TORTEVAL IRISH WOLFHOUNDS

She did not respond to her old name, did not know what a collar or leash were, needed dreadlocks removed from her thin and brittle coat and needed to gain weight before she could be spayed and have her overgrown toenails trimmed. She will always have a callus on the tip of her tail from being caged 24/7 and it is sad to see her wag her tail and hit herself in the face, not realizing that now she has the freedom to move her face and body out of the way.

When we realized we would be bringing her home I asked Mike to begin calling her by her new name. By the time we picked her up, Mike had worked miracles. She was glancing at him when he said her name and was comfortable with seeking and receiving affection. She had learned to sit and was working on 'come'. She jumped in our van and looked at Rick and me as if to say, "Okay - let's head home."

"Saoirse's First Day"

Smilebox by Pat Herman

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Born on 19 February 2007, Saoirse (pronounced 'Sear-sha' and meaning 'freedom' in Gaelic) lives with Rick and Pat Herman, Conan, a Glen of Imaal terrier.

In America, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have given their all for their country. For Saoirse, it was the day she was rescued from a situation in which she gave her all, when by the grace of those involved in the rescue of Irish wolfhounds, she was saved from a situation which she so easily might have not survived.

"Friends"

(Saoirse in pink collar, with Keelin)

Smilebox by Pat Herman

Not knowing if she was house-trained, the plan for the first night was for her to stay in the bedroom (on the floor) with Rick, whilst I took the living room couch with the rest of our beasts. I closed the bedroom door on Rick and Saoirse and was walking to the living room when I heard Rick call out. I thought "not already" and was prepared to clean up whatever mess awaited me. As I cautiously opened the door I found Saoirse happily ensconced in bed with Rick . . . in MY spot! I reminded Rick that we were not going to have Saoirse in bed with us and we asked her to get down. She slept at the foot of the bed and when morning broke she had made it through the night without an accident.

There is not enough room to describe the love we have for Saoirse, nor how far she has come in just seven months since being rescued. And ssshhhh . . . Saoirse sleeps in bed with us, where we all dream of a new Irish wolfhound puppy for 2012!"

Pat Herman

A bath and comb-out brought out her beauty and we introduced her to the pack and to her new yard. She walked well on the leash and enjoyed walking about the back yard. One of the true pleasures has been watching her learn that she can RUN free in the yard, learning what toys are for or how to hold a bone in her paws to gnaw on it. We have continued with her socialization and she is wonderful with friends and family. She is learning that one warning bark is all that is necessary and then she can "watch" the activity after. Being caged and isolated created some unwanted behaviors, but with consistent training she has developed into a truly spectacular girl.

Learning all about bed privileges - she's a fast learner, too!

Conan and Saoirse - the sheep aren't real!

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Happy 5th Birthday, Saoirse!

Smilebox by Pat Herman

February 2012

Pat takes up the story:

"Saoirse was the breeder mom in a puppy mill. We don't know how many litters she had as her veterinary records only show her initial vaccinations and a first litter of 13 pups, when she was already underweight. She was found on a hot, hot day in a wire cage in which she could barely stand up. No room to turn around. No food or water in sight for any of the dogs in similar filthy cages. We will forever hold Mike and Robin Pline of Tomahawke Irish Wolfhounds in our hearts for rescuing our beautiful Saoirse.