0:00:02 > 0:00:05Pets, don't you just love them?
0:00:07 > 0:00:09In this series,
0:00:09 > 0:00:12we're going to meet plenty of people who really, really do.
0:00:12 > 0:00:14It's like having more children.
0:00:14 > 0:00:16It's as easy to have two or three as it is to have four or five.
0:00:18 > 0:00:22Our obsession with them has even turned some pets into celebrities.
0:00:22 > 0:00:25The internet love her. She always gets loads of compliments.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28We even have a core following, ones that read it every day.
0:00:28 > 0:00:32Our love for them appears to have no bounds.
0:00:33 > 0:00:38Later, we follow Martin to Italy, shopping for a new puppy.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41Here he is. He likes you.
0:00:41 > 0:00:43Yes, of course he likes me.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46Belfast Pug Club have a Halloween party.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49Pugs are hilarious, and dressed-up pugs are even better.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53But first, we're in Donegal to meet internet sensation Hummus.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56- Hummus means the world to us. - She's our fur baby.
0:00:56 > 0:00:58- Yeah, she's become our child.- Yeah.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09In Letterkenny live Jason and Karen -
0:01:09 > 0:01:12a couple in love with all things animal.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15I think the two of us, we're kind of obsessed with animals.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19This was a present that my sister got me recently.
0:01:19 > 0:01:23It think she understands that we're very animal-orientated,
0:01:23 > 0:01:25because it is a fox penis bone.
0:01:25 > 0:01:29- It kind of suits us, I suppose. - Crazy animal people.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32We totally are, yeah.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35Through Karen, Jason has learned to love cats.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39And, in particular, her cat Hummus.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42Hummus is my cat, first and foremost.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45I think even just her day-to-day things, like feeding her
0:01:45 > 0:01:48and stuff like that. I want to feed her.
0:01:48 > 0:01:52A lot of men, especially here in Ireland, they're very anti-cat.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55They're like, "This cat is over-pampered, it's fat."
0:01:55 > 0:01:59Yeah, it should be outside hunting and bringing back catch.
0:01:59 > 0:02:01Yeah, but Jason wasn't like that, which I liked.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04I first met Hummus three years ago.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07I never had a cat, though, before Hummus.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10So, Hummus would be my first cat. I think it's a pretty good first cat.
0:02:10 > 0:02:15It's really docile, its easy-going. Before that, I was a big dog person.
0:02:15 > 0:02:17Cats? Who has time for a cat?
0:02:17 > 0:02:20I'm the cat mum and he's the cat dad.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23We don't take anything too seriously.
0:02:23 > 0:02:25We've lived together this entire time,
0:02:25 > 0:02:27we never spent much time apart, really.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31- It's a testament to how much our personalities match.- Yeah.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34I suppose that's why Hummus has taken quite kindly to me, as well.
0:02:34 > 0:02:36It wasn't too much of a transition.
0:02:36 > 0:02:38You know, if someone came in with a different personality type,
0:02:38 > 0:02:42it might be different. He might say, "Hey, whoa! Who's this guy?
0:02:42 > 0:02:46- "What's his agenda? Get out of here!"- Yeah.
0:02:54 > 0:02:56She barely goes anywhere.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59You can see a couple of little patches, that's her bed.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02The minute she comes out, she knows where she's going.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06She doesn't really have the skills to survive out there.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09Maybe I'm just being a really overprotective mum.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11Like, "She's not ready yet!"
0:03:11 > 0:03:13But I just feel if she came up with another cat,
0:03:13 > 0:03:15- that would be the end of her.- Yeah.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18She's a diva. Isn't that right, Hummus?
0:03:18 > 0:03:20HE LAUGHS
0:03:20 > 0:03:23See, this is her favourite time of the year.
0:03:23 > 0:03:24Do you want some milk?
0:03:27 > 0:03:30Having passed the cat test, Jason started taking
0:03:30 > 0:03:34photographs of Hummus and soon was letting his imagination run wild.
