Derval O’Rourke Shares Joy of New Puppy Holly Amidst Life Changes

Former athlete Derval O’Rourke has embraced a new chapter in her life with the arrival of her puppy, Holly. This eight-month-old goldendoodle has brought joy and comfort to O’Rourke’s family since they welcomed her in December 2022, following the passing of her previous dog, Berlino.

O’Rourke describes Holly as having “the most gorgeous soul,” highlighting her calm and relaxed temperament. Unlike many young puppies, Holly has not caused any chaos in the O’Rourke household. O’Rourke, who struggles with allergies, finds that the goldendoodle breed suits her well, as they are known for being low-shedding.

Finding Comfort After Loss

The loss of Berlino, a labradoodle who was a loyal companion for 14 years, left a significant void in O’Rourke’s life. Berlino was present for many major milestones, including O’Rourke’s marriage and the births of her children. Following Berlino’s passing, O’Rourke felt uncertain about welcoming another dog into her home, fearing she might never love another pet as much.

“Without a dog around, our house didn’t feel like a home,” O’Rourke explained. Her family dynamic changed considerably after losing Berlino, and she cherished her home more than ever after years spent living in various places due to her athletic career.

O’Rourke’s mother-in-law informed her about a litter of puppies available in Tipperary, bred by a reputable breeder. Drawing from her experience volunteering with the DSPCA, O’Rourke understood the importance of adopting from a responsible source. Encouraged by the thought of bringing joy back to her home, she decided to visit the puppies with her husband and children.

A New Bond Forms

Upon meeting the puppies, O’Rourke’s six-year-old son named Holly, inspired by the approaching Christmas season. Holly quickly adapted to the lively environment of the O’Rourke household, where children frequently come and go. O’Rourke notes that Holly’s gentle nature makes her an ideal companion for her children, particularly for her nine-year-old daughter, Dafne.

Dafne has taken a hands-on approach in caring for Holly, feeding her and taking her outside each morning. O’Rourke appreciates how Holly has positively influenced her daughter’s development, fostering a nurturing bond between them.

Daily walks in the woods have become a cherished routine for O’Rourke and Holly. These moments allow O’Rourke to connect with nature while providing much-needed exercise for Holly, who is expected to weigh around 35kg when fully grown.

In moments of stress, Holly instinctively climbs onto O’Rourke’s lap for comfort. O’Rourke finds this endearing, even as Holly grows larger. “It looks so ridiculous because she’s getting bigger all the time,” O’Rourke said, referring to the sight of her large dog seeking solace in her lap.

As O’Rourke navigates life after her athletic career, she finds joy in the companionship of Holly. The dog not only offers emotional support but also helps to restore the warmth and liveliness in O’Rourke’s home, which had felt empty following the loss of Berlino. With Holly by her side, O’Rourke is reminded of the joy that a pet can bring to a family’s life.