In association with our good friends at DogHQ each month we meet Shore people whose four-legged family members add a great deal of joy to their lives. Our very own dog-lover Aidan Bennett loves the task of putting this monthly feature together. He and wife Michelle have two dogs of their own. This month he talks with Peter Holder and his partner Mornay, about Belle, their much-loved French Bulldog.
AIDAN BENNETT: How long has Belle been part of your life?
PETER HOLDER: Seven months.
AB: What made you decide to get a French Bulldog?
PH: We had fallen in love with their personalities, unique character and devotion to their pawrents.
AB: Is she your first dog?
PH: She is not our first dog, but the first in many years.
AB: Do you have any other pets?
PH: Yes, a British Blue cat named Lady Penelope Rose, Belle's bestie.
AB: What do you love about Belle?
PH: Her quirky personality, unconditional devotion, her sulky attitude when she does not get things her way... the list goes on.
AB: Does she have any bad habits?
PH: Number one must be the uncensored public flatulence which apparently scares her as she would jump away hastily as though a bee has just stung her bum...
AB: What are her favourite things to do?
PH: Sleeping in until at least 8am; Excursions with her dads; Brunching; Forest walks and play dates.
AB: How long has she been going to DogHQ and does she love it?
PH: Approximately four months - Belle loves DogHQ and her daycare pawrents, she has a dedicated group of playmates and always comes home knackered and very content.
AB: Does she love the beach and swimming?
PH: She loves the beach, but has not been for a swim... yet. Summer is upon us however and she does love water.
AB: Any words of wisdom for other dog owners or prospective dog owners?
PH: Do your homework and be 100 percent sure that you are aware of the needs and requirements of your chosen breed - Only adopt from reputable/ethical breeders or agencies - they are all very different and once you make the decision to bring a dog into your family, treat them as such. A dog is not a handbag or pair of shoes that you can throw out when the fashion changes/novelty wears off - Socialisation of any dog is extremely important for the dog and its pawrent/s and that is where a facility like DogHQ performs a very important part of that socialisation.
