I have lots of stories of the dogs and also the ghost dogs and foxes and animals or birds that have appeared before or at the time of someone passing on. X
Love the stories of your childhood, I have Irish roots, although have never visited Ireland.
Your Paddy Gibb and Kerry Gibb are awesomely beautiful, I love dogs with hair having had an Afghan Hound called Jedidiah who preferred to be scruffy not a poser, a bit lite a Shetland pony in a copious fur coat.
Your life with Robin sounds idyllic, such love knows much more than just earthly bonds...
I adore scruffy dogs Dwina, they look like the world is a fun place. My dogs would think I was taking the mickey if I put them in outfits and ribbons and bows. I also think dogs have a spiritual soul, it shows in their eyes, emotive and real. I remember entering my Afghan into a class which he thought was a hoot, he came first, but, he was the only one in the class, bless him. Do you still have dogs Dwina?
I have always had dogs but when my last wolfhound passed, I was going to Ireland to visit my mother who was living her last days, so I decided to wait a while, and now on the lookout for another couple. I like to have two of them. We have so much wildlife
It takes time to train the dogs just to observe the wildlife. Paddy carried a baby rabbit around but didn’t hurt it. Robin asked him to drop it and he did. Robin tickled its belly and it scooted off safely. X
Hard to get a wolfhound to heel especially if they spot a squirrel! Although they walked quietly beside Robin. Xxx I adore the wolfies… they are extremely good with words and understand the word walk said in monotone in the middle of a sentence. They definitely pick up on thoughts and emotions. They love fruit and eat their way around the garden in Autumn. Xx
Oh my goodness Dwina, I think I want one! My two current dogs would be very upset, they are 13 and 15 so a wolfie would certainly make them sit up and think! I love that dogs are so intuitive it makes them extra-special. You and Robin were obviously a true blessing to your boys, and they would have repaid that love so much xxx
Your home is spectacular, a true haven of peace a real bolthole from the world. I love your chapel, I have seen pictures of it, it looks really spiritual with echoes of Robin's voice. Of the three brothers your Robin was definitely my favourite, his voice seemed so ethereal, like it came from his soul, an incredible achievement, like a true earth angel... Your son's voice has a lot of the same intonation and is beautiful. What a talented family you are. I love reading your stories and poetry, where do you get your inspiration from?
Your life with Robin's and your experiences would certainly make a rich book a beautiful true love story that shows love goes beyond earthly bonds. I agree what you say about life, mine too has been full of peaks and troughs, sometimes the lows seeming so deep and long, but the way I look on it I survived the terrible stuff when I was 5, how much stronger I am as a 67 year old. I wonder what your tarot would say about me, it would be intriguing to discover. Does it only uncover futures or does it speak about hidden pasts? xx
your sister sounds like my mom when my mom was little lol! my mom used to dress her chihuahua Bandit in baby clothes, put him in a baby stroller and drive him around everywhere! and then she would shove Twizzlers down the poor dog's throat and tell him to "take his medicine"! the things that poor dog went through at the hands of my mother lol
well at least they didn't have Twizzlers shoved down their throats lol! it's okay though Bandit took revenge on my mom's stuffed animals lol there were arms and legs and stuffing everywhere! 😂😂😂
Thanks for this, loved it. I was a kid in Ireland too. My grandad had a working collie dog on the farm, which used to nip me under the table when we visited him for tea. 'Grandad, he's biting me!' I'd complain, while my gramps supped tea out of a saucer and told me to 'whist up'.
Dwina! I felt like I was in Ireland while I read this article! This is the closest I'll ever get to Ireland in my lifetime! You have such an amazing gift for story telling! Thank you for sharing it with all of us!
I do remember those amazing days in Ireland, I am so lucky, we had great fun in Ireland and I remember uncle Tommy , and major Prescott, it was a great time
Romaric, we never forget that childhood love. The pets were always happy to see us no matter what. So many children who live in flats or rentals that do not allow pets miss out. But stuffed toys can be a big help or a favourite piece of blanket gives comfort. In Ireland they even had smooth worry stones that could be carried in a pocket. Xx
My father spoke of his childhood dog, Scout, on his deathbed. I wonder if sometimes the lore about dogs as messengers from the otherworld is just true. Really good story Dwina!
