'My dog's clothes cost thousands, I prefer to spend my money on him, not me'

From expensive diets to elaborate birthday parties, these owners say their pooches deserve a deluxe doggy lifestyle

Our furry comrades can relieve stress and even teach us mindfulness

Results from a recent survey carried out on behalf of Mars Ireland and the ISPCA revealed 52% of respondents prefer canine companionship compared to the 28% who find cats irresistible. Not only does the outcome show dogs are Ireland’s favourite domestic animal, but emerging findings from Psychology Today indicate our furry comrades can relieve stress and even teach us mindfulness.

Noelle Hopkins, proprietor of Happy Paws salon in Carlow, has seen a huge increase in dog ownership since covid and is of the opinion man’s best friend brings a fullness to our existence. “Dogs often provide what we need most even when we do not realise ourselves what we need. No matter how we feel, they still need to be fed, watered, and walked, thus providing stability in our lives.” 

Hailey-Rose and Luna

Hailey Rose and Luna

Dubliner, Hailey-Rose Lynch, is dog parent to Luna, a three-year-old Cavachon who, she says, came along at the right time as the pandemic left its mark on her. 

“As a professional opera singer and performer my whole world fell apart. Overall, my mental health was in the bin and as a person who is always bubbly and positive I was in a very dark and scary place.” 

A friend suggested getting a dog. 

“Luna trotted into my life and the rest is history!” 

Her emotional well-being improved so much, Hailey-Rose set up an Instagram account, documenting the love she has for her fur baby. It quickly accelerated with Luna, or miss_lunacavachon as she is otherwise known, accumulating thousands of followers’ keen for updates on the small dog’s wardrobe, outings, and endorsements. As a result, Luna featured in the 2022 RTÉ documentary, HashTag Dogs.

As the interest in Luna’s deluxe doggy lifestyle continued to gather momentum, Hailey Rose expected to attract some negativity. However, she is pleased to report that hasn’t been the case at all. “In fact, we got the opposite which makes me so happy to see more and more people seeing dogs as actual living beings and not just a “family pet” that sits in the kitchen.” 

Even the non-doggy owners amongst us recognise the hard work and commitment that goes into being a dog owner. Some go the extra mile for their furry friends and Hailey Rose is no exception but instead of taking a defensive stance for the standard of living she has gifted her pet, Hailey Rose accepts full accountability.

“It is such a privilege to own a dog and I take that role very seriously. Yes, she is spoiled. However, I will never be able to repay her for the happiness and joy she brings to me, so all I can do is make sure she has the best life she deserves as she is only with us for a very short time.” 

Zoe and Robert

Zoe Doyle Neilon with Robert the greyhound

Zoe Doyle Neilon is studying Zoology in UCC Co. Cork and lavishes affection on Robert, her eight-year-old Greyhound rescue. “To say I dote on him would be an understatement! He is my heart dog; my day-to-day companion and I’d be lost without him!” Nothing is too much for this lucky dog with Zoe revealing her most extravagant purchase was replacing the flooring in her apartment. “That was a costly job, but necessary after five years of Robert’s wear and tear.” Last year Zoe threw a birthday party for Robert complete with balloons and handmade dog treats. “We took over a spot at the Marina market, lots of Robert’s Greyhound friends came and joined us, sang happy birthday, got a treat and a goody bag.” It makes Zoe happy to treat her four-legged friend to a luxury meal for his birthday. “He gets a proper sirloin, and fish like mackerel or cod as a Surf n Turf dinner.” 

Because he is a senior gentleman, Zoe is committed to providing Robert with the best of nutrition which approximates €170 each month. “He is on a completely homemade diet of human grade meat alongside top of the range supplements and wholefoods.” 

And that’s not all. Robert’s wardrobe, jumpers, pjs, hiking gear - even sunglasses and booties - has a price tag of approximately 2k. Zoe openly admits some of this meets her own need for pretty things, but she also stresses they are mostly functional items and necessary for his active lifestyle.

A part-time job in retail funds most of Robert’s regime, however, Zoe is frugal when it comes to splurging on herself; eschewing pubs, nail and hair salons, expensive holidays, and gigs, preferring instead to concentrate on her sighthound. 

“Yes, I live my life and treat myself too, but treating my dog is me treating myself. It makes me happy to see my dog happy. All my dog friends get it and all my non dog friends think I’m crazy. But at the end of the day, making Robert’s life a fun and enjoyable one has made mine a fun and enjoyable one.” 

Michelle and Nova

Michelle O'Duffy & 'Nova' the collie

People talk about childhood friendships but what about the pal you make in your 20’s or 30’s? A four-legged pal who pushes the boundaries but lavishes you with unconditional love all the same? Michelle O’Duffy devoted owner of Nova, a four-year-old blue merle border collie, can speak to this.

“I find, as you get older, making new friends can be quite challenging but since having Nova and learning about her quirks, she has given me a social life!” 

Michelle explains that Nova is reactive which means she displays huge anxiety when faced with unknown entities, and she “reacts” by lunging on the leash and barking. Michelle has worked hard to combat what is an isolating issue, one that makes daily walks difficult. “I have spent a lot of time and money on online courses and seminars, spent countless hours at night researching the best advice and direction to go with our training.

Such time and effort might have others seriously thinking about admitting defeat, but this was never a consideration for Michelle. 

“Nova is my best friend and my shadow. We have such a bond that I do believe she needs me as much as I need her. We are very equally matched and needed to each other. If am away from Nova, I do feel lost without her. She has taught me so much patience. Her hard days are my hard days, we are a reflection of each other’s efforts and work.” 

One of the more unusual items Michelle purchased for her pooch was four bales of hay.

 “When we opened the back door and she ran out, she was like a shocked ten-year-old in a toy shop on their birthday! She didn’t even bark, just ran through it like it was the best day in her life!” There is a lot of hard graft in being the owner of a “spicy” canine and many sacrifices are made but Michelle is quick to point out the lovely rewards.

 “When they choose to engage with you over a dog across the road, every moment and penny becomes worth it. The wins are huge! In that moment it is you and your dog and boy do we celebrate. Every little win is a party! We throw a handful of treats in the air like confetti.”