And a Joyeux Noel to all our pets and why a dog is for Christmas with Aer Lingus.
All animal lovers will know the challenges of transporting their creatures great and small at this time of year.
And our first-born, Celtic the Cat, would travel up in the back of the plane with a wee sleeping jag to help him with the journey.
Not that he would have needed it as he would sleep on Herself’s lap on the motorway into work in Berkshire back in the day… don’t tell!
We’ll all have our tails (sorry) about how we reunite with our pets or bring them home.
And just like us they don’t like waiting in a tailback on the motorway.
Which, and don’t shoot us here, is why short-haul flights are often the answer.
Puppy heroes
Our friends at Aer Lingus certainly know how to look after our furry friends.
As can be seen here with Aer Lingus cabin crew member Pedro de Barros giving a warm welcome to Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland’s superhero puppies.
Or Rocket, Hulk and Phoenix to their friends, as they checked in at Dublin Airport today.
The three golden labradors, who are just 8 weeks old, were flying with Aer Lingus to Brussels.
Where they will begin specialised training to become life-changing assistance dogs for autistic children.
Aer Lingus worked closely with Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland, a Cork-based charity dedicated to providing assistance dogs to families of autistic children.
To ensure the pups travel safely and comfortably.
That’s a brood
The puppies are part of a record-breaking litter of 15 golden labradors born in Co Tipperary in October to Labrador parents, Omma and Mango.
Which in Grandpa McNulty’s day wasn’t unusual for country folk, as he was the youngest of 15 in the Donegal townland of Brockagh.
The pups, nine male and six female, are all named after superheroes.
And I’m thinking here that my Grandpa’s poor mum was something of a hero herself.
Over the next two years, the adorable litter will transform from playful pups into expertly trained companions.
And they’ll offer independence and support to children who need them most.
My pet project
Remember too to spoil your pets this Christmas.
Because remember a certain little donkey and shepherds tending their flock at night were all part of the first Christmas.
And, of course, there will always be a home on my lap for the neighbourhood cat, Rufus.
Who we expect will get more Christmas dinners than anybody.