0:03:40 > 0:03:42The couple are planning another photoshoot for Hummus
0:03:42 > 0:03:45and are in town looking for inspiration.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48It is literally like doing fashion photography on a small scale.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51It's like you have the studio, but it's just a smaller scale.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53- You have the model, as a smaller scale.- Yeah.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56- You know, Hummus is like a model. - She's as fussy as a model.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58She's as fussy as a model, yeah.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02When I talk to certain people, they get taken aback by it.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05- Mm.- If I mention it to older people, they don't really get it, do they?
0:04:05 > 0:04:08We're very old, we're very traditional back here.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16The vibrancy is never really a bother,
0:04:16 > 0:04:19- I can edit and make it a bit more vibrant.- Yeah.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22There's one I've wanted to do for a while, which was an astronaut,
0:04:22 > 0:04:25but I couldn't put her through putting that much on her.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28You know, I don't want to scare the cat or anything.
0:04:28 > 0:04:30So, always the costumes are very minimal.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32The headpiece is the most extravagant.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35All the other hats and things - like we had a sailor hat on,
0:04:35 > 0:04:38with a little bands going round it - she is happy enough with that.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40Yeah, it just depends on her mood. That hat that you put on her,
0:04:40 > 0:04:43the sailor hat, she was totally OK with that.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46Then, another day, you put it on her and she'd be like, "No."
0:04:46 > 0:04:47- She'd get the paw.- She's fussy.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50We had that issue with the Jedi costume.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52He just wanted to drape it on her and kind of let it sit,
0:04:52 > 0:04:54but she wasn't into it at all.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57I think when she feels the material moving all over, she thinks,
0:04:57 > 0:04:59"Get off me."
0:04:59 > 0:05:01Yeah, she gets very agitated sometimes, so we just call it quits.
0:05:01 > 0:05:02Yeah.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06- This one is more regal. - It's a regal cat, is it?
0:05:06 > 0:05:08- Oh, yeah.- A regal, regal cat.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11- She is a bit of a diva.- Cats are all about regal, I think, aren't they?
0:05:11 > 0:05:13I don't know, I'm not feeling that one.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17I like this more. Gold always brings out the yellows on her.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20The couple are planning an historical photoshoot
0:05:20 > 0:05:24for Hummus, which will cast her as one of Scotland's greatest heroes.
0:05:30 > 0:05:34Martin Bailey is one of Ireland's most successful dog handlers
0:05:34 > 0:05:37and, along with Old English Sheepdog Guapo,
0:05:37 > 0:05:40has won many green stars and rosettes.
0:05:43 > 0:05:44Turn.
0:05:44 > 0:05:50Martin lives with fiancee Jennifer Duggan and their five Maltese.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52Cuddles!
0:05:52 > 0:05:56Martin has decided to extend his line of Old English Sheepdogs
0:05:56 > 0:05:59and has resolved to get another puppy.
0:05:59 > 0:06:02Jennifer is kind of in two minds about a new dog, aren't you?
0:06:02 > 0:06:06Well, let's get it straight now, Martin.
0:06:06 > 0:06:11There was no discussion, it was just, "I'm getting a new dog.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13"That's it."
0:06:13 > 0:06:17You can't give the same amount of attention to every single dog.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21It's just so, so hard. And I just didn't want one.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23He is travelling to Italy to meet a puppy who
0:06:23 > 0:06:27he feels could be Ireland's next top dog.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30Can you spot Martin?
0:06:56 > 0:06:58Having arrived at the competition,
0:06:58 > 0:07:01it is not long before Martin is recognised.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06What are you doing here? It's so nice to see you.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09- You too, yes.- OK, I go on.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12- Thank you, Martin. Ciao.- Ciao.
