Sorry for the delay in getting this post out!

Our hunt on 6 June was a really big group again… with lots of new faces again! It was dark and freezing when we all arrived just before 7am! Brrrrr – I think more people need to buy the “I love my Beagle” Flasks from the Beagleshop!!

Here are some pics, courtesy of Carmel from the day…

…

Run beagles!!

…

Watching the beagles go

…

Charlie

…

Oscar getting cuddles

…

Snoopy and Daisy had matching Springbok “Swimsuits”!! – so cute!

…

Snoopy “Neethling” hehe

…

Another relaxing hunt – as demonstrated by Pippen and Rebel! :p

…

Matilda, Bart and Ralph

…

Misty modelling her very fancy bib!

Thanks to everyone involved!

Our next hunt is SUNDAY 20 JUNE at 7:30am… sign up here and see you there!

..

What a big turnout!! Maybe it was the promise of the Vetkoek breakfast after the hunt

Lots of new faces too!! This was a very successful hunt in terms of new beagles finishing lines! I think “Best Newcomer” is going to be a VERY tough call this year… so, to all the new beagles, keep coming, keep working, maybe you can win a trophy at the year end prize giving!!

How great are these pics of the lines? Thanks Carmel

Look at them GO!!

I just love those action shots, don’t you?

Anyway… the hunts went REALLY well… up until the second last line where a few beagles went on their own little walk about and we spent AGES looking for a new little beagle, BLAKE … turned out he was back at the cars! It must be said, Blake is doing really well – considering Sunday was only his second time – and he is still a pup!

Here is Blake getting cuddles (and probably a talking to about disappearing

Little Penny was totally worn out by the end of the morning, and had to be carried around by her dad… what a little princess that one (Penny, not dad!!)

Here are some more beagles at the hunt:

Chelsea

.

Matilda

.

Aimee and Nelson

.

Wendy and Misty

.

Charlie

After the hunt is was time for the much anticipated “Vetkoek in the Veld”… prepared by our very own world renowned chefs, Trevor and Dilene (better known as Poppadom and Roti’s mom and dad)

Nom Nom

Trevor tucking in himself…

Thanks for going to the trouble guys – everyone really enjoyed it… can’t wait for next time

Here are a few more pics form Duke and Theai’s people

How cute are these ears!?

Thanks to everyone for making the morning a success!! Our nest hunt is on 6 June at 7am – sign up here

.

Hey Guys…

here is the latest from Christine in Cape Town…

**NOTE** if you want to be part of the CPT hunts, you MUST email Christine and let her know to expect you, PLEASE don’t just pitch up!!

Also, you can join the Western Cape Beagles Facebook Group to keep up to date there too.

Good morning All,

We will be having our first run this Sunday 23^rd May 2010. Please can I have the yes’s and numbers by Thursday lunchtime.  Please note that even if you have indicated on Facebook that you are coming, I still require an confirmation email.

Once again, we’ll meet at the gate at 8am.

DIRECTIONS:

Directions to Anura, Klapmuts:

1. Take the N1 towards Paarl
2. Take the Wellington / Klamputs turnoff (R44)
3. Turn right and go under the N1
4. Go past Lanners Landing & Butterfly World
5. Go over the 4 way stop
6. Take 2^nd road to your left, towards Franschoek (R45)
7. First farm on your right – Anura

We’ll meet at the gate at 8am.

ITEMS TO REMEMBER:

1. Your hounds number disc & leash.  We will being redoing the numbering system this year, so if you don’t have a disc, don’t worry.
2. Boots (it can get a bit muddy)
3. R10 per hound to pay for the sausage.

PROVISIONAL DATES FOR FUTURE RUNS:

6^th June 2010

20^th June 2010

4^th July 2010

18^th July 2010

1^st August 2010

15^th August 2010

29^th August 2010

12^th September 2010

26^th September 2010

These dates might change depending on the weather and if we have to cancel runs due to rain.

GENERAL:

1. Parking – We have been asked NOT to park in front of the cellar door as they need five spaces for the staff. If everyone could therefore park up roadway leading up the hill.

Thanks & regards

Christine

…

Hey Guys…

you are probably wondering about the heading of this post! After all, Beagles don’t have docked tails!!

Anette emailed me these notes from a seminar she attended on tail docking. Even though tail dockiing is not something we think about – as beagle owners… it makes quite an interesting read!

Why do some dogs have long tails and some short tails?

Most puppies are born with long tails.

Sometimes,very rarely ,a puppy will be born with a short tail,for example some Corgi’s  and some Australian Cattle Dogs.

Some breeds have naturally shorter but curly tails,for example the Bulldog.

Dogs that are born with long tails sometimes undergo tail docking.This means that their tails is cut off, usually at a few days of age.In the past, veterinarians did this,but currently vets are no longer allowed to dock tails.Since people want dogs with short tails,some breeders do the docking themselves.

