july15-beagle-bugle

BEAGLE BUGLE
For the volunteers and supporters of Alberta Beagle Paws
July 2015
IN THIS ISSUE:
OUT AND ABOUT
 Out and About
 Up and Coming:
Mark your Calendars
 Featured Fosters:
- Jackson
- Sheldon
 For your Information:
- Preventing dog bites
 In Memoriam
 Etcetera
 Successful Adoptions
It was a full house at Beagle Paws’ adoption day,
June 6 at Namao Centre Pet Valu, with a record
five foster dogs in attendance. Jackson (left)
proclaimed a new doggie bed four paws-up.
Scamp cooled
off by hugging
the water
bowl. (Photos
by Lorna Stewart.)
Our sincere thanks go to:



Namao Centre Pet Valu, Manager Amy Numminen and staff for their support
Foster parents Rachel and Stephane Brace, and Lorna Stewart
Volunteer Julie Basque
Happiness is working with enthusiastic and understanding people!
During Beagle Paws’ bottle drive, June 7, sorting through reams of bottles in toasty sunshine for
several hours was a rather easy and pleasant way to raise funds for beagles in foster care.
Kudos to:


Dawn Sutherland for running the event
Laura Blanton for her help and support
Toques and mitts were the only things missing
from our BBQ at Namao Centre Pet Valu, June 13.
In spite of the chilly weather, we raised more than
$175 to help pay for foster dogs’ veterinary care.
Many thanks to:
 Namao Centre Pet Valu, Manager
Amy Numminen and staff
 Volunteers Erik Kline, Dawn Lundquist and
Lorna Stewart
Volunteers Erik Kline, Dawn Lundquist
and May Sutherland
(Photo by Lorna Stewart.)
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BEAGLE BUGLE
For the volunteers and supporters of Alberta Beagle Paws
July 2015
Turn-out for our Father’s Day Walk-a-thon, June 21, was awesome. Walkers had two
optional paths for trekking: to the gazebo or alongside St. Albert’s Botanical Gardens. Both
proved to be popular choices. The day culminated with a BBQ, doggie games and contests.
At least one dog proved beagles can learn tricks.
He impressed the judge and audience, particularly
with his “paws-up” routine and no treat required!
Many hands make light work. Our heartfelt
appreciation to:
 Volunteers Laura Blanton, Norrie Davison,
Jim Kozub, Soren Sorensen, Lorna Stewart and
Dawn Sutherland
(Photo by Cathy Falconer.)
UP AND COMING
Edmonton Beagle Walk

Third Sunday each month, 1 p.m. (weather permitting)

Laurier Park; meet in Edmonton Rowing Club/Edmonton Whitewater Paddlers’ parking lot

Updates: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Beagle-Paws-Edmonton/280054418689728
Calgary Meet-up

Last Sunday each month, 3 p.m. (weather permitting)

Sue Higgins Park off-leash area, Southland Dr. and Deerfoot Trail SE

Updates: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Beagle-Paws-Calgary/200492000018368
Vancouver Beagle Meet-up

Fourth Sunday each month, 2 p.m.

Steveson Park off-leash area, 4360 Garry St., Richmond

Updates: http://www.meetup.com/beagles-8
Beagle Paws at Petapalooza (Calgary)

Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Petapalooza in Eau Claire, 200 Barclay Parade SW

Dock Dogs Canada, Running of the “Bulls”, anaesthetic-free teeth cleaning, dog karaoke
(perfect for beagles) and more

Updates: http://www.petapaloozawest.com/calgary/#attractions
BBQ (Edmonton)

Saturday, August 8, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Namao Centre Pet Valu, 15819-97 St.

Meet our volunteers, enjoy a hotdog or hamburger and pick up some beagle treats
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BEAGLE BUGLE
For the volunteers and supporters of Alberta Beagle Paws
July 2015
Beagle Mania (Edmonton)

Sunday, September 13, 1 p.m.

Oliver Community Park, 10325-118 St.