0:07:14 > 0:07:16It's a small show, but I like these small shows,
0:07:16 > 0:07:18cos you just focus on the breed itself.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20You meet the people and it's nice to meet the people
0:07:20 > 0:07:23and how much they love the dogs. I prefer this type of dog show.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26Most of these shows, you'll see the dogs running round the fields
0:07:26 > 0:07:29and relaxing with their owners and having a good time, which is
0:07:29 > 0:07:31very, very important for dog showing.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37Going into the puppy class and it looks like there is one entry
0:07:37 > 0:07:39and the dog is called Shag On The Road,
0:07:39 > 0:07:41which sounds interesting.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43HE LAUGHS
0:07:43 > 0:07:45Martin is here to meet Nicholas Kanalas,
0:07:45 > 0:07:48one of the world's top breeders of Old English Sheepdogs.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51I met Nikolas earlier on this year, when I was here in Milan.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53So, it was nice to meet him and have a good chat with him.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55We spent the day together talking.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57He discussed with me the chance of me maybe
0:07:57 > 0:08:00taking a pup from him and showing the dog in Ireland.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06This was the uncle of the dog, that I'm here to have a look at.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09So, I'm liking the uncle, that's very impressive.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12Back in Ireland, this dog would have no problem being made champion.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15I'd say quite easily. He is beautifully presented.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18He's exactly what I like in an Old English. He's quite square,
0:08:18 > 0:08:21nice coat and movement is beautiful.
0:08:21 > 0:08:23This is Best In Show.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25So, this is Best In Show at an Old English specialty.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27So, this is the one you want to come home with
0:08:27 > 0:08:31and get a trophy for, Best In Show.
0:08:31 > 0:08:33It is another win for Nicholas
0:08:33 > 0:08:36and time for Martin to meet his potential new puppy.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39Shall we get him out for you to see him then?
0:08:39 > 0:08:42Yes, yes, take him out. Let me see him.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44Here he is. He likes you.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47Yes, of course he likes me.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53Well, to me, the most important thing is to actually be able
0:08:53 > 0:08:56to make the dog be part of your family and have it trained.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59- Yes.- It think it is a way of communicating with dogs
0:08:59 > 0:09:01more than anything.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04And this is how you establish a wonderful relationship
0:09:04 > 0:09:07with your dog and your family.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12Martin is impressed by Theron
0:09:12 > 0:09:15and decides to bring the puppy home.
0:09:15 > 0:09:20Now, he just needs to remember to drive on the right side of the road.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24WHEELS SKID
0:09:24 > 0:09:25HORN BEEPS
0:09:38 > 0:09:42In County Down live a couple who are pug-mad.
0:09:43 > 0:09:47Stitch is two-years-old and is looked after
0:09:47 > 0:09:50by dad Jay and mum Andrea.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53I was about 13 years old, I was sitting in a car park
0:09:53 > 0:09:55at the shop and a woman pulled in
0:09:55 > 0:09:57and she had a wee black pug in the car.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00I made my mum wait until the owner of the car came out,
0:10:00 > 0:10:03so I could go over and see what kind of breed the dog was.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06And from then, I always said my first dog is going to be a pug.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10So, I waited 13 years and finally got him.
0:10:11 > 0:10:15Snoring 24/7
0:10:15 > 0:10:18Well, 23½/7. That's what he does. If he's sleeping, he's happy.
0:10:18 > 0:10:20STITCH SNORES
0:10:20 > 0:10:24Andrea simply can't get enough of pugs.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28This is SOME of her collection.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31We've got slippers.
0:10:31 > 0:10:32That's another cushion.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36We've got a hat.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39And this is her onesie.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42I would say I'm more pug obsessed.
0:10:42 > 0:10:43I'm getting there.
0:10:43 > 0:10:47If I see anything that's pug-like, I have to get it.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49T-shirts, socks, everything.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52I always said I wanted to get a tattoo of Stitch,
0:10:52 > 0:10:57because he means so much to me and I wanted a memory of him
0:10:57 > 0:11:00on my body that I'll always be able to cherish.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03I wanted you to do it, because he's our wee family.
