Torteval Irish Wolfhounds

Kerry and Mark Bennett of Brisbane adopted Lenny, an Irish wolfhound/red cattle-dog cross, from an animal shelter in August 2003 when he was approximately five months old. Len has many characteristics of both breeds and quickly became Kerry and Mark's "little boy" - so much so that they bought a larger house a few months later to give him a bigger yard.

Munch was born on 8 December 2006 and although sickly for the first couple of months of his life, soon gained a clean bill of health from his vet.

Lenny was wary of Munch at first, although Munch dearly wanted to be his friend. His persistence paid off, and in a couple of weeks he had won Len over and they developed what is now a happy friendship - in fact, they're inseparable. The Bennetts' three cats were a rather different story - to this day, one doesn't like Munch; one tolerates him (just); and one plays with him when they think they're unobserved.

Kerry and Mark have thoroughly enjoyed watching Munch grow. Mark had German Shepherds previously, but Munch was totally different both in the amazing speed of his growth and his temperament. His personality has also developed as he's grown - he's a complete scamp! He and Lenny both love fluffy toys and rope toys - they have inside and outside toy-boxes that are rifled through daily. Munch teases the cats at every opportunity and playtime with Lenny is never over until Munch says so is.

In September 2007 the whole family (minus cats) went on holiday to Smith's Lake, an eight hour drive south, and the boys had an absolute ball playing on the beach and in the lake. They didn't catch any fish, but not for lack of trying! The trip was so good that it looks like becoming a yearly adventure.

Munch has just turned two and has grown in size, personality, and in the hearts of his family, who cannot imagine life without him. Although he's now officially an adult there's still plenty of puppiness in him! He enjoys chasing the cats, and letting the cats chase him when they think they're not being watched. The toy box is a star attraction - even more so if Lenny's at the other end of the selected toy.

He's becoming a little more cooperative - getting him into the car no longer needs bribery, and he's finally grasping the meaning of 'no', though the good old wolfhound stubborn streak still shows itself. He certainly knows his own mind!

He adores being the centre of attention, doing excellent PR work when out on walks or visiting. The Bennetts' two- and four-year old niece and nephew are favourite playmates, often having a bit of a tumble with him.

When one of the cats was ill he and Lenny spent many hours protectively sitting with him, offering moral support. When the cat passed away both dogs gave Kerry great comfort.

Munch is looking forward to Christmas when he'll be visiting family and enjoying the spotlight. Lenny has long been able to open his own Christmas presents, so Munch had better learn fast or lose his to Len!

Now three years old, Munch is a gorgeous, friendly, loveable and outgoing boy. He very proudly marched in the St Patrick's Day Parade in Brisbane with another hound, Maddie, and two pups.

Since then, the family has acquired another member - Sharni, a five year old wolfhound who needed new, forever home. One meeting was all it took for Mark to fall hopelessly in love with her, and within a week of coming home both Lenny and Munch have fallen for her sweet nature, too. She's very affectionate and cuddly and has fit into the household dynamic perfectly.