Senior Spotlight
Irish Wolfhounds may not be known for long lifespans, which makes every extra year with them feel like a gift. From the beginning, our deepest commitment has been to strengthen longevity within our lines. Through careful selection, responsible breeding, and a focus on overall health, we routinely see our hounds reach double‑digit ages. Below are just a few of our remarkable seniors who continue to thrive, as well as some precious hounds who have passed on after at least full decade of life. Each one is a testament to the strength of our lines and the love of their families, and the amazing care that they provide for our offspring.
Ema
Born: Dec. 2016
Ema is one of our shining Mount Olympus success stories, living her best life under the California sun with her wonderfully loving (and endlessly patient) human parents. A stubborn princess through and through, she rules her household with grace, attitude, and just enough mischief to keep everyone entertained.
She shares her kingdom with her Great Dane brother and her newly added Wolfie brother and sister, all of whom adore her in their own ways. Ema turned 9 years old this December, and even with a bit of intermittent joint discomfort, she refuses to slow down. She still dashes around the yard, showing the younger pups exactly how a true queen plays, moves, and enjoys life.
Her spirit is bright, her sass is unmatched, and her longevity is a testament to the love and care she’s received from day one — both from us and from her incredible family.
Luci
Born: Dec. 2017
Sweet Luci celebrated her 8th birthday this past year and is living her most adventurous life in beautiful Oregon with her adoring family. She’s grown up side‑by‑side with her two human siblings, becoming their gentle guardian, their couch‑cuddling companion, and their constant source of comfort.
Even the family cat has claimed Luci as one of their own — the two can often be found sharing a water break , a quiet little ritual that perfectly captures her easygoing, affectionate nature.
Luci also insists on the best seat in the house: the front‑row view from Dad’s shoulder as he drives. It’s her signature move and one of the many reasons her family adores her.
Luci’s life is a beautiful example of what we hope for every Mount Olympus hound — years of love, adventure, and the kind of deep family bond that only grows richer with time.
Chief
March 2016-Dec. 2025
Mister Chief is our most recent and deeply felt loss.
He didn’t quite make it to his 10th birthday—just shy by three months—but in his years with us, he filled our home and our program with so much love. Chief was our belly‑rubbing, playful boy, always ready for affection. He stood his ground when needed, but never pushed things too far. He adored his hound girls, welcomed every hug from us, and carried himself with a steady, loving presence.
Chief remained active, running and jumping with his usual enthusiasm until his final month, when prostate issues arose and progressed far too quickly. Throughout his life, he had no significant medical concerns and only mild arthritis toward the end—a testament to his strength and the care he received.
We love you, Chiefy. You left an incredible mark on the Mount Olympus line, and your legacy lives on in every generation that follows.
Apollo
Sep. 2004-Aug.2016
Our shining star, Mister Apollo.
We were blessed to share nearly 12 beautiful years with him, losing him just one month shy of that milestone. Apollo was the gentlest soul—patient with his puppies, tolerant of our “attack kitties,” and endlessly good‑natured with our silly cattle dog who insisted on heeling him like livestock.
He was the very first offspring we kept back from our foundation pair, Zeus and Athena, and he carried their legacy forward with quiet pride. Apollo had a soft, mischievous streak and was happiest simply being by our side—whether we were at a show, out on a hike, or relaxing at home.
In all his years, he experienced only a single back injury, from which he fully recovered. When we lost him, he was thriving on nothing more than standard joint supplements—a testament to his strength, his care, and the longevity we strive for in every generation.
Apollo will forever be a cornerstone of our program and a piece of our hearts.
Rhea
Jan. 2012-May.2022
Miss Rhea Ray will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
She was far too regal to settle for the floor—Rhea always claimed a spot on the couch or curled up on the bed, perfectly content to nap the day away. Yet she was just as happy adventuring with Samantha and her doggy friends, hiking and splashing around our local Washoe Lake.
Rhea was lucky enough to travel cross‑country with Samantha and spent her final years enjoying a peaceful life in Tennessee. In her later years, she developed some spondylosis, which she managed well with medication. After celebrating her 10th birthday, her internal health began to decline, and we had to say goodbye just shy of her reaching 10.5 years old.
Rhea lived a full, beautiful life—one marked by comfort, companionship, and the quiet joy of simply being loved.