DOGS OF LOCKDOWN

Glanbia Ireland employees share their pictures and stories of ‘pandemic pups’ they’ve given homes to over the past 19 months

With more time spent at home, no holidays abroad and plenty of walks to go on, many people who had been thinking about getting a dog eventually welcomed a furry friend into their lives during the pandemic. Thankfully, normality is on the horizon and many GI colleagues are returning to the office, making it another time of transition for employees and their pooches! But fear not, because Overherd at Glanbia is here to help ease the guilt of leaving your dog at home alone for the first time.

A few things can ease anxiety for all:
  • Exercise is key – particularly in the morning! A tired dog is much more likely to relax and sleep than a dog full of energy, so depending on its age, a 45 minute walk will use up plenty of energy. Make time to get up and walk your dog before you go to work or if they are too young, play with them and do a little training instead.
  • Encourage play time! Give them an interactive toy (some are stuffed with food) as you are leaving. This will keep your dog entertained for a little while immediately after you leave and help to create a more positive association with you leaving.
  • Radio comfort! Leave a radio on so there is background noise in the house. This helps to dampen down the noise from outside so that your dog can relax more and not be constantly on alert, particularly if couriers or the postman/woman arrives.
  • Routine, routine, routine! Create a routine that they like which will help them to settle.
  • Preparation is everything! Once they get used to their routine, they will generally settle down and sleep after you leave for work because this is what they do most days. But you have to prepare for this a few weeks before going back to work and build up the length of time they are left on their own gradually.
  • Timid dogs! Some dogs will cope much better than others with being left on their own. However, if your dog has severe separation anxiety then you need to seek help from a qualified dog behaviourist.
Competition Time!

Of course a full belly is another way to keep a dog happy and with that we have a GAIN Elite Hamper up for grabs! Please help us choose your favourite dog by adding their name along with their owners’ name in the comment section of the Overherd at Glanbia email you just received. If you’re reading Overherd directly from the URL or QR code, then please email your vote to GIPeopleServices@glanbia.ie

The dog with the most votes wins!

Margaret Kenna
People Services Specialist, Ballyragget
This is my ‘Covid’ dog Max. I got him in April 2020 and he has been my walking buddy since. We go every morning at 6:30am for 50 minutes and again at lunchtime, so we both get plenty of exercise in. My previous dog died at Christmas 2019. My friend Marina Downey who works in Planning got Max for me.

Rhona Howley,
Talent Development Manager, Danville, (home Tipperary)

This is Izzy, our 2 year old pug who we rescued from a family who couldn’t keep her. Our friends are involved in horse and dog rescue and they told us about Izzy. The children have wanted a dog for years so getting her was their best day ever! She’s been great company while we were all cooped up at home.

Justin Ryan,
Employee Communications Manager, Citywest
This was our dog ‘Snap’ who we rescued back in April. Sadly he was just with us for four months and due to ill health, had to be put to sleep. Needless to say we were heartbroken as his second chance at life was cut short. He was a good boy!

Jill Davidson,
Head of Talent Acquisition, Danville
These are our dogs Max and Pip. They are Cavapoos, which is a mix between a Poodle and a King Charles. Our kids wanted a dog for ages but we always said no as none of us were ever at home. This all changed during lockdown of course and somehow we ended up with two puppies as we couldn’t leave one behind! Now that we’re back to the office, it’s actually worked out well as they can keep each other company.

Ciara O’Rourke,
Quality Specialist, Belview
I found it hard to pick just one photo of my Golden Retriever, Ollie. I’ve had him since July 2020 as a pup and he’s the most lovable troublemaker and the best walking buddy! He’s been great company for the whole family during lockdown, especially during days working from home. Since we’re all back in work full time now, Ollie has since started going to school a few times a week where he’s made loads of new friends to play with.

Marco Quatrana,
Key Account Manager Vietnam, Citywest
This is my dog Monty, he’s a Miniature Schnauzer. Monty is playful and social but also stubborn if there are no treats around, a real character! Monty arrived during lockdown, but it’s never a bad time to get a puppy!

Michelle Collins,
Head of Nutrition and Sustainability Innovation, Ballyragget
This is Minnie, she’s a pedigree mongrel i.e. Collie, Lab Retriever and Labrador all in one! We’ve had her since June 2020 and she’s made our lives even busier and chaotic. My kids love her but she drives my husband mad – the dent she left in the utility room and her love of slippers hasn’t helped her cause, but we all love her nonetheless.

Neans McSweeney,
Interim Communications Manager, Kilkenny
Ollie is our high energy Colliepuggle with a penchant for hurling boots, only your very best shoes, pyjamas and just about anything and everything he can grab from the laundry basket! His daddy was a Collie who died on the family farm just days before he was born in Kealkil just outside Bantry in June of last year. Ollie’s mam is a jolly Pug/Beagle. He was the craziest of the litter and we chose him on that basis. Lockdown was particularly rough in our house for so many reasons I won’t even start to get into. But Ollie continues to be the light that brightens our every day and the best Covid puppy anyone could wish for!

Maria Kennedy,
Acting Head of Programme & Governance, Ballyragget
Bella and Storm arrived into our lives in Aug 2019 as eight week old pups. Having finally succumbed to pressure from the kids to get a dog, we ended up with two! It’s been lovely to see the dogs and kids playing and growing up together. The little bit of chaos they’ve brought to our family has been far outweighed by the love and fun that they bring every day. We were so glad to have them, especially during lockdown and everyone tells me they will grow out of the chewing phase…. eventually!