In this week’s Diary of a Home Bird, Ciara Galvin reveals her family’s penchant for prankery
Going Out
PET’S CORNER Knowing when to say goodbye
Putting an animal down is the hardest decision a pet owner has to make in the life of their pet, writes vet Esther van Luipen
PET’S CORNER Mutt of the Month – Ollie, the Boxer cross
Ollie, an 18-month-old Boxer cross, is this July’s Mutt of the Month, and he’s looking for a loving home

Mutt of the Month
July - Ollie
I’m Ollie and I’m a stunning Boxer-cross boy of a mere 18 months. They say I’m a bit of a clown, but I’m just living up to my Boxer heritage! I’m a happy, goofy, active dog who would adore an active family to play with.
They also say I’m a nice, gentle boy, although they think I might need a bit of guidance to help me become the super, well-behaved dog I was born to be, as I still get a bit over-excited at times. I’m super loving to make up for still being a bit bouncy, so I’m well worth putting a little work into.Ollie is just one of many Mayo and Galway rescue dogs at Connemara-based Mutts Anonymous Dog Rescue and Adoption (MADRA) looking for a loving home. All dogs will be neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. Please see www.madra.ie, visit MADRA’s Facebook page or call or text Marina on 086 8149026.
INTERVIEW Hometown on home ground
Edwin McGreal meets Louis Walsh’s new band Hometown at member Cian Morrin’s family home in Breaffy
MUSINGS Trouble with the bubbles
In this week’s Diary of a Home Bird, Ciara Galvin finds herself – once again – foiled by a wine-bottle cork
INTERVIEW Keeping the wheels in motion
Para-cyclist Jerry Towey from Kilmovee on how he lost his leg and overcame not one but two road accidents
MUSINGS When Harold met Ciara
In this week’s Diary of a Home Bird, Ciara Galvin goes MacGyver on a bottle of wine and admires an elusive urban entrepreneur
PET’S CORNER Water-born Weil’s disease a risk to pets
If you live in a rural area or your dog likes to swim, it is important to vaccinate for leptospirosis, or Weil’s disease
PET’S CORNER Mutt of the Month – Ginger, the terrier
Ginger, an 18-month-old terrier/basset cross, is June’s Mutt of the Month, and he’s looking for a loving home
INTERVIEW Artist Padraig McCaul
Landscape artist Padraig McCaul chats to Ciara Moynihan about his new exhibition, ‘Island Life’ in Achill
INTERVIEW Liz Loftus of Lizzy’s Homemade Jams and Chutneys
Willie McHugh chats to entrepreneur Liz Loftus about starting her own homemade jam and chutney business in Caherlistrane
