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Home About Us Sid Celeste Puppies! Photo Gallery Sid's Hounds Jadzia Artemis Rogue Celeste's Hounds Beowulf Grendel Charlie Irish Wolfhounds Living with an IW Natural Diet Suggested Reading Contact Us Links |
 When I was a
child I saw my first Irish Wolfhound. From that moment on I knew
this was the breed for me. However, it took many years before
this dream became reality. I was very aware of the great
responsibility that comes with owning one (or more) of these
magnificent animals and I wanted to make sure that I was fully able to
provide the best possible home that I could. Thanks to the
dedication of the Irish Wolfhound Club of Canada and their rescue
program my first hound entered my life in 1998. On that day
my life changed and my journey into the world of the Irish Wolfhound
began. No Di’s Finbar the Fair CGC (Finbar) was a giant among giants. To this day I have not met many other hounds that rivaled him in size. He was the epitome of the gentle giant and although he succumbed to bone cancer just one month shy of his 5th birthday he lives on in the hearts of all he met. My second hound Ch Snowybear’s Chewbacca was unwanted and unloved when I found him in the June of 2000. He was 5 years old when he came to live with me but his time with us was short and we lost him to Liver and Pancreatic Cancer seven months after he arrived. He was a sweet lovable dog that was my constant companion. I am happy that I managed to give him a place where he knew he was wanted and loved, even if it was for a short time. St. Patrick’s Day of 2001 was the day the Can Ch, Ch (ALT) Karontara Starkeeper Grendel (Grendel) came into my life. Grendel has been a constant source of joy. He is a clown and an attention hound and he can always make me smile. His boundless energy was a challenge to say the least. Finding ways to channel his energy has shown me the potential that can be realized with this breed. He is a therapy dog and competes in Conformation, Obedience, Lure Coursing, and Straight Racing. He has been trained in Agility and Rally-O. He spent time in the Couture Fashion world doing runway work with well respected Canadian Fashion Designers. At the age of seven he still plays like a puppy (the stuffed toys strewn around my house can attest to that) After the loss of Finbar I found myself with a yearling hound (Grendel) that desperately needed a canine companion. This is when Ch Karontara Starkeeper Charlston (Charlie) arrived on the scene. She was 18 months old when she joined our family and she bonded with me instantly. This dog will go to the ends of the earth for me. She has always been the prefect companion for Grendel and they are often cuddled up together on the bed or the couch. Charlie is also a conformation champion and a therapy dog. She excels at working with the elderly and the mentally challenged. This brings me to my baby. Although not a baby anymore he is my youngest hound. Ch Castlekeep’s Viking Soul & Spirit (Beowulf) aka BOOF… He can epitomize the commanding appearance of the Irish Wolfhound one minute and then be a total goof the next. Beowulf should have been named Casanova as he has never met a girl that he has not been able to charm with song and his suave dance moves. He does make those girls swoon. He too is a conformation champion and a therapy dog and he loves to straight race. He may not be the fastest Irish Wolfhound that ever lived but he gives his best effort on the field. Beowulf has also been on TV and participates regularly with Grendel in fundraising events and Festivals. Where Sid and her hounds live rural, mine are their city counterparts. They enjoy the faster paced life that the city has to offer. As with our country branch, visitors are welcome at Arahu in Hamilton. Just contact us in advance to make arrangements. Slainte! Celeste |