A sobering Yuletide tail... a dog is for life, not just for Christmas

The festive season is not the time to bring a new dog into your home, particularly if you have children. At Christmas, there are far too many distractions, writes Clodagh Finn.

WHAT’S that they say: “I wish I was the person my dog thinks I am”? And little wonder because there is, quite possibly, no better feeling than the one that washes over you when a dog comes charging out to greet you at the front door.

There is no love like the love of a dog. They are always glad to see you. They don’t care what you look like, what you’re wearing or how clever you are and, for the most part – aren’t there always exceptions? – they’ll shower you with unquestioning, unconditional love. What harm, if it’s a little spittle-tinged and messy.