0:11:03 > 0:11:04She wanted me to do it.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08It means a lot more and I'll always be able to look down on it
0:11:08 > 0:11:10- and remember why I got it.- See him.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16Andrea and Jay are members of a nearby pug club
0:11:16 > 0:11:18and, together with Stitch,
0:11:18 > 0:11:21are attending the annual Halloween party.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30- I can't wait to see. - Oh, it'll be hilarious.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33Pugs are hilarious, and dressed-up pugs are even better.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36It'll definitely make everybody's day.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39# I was working in the lab late one night
0:11:39 > 0:11:42# When my eyes beheld an eerie sight
0:11:42 > 0:11:45# For my monster from his slab began to rise
0:11:45 > 0:11:48# And suddenly to my surprise
0:11:48 > 0:11:50# He did the mash
0:11:50 > 0:11:52# He did the monster mash...#
0:11:52 > 0:11:55This is Archie, he's Count Dracula.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58And this is Audrey, she is the bride of Frankenstein.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00This is Iggy, he's dressed up as Michael Jackson.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03- Michael Jackson. - He's got a wee Thriller jacket on.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06He had glasses, too, but cos his face is flat,
0:12:06 > 0:12:08- they wouldn't go on his nose. - There was no mission.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10No mission for the glasses.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13Trick or treat, the two boys. And Lucy's the witch.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15They'll don't mind, they love to party,
0:12:15 > 0:12:17they love mixing with all the other pugs.
0:12:17 > 0:12:19They just love it.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28When pugs and their owners come together, it's called a pug-nic.
0:12:29 > 0:12:34It's a great sense of fun, because people like to dress the dogs up
0:12:34 > 0:12:36and put nail polish on them. You know,
0:12:36 > 0:12:39it's just really, really fantastic.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43- One, two, three...- Pug-eese!
0:12:43 > 0:12:46Pugs are fantastic wee dogs for anybody with children.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49There is not once ounce of badness in them.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52There are so, so placid. And they're a wee bit silly.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55I would say a lot of them aren't too bright, really, you know?
0:12:55 > 0:12:58Bah hum-pug!
0:12:59 > 0:13:02But, thankfully, Stitch has had a great day.
0:13:02 > 0:13:06As long as everybody enjoys it, that's all that matters.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08Have you enjoyed it? I think he's busted already.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10He partied too hard.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16Martin is now back in Ireland with his new dog, Theron.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25It is time to introduce Theron to Guapo.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27Introducing two male dogs can be tricky,
0:13:27 > 0:13:30and Martin hopes they will get on.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33I thought it was the best place to introduce the two of them together,
0:13:33 > 0:13:36because it's not his territory and it's not Theron's territory.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39I have a friend of mine, Fran - she's my neighbour and she's
0:13:39 > 0:13:42going to come down with Theron and we're going to introduce them,
0:13:42 > 0:13:44as if we're just going for a walk. We'll take it from there
0:13:44 > 0:13:47and see how it goes. It should be fine, because he's with Old English
0:13:47 > 0:13:49all the time and he's with other dogs all the time.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52I don't see any problem with it. I'm interested to see how the reaction
0:13:52 > 0:13:55is with the two of them. I don't see any problems.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05Look, he's trying to mate him. Get down.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07Oh, no. Not according to plan.
0:14:07 > 0:14:08THEY LAUGH
0:14:08 > 0:14:12No, he's trying to mate him. Get down, get down. It's a boy.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14He's trying to be dominant, obviously.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18He's used to meeting Lucy, which is another girl that lives in the town.
0:14:18 > 0:14:20And she's a bitch, which he's mated before. So, he could think
0:14:20 > 0:14:23it's her for a moment. But, it'll be interesting to see when we go
0:14:23 > 0:14:25back to the house, what happens, because normally,
0:14:25 > 0:14:28the Old English wouldn't go back to the house. He's quite relaxed.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31He's more interested in having a walk and sniffing around.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33So, you want to mount again. Look, get down, stop.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35- He's definitely putting him in his place.- Which is good, yeah.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38I'm looking forward to walking two. I think it'll be just as easy
0:14:38 > 0:14:41to walk two as it is one. But I could never walk the Maltese
0:14:41 > 0:14:43with Guapo, because he's so big he stands on him.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46It'd be easier to walk two of the same size.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49Guapo and Theron appear to be getting on better than expected.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52And now, it is time to bring him home to Jennifer.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01DOGS BARK
0:15:01 > 0:15:04No, get down, get down.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07- No, don't, get off.- Get down.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09I think he's gorgeous.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12He's a lot different to Guapo, because Guapo has the white head.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14It's a different look. It's good to have a different look,
0:15:14 > 0:15:16instead of having all the same.