Why do people dock puppies tails?

The reason most people want their puppies tail’s docked, is because they are used to seeing these dogs with short tails,for example,Boerboels,Dobermans and Jack Russell terriers.

Some people who take part in shows,think that their dog would look silly with a  long tail.

In previous years people did it for reasons that do not currently apply,for example they paid less tax for dog with docked tails(working dogs were exempt from taxes and had docked tails to make it easier for them to work in the thick bush)and they believed it would ward off rabies. Today, people have dogs mainly as companions and these reasons do not apply anymore.

Why do dogs need tails:

Dogs use their tails to communicate with people and other dogs.When they are happy and want to be friends, they wag their tails wildly.When they are worried or scared,they wag their tails stiffly to say”back off,otherwise I’ll bite you”.

Dogs use their tails to communicate, just like they use their facial expressions,lips,ears and body posture to communicate their feelings.  If you look at a dog’s tail,you will know if it wants to be friends or wants to bite you.Dogs with long tails can communicate better,so they get involved in fewer fights with other dogs and are less likely to bite people.

The other function of a tail is to help the dog balance properly.Puppies with long tails are much more agile than ones with docked tails.And remember it is easier for a dog with a long tail to climb,crawl and balance.

What are the problems for dogs with docked tails?

The procedure to cut off the tails is painful and traumatic for the puppies.Just because they are small,does not mean that they do not feel pain.The cut goes through skin,muscles,nerves,blood vessels,bone and cartilage(soft bone).It is possible that they never forget this experience.If the docking is done poorly,there could be physical complications like problems with urinating and defecating and nerve damage that causes pain later as the puppy grows up.Bleeding during tail docking can be severe and puppies can die as a result.Apart from the trauma when the tail is docked,dogs that have short tails encounter problems when meeting people or other dogs since they cannot use their tails to communicate and also struggle to balance.

What can I do?

Next time you want to buy a puppy insist on a puppy with a natural long tail.As long as there are people willing to buy puppies with docked tails irresponsible breeders will continue performing the procedure.Insist on a tail,or cancel the sale.

If you know of a breeder who docks puppies tails,report him/her to your local veterinarian or the nearest SPCA.

.

EDIT!!! CAPE TOWN’S FIRST HUNT IS ON 23 MAY 2010

Hey Guys…

here is a message from CHRISTINE in CAPE TOWN for all you beaglers from the Western Cape… if you would like to be involved in the Cape Town hunts, please email Christine.

Good morning All,

I have had a number of enquires about when the beagle runs for this season are commencing, so I thought I would drop everyone an email to get things started.

2009 Results

A recap of the 2009 results are as follows:

1^st place – Merlot with 111 points

2^nd place – Chigaru with 108 points

3^rd place – Coco with 91 points

Also, congratulations to the following “up and coming” hounds, who also did very well, as it was their first season running!!

Otto – 46 points

Rocky – 19 points

Labri – 19 points

I think that we will have the 2009 prize giving after one of our runs.

2010 Season

I think that we will try and have our first run 23^rd May 2010 (depending on the amount of rainfall we have had by then).  I just need to contact the farmer at Anura to confirm that we are all still welcome there.

As per usual, an invite for the run will be sent on the Monday prior to the run.  We require the yes / no’s by the Thursday afternoon in order to prepare the score sheets, drag & sausage.

For the newcomers, do not worry about the tag numbers, these will be sorted out at the first run.

Lastly, I must apologize for my lack of communication this year, but I have been extremely busy working out of town.   On this note, if anyone is willing to assist with the organizing of the runs, the preparation of the drag etc, please let me know.  It would be greatly appreciated.

Looking forward to hearing from you all!

Cheers

Christine

Hey Guys…

Due to requests, we are now selling t-shirts and dri-macs with either Beagle Mom or Beagle Dad logos embroidered onto them!

The t-shirts are a 190g crew neck.

They are available in BLACK, WHITE and NAVY and range in size SMALL to 5XL (depending on what my supplier has in stock!)

The t-shirts are R120 each.

Dri-Macs have a concealed hood, zip and ribbed cuffs.

They are available in BLACK and NAVY and range in size SMALL to 3XL (again, depending on what my supplier has in stock)

The dri-macs are R220 each.

THESE ITEMS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE IF YOU ORDER… i am unfortunately not able to keep stock, as it is just too expensive for me to buy huge quantities and run the risk of not being able to sell them. If you would like to order something, please email me and let me know what you would like, I will check stock with the supplier and send you my bank details, or you can pay me cash at a hunt. I am also able to post them anywhere in SA (postage will be charged according to individual packages)

Both items are really good quality and the embroidered logos are very cute!

I do have a size of each shirt to measure which size you would like to order… I also have a medium dri-mac (mine) and an XL dri-mac (Peter’s) so we have an idea of size there too.

