YOUR PETS Dogs ‘bring noise, warmth and love’
Pets’ names: Frank. Breeds: Maisie is a Jack Russell cross pug, Phoebe is a pedigree Basset Hound and Frank is a pedigree miniature dachshund. Pets ages: Maisie is 11, Phoebe is nine and Frank is two. Owner: Catherine Morgan, 51, from Barry. Maisie, Phoebe and
Owner’s story: “Maisie has been in the family for 11 years, Phoebe for nine and Frank for two years.
“Maisie has a tendency to make the most annoying high-pitched singing sound any time there is someone at the door.
“Phoebe tends to eat her dinner in under 10 seconds flat which causes her to try and steal the others’ food. You have to keep a close eye on her.
“Frank barks at pretty much anything and everything.
“Maisie is huge fan of a long walk, the more rural the better. The family regularly visits Cornwall where long walks in the countryside are common, especially in the summer. For a dog in her older years, she doesn’t shy away from a good stroll.
“Also, Maisie has an unhealthy obsession with tennis balls. She will quite happily play for hours – she is the fittest dog we have ever known.
“Next to eating, Phoebe’s favourite activity is to roll around in the mud. As a Basset Hound, it is instinctive.
“When we go on walks, we have to keep a close eye on her as she can quickly cause a scene. Towels are a must!
“Frank is a little different. His idea of a perfect day is cwtched up under a blanket having a snooze. He loves nothing more than a quiet day. He is a brilliant hot water bottle for cold feet.
“Maisie is not a huge eater, but she does enjoy leftover meat from a Sunday roast.
“Phoebe will eat anything but she loves cheese and bananas, even the two together. Frank has a soft spot for chews, he will spend hours happily on the sofa chewing away.
“Phoebe acts as a mother to Frank, whereas Maisie is a little bit of a lone ranger.
“Frank has turned into a big brother for Digby, my daughter and her boyfriend’s puppy who is also a miniature dachshund.
“They are all the most beautiful and lovely of animals.
“Maisie is a very low-maintenance and easy-going dog. As long as she has a tennis ball to chew and is taken on regular walks she is happy.
“Phoebe can be a little grumpy at times, but, after a belly-rub and some food she is anyone’s.
“Frank is a funny little man; he is stubborn and of a nervous disposition but he is a handsome chap who is fiercely loyal.
“They mean everything. Without the dogs, our house is a very different place.
“They bring noise, warmth and love to our lives and they truly make the house a home. We could never imagine not having them.
“For me and the family, there is no better feeling than getting a healthy dose of fresh air and walking them around Tredegar Park early on a Saturday morning.”