The last time we took the bassets to Paekakariki Beach they were mere puppies still.  My how they have changed.  They did us proud.  So well behaved with other people on the beach, although not well behaved enough yet to let them off the leads all the time.

Maybe for their next trip to the beach we’ll give that a go. For the moment our concern is that they don’t leap over other people, especially children.  They are big heavy dogs and whilst they are only being friendly they can easily knock people over and will definitely cover them in slobber.

Fortnum and Mason were happy to doodle along with MT whilst I practised my photography.  Don’t they look at peace with themselves and their place in the world!

Bassets on beach

But beach walking can be tiring so Fortnum decided it was time for a rest and take in the view.

Time for a rest

It didn’t take little basset long to do the same.  I just wish that they didn’t have their leads on in this sh0t as it would have been perfect then.  Nevertheless our bassets were having a great time taking everything in.  Calmer, more mature bassets don’t you think.

Time for a rest

There was plenty of the usual sniffing going on too.

Sniffing driftwood

Mason just can’t help himself – hmm that tastes good too!

Yum!

Look here he’s looking for a neck rub from MT. He just can’t help himself.

Family picture

Away from the crowds it was safer to let the boys off their leads to run amongst the bush.

Coastal path

They weren’t too interested in being photographed although Mason, my obedient charming basset, did at least give me a momentary backward glance.

What now?

It was almost too much for the bassets.  So many people and other dogs to say hello to as we wandered along.  Mind you, saying hello in that doggy way is rather disconcerting.

Hello to you too!

I can’t see why they can’t just do a quick hi paw rather than this invasion of another dogs private space. Though, he doesn’t seem to mind much.

Saying hello

Here is a new friend that wasn’t taking any funny business from Fortnum though. It’s hilarious.  This is a pint size dog even shorted than the bassets.

Don't mess with me!

We had a great trip to the beach and the bassets loved it too.  No malingering.  Faux sniffing or dragging the heels from Fortnum.  He was a happy basset and whilst slowed on the uphill moves he was otherwise so excited to be out with so many things to see and do.

I was proud of my bassets to be so well behaved.  I was also relieved to know that it’s the walk that’s the problem with Fortnum. He has increasingly started to sulk and slouch like a teenager on some of our “boring” walks.  These are the walks that we do regularly from home where there is no car ride involved.  No sure how I’m going to spice up the occasion for him.  Maybe we just need a new playmate for him to tag along.  Perhaps one like this little fella who won’t take any basset nonsense!