We are definitely doggie people. When I was growing up we always had a family pet. I never actually had a dog of my own. From the moment I laid eyes on a Pyrenean mountain dog, I was besotted with the breed. If we passed one when travelling, I’d always comment.

They seemed so majestic and powerful. So, it was no surprise that for my 21st birthday, Tim put me into the car and took me on a mystery tour to a farmyard in Macroom where a most beautiful pair of Pyrenean mountain dogs had produced a litter of pups. I was directed to pick out one.

I will never forget that moment standing in that little shed with puppies tumbling around my feet. Pyreneans are either white or marked. The markings are called blaireau markings. I picked out one with markings around her eyes. I called her Shadow.

She lived up to her name and followed me everywhere. She transitioned from my working life to my new married life and was a superb companion.

Very quickly we realised what a good watch dog she was as well as being a loyal and gentle giant. I stuck with the name and this week, quite suddenly, we lost Shadow Number 5. Unfortunately, large dogs do not live as long as smaller ones and each one we’ve owned has died in the 11th year.

Shadow number 5

Shadow Number 5 had her rituals like her ancestors before her. She would do the rounds of the farm in the morning, making sure that there were no intruders, either canine or otherwise. She would go for the cows with Tim and the cattle dogs but never get involved in turning animals. That was not her job. She would stay for the duration of milking and then come home to the garage. So one night last week, she was off form when I was feeding her and the two cattle dogs, Speedy and Bran. She refused her food and seemed lethargic.

Speedy is a collie and worth two men such is his expertise with cows and calves. Bran is a Kelpie and not a year old yet. He is starting to work and full of energy with a voracious appetite.

I was concerned about Shadow. Her green eyes were sad and dull and Tim said he’d call the vet in the morning if she hadn’t improved. But alas, she died during the night.

There had been a full moon all week and that heightened the loss because Shadow would always spend a few hours at night barking at the full moon. The night time silence without her bark has been deafening. Her early morning bark at dawn is also silenced.

Each evening, when I’d come home from school, as soon as I’d open the car door, she’d be there waiting for a rub. Then she’d follow me to the back door hoping I’d pull a bag from my pocket.

Scraps from cookery class in school would often make it home to her. Shadow loved the wind blowing through her coat and she had her spot out in front of the house facing the fields. I miss the sight of her out there.

I find owning a dog is therapeutic. The action of stroking a pet can serve as a de-stressor. A dog is also a wonderful companion. The more attention and time you give them, the more loyalty and affection you get in return. Many farmers are lovers of dogs. Growing up on a farm affords children the freedom of having a dog for pleasure. The skills required to feed, groom and exercise a pup are valuable.

The family dog becomes the family mascot and a valuable member of the clan. Shadow had a distinctive relationship with each of us. Once Tim picked up the grass measuring quadrant she would find new energy and enthusiasm for the long walk. Once Philip was about, she knew it was time to play. But her primary role was to keep us safe. Speedy has very quickly stepped into the role of senior and fittest dog while Bran is cocking his head and wondering how he will outsmart him. In the animal world, they seem to move on and adjust quickly. I wonder do they miss Shadow? CL