Homer was a referral adoption through  SOS Beagle Rescue.  Homer is proof of why you should give an older dog a chance!!

Homer

I adopted Homer after seeing him on SOS Beagles.  His story touched my heart.  He was an old guy - over 15 years - that a NJ Shelter found dumped in a cemetary.  He had tumors and was barely alive.  The Shelter nursed him back to health.  They weren't sure anyone would want him because of his age and health.  But I could tell from his eyes that he just needed me.

 

When I first opened the cage that Homer was in at the Shelter, he jumped out and into my arms (and heart) and he has been a friendly, easy going old guy ever since.  The Shelter wasn't certain Homer would live very long, and my own vet said that the tumors are malignant cancer, that Homer has cataracts and he doesn't hear very well.  But, fortunately for Homer, his two new Beagle brothers act as seeing-eye Beagles for him and it is over a year later and Homer has found a new spark to live.  He has a spring in his step, a wag in his tail and has found his singing voice!  He may have all kinds of health problems, but who of us doesn't.  He's happy and a part of a family and I think that makes all the difference in the quality of life for older dogs.

 

In the enclosed picture, from left to right, Harry, Henry and Homer - and of course, me, the happy Beagle mommy.  -E. Carbough

We were sadly notified in late November 2005 that Homer passed away.  Rest peacefully, sweet Homer.  You will meet your family again at the Rainbow Bridge.

Dumpling

Several years ago, we adopted Dumpling from the New Jersey branch. You may remember Deb and I; we brought our 5 foot iguana, Spike, to help pick out a beagle. Spike and Dumpling made a wonderful choice. They tolerated each other for many years until Spike died last Christmas. Dumpling seemed as taken aback as anyone and was extra needy for about a month after Spike passed. Alas, Dumpling has now joined Spike in pet Heaven. She had developed severe breathing problems, heart and kidney problems, and cancer. She took a turn for the worse yesterday, and we had to do the humane thing and have her put to sleep.

Dumpling was a stray when SOS and their network took her in. She gave us many moments of joy over the last 8 years. We would always laugh in amazement (sometimes aggravation) as she sniffed out every piece of food that may have dropped or was at nose level. Our daughter Lindsay, now four, constantly had to be aware of her food or it would disappear. Dumpling managed to get herself in many of our family pictures and videos around the house. She always knew where attention was focused, and that's where she would go. She showed her love by pushing her paw into a kidney, liver, or groin. Each night we would have to push her out of one of our spots in bed; yet the next night she would be back. Things that made us laugh or yell a few weeks ago are now the very things we miss.

Thank you so much for giving us the chance to adopt and to share Dumpling's life. Ours is a home with very mixed emotions this week. Dumpling died only a few days after the birth of our son who will never know such a wonderful companion. We will always remember Dumpling as a good natured dog who didn't let anything phase her and whose heart was full of love right up until it failed her. Our lives are better for having adopted her and for having her in our life. Thank you again for what you do. - J & D. Rawson, Pottstown, PA

Lucy

What more could you ask for than a beautiful Beagle lady with a sophisticated name, Lucy!!   We lost our 8 year old Tippie to kidney failure last September and patiently waited a year to find a new pet.  After weeks of searching, we found Lucy with SOS and have had a delightful experience.  Lucy was in a foster home where she was loved, had the company of three beagles and lots of attention.  When we searched for a "lady"  we had in mind an adult female that was "trained" in various ways.  Lucy arrived with more affection than we could possibly imagine and absolutely no adjusting period.  She immediately found her new bed, her crate and takes walks on lead so gently.  However she does raise a bit of a fuss now that she has met other dogs...in fact she didn't bark for almost two weeks. Initially, we thought she had forgotten how to bark, as our Tippie made such a noise at the slightest disturbance..oh what a watch dog!! We look forward to many wonderful days with Lucy....a dream of a pet. We are so thankful for the care she received in the rescue and her new role in our lives. -H. Redman (adopted Lucy in September 2005)

Madison

Hi!! I'm Madison. This is a photo of me with my sisters, Jenny and Heather. I'm the one on the left. 

Handsome, aren't I? I'm also the--ahem--'older' gentleman under the "In Praise of Older Beagles" 

page on this site.  I'm really not all that old: I'm about 12 and I came to my forever family when I was 

about one year old. Tom and Barbara said when they went to meet me at SOS they fell in love with 

my adorable snuffle. Isn't that silly? Oh well.  Whatever works, I always say. Snuffling got me a nice home, a 

wing chair to sleep in, and a soft cushion on the floor for when we have visitors and I have to pretend I'm a dog. 

I also have my very own cat (well, I share her with Jenny and Heather) who is named Shrimp. I don't know why, 

because she's kind of FAT! Every weekend, my dad takes me to the drive-in window at the bank and I bark at the 

lady there. Then she says, "He's so cute!" and she gives me cookies. I eat one in the car and take the others
home to share with my sisters.  My parents say they are so happy that Linda found me (and Heather and Jenny) for them. They 

don't know what they'd do without us (and they don't know what they'd do with all the room on the sofa if we weren't there to keep them 

company every night!). I hope I'll see you all at a Beaglefest one of these days. -Madison (proud beagle owner of T&B. Carroll) 

Doc

Doc and Mattie (the Dynamic Duo)

Mattie

Dear Fellow Beagle Lovers!  Tim and I felt more than just a little tug on the heartstrings when we were perusing the SOS Beagle Rescue website back in January 2005.  it was two little tugs!  Doc and Mattie are a brother/sister duo that were taken from a breeder in Southeast TN who was not caring for them well.  Needless to say, we filed our adoption application on January 6th, and the rest is history.  Linda Forrest and her crew were indispensable in coordinating everything between their group in TN and us in MA.  When the adoption process was finalized, it was on March 5th in NJ, and I have to say that 'Gotcha Day' became a most important event in our lives.  Mattie and Doc are thriving, and the adjustment has gone well for their feline buddies, as well, Mickey and Shadow.  This dynamic duo from the South have become hardy New Englanders.  They provide constant laughter and enjoyment, and continue to amaze us with their energy, devotion, and spirit.   This is our second go-around as Beagle parents - we had two sisters, Duchess and Kerry, that passed away in 2003 and 2004, at fourteen and fifteen years, respectively.  At the risk of appearing as doting parents, I will try to pick a few of our favorite pictures.  Enjoy!  Sincerely, N. A. Quill, Wilmington, MA

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