I would like to place the order for these goodies on MONDAY 10^th, so please let me know BEFORE THEN what you would like, and I can arrange to check stock etc.

Happy Beagling,

Tanya

Hey Guys…

I don’t know anything about this little guy other than what is listed on the SPCA’s site… he is so cute tho!! and still young… pls help find him a new forever home!!

See http://www.spcapta.org.za/info/Dogs_PTA.asp for more info or contact the SPCA here

Hey Guys… you may have seen a post a while back about JEMMA needing a new home… She is still looking, but the family wants to rehome her AND William, together… Please circulate to anyone you may know who can help these two beagles find a new forever home.

They are in Douglasdale, Fourways.

Age : Jemma = 4yrs old. William = 6 years old.

SEX : Jemma = female. William = male

Is s/he registered? Yes

Is s/he sterilised? Yes, both are

Is s/he microchipped? No

Is s/he friendly with:

Dogs: Yes

Cats: Unsure, never had a cat to test with

Children: Yes

Area: Douglasdale, Fourways

Reason for rehoming:

Lack of space.

Other:

JEMMA: Obsessed with food. Allergic to grass as per out vet, controlled with cortisone tablets.

WILLIAM: A hunter!

BOTH: Play well with other dogs and kids

EMAIL Marinus van Aswegen

After having experienced the coldest weather in gauteng ever (!!!) on saturday, we were all rather sceptical about whether there would even BE a hunt! It rained most of saturday and we all waited with baited breath to see what sunday morning would bring…
I woke up at 5:30 to pitch darkness, but no rain! yay!!

put on every item of winter clothing i owned and off we went – not expecting too much of a turnout!

Surprise! There was quite a big group today!! I would estimate close on 30-40 dogs…? Even a couple of new people – so brave to come out in this weather – well done guys!!

Our usual organisers were away this weekend… so we had a new team who stepped up to walk the lines, go over rules, blow the whistle… so, SPECIAL thanks to Gavin, Robert and Peter for standing in!!

the beagles seemed on a bit of a go-slow today, as very few of them finished the lines… BUT we did have a couple of the new dogs doing really well and Kujo finished a few times – today was his very first hunt!! Well done Kujo!

Well done KUJO!!

…

Kujo’s sister, Tammy, was more interested in running off on her own mission than sticking with the pack!

…

Before we even started our hunts… Roti decided to roll in some, ummm, rather unsavoury smelling stuff… which meant he had to run the lines naked! – Sheesh Trevor, you take one day off and look what happens to your dog… running around naked – sies!!

GROSS!!!!

…

Naked boy!!

Naked beagle!

…

Roti’s brother, Poppadom telling him how he smells… (or was it how good…?)

oh… and there was THE CUTEST little puppy who came to watch the hunt today!! Her name is Daisy… she was so tired and cold after a while, her mommy bundled her up in her jacket and she fell fast asleep and had special cuddles!!

Cutest thing i saw all day!!

…

And little Penny had her customary nap on a tuft of grass…

I'm trying to sleep here!!

…

By the way, Penny is still trying to grow into those ears!!

What you talking about? I have tiny ears!

…

Basil and Enzo were having a competition to see who could look the saddest…

Mirror, Mirror on the wall - who is the saddest of them all

…

Humphrey’s pack with famous Barnaby in his stylin’ pajamas were there to support Ben… I personally think that Barnaby wore his PJ’s to try and detract from the fact that he’s not *actually* a beagle… shhhh – dont tell him we noticed ;p

How cool are Barnaby's PJ's ... very slimming!!

…

Ben doing his best impression of “Chinese Eyes”

Pilchards and "Flied-Lice" please

…

Two of our new recruits who got their mom and dad to brave the weather… Pavlov and Piccolo with their dad

…

Denver crying out for his one True Love… “Oscar, where are yoooooooooooou!!!!???”

…

Maya is back on form and running (and baying) like a crazy little beagle

…

Beagle Brothers, Harry & Oscar ready to rumble!

…

Lucy had to be restrained by her mom, as all she wanted to do was take off after her dad who was walking upfront laying the scent!!

…

and what would an update be without a photo of our very own mascot… Snoopy!!   ahhhroooo!

THANK YOU to everyone for braving the cold damp weather… hope all the new beagles had fun!!

REMEMBER to treat against ticks, fleas and worms (we do sell medication for all of these pests – pls enquire!!)

Our next hunt is on 9 MAY AT 7am… sign up here

We would love you guys to leave comments on our posts… whether you were there or not let us know how you enjoy the hunt, our site, the super cute photos… we love hearing feedback from all you beagle huggers out there!!

Until next time, Happy beagling!

HI Guys…

i got this in my mailbox today… please help Max find a new forever-home!

Max,

Max is a Tri-colour KUSA registered pure bred Behemiel Beagle male.

He was born on 30 July 2008.

He needs a new home.

Contact: Belinda on 082 343 0725 or email BELINDA