SIX puppies that were rescued from a Dublin graveyard have been given adorable festive names.
The little hounds, now called Donner, Dasher, Blitzen, Vixen, Prancer and Dancer were found in a graveyard by and animal charity.
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They had been dumped in a cardboard box in Mount Venus Cemetery in Rathfarnham in Dublin on Sunday – just before Storm Fergus.
The Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) took the puppies in and is located just a nine-minute walk from the graveyard.
When the puppies were dumped, the centre was celebrating a visit from Santa – which was the perfect reason to name them after his reindeer.
DSPCA spokesperson, Gillian Bird, said: “It was shocking that these animals were abandoned anywhere but in particular that they were abandoned when we were there in the area running a Santa event.
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“The puppies, roughly 8 weeks old, all had diarrhoea, potted bellies and tested positive for Parvovirus which can be fatal to very young puppies.”
The puppies were found by a family who brought them into the centre, with the DSPCA saying they are “incredibly grateful”.
Gillian Bird added: “One of our major concerns is also for the mother and any other dogs that are in the home where the animals came from because this is a highly contagious disease.
“They’ll go into foster homes over the Christmas period and then they’ll be ready for adoption after that.”
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Meanwhile, pet owners have revealed dogs make Christmas more fun by ripping wrapping paper and getting excited for guests.
Research also found their tendency to photobomb family pics, and watching them fall asleep in front of the TV make the festive season more exciting.
A poll of 2,000 dog owners who celebrate Yuletide found 82 per cent believe their furry friends make family Christmases and the traditions associated with them more fun.
Other joys include seeing their excitement when guests turn up, and the respite they provide from the chaos of festive period – because they need walking twice a day.
They’re such an integral part of the household, 81 per cent will buy their pet a present.
And 60 per cent will prepare a festive feast for them, 46 per cent will even give their dog a stocking, and 29 per cent will get them an advent calendar.
‘WOULDN’T BE THE SAME’
The study also found 82 per cent believe Christmas ‘wouldn’t be the same’ without their beloved dog – with 73 per cent claiming they’d be ‘completely lost’ if they weren’t around.
Reasons for this can be explained by the best things about having a canine chum during the holidays – which include the routine and companionship they provide during a busy time.
Along with their calming influence and their excitement when guests arrive to take part in the celebrations – which can help put visitors at ease.
These findings are likely to be especially pertinent to the 28 per cent who think their dog helps break the ice with guests.
And for the 51 per cent of owners who find family interaction stressful – particularly during Yuletide.
Further to this, 27 per cent went as far as to say their furry friend has ‘saved’ Christmas at one time or another, by making what could have been an indifferent or disappointing occasion an enjoyable one.
The study, carried out via OnePoll, also found 32 per cent will be expressing their gratitude to their canine pals this Yuletide by donating to dog charities.