Going back over several decades, certain dog breeds have come to be associated with certain periods of time, and been popular in that time, because the breed has featured in a block-buster film or TV series.

The cocker spaniel rose in popularity in the 1950s largely as a result of ’Lady and the Tramp’; the beagle was popular in the 60s not least because of ’Snoopy’; ’The Incredible Journey’ helped the Labrador into top spot in the decades to follow; and ’Lassie’ and ’101 Dalmations’ did their bit for the rough collie and (no surprises here) the Dalmation.

More recently ’Game of Thrones’ is thought to have led to a rise in the popularity of dogs generically referred to as ’wolf breeds’, and in particular the northern Inuit. The northern Inuit was the specific breed used in the series - called ’direwolves’, they were the loyal protectors of the Stark family, frequently risking their own lives to protect their master or mistress.

This romanticism has given the breed almost cult status and, coupled with its stunning appearance, this has sometimes clouded the judgement of new owners who underestimate the commitment needed.

Northern Inuits require constant attention and stimulation, along with strong leadership and a moderate amount of exercise. In return they offer loyalty and friendship, and they are the perfect pet for someone who wants an intelligent and active companion.

A beautiful pair of northern Inuits, Corvis and Ava (pictured), have just arrived in our Kennels. They can be rehomed separately or together, and they are friendly towards other dogs and so we would be happy to do ’meet and greet’ sessions with a prospective adopter’s existing dog.

Northern Inuits are renowned for being quite difficult to train because they can have a stubborn streak, but this pair have clearly had a great deal of time and energy devoted to their training by their previous owners who have reluctantly gifted them to us for adoption due to a change in their domestic circumstances.

At nine years of age Corvis and Ava are exceptionally well mannered, calm and very, very affectionate dogs.

As is common with the breed, Corvis and Ava have a high prey drive and a great sense of smell which means they are prone to chasing small animals, and so they can’t be rehomed with cats or rabbits.

If you have the room in your life and your home for one or both of these lovely dogs, please come and meet them. No appointment is necessary if you come to Ard Jerkyll between 1pm and 4pm any day except for Thursdays.

We couldn’t find new homes for dogs like Corvis and Ava, and all the cats, rabbits and assorted creatures that come into the society throughout the year, without the ongoing support of the Manx public.

Gratitude

We are immensely grateful to the Isle of Man Symphony Orchestra which is holding its family gala concert in aid of the society on Sunday, December 3, at 2.30pm.

The concert will be held at the Villa Marina and will include music by Rossini, Prokofiev, Delius and Tchaikovsky.

Our patron, Lady Gozney, will be attending with the Lieutenant Governor and we would love to see as many supporters there as possible.

Adult ticket prices start at £12.50, and children’s tickets are £5, and they are available from the Villa Marina box office or the Welcome Centre.

MSPCA appeal, page 16.