THE community of Irvinestown has been rallying around ailing Shep, Fermanagh’s most famous dog, after his owner revealed last week that he is “very unwell”.

A crestfallen Joe Mahon told this newspaper that his ‘singing’ dog whom he regards as his “third son” may not have long left after he was diagnosed with arthritis and a serious throat condition.

Since the report, Shep, a previous winner of the Rex Factor, a singing contest for dogs, has been “inundated” with get well soon cards and best wishes.

Mr. Mahon says he and his dog have been left touched by the response from the community and pet owners, particularly during the Lady of the Lake Festival.

“Ock, it has been mad altogether, that’s the truth. There has been a big reaction to the story in the paper and we have received a lot of get well soon cards. I had two people who came in for lunch on Sunday who read the story in the paper. They told me about a faith healer that can cure sick dogs so after the festival it is the first place that Shep is going to.

“There was a Mrs. Leonard who got in touch to tell me to rub ointment on the dog’s joints. She has arthritis herself and that’s what she uses. Another woman from Maguiresbridge said to use holy water and somebody else said to use poitin, but I’ve already tried that and it hasn’t helped a bit,” said Mr. Mahon, who celebrated Shep’s 14th birthday, which coincided with the Twelfth of July celebrations, on Saturday.