 | Just so I don't feel bad about not posting in almost a year I am telling myself that this is probably the most perfect time to give this blog the kick start I have been meaning to give it over the past 10 months. |
....and here we are - the boys are with their family. What an absolutely amazingly magical experience it has been and what a way to kick off 2015.
The Beagle BnB has slowly gotten more involved with the Western Cape Beagle rescues and about mid January we received two surrender forms for two Beagle boys living together. We did not know much other than their owners had relocated to the UK and the boys only stayed behind so that their blood tests etc could be done and they were booked to go over mid January 2015.
Unfortunately due to a "technicality"/communication error this wonderful story came to an abrupt halt and after looking at all the options they were aware of they decided it would be best for the boys to be handed over to Beagle Rescue to find them a loving home as soon as possible. When we received their surrender forms something told us to double check this one - we emailed Bernt to double check whether he would rather consider a long term foster to give time to eventually get the dogs over there. He explained that they had thought about it long and hard and tried to set aside their own emotions and thought due to them not being very old and an amazing pair that they would easily find another loving home rather than putting them through living with a foster for a year or more and then tearing them away from that.
We met and picked up two very gorgeous Beagle boys on Saturday 24 January 2015 and even just after 5 minutes in the car with them their magic swept over us. They just took these two complete strangers, full car (all their beds and food etc) and Bailey (our little rescue meeter Beagle) in their stride - like it happens every day. They arrived here at the BnB to 4 more hounds also as though its something that happens every day. It was almost as though we could feel their owners in them - it was evident a lot of love, care and attention had been given to these two - we have never seen two such well balanced (and I seriously mean NO "niggles" of concern of any behavioural issues. Well except for Boris's occasional humping ;-) )
We decided that the only place for the boys is with their family and so the ball started rolling. First a Whatsapp convo with Hester who advised us to just double check and make sure these boys are wanted in the UK (one never knows - sometimes people can tell very creative stories to make themselves feel better about their decision). Second - another e-mail to Bernt. Third a phone call from Bernt which established that they would be absolutely over the moon to have the boys back with them but unsure whether they could accept such a big gesture. After some convincing him that he could be assured - the Beagle SA community's main interest is seeing Beagles back with their families he thanked me and started doing even more research on pet travel to the UK to look at the best/most viable/safest options.
Unfortunately due to a "technicality"/communication error this wonderful story came to an abrupt halt and after looking at all the options they were aware of they decided it would be best for the boys to be handed over to Beagle Rescue to find them a loving home as soon as possible. When we received their surrender forms something told us to double check this one - we emailed Bernt to double check whether he would rather consider a long term foster to give time to eventually get the dogs over there. He explained that they had thought about it long and hard and tried to set aside their own emotions and thought due to them not being very old and an amazing pair that they would easily find another loving home rather than putting them through living with a foster for a year or more and then tearing them away from that.
We met and picked up two very gorgeous Beagle boys on Saturday 24 January 2015 and even just after 5 minutes in the car with them their magic swept over us. They just took these two complete strangers, full car (all their beds and food etc) and Bailey (our little rescue meeter Beagle) in their stride - like it happens every day. They arrived here at the BnB to 4 more hounds also as though its something that happens every day. It was almost as though we could feel their owners in them - it was evident a lot of love, care and attention had been given to these two - we have never seen two such well balanced (and I seriously mean NO "niggles" of concern of any behavioural issues. Well except for Boris's occasional humping ;-) )
We decided that the only place for the boys is with their family and so the ball started rolling. First a Whatsapp convo with Hester who advised us to just double check and make sure these boys are wanted in the UK (one never knows - sometimes people can tell very creative stories to make themselves feel better about their decision). Second - another e-mail to Bernt. Third a phone call from Bernt which established that they would be absolutely over the moon to have the boys back with them but unsure whether they could accept such a big gesture. After some convincing him that he could be assured - the Beagle SA community's main interest is seeing Beagles back with their families he thanked me and started doing even more research on pet travel to the UK to look at the best/most viable/safest options.
A little bit of background
Arrival at the BnB
First week at the BnB
...and so it started
We posted Boris & Mackie's plea to get back to their family...
| ...and we were overwhelmed, within 24 hours R9000 was raised only through donations from various people across the country - close to half of what was needed. |  |
fostering
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We've had a few Beagles (besides our guests) come and go since last year and although each and every single one have a special place in our hearts. Boris and Mackie crept into our hearts in a very special and indescribable way and to be able to share their little journey with their humans (we tried to Skype as regularly as possible) and with the whole Beagle community (on facebook) in South Africa was something words cannot express or explain.
