Sunday Independent (Ireland)

Glen’s a pug who can work a crowd

MY PET

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THEY say good-looking, attractive people get more attention and do better than average looking mortals. But what about dogs?

Well Glen, our fivemonth-old pug, a breed not generally known for its good looks, has completely smashed that stereotype and has bowled us over with the level of attention and warm fuzzy feelings he generates. He is what the doctor would call a “tonic”.

From the moment we got him, we very quickly noticed a pattern developing. We couldn’t get more than a few steps with him without passers by stopping to interact, look into his big, soulful pug eyes and “ooh” and “ahh” at the curliness of his little tail and the fawn colour of his coat. Some even asked for photos to show their children “who always wanted a pug”.

Glen was only too happy to oblige once he contained himself, and took it all in his stride, wagging his tail, licking everyone, whether they asked him to or not. Name: Glen Finest hour: Mastering his first double-pawed high five! Likes: People Dislikes: Being alone The really lucky ones even got to see him frolicking like a lamb at the excitement and pleasure of interactin­g with them.

Looks are one thing, but it’s his fun-loving personalit­y that wins them over every time. Glen has no awareness of the natural magnetism he exudes but it is not lost on us.

Going to the local pet store, normally a fiveminute walk without Glen, is now 40 minutes when we bring him, because of all the interactio­n he encounters both within and outside the shop. I kid you not, even the staff at the Centra next door to the pet shop come out to pet him after hearing the fuss outside.

He has become like a little local celebrity and is a fantastic conversati­onstarter, with people wanting to know “his name, how old he is” and other doggie small talk.

If Glen was a rock star, I’d put him akin to Elvis — same smoulderin­g eyes and ability to work a crowd, but most of all he is a natural connector who reminds us how good it feels to have interactio­n and connection with people.

As his family, we get the added benefit of experienci­ng every day the smiles and warm fuzzy feelings he brings to everyone he meets — even on your worst day he never fails to lift your spirit and put a pep in your step. If Glen could bottle and sell this gift, he’d be a millionair­e.

We are so proud of Glen and the light and love he spreads around to every one he meets, and are privileged to be his family. Lorraine Byrnes Glenageary Co Dublin

If you would like your pet featured in this column, please send a story of 440 words and a photograph to snews@independen­t.ie clearly labelled MY PET

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