Edmonton’s 15th annual Beagle Mania event honours the late Beagle Lady

The Beagles Plus Dog Rescue Society changed the name to 'Beagle-Maynia' in honour of the rescue's founder, May Sutherland, who died in November last year.

This year, Beagle Mania felt a little different as the event honours its late original founder May Sutherland, also known as the Beagle Lady.

• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

“I think she rescued about 350 beagles over the years,” said Beagles Plus Dog Rescue Society president Nonee Johns. “She wanted to take all of the senior beagles in.”

In the early 90s, Sutherland’s daughter gifted her a beagle named Jake. She later committed herself to rescuing and rehoming beagles across Alberta.

Beagle Mania was launched by Sutherland and a handful of volunteers with Beagle Paws Edmonton in 2010.

The event was renamed Beagle MAYnia to honour Sutherland who died in November 2024.

“May was amazing,” said Johns, who was mentored by Sutherland, and took over her role in the event after her death.

Beagle MAYnia saw dozens of beagles Sunday at Queen Mary Park Community Hall where there were games and contests for the furry friends to enjoy.

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Connor Hogg