Our trip to Kwando's Lebala Camp, organised by UK specialists Aardvark Safaris, is famed for its game viewing and has become a firm favourite for global filmmakers and wildlife photographers hungry to see the assortment of species day and night but none more so than the treasured African hunting dog. Our guide and tracker knew a pack was in the area and it took several hours to catch up with them, when we did we were blessed to see this highly social in action, hunting, playing and teaching their young.
As described by National Geographic these long-legged canines have only four toes per foot, unlike other dogs, which have five toes on their forefeet. The dog's Latin name means “painted wolf,” referring to the animal's irregular, mottled coat, which features patches of red, black, brown, white, and yellow fur. Each animal has its own unique coat pattern, and all have big, rounded ears.
African wild dogs live in packs that are usually dominated by a monogamous breeding pair. The female has a litter of 2 to 20 pups, which are cared for by the entire pack. These dogs are very social, and packs have been known to share food and to assist weak or ill members. Social interactions are common, and the dogs communicate by touch, actions, and vocalizations.
African wild dogs hunt in formidable, cooperative packs of 6 to 20 (or more) animals. Larger packs were more common before the dogs became endangered. Packs hunt antelopes and will also tackle much larger prey, such as wildebeests, particularly if their quarry is ill or injured. The dogs supplement their diet with rodents and birds. As human settlements expand, the dogs have sometimes developed a taste for livestock, though significant damage is rare. Unfortunately, they are often hunted and killed by farmers who fear for their domestic animals.
If African wild dogs are going to be saved, we need to find ways to coexist with them, minimise conflict with humans, and prevent disease transmission from domesticated dogs.
Horace Sport will continue to support charities that thrive to educate farmers and poachers and work with communities to monitor wild dog movements and prevent potential conflict with humans to ensure the survival of this endangered species.
As someone who has run marathons and consistently for 20 years, has used running as a quick excuse to exercise the family pet, believe me when I truly understand how valuable they are as a training companion! On those days when the winters are long, the rain is driving and Sunday lunch is far more appealing, you can guarantee the one partner that will drive you forward, with a smile on their face, is your faithfully friend on 4 legs.
My running life has always been a lonely one, I love switching off, clearing my head, focusing on the next step and I find it probably one of the only exercises that lowers my stress in an instant. I love running alone, single track through the woods, no music, just the noise of nature and my breathing to keep me company and of course, with always, my dog.
There have been 4 loyal companions over the years; Abbey my first dog, a white boxer, was a proper outdoor lover, the Chiltern Hills were our stomping ground until the big C caught her too early. The overlap was Horace (the hero of this story) he was a proper lad; spent his youth chewing the house to bits and causing my pregnant self to loose it on numerous occasions. But when my second child, and first born son arrived, it was love at first sight between them both. We spent hours with Ed in the baby jogger and Horace loyally setting the pace... pulling us up the Inkpen hills as part of my first London Marathon training, always with a romp in his step and ears flapping... Standing on the start line of the 2000 London Marathon I was missing my training partner, he was home alone wondering where his Sunday Run had gone, it was a surreal moment but for sure every step of those 26.2 miles, he was by my side! Next came Indy - The Siberian Husky - she was my pace maker! Together we had a good 12 years exploring and clearing our heads, it was a sad day when I had to force myself out of the house without her, knowing she had to hang up her running shoes. That beautiful old girl lasted another 4 years to be one of the oldest Huskies alive, now she is running free with Horace again!
Now we have Artemis... my black shadow... a faithful black lab who simply follows me everywhere. We are not as fast as we used to be, but still 2/3 times a week she knows the drill and motivates me to a quick loop of the woods in between marketing meltdown! The companionship and loyalty these animals show, give me the drive to want to run with them, our pets boost our self esteem and help us keep fit and loose weight. A fit dog also lives for 2 years longer, so why wouldn't you want to extend your best friends life? No more excuses... your best training partner yet is right under your feet.
Start small and work up and I promise you will never look back - I have based my brand on it!!
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