Mayor joins Sausages of Henley community group to celebrate year of meet-ups

ABOUT 40 people and their dogs met to celebrate over a year of monthly sausage dog walks.

The Sausages of Henley community group held their walk in Mapledurham on Sunday, January 25 in support of Henley Mayor Tom Buckley and his chosen charities for his year in office.

The group is led by Chris Darrall, and his wife, Hazel, who have been holding sausage dog walks for about six years.

It has only become a monthly event over the last 18 months. Their Facebook group has more than 400 members and participants at the walks range from 18 to 40 people.

The group met at The Packhorse pub, in Woodcote Road for the two-mile walk, which lasted about an hour and a half. They all wore walking boots or wellies which were advised as “essential”.

Councillor Buckley also attended with his dog, Luna, eight, who “proudly” identified as a sausage dog for the day, despite being a Maltese-Chihuahua cross. Dogs of all breeds took part, including long-haired, short-haired and wire-haired sausage dogs.

The recent rain and wet weather meant the terrain was muddy, which was a “more of a surprise, than a problem” and, by the end of the route, many of the smaller dogs had mud-covered tummies.

The walk ended back at the pub, where members stayed for lunch.

Mr Darrall said: “Sausage dogs are known for their strong personalities and independent streaks, which only adds to the fun when so many like-minded people come together.

“Hazel and I adore our own dogs, and have loved the friendships that have grown out of organising these walks.

“The walks are completely free and are run purely as a social event. They are simply about community, companionship and having a good time outdoors.”

The next Sausages of Henley walk will take place on Sunday, February 22, in Bourne End. All are welcome, regardless of whether their dog is a dachshund or not.