Just a wee note about our two heartbeats Chad and Rooney.

We adopted Chad and Rooney from Heathlawn Animal Sanctuary in Killimor on Feb 1st. We sadly had to put our beloved dog Jody to sleep on August 17th last year due to a serious heart complaint. He was 15 years old, and we were devastated. I do some volunteer work out at Heathlawn and was in a total dilemma as to which dog to adopt as I wanted them all!!! I wanted to take them all home, but my husband is the logical one so I got told "one for now Ger"!!! Having narrowed it down to a decision of 4 dogs, I was walking them one day at the sanctuary and taking some photos when I looked across and saw Chad with his two paws sticking out from under his kennel. That's when my heart did a leap. So it was decided after many walks, and hugs and kisses, that Chad would be ours!!! We had our home check done, and on Feb 1st we picked Chad up from Heathlawn. He was very timid as he had come from an abusive background. However he has come on in leaps and bounds, and is now the center of attention.

Then.... I was out at the sanctuary another day cleaning out kennels when I came eye to eye with a little pup who wasn't in great nick. He had been abandoned and wasn't too well. We brought him to the vet, where he stayed overnight. Next day, I said we would foster him till he got a bit better!! (surprise surprise!!). And the rest is history. Chad's reaction to Rooney made the decision for us!!! They are like two lost souls that have finally found each other. And so now we have two little heartbeats. Our life is so sad without Jody, but yet complete again with the two boys. I feel almost like Jody sent Chad our way, and then Rooney to keep us from being so sad.

It is also worthy of note to mention the unconditional love shown to the cats and dogs at Heathlawn and the cattery in town by the committee staff and volunteers there. Where the sanctuary and cattery (as do all sanctuaries) might definitely need funds to "upgrade" and modernise its facilities, the work that is done in both is awe inspiring. The love and attention shown to each and every animal is paramount.

Geraldine Padraic, Chad and Rooney. xx