Thank you so much. I am sure you are right. Your father was thinking of Scout and possibly seeing him, Silenos. It would have given him a good feeling. X
How I love wonderful dog stories! Dogs have always been a huge part of my life, and I have volunteered in dog rescue for many years. My son informed me that at one time we had 11 foster dogs here! Such funny antics from the dogs you grew up with! Coming from a small town, I can’t remember an escapade without dogs in the middle of things. Irish Wolfhounds are such noble, gentle dogs, and such sweethearts. I have a love of Basset Hounds, and presently have 3, Winston, Spencer, and Clementine that share my life. As you said, the dogs from my childhood also seemed to live long lives . Makes one wonder why their lifespan is shorter now. Thank you for the joyful read!
I love Basset Hounds too. My friend has them. I have some really interesting tapes of Robin remembering what dogs he had with which songs they wrote…right from childhood. My wolfhounds planted my plum trees by spitting out the pips as they walked along…they loved fruit. Three of our wolfhounds were rescue. Good for you rescuing and looking after the dogs you had.***
I am laughing as I think of your Wolfhounds being responsible for your plum trees! It is fascinating that Robin can remember his dogs with his songs. I hope, when you are ready, that you will write a book about your life with Robin. So many people would love to read it!
I'm relieved that listening to Robin's recollections on tape is easier for you now.I wouldn't want the memories to hurt you.I'll be buying Robin's autobiography when it hits the shelves of bookstores in the US!
We never forget them! Chasing wolfhounds and trying to catch them was a real feat. They were surprised when they saw cows paddling in the sea! So was I!
Goodness! Not a past time, a retreat to water faced by your legendary beasts?
Forgive me. Last night I remembered your tale of long ago tragedy. About 20 years ago a child died in the river near here; slightly older I guess but her friends could not save her. We knew the family of one of the friends. There was mind-numbing shock and sorrow, not requited fully to this day I think.
Robin told me the story of a young boy who saved Winston Churchill from drowning in a river and his father rewarded the boy by paying for his education. The boy was Alexander Fleming who went on to discover Penicillin. Later during the war, that penicillin saved Winston’s life once again. Xx
We never forget the loss of a friend or someone in the family, especially through tragedy, no matter how young we are at the time. The story always sticks.
loved it! Dogs are some of the best people. They are man bestest friend. Loved hearing all the tales of your childhood. especially loved the part about Paddy and Kerrie Gibb. Sounds like a lot of fun was had by all.
The wolfhounds would not play fetch though, only the terriers. The wolfhounds used to eat my plums and spit out the pips as they walked along I couldn’t believe it when I counted almost twelve new plum bushes in a row.!
I remember the word Whisht or Howl yer whisht... meaning to stop moaning about something. You just brought it all back to me LOL. Sorry you got nipped, but I know that feeling...plus the tea in the saucer!!! The collie probably wanted some crumbs from the table too.
Loved this so much ❤️ More, please!
I have lots of stories of the dogs and also the ghost dogs and foxes and animals or birds that have appeared before or at the time of someone passing on. X
Such lovely and heartwarming stories! <3
Tina, in so many of the old portraits there were animals included, pet hogs, cats, horses. I saw an Indian one with a tiger!
I meant dogs lol. Can’t remember too many hogs!
I would love to do a portrait with a hog! <3
There is a lot of symbolism in the portrayal of animals with a person, as well as of cause the love and devotion to a pet animal.
Love the stories of your childhood, I have Irish roots, although have never visited Ireland.
Your Paddy Gibb and Kerry Gibb are awesomely beautiful, I love dogs with hair having had an Afghan Hound called Jedidiah who preferred to be scruffy not a poser, a bit lite a Shetland pony in a copious fur coat.
Your life with Robin sounds idyllic, such love knows much more than just earthly bonds...
Paddy and Kerry were spruced up that day…usually they were scruffy and full of burrs from the burdock we had to extract from the fur!***
Love Afghan Hounds…they are so regal looking too!
