… with Hope Young from St.Lunaire-Griquet
Hope, how did you get your dog Hannah, a Rhodesian Ridgeback, a breed that is used in South Africa for hunting lions?
We went to a friend`s house. He is a dentist and an amateur dog breeder of Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Miniature Poodles. He said: “Do you want a puppy?” I said No because I had just recently lost two dogs.
How long did you say No?
The friend said: “Just look at her.” The dog was outside in 90 degree weather, at the side of the house, with no shelter. Tow other dogs were using her as a toy. She had puncture wounds all over her body. She had no real nurturing. She was already five months old.
What did you do when you saw this poor dog?
I picked her up and put her in my car.
She was a nervous wreck. We could not put a leash on her, we could not walk her. We had to have a dog trainer just to be able to walk her.
What kind of dog ist Hannah (7) today?
She is a happy dog. She hates the snow, she hates grass.
Why should she love snow as her breed originates from a very hot country?
That is true. The Rhodesian Ridgebacks are from South Africa, from Rhodesia which is today Simbabwe. It is the only breed that comes from South Africa.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are bred from a domestic and a wild dog. They are bred to hunt lions.
What makes them capable of hunting lions?
They can run 60 miles a day. They can handle really hot and really cold temperatures.
But Hannah still does not like the snow in Newfoundland?
No, she hates it! She is also very prejudiced: She only likes to play with her own kind. And she usually starts only running in open terrain. We love her to pieces!
Thank you, Hope, for this interview!
Hannah, a Rhodesian Ridgeback, from St-Lunaire-Griquet and Florida (Photo Neyda Galvez)
