Ciara and Siobhan

“We are privileged to have Ciara in our lives.”

Here’s the relocation story of adorable Flat Coated Retriever, Ciara, who helped people during the traumatic bushfire. Read more to know about Ciara and her international relocation experience with Petraveller.

Flat Coated Retriever Ciara and her brother Darcy became the Wragg family pets by chance. Siobhan went to the breeder to collect Ciara’s brother Darcy who was booked in advance. Siobhan shares, “While we were at the breeder’s, he explained that he had been watching how we interacted with Ciara’s brother Darcy and wondered if we would like his sister as well. He explained that the person who had booked Ciara decided not to take her because she was not up to show dog standards. With no hesitation, we said yes, and from that moment, we’ve had double the joy from having both of them in our lives.” 

Darcy was much larger than Ciara and unfortunately died at the age of ten in March. Siobhan says, “Darcy died naturally and peacefully in his sleep at home at the end of a lovely autumn day. Ciara appears to have coped well since her brother and playmate died. She is much smaller than Darcy, so we hope she will live at least another year.”

The Wragg family lost their home in the 2019/2020 bushfire that decimated Cobargo and surrounding areas. Siobhan recalls, “We had to evacuate to Narooma evacuation centre. Despite all the upheaval, Darcy and Ciara remained very calm even though it was a stressful time and there were lots of strangers and other dogs around. We stayed in the evacuation centre for five days, and during that time, several adults and children, including a young autistic boy, asked to pet and play with Ciara and Darcy. They were like therapy dogs for that time and willingly allowed others to pet and hug them. They helped others and us feel better through that traumatic time even though they had also lost their home.”

She smiles and adds, “We were so proud of Ciara and Darcy. They have brought love, joy and happiness every day to everyone they have met. We are privileged to have them in our lives and can’t believe our luck! We are thankful for every day they have been with us.”

Siobhan talks proudly about her pet. She says, “Despite losing her brother, Ciara remains gentle and calm. She has a great sense of humour and joins in when we’re joking around. She loves being with people and has a permanently wagging tail. Small dogs can irritate her when they persistently go to her face, but she lets them know with a confident telling off. She loves water and enjoys sitting in a child’s hard shell paddling pool to cool down.”

Ciara is an elderly dog with underlying liver disease. Siobhan cautions, “Ciara has a plate and screws in her back right leg (cruciate repair), and needs a larger crate. She tends to lie with her leg sticking out a bit, and it can be awkward for her to turn around in small spaces. Ciara can sleep on and off for 12-14 hours and likes to stay cool. Ciara may limp following a long time in the crate; it will go away once she moves around.”

The Wragg family were moving to Dublin, Ireland. “Following the fire, we decided to rebuild our house in my home town in Ireland. My mother is 96, and my husband’s father is nearly 90, so we want to spend time with them. We never once considered leaving Ciara behind. She is our only immediate family and our child, with her unique personality. Ciara was brought up on 10 acres here in Australia, always off lead except when we went to town. She will love Ireland as she will be able to run through the forest, swim in rivers, lakes and the sea without us worrying about snakes! Ciara likes to stay cool, so the Irish weather will suit her. She loves the morning frosts but has not experienced snow yet, so we’re looking forward to seeing her play in that,” says Siobhan.

Siobhan decided to contact an international pet relocation agency to help move Ciara from Sydney to Dublin and reached out to Petraveller to handle the travel. Siobhan says, “We received two quotes for the relocation. Though Petraveller was more expensive, it was worth it because Petraveller cared more than the others. Ciara has spent her whole life bringing joy to others. She deserves the best care during her long journey home.”

Thank you, Siobhan, for trusting Petraveller with your precious fur baby. We wish you happiness and a wonderful time with your family and Ciara in Ireland.