0:15:16 > 0:15:21He's a lovely temperament and he's lovely with people, which is great.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24- He's quite gentle. - Maybe I could try.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27Yeah, I'd say you'd be well able to walk him, because I'm going to
0:15:27 > 0:15:29be stuck bringing the two of them into the ring.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31So, Jennifer is going to bring Theron into the ring for me,
0:15:31 > 0:15:34- when we have the challenge. - No, I'm not.
0:15:34 > 0:15:38- She doesn't know it yet, but she's doing it.- No way.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41He's gorgeous, yes. Aw!
0:15:41 > 0:15:42DOGS GROWL
0:15:42 > 0:15:44He's going to be a Daddy's boy, though.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47I think so, yes, because I'm the only one he knows.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49And he's just come across Europe with me.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51Even down walking with Fran, he came straight to me,
0:15:51 > 0:15:55when he came out of the car. He knows nobody else like me.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05In Letterkenny live Jason and Karen with their cat, Hummus.
0:16:06 > 0:16:11In the last year, her modelling work has found her a global following.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17Hummus has also battled with health problems, something which Mum
0:16:17 > 0:16:19and Dad often reflect upon.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22I don't know much about the disease itself.
0:16:22 > 0:16:23It's not really a death sentence.
0:16:23 > 0:16:28I remember when she was diagnosed, I had had her already for a few years.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30Out of the blue, she went off her food
0:16:30 > 0:16:32and she started losing lots of weight.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34So, I took her to the vet anyway. And they were like,
0:16:34 > 0:16:38"We're not really sure what's wrong with her, but we'll do blood tests.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41"It could be feline leukaemia." And I was like, "What?"
0:16:41 > 0:16:43You don't just spring this on someone.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46I was like, "OK, so, what does this mean?"
0:16:46 > 0:16:49And they went, "Well, she's an indoor cat.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52"Being indoors is a good thing for someone with her condition
0:16:52 > 0:16:54"and she shouldn't be around other cats."
0:16:54 > 0:16:58And I said, "Right, well, this kind of suits her lifestyle anyway."
0:16:58 > 0:17:00- Her day-to-day life hasn't been affected.- Yeah.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03Sometimes she might take a little bit of a mood,
0:17:03 > 0:17:06where her energy levels will dip and we'll just know.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08Or you'll tell she's really tired,
0:17:08 > 0:17:11her eyes lose a bit of the glint in them.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14She's usually so giddy and stuff like that, but as soon as the
0:17:14 > 0:17:18weight came on and she started drinking, I spoiled her rotten.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22After she was diagnosed, as well, I had cans of expensive tuna.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24I was like, "Here you go." I gave her everything she wanted.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27I was really afraid to bring her back to the vet after that,
0:17:27 > 0:17:31cos I thought they're just going to tell me she has Aids or something.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34Or she has cancer, she's going to die or something.
0:17:34 > 0:17:38So, it took me for ever to bring her back to the vet.
0:17:38 > 0:17:42But then, when I brought her back, they just told me she was a bit fat.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44You'd stuffed her up.
0:17:44 > 0:17:48I was like, "That's OK, she's fat. I can deal with that."
