A Gift That Changed Everything
Holly, a hyperactive beagle, was a gift from Faith Hogan's well-meaning sister. Born into a pack kennelled at a dog food factory in Edgeworthstown, County Longford, she bounded into Hogan's life one sunny evening as a bouncing, dribbling, velvet-eared bundle of puppy energy.
From the moment they met, Hogan felt they were meant for each other. Holly quickly learned that her owner was a softie with abundant patience and access to food.
A Trail of Destruction
Holly almost ate Hogan out of house and home. She chewed through the table legs of Hogan's cottage in the west of Ireland, one at a time. Nothing was safe. She teethed on car seats, cutting through fabric to expose foam, then started on the steering wheel. A friend made a steel rack to keep her safe in the hatchback trunk, preventing her from eyeing the gear stick.
The kitchen bin was emptied daily, with contents spread across the floor. Shoes and jeans were eaten from radiators. The garden was impossible to maintain with a full-grown bloodhound hanging off the strimmer. Holly was a big beagle, which added to her charm but made her trail of destruction more devastating due to her size and limitless energy.
A Friendly Soul
Despite her destructive habits, Holly had a face that melted hearts. Every person, cat, dog, or hedgehog was an unquestioned friend. Hogan never expected a guard dog from her. Beagles make great companions with their easy-going, friendly nature. Holly never snapped, even in old age when her joints must have ached.
A Difficult Farewell
When Hogan married James, she moved to a house on a busy road unsuitable for a heedless beagle. Her sister inherited Holly, then aged four. Leaving her behind was the biggest wrench, but Holly always remained Hogan's dog. She knew that when Hogan visited her sister weekly, she was there as much for her.
Holly passed away at age 14. Hogan was by her side, rubbing her soft ears as she took her final breath. Holly was more than a pet; they walked for miles, watched Friends, and she was a comfort and joy. She left Hogan with a wonky-legged table, but Hogan was lucky to have those years with her.
Faith Hogan's The Sisters of Hope Square is out now.
