PAWS for thought
What are your dogs like and how old are they?
Our husky Messi, who is now six years old, arrived two days after we moved into our home at the time in 2015. My fiancé Adam brought him home. We always wanted to have at least two dogs, at all times, and he was a great addition to our family. We already had our eight-year-old Rottweiler Stig who has since passed away. They became the best brothers! Junior, our three-year-old Rottweiler, was again brought home by Adam, the day before my 30th birthday.
Did you grow up with dogs?
I never had dogs growing up, a goldfish was about as far as my mam would allow. She gets the appreciation for dogs but she’s just not a dog person, or a pet person. My dad would have loved one as he had a Labrador growing up, but he was always cautious because it was a tragic ending and he’s a softy. I’ve always loved dogs, they’re just so loyal and their personalities are hilarious. I always knew once I got my own place and independence that I would have one, or two, or three!
What do your dogs mean to you and your family?
They’re our kids! At least they were our kids before our son Bobby came along. We’d find ourselves just talking about what the dogs got up to that day, or thinking about how smart and cute they are. Bobby will be two this year and he’s obsessed with his “wow wows”. He gets so excited when he sees them but we’re very strategic in the way we let them play together. Our dogs are not vicious and they have never snapped, but it’s important to us to teach them to be extra gentle around him, just as it’s important that we teach
Bobby to be respectful around them and to never get overexcited. We’re not blind to the fact that they are both large breeds, but it works both ways.
I know you’re not living with them at the moment, is that difficult?
At the moment while we save for our house, we’re apart. I live at home with Bobby, while Adam lives in his aunt’s house with the dogs because there’s not enough room for us all under the one roof. It’s so hard not living with them, but it’s the only way. We knew from day one of this journey that we were never going to rehome them, or look for an easier option for us. If we want to end up together in our own forever home, then this is the way it has to be. It’s a no-brainer. I still see them all of the time and bring them for walks, and I know we’ll be together again soon.
All dogs have their own funny personalities, what are yours like? Messi and Junior are so different, it’s crazy. Messi has the typical husky traits, he only really sticks to one person (me) and would make others feel like it’s a crime to try to have his attention. He’s vocal but not loud, and he gives me a good talking to every time he sees me. I think it’s him giving out to me about our situation, but then I remember he used to do it every time I got home from work! So maybe he’s just lecturing me for leaving him in general. He’s a sweetie really, although he can be stubborn and his little brother annoys him a lot. Junior is what you would describe as a lovable bear. People do comment on his size when they see him first, and I have heard people saying “that’s not a dog, that’s a bear”. He’s our life-size teddy! If he could speak I think his only word would be “play”. He pulls the funniest, stupid faces, but we wouldn’t change him for the world. All of the kids on the road adore him, as do we.
Comedian, actor and podcaster
Jen Hatton opens up about her big lovable dogs, how her toddler son Bobby gets on with them, and why she can’t wait until they’re all living under one roof again