More TBA
FEATURED FOSTERS
I’m the cutest eight-year-old puggle I’ve ever met! Hi, I’m
Jackson and I have the energy and enthusiasm of a much
younger guy. I’m affectionate and cuddly. I like cats; I’m
curious about them and so we co-exist peacefully. Other
small dogs are fine. But big busy ones can scare me half
to death.
To foster, adopt, donate or
volunteer, contact us:
www.beaglepaws.com
may@beaglepaws.com
erin@beaglepaws.com
My foster family is the greatest and I love to please them. I
can “sit”, “paw”, “lie down” and do many other things to
prove my smarts. Sweet and goofy, all I really want to do is
be with my people. My foster mom says I need loving but
firm boundaries. Like all dogs, I wasn’t born knowing the
rules. I can’t wait to meet you!
Jackson
(Photo supplied.)
Sheldon, or “Lucky” Sheldon as we call
him, is a super-sweet beagle-mix. This
little boy has such a pleasant personality
and temperament that it’s easy to smile
when greeting him.
He loves walks and hanging out with his
people. Mainly white, Sheldon has soft
silky fur. If looking for a great family pet,
check him out.
Sheldon
(Photo by Marshmallow Photography.)
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Preventing dog bites
An alarming number of videos are viewed on YouTube and TV of “cute” interactions of children
and dogs (e.g., photos of infants sleeping on the family dog, a child kissing the top of a dog’s head,
etc.). Sadly, risks to children are often underestimated. Commonly heard from adult bite victims
and parents of child victims: "I wish I'd known...." We don't want you ever to have to say that.
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BEAGLE BUGLE
For the volunteers and supporters of Alberta Beagle Paws
July 2015
Dog behaviour is complex and signals are often subtle. Parents noting potential danger signs are
encouraged to err on the side of caution and implement dog-bite prevention measures (e.g.,
increase supervision and use physical barriers when supervision is not possible) until it can be
determined whether the dog is actually a danger.
Many bites could be prevented if parents and children were aware of the subtle communication
signs dogs send when anxious. An anxious dog is much more likely to bite than a happy dog.
There’s a difference with a dog tolerating versus enjoying interactions with children!
Many dogs are exceptionally tolerant of mishandling by both children and adults. These dogs
show signs of anxiety, yet never get to the point of biting. Other dogs tolerate what they don't
enjoy for a period of time or from certain people and not others. But, at some point, when they
have had enough, they growl or snap. Most people are shocked when this happens and exclaim,
"He’s never bitten anyone before!" or "There was no warning….”
Dog-behaviour experts say there’s always a warning. But most people don’t know how to
interpret dog body language. Many dog-bite victims are children and, in most cases, the dog is
either the family pet or a friend or neighbour’s dog.
Help reduce the risk of a child getting bitten by teaching your children “How to Love Your Dog”
(excerpted from Doggone Safe), as follows:
Touch your dog
 Invite your dog to come to you for attention. If the dog turns or moves away, respect his
wishes and leave him alone. Many dogs like to be near but not necessarily touched.
 Scratch your dog on the side of the neck or on his chest. Some dogs enjoy a scratch behind the
ears but most dogs do not enjoy hands coming down on the top of their heads.
 Avoid hugs and kisses. People enjoy this but most dogs don’t.
 Invite your dog to sit with you while you read or watch TV. Let him lean on you or put his head
on your lap on his terms.
 Pet your dog and then stop. If he tries to get you to continue, then you know he likes it.
Play with your dog
 Play games like fetch and hide-and-seek, which do not involve chasing or rough play. Don’t
play games producing a “winner” or “loser”. Don’t play aggressive games such as tug-of-war.
 Take your dog for many walks.
Understand your dog
 Learn to read dog body language to understand what he’s trying to tell you.
 A happy dog pants and wags his tail loosely. He may wag all over.
 An anxious dog’s eyes might show a half-moon of white or he may lick his lips or yawn.
He may turn his head away or walk away. He wants to be left alone.
 A dog that suddenly goes still is very dangerous and might be ready to bite.
 A dog with a closed mouth, ears forward and/or tail held high is thinking. Don’t bother him.
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BEAGLE BUGLE
For the volunteers and supporters of Alberta Beagle Paws
July 2015
Reward your dog
