For The Love of Garth
How a rescued bull terrier changed our lives.
The best companions often arrive when we least expect them.
For nine years our snow-white bull terrier filled our lives with curiosity, affection, and a remarkable talent for appearing whenever food was involved.
His absence now leaves a large empty space in our lives.
Yet the story of how he came to us began very differently.
Garth enjoying the snow — one of his favourite adventures.
The Night We Saw Him
One autumn evening in 2014, we were watching the Irish national news when a short report caught our attention.
The main story that night concerned the country singer Garth Brooks, who had just cancelled a series of sold-out concerts in Dublin. It was the sort of headline that filled the airwaves for days.
But as we were about to switch off the television, another report followed — a much smaller story that would change our lives.
A young white bull terrier had been discovered tied to a tree on the outskirts of Dublin. He had been used as a bait dog in a dog-fighting ring and left for dead.
The injuries were severe. His neck had been torn open, and his legs were badly wounded.
A passer-by alerted the authorities just in time to save his life.
The report showed the injured dog being treated by a veterinarian.
Despite everything he had endured, there was something in his expression—a quiet resilience that was impossible to ignore.
Without much discussion, we contacted the television station and asked if the dog had found a home.
We had owned bull terriers before. We knew their stubborn charm, their loyalty, and their ability to fill a house with life.
Soon after, we were invited to visit him at the I.S.P.C.A. National Animal Centre in Longford.
When we arrived, the staff told us that the young bull terrier had already won the affection of everyone in the center.
They had even given him a name.
In a small tribute to the singer who had dominated the news that night, they called him Garth.
He had been recovering for several weeks, and remarkably, his spirit seemed entirely intact. The veterinary nurses had placed a small bed for him in their office so they could keep a close eye on him.
Even then, he seemed to know that his life was beginning again.
Bringing Him Home
After a month of treatment and careful rehabilitation, Garth was ready to leave the center.
We were warned that his early life had left lasting scars. Because he had been confined and starved, he had learned to eat anything he could find — including wood and plastic — which had caused damage to his digestive system.
But bringing him home was a privilege.
Garth quickly became a central character in our household. He possessed an endless curiosity about the world and an especially keen interest in the kitchen.
Whenever meals were being prepared, he would sit nearby with complete concentration, breathing in the aromas and occasionally accepting the smallest reward—perhaps a piece of lamb chop or a stray noodle from a simmering pot.
Life with Garth was rarely dull.
Over the years he traveled with us across Europe and accompanied us through two house moves, charming neighbors and strangers wherever he went.
Despite his fear of other dogs — a reminder of his difficult beginnings — his affection for people never faltered.
In every place we lived, he quickly became something of a local celebrity. His enthusiasm for life was contagious, and his ability to make friends seemed effortless.
Garth had an extraordinary gift: he made people smile.
What Garth Taught Us
For nine joyful years Garth filled our lives with loyalty, curiosity, and an abundance of affection.
His story reminded us that kindness can reshape even the darkest beginnings.
Animals who have suffered cruelty still carry within them an astonishing capacity for trust and joy.
It is a lesson worth remembering.
Today the house is quieter.
But Garth has not entirely left us.
If you spend enough time here in the Inkwave Club, you may notice a determined little bull terrier appearing in the margins—in the Library, beside the Writing Desk, or wandering near the Club Table.
That is simply Garth keeping watch.
Most likely waiting patiently for a biscuit.
Garth (2014-2023), Patron of the Inkwave Club - Enjoying a day on Killiney beach with Simon
Before you go…
Join the Inkwave Club for occasional stories, writing tips, and a complimentary copy of Garth's Little Book of Remarkable Things.
The door is always open.