We of Emerald Island

Family of Irish Terriers She sat watching her four youngsters at play and knew that the time was close; she must do it today, for tomorrow may be too late.

? She gave a quiet bark and four little red heads turned towards her. The boldest of the four walked up to her and asked "Did you want us, mother?"
"Yes, son, the time has come for me to speak to all of you. Come over here and listen," she said.
"I have to explain to you who you are and why you are here."
"Ah, a story," the youngsters chanted in unison.

Having fun, playing around "No, not a story, but some facts of who and what you are. Your history began a long, long time ago in a place called Ireland: the wonderful Emerald Isle with its mysterious, enchanting beauty and rugged hillsides where the mist forms a blanket of silence which engulfs you as you trot along a country lane. Ireland is on the other side of the world, thousands of miles away. It was in the 1860s when we were first bred for a very special purpose. I shall now explain this to you."

Baby play "First, loyalty is one of our qualities. We were bred to be loyal to our human owners who feed and love us. We are also guardians. When you grow up you must protect the territory which is yours.?We are spirited ‑ do not be afraid, be bold and game, and hold your tail up high to show that you are who you are."

"Be gentle: you are a protector against all odds, yet you must be gentle with the humans, especially the children; no matter what, you must never bite a little one." clothe Toys

"You must be game to hunt vermin should there be any about. Always be very careful that you keep anything that could hurt your charges at bay. Remember not to sound the alarm unless you really mean it ‑our breed does not bark for no reason."

"You will be taught human words like sit, stay and drop. Learn your lessons well and be obedient. Always play with the toys that are provided, and no stealing shoes and slippers."

Hunting "There are a few things that will make our human friends angry, and these are to be avoided ‑ like pulling washing from the clothes line or digging holes in the flower garden. Remember who you are and your life will be full of love and adventure."?

"But mother," asked the smaller of the girls, "how will we know what vermin are?" "Listen to me," the mother said, "you are Irish and the mystique of Ireland is forever in your being; your brain holds the answer to all things that may confront you; the spirit of your forefathers lives within you. Call on your built‑in memories and you will know exactly what to do. This I promise you."?

Park The bold one got up and walked away, then turned and asked, "Mother, why are you telling us all these things now?" "The reason, my son, is this," she said. "You are eight weeks old and next week‑end you will all be leaving and going to your new homes, and at that time your life's adventures will begin. This will be a very exciting time for you, and you must be prepared. I have heard our human friends and I know that you, my son, are destined for a show home," she said, addressing the bold one. "You, my second son, are going to a farm to guard and protect the house and yard."?

"Where are we going?" asked the girls. "You, little one, are going into the big city where you will have a family with two small children to love and protect." Jumping up, the little one said, "I'll like that."

Good Doggy!! "And you, number two daughter ‑ like the bold one you are going into a show home. Stand tall and proud in the show ring, you are from a lineage of great champions."?
County Dog "Mother, you have told us we are special, but you have not told us what we are?"
"You, my children," she said as she stood tall, looking down on them. You are the lord and master of all you survey, the red daredevil ‑ The Irish Terreir

The Irish Terrier


Drawings by Melissa Ferris
?Erica Davis

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