The Beastly Beasts

Greyhound Gap Dog Show

posted by Monty at 19:24

Whew, glad to be back home. Not that it wasn't a nice day, but I did get a bit cold towards the end, and wanted to get home.

So yes, we, The Beastly Beasts, went to the Greyhound Gap Dog Show in Walsall today. It was fab seeing so many hounds like us in one place. I have to say, it was also a bit fab how many people seemed to know who we were; of course, they all wanted to see Maple as she's the newest. I'm a bit bad with names and stuff, and we met sooooo may people and their pooches that I'm sure I'll have forgotten someone; if it's you, sorry.

The first people we met that we knew was Wendy (G Dog and chocolate brownie) on her jewellery stall - we all now have rather cool paw penadants for the boys, and Maple has a dangley that goes with her new collar (more on that in a bit) - where we got introduced to Sarah H and Jules. Wendy said that we were trend setters, as she had get Poppy and Bumpy bandanas to wear too. Never considered myself a fashion icon, but hey, I could get used to it.

Wendy

Wendy

Then dad spotted Shannon; he didn't know she was called Shannon, but she is a Wolfhound and dad needs his Wolfhound fix if there's one around. He offered Shannon's dad a five for one swap; an offer that was refused - which I'm pleased about - I think.

Shannon

Shannon

Then we came across two fab brindle greys who looked like brothers but weren't. This is them. I remember one was called Kahn, but I can't (no pun intended - really) remember the others ones name - leave me a comment and I'll edit this post with it.

Edited to say that their mum and dad (Nick & Lynn) did get in touch, and his name is Mr. Beau Jangles (Beau for short). The caption on the pic is the right way round too!

Mr. Beau Jangles and Kahn

Our mum is pretty fashion concious, and insists that we have nice things to wear. As Maple had one of our old collars, mum wanted her to have a new one (yes, they've kissed and made up and are now good friends), and as Anna's Collars was there, that's where we went. Anna herself was taking entries for the show, and when we checked in for a couple of classes she asked if we were The Beastly Beasts, and said it was nice to meet us when we said we were. Back to the Maple's new collar. The dictionary definition of collar is: n. A restraining or identifying band put around the neck of an animal. So it shouldn't be hard to choose one should it? Oh yes it is. I won't bore you with the details, but it took a good five minutes to pick one. Here's Maple with it on - it does look rather good on her I have to say.

Maple in her new Anna's Collar

And it turns out that it's the very latest pattern that Anna has used - she said it was nice to see someone wearing it; that fashion thing again - anyone need a dog model?

Then we were stopped by another lady who asked if we were The Beastly Beasts. Turned out to be Hedgehog from one of the internet forums, who we had never met before - she was a nice lady so Troy went and leaned on her; actually, Troy went and leaned on a lot of people today - he would like to thank you all for your support. One chap in particular, who turned out to be kittycat97's OH, let Troy lean on him loads.

Nala's Nose

Having just had Maple join The Beastly Beasts, we were asked loads of times if that was it, or if there were going to be any more. Well, Troy found this one, which really is a beastly beast.

A Beastly Beast?

Who else did we meet? Oscar, who we met back in September at the White Lodge Fun Day, Spike and Cherry who come to the White Lodge walks, Janice and Andy with Star, and a really nice chap - Hugo and his mum SueB.

Hugo and SueB

And Beano was there with Tom and Cheese and their mum and dad, and Jackie - one of Kai's biggest fans - brought along Grace.

Jackie and Beano

And then was MadMerle and her gang - we could tell which one contributed the Merle bit, the mad we weren't too sure about - could have been any of them!!

MadMerle plus ...

And finally, there was the lady who only perked up after she and her humans met up with her foster mum. We don't forget you know.

Then there was the Dog Show. Less said about that the better. Me and Maple went in the Black Dogs section. We could see we were up against some stiff competition. Then Maple and Troy, and Kai and Jack went in the Best Brace. I guess the best thing we can claim is that we were consistant.

Course, there were lots of stalls - the one Lynne was running had food!!