I adore scruffy dogs Dwina, they look like the world is a fun place. My dogs would think I was taking the mickey if I put them in outfits and ribbons and bows. I also think dogs have a spiritual soul, it shows in their eyes, emotive and real. I remember entering my Afghan into a class which he thought was a hoot, he came first, but, he was the only one in the class, bless him. Do you still have dogs Dwina?
I have always had dogs but when my last wolfhound passed, I was going to Ireland to visit my mother who was living her last days, so I decided to wait a while, and now on the lookout for another couple. I like to have two of them. We have so much wildlife
It takes time to train the dogs just to observe the wildlife. Paddy carried a baby rabbit around but didn’t hurt it. Robin asked him to drop it and he did. Robin tickled its belly and it scooted off safely. X
Will you go for wolfhounds again, they certainly have presence, but look like they are big kids with a great sense of fun and a twinkle in the eye?
Hard to get a wolfhound to heel especially if they spot a squirrel! Although they walked quietly beside Robin. Xxx I adore the wolfies… they are extremely good with words and understand the word walk said in monotone in the middle of a sentence. They definitely pick up on thoughts and emotions. They love fruit and eat their way around the garden in Autumn. Xx
Oh my goodness Dwina, I think I want one! My two current dogs would be very upset, they are 13 and 15 so a wolfie would certainly make them sit up and think! I love that dogs are so intuitive it makes them extra-special. You and Robin were obviously a true blessing to your boys, and they would have repaid that love so much xxx
Your home is spectacular, a true haven of peace a real bolthole from the world. I love your chapel, I have seen pictures of it, it looks really spiritual with echoes of Robin's voice. Of the three brothers your Robin was definitely my favourite, his voice seemed so ethereal, like it came from his soul, an incredible achievement, like a true earth angel... Your son's voice has a lot of the same intonation and is beautiful. What a talented family you are. I love reading your stories and poetry, where do you get your inspiration from?
Just life and memories. Ireland is full of story-telling and poetry and I feel we live in a storybook from the moment we are born.
Your life with Robin's and your experiences would certainly make a rich book a beautiful true love story that shows love goes beyond earthly bonds. I agree what you say about life, mine too has been full of peaks and troughs, sometimes the lows seeming so deep and long, but the way I look on it I survived the terrible stuff when I was 5, how much stronger I am as a 67 year old. I wonder what your tarot would say about me, it would be intriguing to discover. Does it only uncover futures or does it speak about hidden pasts? xx
your sister sounds like my mom when my mom was little lol! my mom used to dress her chihuahua Bandit in baby clothes, put him in a baby stroller and drive him around everywhere! and then she would shove Twizzlers down the poor dog's throat and tell him to "take his medicine"! the things that poor dog went through at the hands of my mother lol
The little terriers loved being pushed in the doll’s pram. Thoroughly pampered by my sister.
well at least they didn't have Twizzlers shoved down their throats lol! it's okay though Bandit took revenge on my mom's stuffed animals lol there were arms and legs and stuffing everywhere! 😂😂😂
Lovely! Dogs are 'man's' best friends. They give us such unconditional love and comfort.
I know…you told me the story of your dog Emma. They are always welcoming no matter what and glad to see you!
Thanks for this, loved it. I was a kid in Ireland too. My grandad had a working collie dog on the farm, which used to nip me under the table when we visited him for tea. 'Grandad, he's biting me!' I'd complain, while my gramps supped tea out of a saucer and told me to 'whist up'.
Um... happy days. I still love dogs, though! 😭 🐶
Dwina! I felt like I was in Ireland while I read this article! This is the closest I'll ever get to Ireland in my lifetime! You have such an amazing gift for story telling! Thank you for sharing it with all of us!
I really enjoyed this, it was lovely to read , our dogs are definitely family, Shiloh Natoli sends his love
You more than anyone can remember the dogs in Ireland! And Uncle Tommy with Major Prescott!! Xx
I do remember those amazing days in Ireland, I am so lucky, we had great fun in Ireland and I remember uncle Tommy , and major Prescott, it was a great time
Aw Nancy Bless little Shiloh Natoli from me
You made me think of my childhood dog. I loved her so much. Thank you for this text...