0:17:48 > 0:17:52Back home, it is time for Hummus' photoshoot.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55Well, sometimes, Jason will come up with an idea and then,
0:17:55 > 0:17:58inadvertently, he has totally hit on a trend
0:17:58 > 0:18:01or something like that. Some of the ones he picks
0:18:01 > 0:18:05and he doesn't realise that he's picking a total team.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07It just all comes together.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10It's not as structured as people would like to think,
0:18:10 > 0:18:13because, obviously, with Hummus and the leukaemia,
0:18:13 > 0:18:16we don't want to force her to do anything.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18Because if she is forced to do it, then she's unhappy.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20And an unhappy cat is just not worth it.
0:18:20 > 0:18:24- And it's about coaxing, not forcing. - Yeah, coaxing, yeah.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27We coaxed her into doing it with copious amounts of cat treats.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30I actually got into photography about three years ago.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32Ever since then, I haven't looked back.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35We've done numerous different projects.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38Almost a year ago then, we started doing Hummus' photos.
0:18:38 > 0:18:39The internet love her.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42She always gets loads of compliments and things. She enjoys it.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44Getting out and interacting and doing things
0:18:44 > 0:18:47and getting loads of treats. It keeps her mind going, too.
0:18:47 > 0:18:48There's two ways that it can go -
0:18:48 > 0:18:52we can either put on the clothes and then move her forcibly.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56Then she'll sit there and then just try and distract her with things.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58But I'm going to try it this way for now.
0:18:58 > 0:19:02Just to use the treat to make her walk forward.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07She gets into it, it takes her a little while.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09- But the claws usually come out. - Yeah.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12HE LAUGHS
0:19:12 > 0:19:15If you just feed them to her and I'll just throw this over her.
0:19:15 > 0:19:19Tonight is Scottish themed, with Hummus playing William Wallace.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22- Beautiful.- Good. That's my girl.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25Good girl. That's it.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30She's finding it a bit easier today.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33- Sometimes, she can be quite... I think I got my shot.- Did you?
0:19:33 > 0:19:35Yeah, oh, yeah.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38It's a little bit more crooked. I'll crop in.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40So, you know, I might go in a bit closer here.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43You know, it's kind of like she's been caught walking past
0:19:43 > 0:19:46a barn or she's... It's very, very candid.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49I mean, you can see, the photoshoots happen in a split second.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51- We don't hold her for too long.- No.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55- Hummus means the world to us. - She's our fur baby.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58- She's become our child, I think. - Yeah.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01It's brought the two of us closer together.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04I think it's a really strong, positive experience for anybody
0:20:04 > 0:20:08to have an animal, because it makes you wake up in the morning.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11You have to feed someone else and you're responsible for someone
0:20:11 > 0:20:13- else, you are there to give them care.- Yeah.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17Because she has an illness, it makes it even more important
0:20:17 > 0:20:19that we're here for her. Cat Mum and Dad.
0:20:19 > 0:20:21- Yeah, it's a nice responsibility. - Cat parents.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23- Yeah, we're cat parents.- Yeah.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31It is finally time for Theron to enter the showring
0:20:31 > 0:20:33for the first time.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36He is from one of the best-known breeders in the world, from
0:20:36 > 0:20:39Greece. So, bringing him in here, the deal is he has to be shown.
0:20:39 > 0:20:40That's the reason I brought him in.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43He'll probably be shown at Crufts and the World Dog Show
0:20:43 > 0:20:46as well in the future. This will be a starting point, here in Ireland.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49We'll hopefully get him made up an Irish champion
0:20:49 > 0:20:52and then take it from there. Today is quite slow, quite relaxed.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54It's a good place to bring a young dog and spend more time
0:20:54 > 0:20:57and relax and get him used to the environment
0:20:57 > 0:20:59he's going to be in for the rest of his show career.
0:21:00 > 0:21:04Also here is Martin's fiance Jennifer.
0:21:04 > 0:21:08This is the love of my life, Millie. She's Mummy's little girl.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11I've had her six years.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15She was a total surprise, she wasn't planned or anything.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17We started minding her for a friend of ours.
0:21:17 > 0:21:21And then, the couple split and I got custody.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24Yes, I did. And we have matching outfits.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27We got this little dress in Crufts last year.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30Then, I got this coat for Christmas.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34And I was like, "Ooh, me and Millie can go out in the same colours now."
