Introduction

During the Covid-19 pandemic, an astonishing 16% of people in Ireland welcomed a new pet into their homes, with many turning to puppies for companionship during long periods of isolation. Dubbed the phenomenon of the “pandemic puppy,” this trend reflects a deeper yearning for connection and comfort amidst unprecedented uncertainty.

The Beginning of a New Journey

In March 2020, just as lockdowns swept across the globe, I found myself on a farm near Kiltegan, Co Wicklow, interviewing a hemp farmer. It was a time marked by fear when Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced the closure of schools and childcare facilities to curb the spread of the virus. As news channels broke coverage about the World Health Organisation declaring Covid-19 a global pandemic, the atmosphere was tinged with anxiety and apprehension.

However, there was a delightful distraction on the farm: two exceptionally clever collie sheepdogs put on a show by skillfully herding sheep near the vibrant hemp fields. Inspired by their charm, I began to think about expanding our own family with a puppy. We had previously acquired a collie named Lola from a farmer in Donegal, and this seemed like a perfect opportunity to introduce her to new company.

The Birth of the Puppies

The Hanbidge family, who owned the farm, offered to facilitate a meeting between Lola and one of their dogs, setting the stage for what would soon become a whirlwind of adorable chaos. After a few visits and even a sleepover, Lola and the farm dog had bonded, leading to a hopeful anticipation of future puppies.

Fast-forward nine weeks, and Lola gave birth to a litter of eight puppies in our living room—coincidentally on my youngest daughter’s 18th birthday. Witnessing the birth process was nothing short of magical. Newly born puppies, blind and deaf, begin their lives relying entirely on their mother's warmth and nourishment. Each puppy started developing their senses, and soon it was a lively scene as they tumbled over one another in pursuit of food.

A Growing Family

Our family was enchanted by the adorable chaos as Lola cared for her puppies. My husband and I took to strategic feeding times for both Lola and her pups, ensuring everyone was well-nourished during this busy period. Before long, each little pup was weighed and measured, and their personalities began to shine through in their names. We created a special corner of the living room for them, but soon enough, it was evident that our home life had become quite a bustling affair.

Despite strict lockdown measures, our close-knit community became excited about our “pandemic puppies.” Friends and neighbors cautiously visited, charmed by the playful antics of the pups, while also adhering to social distancing protocols.

Finding Forever Homes

As the puppies grew, we were inundated with requests from family and friends eager to adopt. My husband had made the decision to keep one, a long-haired, black and white male named Prince. Other puppies quickly found their forever homes, with two more going to friends of our daughter, while three females were nestled into loving families nearby.

Finally, we took our time before parting ways with Millie, a female who had become Prince's inseparable companion. We decided to wait until Millie's first birthday to find her a new home, making sure it was a perfect match. Even today, our family still gathers for walks with her, and the puppies’ gatherings have become a cherished tradition, complete with shared stories and photographs that bring a smile to our faces.

Reflecting on the Journey

As days turned into months and eventually years since the onset of the pandemic, we find joy in not just our puppies but also in the addition of two mischievous kittens to our family. Lola remains the undisputed queen of the household, managing her small army of furballs.

The “pandemic puppy” phenomenon has transformed countless homes, providing love and companionship when it was needed the most. Now, as we reflect on this shared experience, we can truly see how a little four-legged friend can transform our lives in challenging times. Stay tuned as we explore more delightful tales of triumphs and furry friendships in the face of adversity!