Merry Chris-mutts! Couple's NINE Irish Wolfhounds look dog-tired after being pampered over the festive season
The new year may be just around the corner, but these hounds look like they've already had all the excitement they can handle.
After walkies, festive food and doggy gifts, the nine pampered Irish wolfhounds simply zonked out like a bunch of teenagers.
But spare a thought for owners Claire Mather, 45, and her husband Jason, 47, who are equally exhausted.
Their Christmas began at 6am when they took the dogs out for some exercise, before returning home to open presents including doggy treats and giant chews.
Claire Mather, 45, and her husband Jason, 47, are the proud owners of 13 dogs - including these nine Irish Wolfhounds, who have been pampered over Christmas
Cilla, Bella, Ragnar, Bigfoot, Lena, Fame, Geronimo, Hilary and Inca live with the Mathers in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, where they have their own living room, TV, kitchen and bathroom. Above, the hounds scoff a traditional turkey dinner
The pooches take a well-earned festive nap. Their Christmas began at 6am when they were taken out for some exercise, before returning home to open presents including doggy treats and giant chews
Some of the pack even tried pulling a cracker and wore paper hats, too.
And, of course, they all enjoyed a traditional dinner complete with turkey, pigs in blankets and vegetables.
Cilla, Bella, Ragnar, Bigfoot, Lena, Fame, Geronimo, Hilary and Inca are among the 13 dogs sharing the couple's home in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, where they have their own living room, TV, kitchen and bathroom.
The Mathers got their first Irish wolfhound eight years ago and now run Austonley, a firm that breeds the dogs, sells pet food and accessories and rents a field for dog walkers.
The breed is the tallest in the world, and dog food alone costs £200 a week.
But Mrs Mather said: 'They all live in our home as part of the family rather than out in a kennel, barn or stable.
The Mathers got their first Irish wolfhound eight years ago and now run Austonley, a firm that breeds the dogs, sells pet food and accessories and rents a field for dog walkers
'They have their own living room, with a single bed, sofa and smart TV, but to be honest they seem to prefer it in our living room.
'Everyone gets to go out on a walk at least once a day. We have to go out whether it's raining, snowing or hailing – they need their exercise so that's always a priority.
'Where we live has everything needed to exercise these big powerful hounds, including woodland, moorland, river and reservoir walks, with 90 per cent off lead.
'Plus, we are surrounded by tons of dog-friendly pubs for some very serious doggy socialising!'
When the couple aren't walking the dogs, they spend their time cleaning, preparing food and grooming in the dogs' dedicated kitchen and bathroom.
Mrs Mather said: 'They're spoilt to bits. It is hard work, but the best things in life usually are. Living with our hounds is our life, and we wouldn't change it for the world.'
The breed is the tallest in the world, and dog food alone costs £200 a week. But Mrs Mather said: 'They all live in our home as part of the family rather than out in a kennel, barn or stable'