Owners' stories
From families, in their words
We asked for permission before putting any of these here, and we print first names only. Most families are in our owners' group on Facebook, where they post far more photos than we ever could. Every August we have a reunion walk at Glenmalure; this year 31 Fernhill dogs came, from a thirteen-year-old out of Ceo's first litter to the 2024 youngsters.
Owners' stories
Dara is the best cattle dog I've owned and I've had collies all my life. He's quiet on the cows, quiet in the house, and he jumps into the jeep before I've the door open.
Brendan, with Dara (2024 litter) — Co. Meath, 2026Holly had a hip score of 17 and Niamh told us straight what it meant and what it didn't. She is two and a half and does obedience twice a week. Not one bad day yet.
Róisín, with Holly (2024 litter) — Co. Kilkenny, 2026Our first Aussie came from Tess's first litter in 2018, and when we were ready for a second there was only one place we were going to ring. Liffey's coming home in October.
The Kellys, with Juno (2018 litter) — Co. Kildare, 2026Lark's hips came back at 21. Niamh rang us before we'd even opened the envelope properly and talked us through it. She's six weeks into hydrotherapy for fun, because she loves it.
We were warned about the energy and the herding. We were not warned about the talking. Fearn has an opinion on everything and we wouldn't change him.
Mark and Deirdre, with Fearn (2024 litter) — Co. Wicklow, 2026Our girl from the 2016 litter is ten now, still runs the beach every morning, and still knows the Fernhill car when it pulls into the reunion.
Eimear, with Brídín (2016 litter) — Co. Wexford, 2026