0:21:34 > 0:21:36So, that's what we did today.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38DOGS BARK
0:21:38 > 0:21:42I don't particularly like going to the shows, but today,
0:21:42 > 0:21:44I came to support Theron, cos it's his first show.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47I did that with all the others. I was in two minds
0:21:47 > 0:21:50when Martin was saying we were going to get one.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52I was like, "Oh, no. I really don't want one."
0:21:52 > 0:21:56But, I have to say, I love him, too. I really do. I really love him.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59Theron just has the most wonderful temperament. He really does.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03I love him. I really didn't want to love him, but I do.
0:22:03 > 0:22:04I really, really do love him.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08Thank you very much, Cheers. Thank you.
0:22:08 > 0:22:12Brilliant. That's five classes I've done and he's won first,
0:22:12 > 0:22:15second and third in four of them. So, I'm quite pleased.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17Yeah, very well, yeah. This is his first time in the ring.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20He's never done ringcraft, only for one hour. So, I'm really, really
0:22:20 > 0:22:23- happy and pleased. Another third place.- That was good.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26Yeah, it's brilliant. His first day out.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30Thankfully, Guapo has also taken to Theron.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32He's been getting on great.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34It's like he's always been part of the family.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36Guapo has been fine with Theron.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39My concern was, how would Guapo feel? But he's OK, isn't he?
0:22:39 > 0:22:41Yeah, he's doing well.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43And, without a doubt, there's a lot of jealousy between them.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45Who's going to kiss me first?
0:22:45 > 0:22:47Who's going to get attention off Daddy? So, like,
0:22:47 > 0:22:50Guapo will jump up on me and then Theron will jump up
0:22:50 > 0:22:52and knock him out of the way. I have to give as much affection
0:22:52 > 0:22:55to one as the other. It's hard when you have two big dogs
0:22:55 > 0:22:56jumping on you.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59- Stop, stop. See, the jealousy.- They have their squibbles, don't they?
0:22:59 > 0:23:02Well, Guapo tried to dominate him the first couple of days.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05- But other than that... - But then after that...
0:23:05 > 0:23:07- Yeah, after that. - They're best of friends now.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09The year has been brilliant here, this year.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12Guapo was the top winning dog for Old English.
0:23:12 > 0:23:13He had the most green stars.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15So, coming close to the end of the year, the last show
0:23:15 > 0:23:17was 28th December and he was
0:23:17 > 0:23:19level-pegging with a female bitch dog.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21So, on the last show, he got his green star dog,
0:23:21 > 0:23:23but the bitch didn't get one.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25Which made him Annual Champion again,
0:23:25 > 0:23:28for two years in a row, which is absolutely brilliant.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30- Very proud.- We have next year to look forward to,
0:23:30 > 0:23:32with the two of them, with Theron and Guapo.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34- Watch this space, as they say. - Yes.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44Next, we're in Lurgan
0:23:44 > 0:23:47to meet some very special dogs and their mum, Cath Southwell.
0:23:49 > 0:23:53Cavaliers In Need started in June 2013.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55On a day-to-day basis,
0:23:55 > 0:23:58we look after Cavaliers that have been surrendered to us.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01We've spent a lot of time on the road, travelling across Ireland,
0:24:01 > 0:24:03collecting dogs from various places.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05We have a great foster network.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08So, our dogs all go to foster homes all across the country.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18We're very passionate about our dogs. They're not just dogs.
0:24:18 > 0:24:22We lovingly refer to them as our fur babies.
0:24:22 > 0:24:23That's how we see them.
0:24:23 > 0:24:27We don't see them just as dogs that live outside in a kennel -
0:24:27 > 0:24:30they're very much part of our lives. Our lives revolve around them.
0:24:34 > 0:24:38Recently, Cath and her friends have come in contact with Fred,
0:24:38 > 0:24:41a bichon frise with a serious heart condition,
0:24:41 > 0:24:44which she hopes can be rectified by an operation.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47Hi, Fred. Hi, wee man, how you doing?
