In association with our good friends a DogHQ each month we meet Shore people who's four-legged family members add a great deal of joy to their lives. Our very own dog-lover Aidan Bennett (he has two doggies of his own he spoils – Olive a Cocker Spaniel and Maisie a French Bulldog) has been given the task of putting this feature together on a monthly basis in 2017. This month he talks with Bronwyn Capill about Radley her lovely Irish Terrier.
AIDAN BENNETT: How long has Radley been part of your life?
BRONWYN CAPILL: Radley is four years old and has been a part of our family since he was a puppy.
AB: What made you decide to get an Irish Terrier?
BC: We were looking for a medium sized dog with a friendly and energetic personality. We did a lot of research and found the Irish Terrier was our fit – and having hair, not fur was an added bonus. We got in touch with a family who had two Irish Terriers, and after visiting them, we were hooked! There are very few breeders in New Zealand, but we were lucky enough to not have to wait too long for Radley to arrive.
AB: Is he your first dog, if not tell us about your other dogs?
BC: Radley is our family’s first dog. However, both my husband Mark and I had dogs when we were growing up – (dachshund, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel).
AB: Do you have any other pets?
BC: No, Radley is our only pet.
AB: What do you love about your Radley?
BC: Radley is such a happy boy and eager to please. He has a lovely nature and loves meeting people. He looks forward to his daily walks and we are often stopped on Milford Beach by other dog owners who comment on Radley’s happy disposition and friendly personality.
AB: Does he have any bad habits?
BC: Radley likes to exercise his vocal chords – especially when someone comes to the door, or he is roused from a deep sleep – by any noise! We are working on it...
AB: What are his favourite things to do?
BC: Radley loves going for walks – most weekends he meets up with his BFFs Flossie and Noah for walks along the beach, in long grass and occasionally in the forest where his senses get a real work out. He loves chasing and catching a ball and playing ‘rough and tumble’ with our teenage son.
AB: How long has he been going to DogHQ and does he love it?
BC: After a negative experience at another daycare, we discovered DogHQ and haven’t looked back. Radley has been attending DogHQ for just over three years and he loves it. The staff treat him like one of their own and he has made lots of furry friends. Attending daycare has been an important contributor to ensuring he is a well socialised dog.
AB: Does he love the beach and swimming?
BC: Radley loves the open spaces of the beach – but is very wary of waves! He will however go into the water to fetch a stick – as long as it isn’t too rough.
AB: Any words of wisdom for other dog owners or prospective dog owners?
BC: Do your research to find the right dog for your family and lifestyle. It is so important for you and your puppy that they learn how to get on with other dogs and humans, so get them into a puppy/obedience course and be prepared to spend quality time with them, as you would any other member of your family. Your puppy will change your life forever!
