We spoke to vet Ellen Hegarty about the ups and downs of her job, as well as the human side of dealing with animals and their owners, ahead of Madraí, starting on the 3rd of February at 8pm on RTÉ ONE.
Tá 'fhios againn go bhfuil an tír seo gafa le Madraí. Cad iad na dúshláin a fheiceann tusa mar thréidlia d'úinéirí madraí?
Bhuel, tá go leor dúshláin ann ach tá neart buntáistí ann freisin. Feicfidh daoine sin sa chlár seo, tá deacrachtaí iompair ann, mhéadaigh sin i ndiaidh na paindéime. Tá daoine ag teacht chugainn le madraí murtallacha agus is comhrá dúshlánach é sin faoin tslí go bhfuil an t-ainmhí ag ithe agus mar sin de agus is dócha, an dúshlán is mó a fheiceann muid ná nuair atá madraí ag dul in aois, conas a théann muid i ngleic le sin ar bhealach atá cinéalta agus cothrom don ainmhí agus tacúil leis an úinéir.
Dár ndóigh, mar thréidlia, tá tú ag deileáil le peataí agus a gcuid úinéirí. An bhfuil sé deacair an chothromaíocht a bhaint amach don ainmhí agus don duine?
Caithfidh tréidlia deileáil le gach cás le croí atá lán le hionbhá, i mo thuairim. Tá sé tábhachtach do chosa a chur i mbróga an úinéara, cumarsáid éifeachtach a dhéanamh agus mothúcháin na n-úinéir a thuiscint ach i gcónaí a bheith ar leas an ainmhí. Is obair í seo a fheidhmíonn i dtriantán idir ainmhí, úinéir agus tréidlia.
We've heard the term 'pandemic puppies', can you tell us about the impact of the wave of puppies bought during the pandemic, as you see it?
Yes, we have seen some dogs which were bought as puppies during the pandemic when everyone was at home and since then, circumstances have changed. Madraí showcases how a problem with your pet might seem insurmountable is fixable, through guidance from a vet to animal charities and shelters. There is help out there, if you're struggling with your pet.
Madraí starts Friday, 3rd February on RTÉ ONE at 8pm.