Every day spent with these boys just made us more sure of what was being done was the right thing - despite it being questioned by some. Each and every day was special and amazing and somehow they taught us so much without even trying. They enriched our lives and the BnB and they got along with every single hound that came through our door. Very very special boys that just take absolutely everything in their stride.
Every day spent with these boys just made us more sure of what was being done was the right thing - despite it being questioned by some. Each and every day was special and amazing and somehow they taught us so much without even trying. They enriched our lives and the BnB and they got along with every single hound that came through our door. Very very special boys that just take absolutely everything in their stride.
special moments
Always together
We have never experienced such a secure bond between two Beagles - not even siblings. They weren't "needy" of each other - just an amazingly tangible yet quiet unbreakable bond. Each totally his own strong character and gentility, each their own confident but not cocky presence.
Making friends
A community comes together
After the first 24hrs the whole community jumped on board, more people donating not only money but items and prizes to put up for auction. From cakes, to boarding for their hounds to a case of wine, delicious home made cakes and dog biscuits, a crate towards the boys' travel, personalised photo albums and more donations. Our customers were incredibly generous with one person donating R4000 towards the cause and people paying up to a grand for a chocolate cake. Auctions being won and the prizes being offered up by the winning bidders to go up for a second time, people matching bids and so forth - very exciting and amazing to watch.
It didn't take too long and we reached our target and the boys could be booked on their flight.
It didn't take too long and we reached our target and the boys could be booked on their flight.
final days
Taking the boys for their final vet visit for deworming and check and going to the Statevet to get their clearance done was when reality started to sink in - they were leaving. It's absolutely unbelievable (to this day) how seamlessly they just slipped into our family (even though it sounds like Beagle heaven it isn't easy for each and every dog that comes here and takes some adjusting for most regardless of how well balanced they are). Within days it felt like both of them had been here since pups.
Vet & Statevet
Their final groom the day before they leave
Enjoying their last few hours of South African sun
Saying our goodbyes at home
homeward bound
This wasn't easy. Not only for the obvious reasons.
Once again the boys showed their unbreakable stride to cope with anything thrown at them. Complete and total trust in their faces that whatever we were doing "must be good" if we were doing it. They weren't weirded out or freaked out and and just looked up at us as though they were saying "see you later" tales wagging - no questions. The reports from the people from Animal Travel Services and airplane staff was that the boys were in good spirits the entire time and very well behaved. This was the report from staff at the other end too.
Once again the boys showed their unbreakable stride to cope with anything thrown at them. Complete and total trust in their faces that whatever we were doing "must be good" if we were doing it. They weren't weirded out or freaked out and and just looked up at us as though they were saying "see you later" tales wagging - no questions. The reports from the people from Animal Travel Services and airplane staff was that the boys were in good spirits the entire time and very well behaved. This was the report from staff at the other end too.
Car trip to Cape Town airport
Dropping off
Last wees, airport "doggy lounge", travel crates and final good byes
At Animal Travel Services
the beagles have landed
A day that had felt so far away was finally here. How can one feel anything but joy seeing a story end this way.
First meeting
Car ride home
home
Reunited with their mom and human sister. Meeting their human brother for the first time and exploring....
reports from handlers
Absolutely everyone that handled these boys were in awe of them. Apparently they were bouncy and happy all the way. They got to walk everywhere they needed to go once landed because they were so well behaved. They were also given the compliment of the cleanest dogs they've seen arrive (didn't even need a bath and still smelled like their Pamper Day Perfume and still had their blue grooming ribbons on).
inspiration
Boris and McInroe and their story have been an inspiration in so many ways. The people who received them in the UK want to do a story about them. Their owner donated their crates and blankets that travelled with them to local animal charities and he also wants to work with us to create a Beagle Travelling Service and be a point of contact in the UK to assist with arrivals if Beagles are travelling unaccompanied or even to nervous owners.....the ideas are flowing - watch this space.
a lesson in everything
We have made friends for life because of these boys. Not only Bernt and Natasja but the people in the community that have connected with us and helped us make this a reality.
If this is not a humbling experience I don't know what is.
