Breeding Stock Testimonials

Catherine Michelle Hassett – Puppy Nana

Working with My Canine companion has been both rewarding and fulfilling. While being incredibly challenging, the experience of raising these wonderful dogs from birth through to strong and confident service animals is amazing. It is difficult to properly articulate how grateful we are to be able to share the experiences of bringing new life into the world, watching over them as they grow and the pride felt when they go on to their new families. To be part of something so special that changes the lives of so many families.

 Yes, the work is hard. It's hard to watch over these little creatures as they take their first steps into the world. Hard to care for and raise adorable puppies knowing we will one day have to let them go. Hard to swallow the lump in the throat and smile as they are given to a deserving child. But at the end of all the hard, there is the humbling. That indescribable feeling when those same dogs bring a smile to a face that never smiles. That gives a voice to a child that never speaks, and that gives new hope to a family where there was only anguish.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this job are the days we get to come home to a house full of cute, adorable, puppies. Watching them run, frolic, fight and play. No words can describe how happy these animals make us feel.

Nothing beats a puppy cuddle and lick. It is a privilege to work and support this fantastic charity. 

Catherine Michelle Hassett

Aine O’ Brien Farrell – Puppy Nana

I have a new title . . . PUPPY NANA!

 When I approached My Canine Companion about taking on a breeding dog, I was full of anticipation of starting on the breeding road (of which I had some previous experience). . . and I received a most delightful “puppy” . . . not quite what I was expecting when I went to collect Jeannie that first day! I was expecting a dog of breeding age and the look on my face seeing a puppy apparently said it all . . . However, said puppy, Jeannie, a stunning golden retriever, nearly two years later, became the proud Mum of eight gorgeous golden doodles . . . aka the “P” litter . . . and I am a proud PUPPY NANA to Pebbles, Piper, Pongo, PJ, Pablo, Peggy, Pep and Paulie . I am just loving my new title . . . PUPPY NANA!  

 Having our first litter of puppies happened in the middle of the first Covid restrictions, so, apart from all the hard work, there was also plenty of time to sit and gaze at them, handle, socialise and really enjoy them, as well as seeing how Jeannie was interacting with them.  They were gorgeous puppies and I was lucky to have them a little longer than the normal six weeks.  The last few weeks were exceptionally good for Jeannie to “play” with them.  Great fun . . . but also a lot of help and interaction from local friends and local families involved with My Canine Companion . . . it takes a village to raise these puppies . . . and I have made loads of new friends.

 Jeannie is my constant companion.  She loves going everywhere with me, especially if it’s by car . . . she loves her walks and loves to swim and goes to all the puppy classes to keep an eye on what’s happening.  She hates the words “you mind the house”, which means she has to stay at home.  She is a regular at Rugby Matches in Thomond Park.

Am loving the role . . . and the wonderful jobs these puppies go on to do with their families . . .

ÁINE O’BRIEN-FARRELL, WATERFORD

Anne Duggan – Puppy Nana

My name is Anne, and I am the mom of a grown-up family, as well as being one of the privileged people who has been chosen to have a breeding dog for My Canine Companion. This beautiful girl’s name is Orla, and she is an Irish Doodle.

I came in contact with My Canine Companion through my grandson, who is autistic. He was matched with his puppy in training and watching how this puppy bonded with him was amazing, and to see how she changed his life for the better was heart-warming. I wanted to give back to the charity in some small way, for the way this amazing service dog has helped my grandson, and our whole family, by making his life better.  This is when Orla came into our family’s lives, not only to be a breeding dog for the charity, but a valued family member to us.

As a person who has always loved animals, I want to make sure Orla has the best care possible, from diet, to healthcare. I want to make this experience as easy and as happy as I can for her, both physically and mentally. The goal is always that Orla will return to her normal life, after her puppies are born, making sure her mental state and physical state return to what they were before, and she enjoys her down time, her free runs and of course has lots of love.

In 2018, Orla had a litter of 11 adorable puppies, the H litter. Orla cared for the litter amazingly, and with a helping hand, they grew to be confident, happy puppies, ready for the job ahead. 

They were with me for 8-10 weeks and in that time, the puppies were socialised, started basic commands and they grew more and more confident. The H litter were then matched with their children, Children just like my grandson, and started on their path to be fully qualified service dogs. These dogs are life-changing for children with autism, in so many ways and to be a small part of this is amazing.

At the moment, I also have a puppy in training with me. His name is Mescal, and he is a standard poodle. Mescal will be socialised and brought up through the puppy programme. The hope for the future is that he will become a therapy dog for the charity, as well as one of their stud dogs.

I am so proud to do this for My Canine Companion, so they can help other families just like mine, by matching them with these incredible dogs and changing lives. 

Anne Duggan