Romaric, we never forget that childhood love. The pets were always happy to see us no matter what. So many children who live in flats or rentals that do not allow pets miss out. But stuffed toys can be a big help or a favourite piece of blanket gives comfort. In Ireland they even had smooth worry stones that could be carried in a pocket. Xx
I think it is a good thing not to forget such love, a foundation of who we become.
As I was writing these words, my daughter, getting ready to go to sleep, asked for her blanket. Life is interesting!
My father spoke of his childhood dog, Scout, on his deathbed. I wonder if sometimes the lore about dogs as messengers from the otherworld is just true. Really good story Dwina!
Thank you so much. I am sure you are right. Your father was thinking of Scout and possibly seeing him, Silenos. It would have given him a good feeling. X
How I love wonderful dog stories! Dogs have always been a huge part of my life, and I have volunteered in dog rescue for many years. My son informed me that at one time we had 11 foster dogs here! Such funny antics from the dogs you grew up with! Coming from a small town, I can’t remember an escapade without dogs in the middle of things. Irish Wolfhounds are such noble, gentle dogs, and such sweethearts. I have a love of Basset Hounds, and presently have 3, Winston, Spencer, and Clementine that share my life. As you said, the dogs from my childhood also seemed to live long lives . Makes one wonder why their lifespan is shorter now. Thank you for the joyful read!
I love Basset Hounds too. My friend has them. I have some really interesting tapes of Robin remembering what dogs he had with which songs they wrote…right from childhood. My wolfhounds planted my plum trees by spitting out the pips as they walked along…they loved fruit. Three of our wolfhounds were rescue. Good for you rescuing and looking after the dogs you had.***
I am laughing as I think of your Wolfhounds being responsible for your plum trees! It is fascinating that Robin can remember his dogs with his songs. I hope, when you are ready, that you will write a book about your life with Robin. So many people would love to read it!
He wanted to write autobiography and I interviewed him so I am transcribing tapes now,...years later.... easier to listen and to remember now. ***
I'm relieved that listening to Robin's recollections on tape is easier for you now.I wouldn't want the memories to hurt you.I'll be buying Robin's autobiography when it hits the shelves of bookstores in the US!
I can understand that. I will be looking forward to your book!
Wonderful.
We never forget them! Chasing wolfhounds and trying to catch them was a real feat. They were surprised when they saw cows paddling in the sea! So was I!
Goodness! Not a past time, a retreat to water faced by your legendary beasts?
Forgive me. Last night I remembered your tale of long ago tragedy. About 20 years ago a child died in the river near here; slightly older I guess but her friends could not save her. We knew the family of one of the friends. There was mind-numbing shock and sorrow, not requited fully to this day I think.
Robin told me the story of a young boy who saved Winston Churchill from drowning in a river and his father rewarded the boy by paying for his education. The boy was Alexander Fleming who went on to discover Penicillin. Later during the war, that penicillin saved Winston’s life once again. Xx
We never forget the loss of a friend or someone in the family, especially through tragedy, no matter how young we are at the time. The story always sticks.
loved it! Dogs are some of the best people. They are man bestest friend. Loved hearing all the tales of your childhood. especially loved the part about Paddy and Kerrie Gibb. Sounds like a lot of fun was had by all.
The wolfhounds would not play fetch though, only the terriers. The wolfhounds used to eat my plums and spit out the pips as they walked along I couldn’t believe it when I counted almost twelve new plum bushes in a row.!
Never a dull moment with their antics. Very playful and they all loved playing ball or fetching sticks.
I remember the word Whisht or Howl yer whisht... meaning to stop moaning about something. You just brought it all back to me LOL. Sorry you got nipped, but I know that feeling...plus the tea in the saucer!!! The collie probably wanted some crumbs from the table too.
Beautiful Irish Wolfhounds!❤️❤️
They were gentle giants that only barked to warn someone was coming, never barked to demand anything. Xx