Let then eat cake!

So despite our success (or not) in the show, and the fact it did get cold, we had a nice time. And Maple did amazingly well - she's a bit scared of people (I can remeber what that's like), but she let loads of people stroke her. It was really great to see so many people we knew, and to meet some from the internet in the real world, and to meet people we had never met before at all. We hope you all had a fab day, and a safe journey home; and that food bowls full of money was raised for Greyhound Gap.

See you all again soon,
Monty

TW3

posted by Troy at 16:01

Well, that was the week that was; truely.

As you know we all went off to Shropshire last week and came back with my cousin Maple. On the way back it was all fine and dandy, then we goes over to Sywell for a ball of chalk, and it looks like we're all goin' to get along OK.

But then it all goes Pete Tong; Maple decide to 'ave a go at mum. Now, don't get me wrong 'coz 'avin a go definitley ain't the right thing to do, but you 'ave to look at it from Maple's point of view an' all. When she was livin' rough and 'ad to fend for 'erself she holed up in the trunk of a tree at night. 'Course, if she could get in so could foxes and badgers and gawd knows what else, so she 'ad to sort it out first and ask questions later. And that's kind of what happened when mum touched her when it got dark. She knows now it was wrong, but instinct just took over for a moment.

So then mum gets all wary of Maple, and Maple's all wary of mum, and we've got ourselves in a right pickle. Dad tries sorting it, but you know 'ow good most blokes are that sort of thing, and dad ain't even that good.

Anyway, mum spoke to Aunty Claire at White Lodge, and dad spoke to David and Sue, Maple's foster mum and dad. They said she hadn't done anything like that there, and Aunty Claire said she'd come and take a look when she was passin', which would be Wednesday.

Maple on the Sofa

So Wednesday comes, and so does Aunty Claire. All the lads are well pleased to see 'er and give 'er a proper Beastly Beasts welcome. By this time mums got 'erself in a right two and eight about Maple, even though she 'adn't done nothing else. Anyway, Aunty Claire 'as a butcher's round the house - which she liked - then turns her attention to Maple. Maple is still scared of people she don't know, but Aunty Claire is dead good with dogs, and was soon stroking her no problem. She sussed what the problem was and 'ad a chat with mum about it. I think mum felt better with someone she trusted that weren't involved like. But then, after Aunty Claire's gone, Maple, the dozy cow, only goes and growls at mum - only a little one mind, but not the best move when your future accomodation is being discussed!! This time it's 'coz dad is givin' 'er a cuddle - she latched on to 'im straight away - and thought mum was goin' to stop it!! Dad gave 'er a tellin' off, but mum weren't impressed I can tell you.

Maple in a Bed

Anyway, 'ere we are and it's the weekend, and Maple's still 'ere; and I think she might be stoppin'. So what's 'appened? Well, for a start she's got the message that mum and dad are the top dogs, and she's also apologised to mum by givin' 'er a kiss. And as mum's been the one feedin' us, Maple's realised that bein' nice to 'er is a pretty smart thing to do, and growlin' isn't. And she's also realised that although she might still be scared of the dark, if she's with us it ain't so bad, so instead of hidin' out the back she's chillin' with us in the evenings now.

And, just to to round the week off, Monty cut a pad on on 'is back foot on the walk last night, and Jack cut 'is leg and 'as got to 'ave stitches.

So yeah, that was the week that was; 'opefully one we won't be repeating any time soon. It was great to see Aunty Claire though, even if the reason wasn't all that good; and I know mum and dad are dead grateful to 'er for comin' round.

I'm off now to catch some rays as it's a nice day.

Speak soon,
Troy

The Beastly Beasts Become The Famous FIve

posted by Kai at 10:14

You'll never guess what we did yesterday; we went to Shropshire.

It seemed like it should have been a weekend, but dad got me and the boys up at the usual time, and put on our bandanas - which always means we are going somewhere good. And off we set; two hours later we were virtually in Wales!!

