PIERCE IRISH WOLFHOUNDS

Connan was born on 5 October 2003 at the Andrej Vidmar's Vianho Kennel in Slovenia.
I had visited the litter many times but said that I would only have another wolfhound when Kvisto was a little older. But when there were only three puppies left, I suddenly decided that I just had to have a puppy from this litter, especially as it would be Hektor's nephew.

Connan was six months old when arrived home. Kvisto and Zala were both happy to have new companion and so was I, in spite of the fact that I had always said I would never have two young dogs at the same time.

I had to work harder with Connan than my previous dogs as he had left his litter quite late. He formed a close relationship with Kvisto, while Zala was his reserve playmate. He enjoyed playing with Kvisto non-stop, so we had to limit play-time because it was really too much. Connan usually ended the game with his front legs on Kvisto's back. At the time it was only play, but looking back now, it's clear that he had already started to assert himself as alpha. Their shared games gradually stopped, and they started to play with Zala as their main target and still do. Connan is alpha dog. He guards the house and backyard; Kvisto is really not allowed to, Zala sometimes but only if he is in a good mood.

Connan is very much a "one owner and one dog - him". In his opinion, there should be no one else in my life. He wants to be near me all the time. If he could, he would occupy the front passenger seat in the car, sleep in my bed and follow me to the bathroom. Even now, while writing, he has his head on my feet. His nickname is Trailer - you can see why!

Behind the powerful image, he has a very gentle, loving and generous personality. If he does something he shouldn't, it is enough for me to tell him "no" in a strict voice. He would be offended if you were to do more. All Connan needs is to be near me - no need for walks, other dogs, people or food. Sleeping near me is his hobby, wherever I am.

Dog shows are really Kvisto's domain, as there are so many people and dogs that Connan has to share me with . . . aren't I enough? he asks?!

He prefers children to adults, small dogs to big ones, although he is always uncertain when puppies or younger dogs come to visit as he's afraid they are here to stay. But when Brona visits, they are all in seventh heaven. They are friends for life. Connan knows that she has her own home, and won't stay here forever. What a relief . . .

Many thanks to Andrej, for entrusting Connan to me.