 Look for things a dog does right and praise, pet or play with him. Or, if age appropriate, offer a
treat. Never hit or yell at a dog.
Never, under any circumstances, leave a young child alone with a dog, which includes sleeping on a
bed. Crate the dog or put him in another safe place. If leaving the room, bring along either the
child or the dog. If a toddler must interact with a dog, keep your hands on the dog.
For a mother’s heartfelt story about learning this lesson the hard way, visit
http://www.swaylove.org/mother-tells-courageous-story-about-dog-bite-responsibility.
A future Beagle Bugle will provide more tips about understanding a dog’s body language.
IN MEMORIAM
Copper lived 12 years in a home as “just a dog” and was considered more a nuisance than a
beloved family member. Considered “in the way” when children came along, he was moved into
the garage and out to various family members as a farm dog. Shortly after returning to his “home”
last winter, his owners decided to euthanize Copper because he had the “annoying habit of
whining when left in the garage,” which was pretty much all the time.
Thankfully, the vet was more concerned about Copper’s best interests and contacted Beagle Paws.
I picked him up late evening on January 3. He was one of the sweetest, kindest, most gentle dogs
I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. Copper just wanted to be loved. He spent time in my home
and with another foster family.
Mid-February I got a message from two sisters who just lost their 12-year-old Great Pyrenees,
Ginger. They’d seen Copper’s photo and knew he needed them. They didn’t care about his age or
potential health conditions (e.g., a tooth needing extraction and a growth in his mouth). On
February 28 the Combs family welcomed Copper into the loving, permanent home he so deserved.
Following dental work (from which he recovered with flying colours), it was determined he had
end-stage cancer. In the last 3.5 months, Copper received more love, affection, attention and care
than he received in the previous dozen years.
These wonderful, marvellous women didn’t concern themselves with how much it would hurt
when he passed. Their primary concern was that he needed them, not vice versa. They invested
time, money and a lot of heart to ensure this innocent soul would know a loving embrace and that
his last moments would be peaceful. They are an inspiration to us all and a reminder that the best
things happen in life when we think of others first. Thank you, Mary and Cindy, for everything you
did. I know Copper loved you all the more for it. Special thanks, also, to Holly, at BrindleBerry
Photography, for the wonderful photo of our little gentleman.
Calgary Beagle Paws
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BEAGLE BUGLE
For the volunteers and supporters of Alberta Beagle Paws
July 2015
“Mary and I are just back from the vet
where Copper passed away shortly
before 11 tonight.
He seemed to have had a stroke, with
one or two other small ones in the car on
the way to the vet.
By the time Copper was laid on the table
he was breathing his last. We are
thankful that death came quickly and
gently and that we could love him up
during his final moments.”
Copper
(Photo by BrindleBerry Custom Pet Photography.)
“We are ever so thankful to have had Copper as a member of our family. He fit in right away and
was never alone; there were always other dogs and at least one person around him. He was
happy, loved to sit out on our deck and had the run of our house.
Copper had a nice last day. He went for a walk at 4:30 and came roaring into the house full of vim
and vigour. He bounced around in happiness and made sure that his dinner wasn’t late. As had
become our tradition, I gave Copper and the two girls their night-time cookies before I went to
bed. Mary called me just before 10 and Copper was gone about 10:45. We loved our Copper
dearly. He was a kind, wonderful and gentle man.”
Cindy Combs
We would like to extend our heartfelt
sympathies to Cathy and Michael Kowalski,
whose beautiful girl, Mittsy, passed away
recently.
Mittsy Kowalski
(Photo by Cathy Kowalski.)
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Though you can’t see or touch me, I’ll
be near…. And if you listen with your
heart, you’ll hear. All of my love
around you soft and clear. And then,
when you must come this way alone, I’ll
greet you with a smile, and “Welcome
Home.”
Author unknown
BEAGLE BUGLE
For the volunteers and supporters of Alberta Beagle Paws
July 2015
Dakota, more lovingly known as Koda, came to
our family as a foster dog two years ago with
her "sister" Suzie. Both lovely ladies had been
through multiple homes through no fault of
