PawDeal

Deciding to get a dog for the first time was a big step for me. Since I had never owned a dog before, I wanted to make an informed decision. I began by researching dog breeds, behaviors, and lifestyles online to ensure I chose a pet that would be a good fit for our family and circumstances.

Initially, we considered Beagles, Jack Russells, and the breed I had always dreamed of owning: a Border Collie. At the time, we lived in a four-bedroom semi-detached house in Belmullet, Co. Mayo. The area had plenty of open spaces for a dog to run and exercise, which seemed ideal.

After learning more about the breeds on our list, we decided against a Border Collie. While they are intelligent and beautiful dogs, they require an incredible amount of physical activity—sometimes up to 50 kilometers of running per day—and we realized we couldn’t meet that need. We wanted a dog that could be active when necessary but also relax with us during downtime.

As part of our research, we also learned about the differences between long-haired and short-haired breeds. After watching numerous YouTube videos and reading about various dogs, we discovered Hungarian Vizslas. These “velcro dogs” immediately caught our attention. They have short hair (which makes them easy to groom), are medium-sized, friendly, and adaptable. Vizslas are energetic when you’re active but are happy to relax when you’re taking it easy. They seemed like the perfect fit for our family.

With our hearts set on a Hungarian Vizsla, we started the search for a puppy. We joined several Hungarian Vizsla groups on Facebook, followed profiles on Instagram, and checked breeders’ websites across Ireland. We also regularly visited Dogs.ie but, at first, couldn’t find a single puppy of the breed we wanted.

It took a few months of waiting before a Vizsla puppy finally became available on Dogs.ie. It was during the pandemic, and demand for puppies was very high. When the breeder invited us to see the puppies at six weeks old, we eagerly drove two hours on a weekend to meet them.

When we arrived, my wife instantly fell in love with Phoebe, one of the smallest puppies in the litter. As if to seal the deal, Phoebe stepped on my shoe with her tiny paw, as if claiming me. There were larger puppies I was initially tempted to choose, but looking back, I’m so glad we picked Phoebe. She was perfect for us.

Over the next few weeks, we prepared for Phoebe’s arrival. We bought a bed, toys, and everything else she would need. When the day came to pick her up, we were filled with excitement and happiness. Phoebe was so small when we brought her home, but she quickly began to grow and thrive.

Welcoming Phoebe into our family has been an incredible experience, and she’s brought so much joy and love into our lives.

Home is where the dog is.