A FEMALE lurcher rescued in Cratloe earlier this year is now thriving in her forever home after local residents, Clare Animal Welfare and Clare Dog Shelter worked together to ensure the pregnant dog could safely deliver six healthy pups.
By Bianca Locklee
Twiggy had been straying for almost two weeks during the coldest part of the year before she was finally secured. Concerned Cratloe residents noticed her malnourished condition and tried to catch her, but the nervous lurcher kept her distance. They began leaving food where she was regularly sighted. While volunteers with Clare Animal Welfare and Frankie Coote of Clare Dog Shelter explored ways to safely secure her, Twiggy eventually began sheltering in the carport of the Gleeson family home.
The situation took an unexpected turn when the Gleesons realised Twiggy had gone into labour. The family sprang into action, providing Twiggy with warm bedding and gentle comfort through her long hours of delivery. Thanks to their support, all six of the puppies survived.
The pups, aptly named for the cast of television show Friends and Twiggy received full health checks the following day at Clare Dog Shelter. “The pups were healthy newborns,” says Clare County Dog Warden Frankie Coote. “Twiggy was clearly a good mother despite her own poor condition.”
After receiving the all-clear from the vet, Frankie contacted Clare Animal Welfare to see if a foster home could be arranged for the young family.
That’s when volunteer Ciara Flynn stepped in. She welcomed Twiggy and her puppies into her home, where they have been growing stronger, healthier and more playful each day. “When Twiggy first arrived with her pups, it was clear she had been through a very hard time,” Ciara says. “She was extremely underweight and so hungry that she would try to eat anything she could find. It was heartbreaking to see just how desperate she was”.
Despite her difficult start, Twiggy proved to be a devoted mother. “One of the most special things about Twiggy is how gentle and patient she is with her puppies. They’re absolutely thriving at six weeks. They’re really strong, thanks to their mam’s nurturing, and they’ve all got their own unique personalities.”
The puppies – Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey and Phoebe – are now ready to begin the next chapter of their journey. They are available for adoption, and Clare Animal Welfare is hopeful they will each find loving forever homes in no time at all.
Twiggy’s story highlights the difference community kindness can make when people work together to help a vulnerable animal. Clare Animal Welfare says support from the public, through fostering, volunteering or donations, helps make rescues like Twiggy’s possible.
For more information on how you can support animals in need across County Clare, visit www.clareanimalwelfare.ie or call 0851911369.
