Her dogs, all rescued or "rehomed," got her involved in regional and national Irish wolfhound rescue.
"That resulted in many Irish wolfhounds coming through my doors and then onto 'furever' homes," said Jennifer, the mother of three who lives in Shiloh with husband John, and works for a St. Louis endodontist.
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| Jennifer Ahren, of Shiloh, has liked Irish wolfhounds since she was a child. She currently has three, Sean, Farley and Seamus. |
It's strictly for points and ribbons, kind of like American Kennel Club dog shows, Jennifer said.
They are ambassadors for their breed at Irish, Celtic and Scots fests and parades in the region.
How did you get interested in Irish wolfhounds? "I was raised with Irish setters and my parents would take me along to dog shows and field events. My first memory of an Irish wolfhound was at a dog show. I came eye to eye with it. I was about 4 at the time. I had all sorts of animals growing up, but my parents told me that the Irish wolfhound was too big. Although they bought me a horse, they never got me my Irish wolfhound. I never forgot the kind and gentle spirit of this breed."
How big are they? "They weigh from 135 to 200 pounds, and stand 36 inches to the shoulder."
Where does Moose do therapy?
"Seamus, aka Moose, is certified through CHAMPdogs.org. He has been active with that group for about six years. He has done therapy work at Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital, nursing homes, assisted living centers andfor children'sprograms at area libraries and schools. He has represented the CHAMPdog program at Scott Air Force Base. He is also known at the Gun and Knife Show, selling raffle tickets, promoting the Cowboy Shoot for CHAMPs in September. He has represented the breed, along with Farley, at the Chicago Children's Museum at the Navy Pier. Moose has done a magazine shoot for Brides Magazine St. Louis, and also joined Farley for a photo shoot for Earthborn Dog Foods.
"Moose is semiretired from the therapy dog program. He is 7-1/2 years old, which is old for an Irish wolfhound. Although he does well and has puppy-like tendencies and moments, he tires easily."
Do the dogs go on vacations with you? "They have traveled to Springfield, Mo., many times and love to shop at the Bass Pro Shop. They have been to Colorado, and Pennsylvania and had their photo taken at Gettysburg Battlefield at the Irish Brigade Memorial with the Irish Wolfhound on it. They went to the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and hiked one of the only two trails that dogs are allowed on."
Do they travel well?"Very well. Better than my children did. I have a mini van with a driver and passenger seat only. The boys have the whole back end.
They know we are going somewhere when the suitcases come out. They have their own suitcases with food, leashes and collars, and I can't forget treats. I pack an emergency first aid kit with dog medicines, bandages etc. I also have a carrier, a military litter (that looks like a pallet). If these dogs go down then you would need the litter to cart them to the van.
Do motels allow them? "I have found that most motels will accommodatethe dogs, especially when I am up front and let them know that I'm bringing three. I ask for a ground-floor room, it is just easier. One time, we did have to stay in a hotel. The lowest floor available was the third floor. It was funny getting into and out of the elevator.
"Some motels ask for a deposit, but I've always received that back. If we are return customers, theyusuallywaive the fee. The dogs are quiet. They don't bark. And they are always up for the next adventure."
(bnd.com - June 2, 2013)
