that coped with his disability with dignity and . . . well . . . sense of humour. AB, Sweden

The greatest consolation is that Brannie was a character that far outstripped his five years . He was 1000 years old in character and as such although the loss is great, the memories will be too. He was loved internationally and was a unique character. He will continue to be so in all our hearts.
BE, Norfolk

Really sorry to hear that you have lost your lovely boy, what a presence to be without.
SP, Yorkshire

May he be running forever on his favourite walks, chasing his favourite ball, as contented as a hound could wish to be with the love and care that you gave him always and that made him Bran the Man!
VH, Leicestershire

He was such a sweet person, a real gentleman and a very special person. I know you were lucky to have him, but he was so lucky to have you as well, you gave him a wonderful life.
RP, Surrey

I will remember Bran with huge affection, he was such a character and coped with the unlucky hand that fate dealt him first with his FCI and then recently with osteo with great courage and humour. I am sure he leaves a huge gap in your wolfhound family and everyone will be feeling his absence.
JM, Oxford

He not only made the world a better place for you but for all of us who followed his antics.
EI, Ohio

I am heartbroken about Bran. My boss has just seen my face and asked me if I am OK. I have explained the situation and suffice to say that we broke out the special cookies that I had been saving for when my replacement comes and I can get out of here. Each of us raised a mug/plastic cup, ate a cookie in work and drank a toast to him.
KE, RAF, Iraq

So many will mourn his passing, and it will be so difficult for you over the next few weeks, as he has become almost part of the public domain - almost like when someone famous dies, but he will not be forgotten.
SB, UK

My mother always says that because animals are so innocent and good they go straight to "the happy hunting ground" where they frolic and play while they wait for their friends. I'm sure Branigan is kicking up his heels there now.
AD, Ireland

You must know that he had wonderful life with you and he would be happy to remember the time together with the smile on your face although is so hard to do now . . . I had never the opportunity to know him in person but the photos on your site and all the stories about him makes me feel he was close to me and to so many people around the world who are feeling sorry for this big loss. He will live on in our hearts. I'll light a candle for him today.
PO, Slovenia

It was with great sadness that I saw the news about Bran. We have followed his diary since you made the announcement a while back. Each update brought us joy to see he was doing so well.
JR, California

Logged on to your website earlier today at work and was just so saddened to hear your news. To be honest I had to go into the ladies as I just had the biggest lump in my throat and immediate tears in my eyes. Unfortunately we were not lucky enough to meet Bran but felt like we kind of knew him having logged onto your website more times than is possible to remember, catching up with all your latest news and pics.
LR, Oxford

I wish you to know that I have followed many steps in your journey with Bran, and this last step is not one I envy at all. Last week's photo's were absolutely brilliant and he obviously had a grand time.
JT, Canada

I checked in on the site tonight and found that Branigan is gone. I miss him already and I only knew the 'virtual' Bran that you presented so wonderfully in pictures, words and video.
CF

Just read the news of Bran . . . was unable to hold the tears back . . . what a truly magnificent animal. I read of your critters almost every day and like so many you have shared your site with, I will miss Bran but can fully understand the decision you sometimes have to make, out of love and compassion. Just to have had such a wonderful dog will live on in memories.
KC, Canada

I am sitting writing this crying my eyes out! He gave so much pleasure to so many people via you and the website and I am sure he will be really missed by many, many people, not to mention the rest of your pack.
DB, Essex

I was devastated to see that Bran has left you. He seemed to be doing so well. I'm sitting typing this with tears running down my face. He was a big dog with a big heart and a big, daft grin who'll leave a big hole in your lives. But what a privilege to have owned and loved him.
DS, Worcester

All my memories about Bran came back to my mind, his loving face and the eyes, which were able to make us smile any time he wanted, and the moment when we were leaving Laverton in March and I wasn't able to say him "good bye", because didn't want to believe that I will not meet him any more. I can't imagine the Torteval pack without Bran and I can't imagine how much empty all of you must feel now.
ED, Czech Republic

So, the whole world weeps for Branigan - no more than he deserves! He certainly made and left his mark and it seems, never to be forgotten. Although, he was not able to enter the show ring, Paul got his champion after all!
CE, UK

I am so sorry to hear about poor Bran I have to admit he was my favourite on your website.
AD, Essex

We share your pain and grief, but have so many wonderful pictures and videos to celebrate his so wonderful life and personality. We thank you for sharing his and your journey - that must have been hard . . . it was for me just to read and watch.
LR, Kentucky

I have visited your website every week or so for four years now - ever since our 1/2 Irish wolfhound boy came to live with us. It has always been a source of great joy. Today it was a source of great sadness. I can only try to imagine how you all must be feeling - the dogs as well as the humans. Like all of you, I will miss Branigan very much.
TW, USA

I cannot adequately express my pain for your loss of that love boy Bran. I know I will not know your pain. He was quite the character and such a gift to all of you and those of us who were able to follow his life on your web page. Thank you for sharing him with us! What a guy - he always made me smile.
JM, Alaska

Branigan was one in a million, brave, kind and loving. He has had the most wonderful home any IW could have wished for with playmates and servants to pander to his every wish. Rest in the knowledge that he is now with the others, having fun, chasing rabbits and looking down on you with smiles and woofs.
CB, Guernsey

With great sadness did I read about Branigan's death. Our thoughts are with you and your dogs as I am at loss what to say. With great joy do I read about your dogs' adventures and we can relate often to many things that you experience with your hounds. I will miss him even being so far away . . .
HP, USA

Back home after two weeks' travelling I opened my favourite website just a few minutes ago . . . and for a few seconds my heart stood literally still when what I had feared for weeks showed on the screen. A great old soul has left the body of a great Irish wolfhound. Like so many others, I felt very close to Branigan for some reason. He will stay in my heart and in my memory. Thank you for having made possible to share the daily life of this great dog . . .
SZ, Germany

He was a magnificent boy with a big heart and great temperament.
AD, Australia

I did not know him in real life but I knew him through the web and I am deeply saddened about his passing. Tears are running down my face as I am watching my girls sleep.
PW, Canada

I have grown to love your little clan, but Branigan has always been my favorite. He has the soul of The Fool, and his happy visage has always made my heart lighter. His innocent bravery in the face of adversity won every heart. He lived to remind us that life is good despite our troubles.
KIN, USA

I must admit he was my personal favourite because he did seem to be the boy who despite his problems showed true grit and spirit.
AB, Yorkshire