The Editor’s CV

I have owned Irish Wolfhounds since 1976.
I had what must have been the ideal life of the
‘70s leaving art school, getting married and
buying our first Irish Wolfhound, Crusoe
(Oakenshield Cerberus) from Hilary Jupp, who
has become renowned in the breed for her
efforts to clarify both breed health problems
and the history of the Irish Wolfhound. Crusoe
was joined a year later by Zanda  (Kellybourne
O’Hara), who adored Crusoe so much she died  soon after him.

This adoration made problems. Zanda could not be mated to Crusoe and was not interested in any other males. Eventually she was mated to Erindale Traveller ( after running away) and produced my first litter of pups. Although half the litter lived longer than 10 years, and Phantom (who lived to the grand age of eleven)  gave me my first and only Challenge Certificate at the age of six, it also became an introduction to the heartache of osteosarcoma.

I studied to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree which I used to initiate a self-financed part time Ph.D. at the University of Bristol. Based at the Bristol Bone Tumour Registry, my research investigates a comparison of osteosarcoma between humans and dogs, with a special reference to the Irish Wolfhound, who many consider to be the creature most at risk from this cancer. In order to evaluate the incidence of various factors in those hounds that develop osteosarcoma, a survey form is available on the home page of  iwpedigrees.com (for those folk who also appreciate a better understanding of this cancer in our breed) to complete.

A combination of my science and arts background, combined with an addiction to Irish Wolfhound memorabilia and wanting to edit a magazine since primary school gave birth to the Irish Wolfhound Illustrated. The name came about because of the beautifully illustrated journals produced for the gentle-folk of the mid 18th- 19th centuries.

The aim of the magazine is to reflect on all the associated qualities of the Irish Wolfhound at home, in health , in history, pictures and books etc. that contribute to giving this breed such a special place in our hearts . I am very grateful to fellow-addicts for their support in this exciting venture and being able to produce two editions a year. Articles about Wolfhounds in any respect are always welcome and the contributor has a complimentary copy of the magazine that their article is featured in – hopefully to make this magazine for everyone with an interest in these amazing hounds.

Gill Griffin, The New Nunnery, St Maughans, Monmouth. NP255QQ