Torteval Irish Wolfhounds

Terrance and Diane Schaffer brought home Keegan, their new 'baby boy' at nine weeks old.
Born in July 2007, he is a worthy successor to the Schaffers' first two wolfhounds, Bane and Devlin.

In September 2008, Keegan and Colleen (the Schaffers' black labrador) were joined by Seamus, and all three soon became firm friends.

Keegan will be two in July and Seamus one. They both love playing and rough-housing, whether inside or out.

Keegan has stopped destroying pillows, but both still rip apart stuffed toys, dissecting them piece by piece. Keegan is more of a momma's boy and likes to take his father's spot in the bed whenever he can.

Seamus has decided that the one couch in the house on which the "kids" have never been allowed is his - it's hard to argue with him when he is so damn cute! He has developed osteochondrosis dissecans in his left shoulder and need surgery in May to correct it, but the outlook for a full recovery is good.

Both are looking forward to a busy and active summer this year, with many social events, including the Irish Fair and Renaissance Festival where they are adored by all they meet.

Keegan and Seamus have spent their summer enjoying the great weather and taking in a few sights. They had a great outing in August at the Irish Fair, where Keegan was the biggest hound this year. He also helped his dad out at the pumpkin judging event he does in September.

Seamus has decided that removing the stuffing from his pillows is more fun them sleeping on them, and while Diane was at work he started shredding the mail all over the living room. Keegan, on the other hand, is maturing into a fine young man and tries hard to keep his younger brother in line while still having a little fun himself.

Seamus has OCD in his shoulder but surgery is on hold to see if it will heal by itself. He runs well and doesn't seem to be in pain so Terrance and Diane are hopeful that it will heal.

At nearly three years old, Keegan is maturing into an affectionate young man who loves to be near Terrance and Diane. His younger brother Seamus is content to sit on the couch and waste the day away - when he is not barking at some noise outside that has to be investigated.

Seamus's shoulder OCD persists, but has improved and surgery is still being held at bay in the hope that it will clear up entirely.

The boys spent the winter months were spent eating and gaining weight (don't we all?) but now that spring is here, there are warm days to look forward to, outings . . . and mud to be tracked across the kitchen floor.