We went to a place called Pant - which I thought was a great name for dogs to visit. We met David and Sue Lambert and their dogs, and guess what - one of them came home with us.

So, as the longest serving Beastly Beast it is my great pleasure to welcome Maple (she's a girl, but we won't hold that against her).

All of us at Pant - (Maple's on the left)

It seems that Maple was found living rough in a place called Long Mountain not very far away from Pant. She had made herself a place to sleep in the trunk of a tree - which is why she's called Maple - and was only rescued when the local dog warden took her dogs out too - she wouldn't let people near without them; that was on the 3rd March. On the 6th March she found her way to Greyhound Rescue West of England, and was then fostered by David and Sue; which is where we met her.

It was a really nice day so we went out for a walk with David and Maple, then back to their house where mum and dad sorted everything out. We all posed for some photos, then it was time to go. We all thought that Maple would ride home with mum, but no; as soon as the car door opened she leapt straight in and bagged the best spot - typical woman.

Everyone had a good snooze on the way back - we'd missed our morning beauty sleep after all; Maple snuggled up to Troy (I'll tell you more about them in a bit).

Maple Snuggled Up to Troy

Because it was such a nice day we went to Sywell for a walk when we got back. Jack and I had a mad run and a nice paddle, then Maple came in for a bit too. She seemed really happy to be out with all of us boys - I think she is going to fit right in.

Jack and Me Having a Paddle

Maple Having a Paddle

Jack and Me After a Mad

When we got home we showed her around the garden, then went in for tea - we were all really hungry. Maple seemed really happy outside, but she wasn't too sure in the house; but I suppose it's easy to forget what it's like when you turn up somewhere new. She seems alot more relaxed this morning.

Dad and I think she must have lived in a house before; this morning she went upstairs all by herself - none of us could do that on day one.

So what about her and Troy? Well, they had the same grandma which makes them half-cousins - and you can tell, they both have radar like ears.

All of Us (Check out those ears)

Right now she's asleep on the landing, and I think I'm going to join her in a snooze.

See you later,
Kai.

White Lodge Dog Swap

posted by Jack at 19:43

Well, I'll tell ya, I've never seen anyting like it; it was billed as the White Lodge April Walk, turned out to be a giant dog swap so it did.

Yesterday was shades of last week with the weather; when we left Northampton it was warm and sunny, so me and the boys were dead excited as we were in the car to go out - usually a good sign dat is. I taught it was one of the walks as we had all the gear, and sure enough we headed north - into the frozen wastes of deepest Leicestershire. 10°C it was at home, 3°C at Burrough Hill, with a wicked wind at the time as well.

In the Car Park

As everyone turned up we had a chat and a sniff, and it was fantastic to see my mate Blue Jack looking so happy. I remember helping him last year 'coz he wasn't so confident; but I tink I might have some competition for the cheekiest chap so I will.

Scruffy Dog of the Day (that's a complement - honest)

So anyways, when we're all assembled we sets off. Claire wants a dog, and she wants Troy; for some reason she is in love with the big lummock. Only trouble is dat Troy always wants to get where he's going so 'e does, even if he doesn't know where dat is!! And Claire decides he's too much for her poorly knee, so guess who gets handed over next 'coz dey walk nicley - dat's right - yours truely. Only trouble now is dat Claire doesn't realise I like to stop and wee every now and den, like every five or six yards - well, what else is a walk for if not to tell the others you were dere? Mum's on poo patrol, and Dad sets off with the rest of the lads - Troy wanting to get where he's going, Kai trying to keep up, and Monty clinging to daddy (he's not so big when he's not at home).

Dad being led by Troy - With Squiggs behind

On the walls of the old fort it was rather bracing. Winnie and Noah Squiggs had some fab jumpers on. We had our coats, but they looked really nice and warm - might have to pester the peeps 'til we get some of dose.

Winnie & Noah Squiggs

Den we gets to the furthest point of the hill and we all stops for a good look round, and dis is were the dog swap really gets goin'. Wendy wants a pic of us all and gives mum her dogs. Dat's fine, and it is rather grand to see so many of us all together.

