Beagle 'brothers' have a reunion bash!

In a post from this summer, Looking for Beagle 'brothers', we mentioned that we were searching for any surviving Beagles who had been rehomed via Dogs Trust (then NCDL) following the closure of Consort Kennels near the Forest of Dean in 1997. Well, Wag! editor Deana organised a big get together for all the living Beagles that came forward. Here is her recap of the day:

I was delighted to meet 11 elderly but beautiful Beagles as they gathered for the Beagle Reunion at Dogs Trust Evesham.

All of the dogs had been rescued when Consort Labs in Hereford had closed down in 1997, and thanks to the generosity of the late Linda McCartney, all 126 dogs had been rescued and rehomed. 50 of the dogs had been taken to Dogs Trust centres at Evesham, Kenilworth and Newbury. Consort had bred the dogs to be used for chemical testing in laboratories.

The dogs’ owners chatted and compared notes over a cup of tea and slice of Beagle shaped cake, while the Beagles did what Beagles do best: sniff and wag. They were all impeccably behaved, and most were grey in the muzzle and a bit wobbly on their legs, but at 14 years old that’s hardly surprising.

Annette Chinn of Dogs Trust Evesham made a moving speech about the day of the rescue. She’d been among the first people allowed into Consort to remove the dogs. Willow, owned by Mr and Mrs Young, decided he’d really like a slice of cake, thanks, and sang a little song.

For Mark and Deb Eavers, who’d originally suggested holding the reunion, the event was bittersweet, as their beloved Beagle, Grommit, was unable to be there, having passed away just a few weeks ago. Their younger Beagle, Snoopy, attended on behalf of his late pal.

The beautifully behaved dogs then lined up for a group photo, much like any other school reunion, and posed for the camera. Email addresses and phone numbers were exchanged, and with that, all the owners said a fond farewell and headed back home, Beagles and all.

Some photos from the day:

Fat to Fitter: Massively obese pooch finds home

Remember porky Patch who I introduced you to in January? Perhaps you recognise the photo of the sizeable six year old Beagle cross who weighed as much as a child of the same age and couldn't even stand up. Although Patch still has a way to go before he can really be called fit, he's certainly made some brilliant progress. The best news of all is that he's found a forever home with new owners committed to helping him continue on his way to good health.

Want to see how far Patch has come? Check out the video below.

Dog of the Week: Carna @ Dogs Trust Snetterton

Introducing... Carna!

Age: 8

Breed: Beagle Crossbreed

Likes: I'm super-friendly, sociable and excitable! I love the company of people and dogs, especially if I'm having a nice lead walk. I'm told my big brown eyes are thoroughly irresistible!

Dislikes: I'm not keen on big cuddles.

Needs: I'm told that despite only being half-Beagle, I'm quite typical of the breed, so if you know a lot about Beagles it would be especially good to hear from you. I don't mind older kids, say 14-16+, either, and would happily share with another dog.

Contact: Call Dogs Trust Snetterton on 01953 498377 or see more dogs needing homes online.

Previous Dogs of the Week: Cloud @ Dogs Trust Bridgend

New Year fitness challenge for massively overweight pooch

Meet Patch. He's a Beagle Cross currently living at Dogs Trust Glasgow. He's six years old, and weighs as much as a six year old... child, that is.

At a whopping 4.5 stone (28.45kg), Patch is almost twice the weight he should be and the Glasgow staff have set him a goal weight of 2.4 stone (15kg). Patch came to the centre when his elderly owner - who obviously adored and spoiled him - sadly passed away. The path to fitness will not be easy; Patch is so fat he can't even walk, let alone run, the pounds off, and needs to be lifted using a harness. Right now exercise could be extremely dangerous and he needs to gently take a few pounds off first.

Dogs Trust's Veterinary Director Chris Laurence explains:

"Patch has started a special diet, and he must lose weight before he can attempt any exercise. If he loses weight too quickly there's a real risk of organ failure.

He is very lucky he is now in our care. Being grossly obese puts him at risk of heart failur, diabetes, liver disease, pancreatitis and arthritis. The simple physical strain of carrying that much additional weight on his frame would be huge."

The whole community is rallying round to help Patch, with local kennels Allers Farm offering free use of their brand new hydrotherapy pool and staff members at Dogs Trust Glasgow digging out extra layers of bedding to help him be as comfy as possible in his kennel.

He's a wonderfully friendly, loving dog and now he seeks a caring and responsible home where his new owners will give him plenty of fuss and love while taking a tough love approach to his weight loss and resisting giving in to those pleading big brown peepers where treats are concerned.

He could go home now to the right family, and Dogs Trust staff will always be on hand to help and advise his new owners. If you think your family might be the right ones to offer Patch a new lease of life, please call Dogs Trust Glasgow on 0141 773 5130.