May 28, 2004
By Lucille Davie
IF you enjoyed the first Dogwalk book with its 11 dog walks in Joburg's suburbs, get ready for the second in the series: it has 14 exciting dog walks - three of which are out of town - and lots of useful dog information.
The "Purina Dogwalk Joburg Volume 2" is almost twice the length of the first volume and probably offers double the value. But, because the author, Tim Truluck, has secured more advertising this time, the book costs R15, which is R5 cheaper than the first.
Truluck has researched each walk with his delightful Jack Russell, Pickle, who is acknowledged in this volume as the "chief researcher".
Truluck has packed the book with lots of useful doggy information: there is info on doggy lectures, including how to select the right puppy for your family; dog burials; dogs and gardens, and how to avoid your dog ruining yours; reviews of three dog books; pet nutrition; and a useful evaluation of three poop scoops, something all dog walkers should own and use on their walks, says Truluck.
Some of the walks in the first volume have been expanded, and, in the case of Emmarentia Dam, provide a good hike of 12km that takes about three hours to do. A great idea for frustrated hikers who can't get out of town.
Volume 2 takes in a broader sweep of the city's suburbs and includes Bez Valley, Mondeor, Constantia Kloof, Little Falls and Paulshof.
Each walk is broken into useful pointers: dog friendliness, parking, walk time, safety and water availability, and what to watch out for. There is also a detailed description of the route, a map and a contact person's details.
The three out-of-town locations are Smuts' House at Irene, Walkhaven at Zwartkops and Otters' Haunt at Parys. The first two involve day trips and an entrance fee. Otter's Haunt is in the Free State, an hour's drive away, where you'll stay in a riverside cottage, and walk your dog on the islands located on the attractive, rocky Vaal River.
Irene offers more than just a 2-3km walk to Jan Smuts' special comtemplative koppie: you can also visit Smuts House, and take in the Irene village market, which is held every second and last Saturday of the month.
The owner of Walkhaven near Honeydew is "extremely dog friendly" - he trains gun dogs and has a pack of friendly hounds, and should be an interesting doggy person to talk to.
A map of each walk is on the Dogwalk web site; you can print one out to take on your walk.
The books are available at most vets. But, if your nearest vet doesn't have any, Truluck will pop one in the post for you (072 238 2790 or dogwalk@lantic.net), also for R15.
Permission to use web site material
Publishers may use material from this site free of charge, as long as:
- Credit is given to either the "City of Johannesburg website
(www.joburg.org.za)" or to "Johannesburg News Agency
(www.joburg.org.za)";
- If the article is used online, a link is provided to the original
article on this website;
- The name of the article's author is acknowledged;
-
The webmaster is informed of how and where the material is used (fill
in this brief online form).
Johannesburg News Agency is operated by BIG Media at 011-484-1400 |