their own. We quickly grew attached. Miss
Koda was reserved, unlike Suzie who was full of
mischief. Koda loved to sit all regal-like in the
kids’ chair, looking down her nose at the antics
of the other beagles.
Half-bassett and half-beagle, she was a
beautiful girl. My parents fell in love with her
soulful eyes. Koda spent the rest of her days
with them and left full of love and happiness.
We all miss you, Koda. You're forever in
our hearts.
‘Koda’
(Photo by Aarin Sorensen.)
Aarin & Karl Sorensen
After a long battle with health problems, sweet
Brooke has gone to the Rainbow Bridge.
Brooke arrived from NL about four years ago with
Sook, who soon found her forever home in
Kelowna. Because of Brooke’s age and health,
finding a forever home seemed to be a distant
dream. But, luckily, Jody adopted her. Although
by far the most senior and smallest of her dogs,
Brooke took it upon herself to be boss. We like to
think of her with a smile, continuing to boss all the
Rainbow Bridge dogs around.
Bless you and peace be with you, dear Brooke.
You had a huge personality and will be
remembered with fondness by everyone for your
tenacity and perseverance.
Edmonton Beagle Paws
Brooke at Beagle Mania
(Photo supplied.)
ETCETERA
Did you know…
Reap rewards raising funds for beagles
The baying of Beagles when
they catch of scent of potential
quarry is also referred to as
"speaking", "giving tongue" or
"opening"?
Walking benefits you, as well as our beagle rescue. Sign up for ResQwalk, which is a mobile app
that will record, in your user profile, the distance you walk. At the end of each week, Beagle Paws
gets a donation proportional to the total distance walked. You’ll be offered a reward that, when
redeemed, will help fund future donation pools. For more information, visit the Beagle Paws’
website (http://www.beaglepaws.com/2015/06/resqwalk/).
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BEAGLE BUGLE
For the volunteers and supporters of Alberta Beagle Paws
July 2015
Dogs die in hot cars
Mention “car ride” to a beagle and
he’ll hand the keys to the driver.
We’re only too happy to oblige even if
it’s a ride to the store for a few things.
Sadly, five minutes in the store can
quickly turn into 10 and the heat of a
summer’s day can prove deadly …
even with windows rolled down.
Please, unless going to the dog park or
for a “Sunday drive,” leave your best
mate at home for safety and comfort.
Lorne Durnford, Building for Beagles
Last year I had an idea to combine the two
things I love … beagles and road running … into
one huge event to benefit many.
Beagles make us laugh
I ran a campaign, Running with Beagles, to
raise funds for the non-profit Beagle Paws to
help build a new shelter for their St. John’s, NL
branch. I hoped to raise around $500 because
it was an experiment and I didn’t know how
well received the project would be. I almost
doubled that amount.
Say that again and again:
How many bagels could a
beagle bake if a beagle could
bake bagels?
How do you contact a beagle
owner? Dial 1-800-I-AM-NUTS.
What do you get when you
cross a bee, a dog and a
seagull? A beagle.
I thought it was just a one-time deal. But, due
to the overwhelming response, I’m going to
make it an annual event, with 100% of what I
raise going to the shelter for the beagles.
Lorne Durnford
(Photo supplied.)
Editors’ note: If you’d like to sponsor Lorne in
his quest to help beagles, visit
http://www.gofundme.com/t3bbp5dg.
Edmonton reviewing off-leash areas
Edmonton has 41 off-leash sites (Calgary has 130). The City of Edmonton is working on the Dogs in
Open Spaces Strategy to plan, design and manage off-leash areas in the city over the next 10 years.
Your input is welcome. For more information and to complete the three-five minute survey
(10 p.m., July 8 deadline), visit the City of Edmonton’s website
(http://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/projects_redevelopment/dogs-in-public-spaces-review.aspx).
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BEAGLE BUGLE
For the volunteers and supporters of Alberta Beagle Paws
July 2015
Supporting the vulnerable and their companion animals, donations welcome
Companion animals provide us with many physical and psychological benefits. Imagine the
comfort a dog or cat could provide if you were disabled, marginally homed or socially outcast.
Alberta Helping Animals Society (AHAS), a non-profit society incorporated in Alberta and registered
as a charity with the Canadian Revenue Agency, supports companion animals of vulnerable people
in and around Edmonton. AHAS: (i) helps find and transport pet food, litter and other supplies to
the Boyle Street Community Services Pet Food Bank; (ii) helps vulnerable people with housing