The Gang

But den Claire decides dat she's going straight back and abandons me - just like dat - hands me over to a complete stranger, and me mam decides dat she's going with Claire and Wendy's dogs; just what you need for an ego boost - abandoned on a cold Iron Age fort. As it turns out the lady I went with was a very nice lady, and she took me for the rest of the walk. Here she is (dat's my tail in the bottom of the pic - I wasn't really dat upset).

On the Way Back

But will you look at dat sky here? A few moments later it was white with hail.

Before the Storm

And the humans think it's fun; are dey mad?? Any self respecing hound isn't goin' to walk around in the wind and snow; no - dey are goin' to be curled up an a comfy bed in front of the fire so dey are. Well, when we got back we did the next best ting and curled up in dad's car.

In the Car

Have to say dat dis is always the best bit of the walks; you get lots of cuddles from people, and lots of treats.

So anyways, despite the shite weather it was great to see everyone; lots of old friends and some new ones. And it sounds like The Beastly Beasts and The Squiggs are getting together for a walk at Salcey Forest; we can't wait.

Love and licks,
Jack

De East Midlands Dog Wark

posted by Jack at 17:11

Today we went on de East Midlands Dog Wark, so we did, at de Rutland Water.

And believe or not, we was de first dere. Most of de others soon turned up, but we had to wait a couple of minutes for George and Winnie. But dat was OK as it meant everyone could "Ahhh" over Beano, a very cute young chap whit Tom and Cheese. Dis is Beano.

Beano

Beano

An' dis is George and Whinney whit dere mam, Julie. George is dad's fave scruffy dog.

George and Winnie

Here we all are in de car park about to set off. Oi'd like to point out de weather at dis toime; it was noice and sunny as you can see. Rember dat for later.

In de Car Park

Dats Cheese in front whit her dad Colin and bro Tom. Troy used to live whit dem for a bit, 'til he was ready for a for ever home, and Colin is always roight pleased to see him. But he never takes the blindest bit of notice, which I tink is a bit rude of him, I do.

Anyways, we set off from de car park in noice weather, and headed tru de woods for the caff along de way. It's a noice wark in de woods, den you get to where the sheep are, and dat means ders always some good poo to sniff, or if you're loike Beano, to eat.

De Hill to de Woods

Whoile we was in de woods we found a dead rabbit. More on dat later!!

So we gets to the caff, and humans sit down and have a cuppa and a chat, and Colin and dad had some treats for us too. Here's some pics from at de caff.

Beano and his Mam, Lynne

Tom

Tom

George

Beano

It turns out dat Beano is 'sposed to go to another home. Now, I'm not a gambling dog, so I'm not; but Oi'll bet a bag of pigs ears with any of yer dat Beano lives with Tom and Cheese a whoile yet.

Oi digress, we was at der caff. Whoile we was dere I made the most of it and got a fuss of everyone I could, and so did Kai. And Troy pushed himself roight into the middle of everyone just so he could be stroked. Monty, the big "I am" at home, just stayed as close as he could to dad. He's a roight wimp sometimes.

Now, you'll be remebering dat at de start it was noice and sunny. Well, whoile we was at der caff it started to rain. Good old dad had bought our coats, so we get dem on quick as we could. Den when we set out for de journey back, and whell, it really started; raining cats and humans so it was.

A Wet Wark Back

An' den you'll remeber Oi said about de dead rabbit? Whell on de way back Cheese decides dat she's going to have it. And you've never seen such a fuss; all the humans shouting and laughin', and her mam making her drop it; why I ask you? Like de rabbit cares. Ohh, de humans thought it all a larf, Cheese didn't though; she got the roight hump, so she did, and Oi don't blame her.

Den de sun came out again just after dat, so the rest of de wark gave everyone a chance to dry out a bit.

So it was really nice to meet some of our old friends again, and to meet Beano for de first toime, and hopefully we'll seem dem all again soon.

Must go now, got to start whoinnin' at dad for tea.

Love and licks,
Jack