On a serious note: To each and every owner or potential owner out there....teach your furkids to be balanced, expose them to the world, other people, other places, anything you can think of. DON'T make them so incredibly and absolutely dependent on you. I know it's lovely when they want you and only you. Even when separation anxiety can be a pain, most of us don't really do anything to help our hounds "unlearn" the behaviour and we inadvertently pander to it and make it worse - even when we don't mean to. It is up to us to nurture balance in these animals and not expect too much of them or burden them with our personal woes and emotional baggage. They do not deserve to carry our loads and we see it so so often where owners are far too dependent on their hounds for their own emotional and mental well-being. This is unfair to expect of them. They care for us naturally and it is us that need to be responsible with what we "put on" them.
Never in my life have I ever seen two such bomb proof dogs (including our own) and this was clearly down to responsible, caring owners that put none of their emotional baggage, dependency and needs on their animals. They are different dogs from different breeders, completely different lines - yet they both have those same traits. We cannot compliment Bernt and Natasja enough for obviously naturally giving these dogs the absolute best they could (I'm not talking about loads of toys and chew things or the fanciest beds and collars or even hours and hours of undivided attention; clucking and fussing over them) - just understanding, acceptance, balance, communication and love.
Thank you Bernt and Natasja for inadvertently introducing these two boys into all our lives. You have, without setting out to do so, changed (whether big or small, momentarily or for a life time) so many of our lives.
Boris and Mackie...........thank you for everything. Even if I don't get to cuddle or scratch or kiss you again - you changed my life in so many ways and on so many levels. I will never ever forget you. I love you very much.
If this is not a humbling experience I don't know what is.
On a serious note: To each and every owner or potential owner out there....teach your furkids to be balanced, expose them to the world, other people, other places, anything you can think of. DON'T make them so incredibly and absolutely dependent on you. I know it's lovely when they want you and only you. Even when separation anxiety can be a pain, most of us don't really do anything to help our hounds "unlearn" the behaviour and we inadvertently pander to it and make it worse - even when we don't mean to. It is up to us to nurture balance in these animals and not expect too much of them or burden them with our personal woes and emotional baggage. They do not deserve to carry our loads and we see it so so often where owners are far too dependent on their hounds for their own emotional and mental well-being. This is unfair to expect of them. They care for us naturally and it is us that need to be responsible with what we "put on" them.
Never in my life have I ever seen two such bomb proof dogs (including our own) and this was clearly down to responsible, caring owners that put none of their emotional baggage, dependency and needs on their animals. They are different dogs from different breeders, completely different lines - yet they both have those same traits. We cannot compliment Bernt and Natasja enough for obviously naturally giving these dogs the absolute best they could (I'm not talking about loads of toys and chew things or the fanciest beds and collars or even hours and hours of undivided attention; clucking and fussing over them) - just understanding, acceptance, balance, communication and love.
Thank you Bernt and Natasja for inadvertently introducing these two boys into all our lives. You have, without setting out to do so, changed (whether big or small, momentarily or for a life time) so many of our lives.
Boris and Mackie...........thank you for everything. Even if I don't get to cuddle or scratch or kiss you again - you changed my life in so many ways and on so many levels. I will never ever forget you. I love you very much.
treasured times
Yzerfontein Beach Walk
Special moments every day
Mackie & Lily
The first time these two set eyes on each other it was an unbreakable bond. It was incredibly special to witness (and look at the freckles on both of them!)
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Meal times
Play time
Noise Warning
Beagle BnB Social
Family moments
A few private moments shared with us by their family during the first few hours back
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Happiness - home at last
Love you forever boys <3
Update: 20/10/2015
"Ons wou nog bitter graag n surprise video maak van hoe ons met die honde gaan draf in die oggende, maar dinge raak so besig. Dit gaan baie goed met Borris en Mackie. Hulle love die woude hier. Soms gaan hulle absoluut crazy en dan moet ons 40min in die pad wag todat hulle besluit om ons te kom soek! Anja en veral matthijs is absoluut behep met die honde. Matthijs voer altyd vir die honde sy kos skelmpies as hulle bedel. Hy kry hulle net te jammer! Ekt hoeka vanaand n oulike oomblik probeer vang vir jou, maar dis so moeilik. As jy eers jou selfoon vind is die oomblik verby. Matthijs gryp mackie aan sy wange en dan druk hulle hulle gesiggies so teen aan mekaar en dan lag Matthijs hardop."
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