concerns; and (iii) encourages disadvantaged people to apply for social services to provide for
themselves and their pets.
Outta nowhere hint:
In the heat, ice cubes melt
quickly in a dog’s bowl of
water. How can you keep the
water cold longer? Freeze
water in empty margarine or
cottage cheese containers.
Then add the block of ice to the
dog’s water.
AHAS, through AHAS Home Veterinary Services, provides free in-home veterinary care for
companion animals of vulnerable people unable to access other vet care: primary care (including
wellness exams, vaccination and parasite control), grooming and nail trimming, nutritional and
behavioural advice, basic diagnostic sampling, treatment of chronic conditions and euthanasia.
Transport is provided if additional care is required (e.g., surgery, dental, radiographs) to
participating stationary veterinary clinics. Volunteer vets and support personnel provide these
services. Industry contacts donate vaccines, medications and supplies.
AHAS fundraising supports additional veterinary care and supplies. Participating veterinary clinics
(Sandy Lane Pet Clinic and the West Edmonton Spay and Neuter Clinic) provide services at greatly
reduced rates. Through community involvement, AHAS Home Veterinary Services supports the
bond between vulnerable people and their companion animals.
Donations are welcome, by cheque, to Alberta Helping Animals Society or through ATB Cares
(https://www.atbcares.com/causes/124-840715577RR0001; they also donate an extra 15%!) or Canada
Helps (https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/alberta-helping-animals-society), on Facebook
(https://www.facebook.com/AlbertaHelpingAnimalsSociety) and soon http://ahas.ca.
Pet meds may be cheaper from a pharmacy
A CBC News investigation has found pet owners can save hundreds of dollars on medications and
supplies by buying them at pharmacies and wholesalers, rather than at vet clinics.
Cat owner and blogger Nathaniel Christopher said it’s difficult to make ends meet and keep up
with his cat’s veterinary bills and twice-daily injections of insulin. He estimates spending $225 a
month on vet bills and Lantus insulin to keep his diabetic cat, Kahn, alive. “My mind zeros in on
the fact that he’s sick and he needs to get better,” said Christopher. “That is my first priority.”
Christopher has discovered an alternative – he asked his vet for a prescription to seek out the best
deal on insulin. He buys the drug at a pharmacy after shopping around for the best price. CBC
News checked seven popular pharmacies and found the same 10 ml of Lantus insulin at prices
ranging from $63 to $90. Follow the story at http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/petmedicine-much-cheaper-from-pharmacies-and-wholesalers-1.1304362.
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BEAGLE BUGLE
For the volunteers and supporters of Alberta Beagle Paws
July 2015
SUCCESSFUL ADOPTIONS
Willow
Beautiful Willow is enjoying
rural life with her new family.
Cows were a bit scary at first
but it didn’t take her long to
make friends.
Diesel
Diesel, our beautiful beaglecocker cross, found his
forever home and a new
buddy, Pia, to keep him
company.
Bailey
Pretty Bailey found her
forever home on Vancouver
Island. She enjoys basking in
the summer sun and going for
long walks around the lake.
ABOVE AND BEYOND
Thoughtful, patient and considerate, Amy Numminen epitomizes the meaning of awesome. I’m
not sure how she came into my life but perhaps at an adoption day at Namao Centre Pet Valu.
Amy must have become smitten by our beagles because she’s an avid Beagle Paws’ supporter.
Taking initiative, Amy invites us to participate in events and goes out of her way to ensure success.
Along with other staff, she baked cookies for our Pet Photos with Santa. When it appeared the
Santa suit was going to be a no-show, Amy came up with a replacement. She also found a
backdrop for our Easter bunny/March hare pet photos and outdid herself by arranging for buns,
hamburgers and refreshments for our recent BBQ.

Amy, it has been and is always a pleasure to know and work with you. Thank you so very
much for everything you have done for us.
Beagle Paws, a Canadian beagle rescue organization, promotes beagles as family pets and helps
prevent the abuse and neglect of beagles everywhere. Visit us at www.beaglepaws.com and
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Beagle-Paws-Edmonton/280054418689728.
The Beagle Bugle is produced for the enjoyment of all beaglers in Alberta. We welcome your
comments and ideas for articles. Please email May at may@beaglepaws.com.
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