0:24:47 > 0:24:49- How is he?- He's doing really well.
0:24:49 > 0:24:51He'll be in good shape for his operation.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53It's a big day ahead of you, haven't you, Fred?
0:24:53 > 0:24:56Fred has a condition known as PDA.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59It's to do with a flap in the heart, that's supposed to close over,
0:24:59 > 0:25:04but, unfortunately in some dogs, the flap doesn't close over.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07It causes the flow of blood to go in the wrong direction.
0:25:07 > 0:25:09It's to close that flap over.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11Open-heart surgery, basically.
0:25:11 > 0:25:16We feel he's quite lucky to live as long as he has.
0:25:16 > 0:25:20Usually, if they have this, they need to be done before a year.
0:25:20 > 0:25:24- At least. - And he is just over the year mark
0:25:24 > 0:25:26We don't have a lot of history on him.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28He was picked up as a stray,
0:25:28 > 0:25:32so anything prior to when we got him, we have no history on.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35His condition was picked up by one of her own vets.
0:25:36 > 0:25:41Fred's operation is going to cost in excess of £2,000.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44To pay for it, the group have organised a fundraising event.
0:25:45 > 0:25:49We're going to be raising funds for Fred on Sunday,
0:25:49 > 0:25:51to fund his operation that he needs.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55At the minute, our goal is about £3,000. So, yeah.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58We've lots of fun activities planned. It'll be a good day.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01- Fun for everyone.- Yeah. - And the dogs.
0:26:05 > 0:26:09Hundreds of dogs and their mums and dads have come to help Fred
0:26:09 > 0:26:13and take part in a variety of games and competitions.
0:26:16 > 0:26:20It also gives Cath an opportunity to find homes for other strays,
0:26:20 > 0:26:21like Fred.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24A lot of it happens through social media.
0:26:24 > 0:26:28We have a re-homing page and people contact us.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30There, we have a general chat and then we'll go out
0:26:30 > 0:26:34and do home checks and get know the family and match them
0:26:34 > 0:26:37with the dog we think would be best suited to them.
0:26:37 > 0:26:39Then, the family have to sign an adoption agreement.
0:26:39 > 0:26:43We always keep an eye on them. We keep in touch with the families.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46If anything was to ever happen, the dogs come back into our care,
0:26:46 > 0:26:48rather than being re-homed again.
0:26:52 > 0:26:56The dogs that have all been here today, they've had a great time.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59Fred has had a wonderful time running about here
0:26:59 > 0:27:01with all the dogs. He's a great nature.
0:27:01 > 0:27:05He is very easy going. He loves company.
0:27:05 > 0:27:07Everybody has been going, "Who's Fred?"
0:27:07 > 0:27:08And they've been going up to him.
0:27:08 > 0:27:10So, we're thinking of doing a book signing with him.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12A wee autograph signing, yeah.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14A paw signing.
0:27:32 > 0:27:36It's finally time for Fred's operation.
0:27:42 > 0:27:43Come on, Fred.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45He's going in this morning for the operation.
0:27:45 > 0:27:46He'll be in here for...
0:27:46 > 0:27:50I don't know how many hours he'll be in surgery.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53We will be keeping tabs on him, obviously.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56We don't know how long he's going to be in, in terms of days.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59So, we'll just have to... Fingers crossed, everything crossed
0:27:59 > 0:28:02- it all goes well for him. - That all is goes well.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08Next time on Pet Island, we're in Belfast,
0:28:08 > 0:28:12with a formal model who's been tormented by his Chihuahuas.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15This is where a lot of the damage would be done.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18We travel to West Cork, to meet a man who can talk to the animals.
0:28:18 > 0:28:22I'm a small amount of cat and a small amount of pigeon.
0:28:22 > 0:28:26And we're in Dublin with cat lady Roisin Mills,
0:28:26 > 0:28:28as she prepares to move house.
0:28:28 > 0:28:30Merlin, come on.