PIERCETOWN 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 was alpha dog. He guarded the house and backyard; Kvisto was really not allowed to, Zala sometimes but only if he was in a good mood.

Connan was very much a "one owner and one dog - him". In his opinion, there should have been no one else in my life. He wanted 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 while writing, he had his head on my feet. His nickname is Trailer - you can see why!

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

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

He prefered children to adults, small dogs to big ones, although he was always uncertain when puppies or younger dogs came to visit as he was afraid they were here to stay. But when Brona visited, they were all in seventh heaven. They were friends for life. Connan knew that she had her own home, and wouldn't stay here forever. What a relief . . .

Connan died suddenly at the age of six, when he reacted badly to an anti- inflammatory medicine given for a painful neck.

Many thanks to Andrej, for entrusting Connan to me.