As the saying goes, “The best way to honor a loved one who has passed, is to open your heart to another in need.” And that is exactly what Mike and Nancy did. They had lost their little Mango, a Beagle suspected of being used as a research animal who had recently been diagnosed with cancer, and in a matter of weeks, had succumb to the disease, a disease that can be attributed to the inhumane testing protocols used in and on her little body. Mike and Nancy were devastated to say the least, but Nancy was rocked.
Mike and Nancy contacted Almost Home Foster & Rescue of MN and initially inquired about Bella. Bella, however had a suspicious lump, and Nancy and Mike were not ready to go through the loss of another, they continued to look for their Beagle furbaby. Then we received a message from Foster Momma Terri in West Virginia. Ruby, found tied to a stake for her two years of existence, was being surrendered to the Nicholas County Animal Shelter. “Could we help?” The following day we received another message, “Dianne, she has a sister. Can you take both? Kayla is picking them up.” A little push here, a little tug there, and we found room for both. I contacted Mike.
“Let me talk to Nancy about the two.” It was minutes later when I heard back.
“Yes!”
“Yes??? to which one?” I asked.
“Both.” Mike responded.
I had already completed the vetting of their application and the home visit. We just needed to complete the girl’s vetting and then get them home.
Nancy and I met on a Saturday morning. The girls, still timid, settled in with Nancy for their trip HOME.
The Pupdates are so promising:
The kids are gone and the silence is deafening but time to give 100% to these girls.
Progress this morning! Both pottied on walks. I believe Sassy held her pee & poop for 48hrs.
Ruby peed 2x when kids approached the kennel to say hi.
They love our bedroom in their kennels. Just sat with them on deck but noise from the Lake, the acorns falling, the saws from new build were too much. Although Ruby turned over and we rubbed her tummy for a very long time. Sassy always sitting. On alert. And when Ruby is afraid she scoots right under Sassy’s little body while Sassy sits up and shakes like a leaf.
Haven’t barked or whimpered. Not a sound.
Eat and drink well in their crates. Won’t really take treats.
Left their crate doors open and closed the bedroom door. Ruby trying to get under bed but not enough clearance.
Progress is soo exciting!
AND,
We had another great day. Bathed them outside in a tub with warm water and then rinsed with our outdoor shower that is heated with propane. They loved it. We all went out onto the deck to dry off and of course they found a table to sit under.
Then we went for another walk. A little longer this afternoon and they both did their business. They do love to stop and lay in the tall grass but we don’t need anymore tick bites.
Came back to the house and opened the door and they walked right in. Went back out to deck for some water which Ruby drinks but Sassy doesn’t unless it’s in her kennel.
We opened patio door, they walked in and followed me to their small kennels with their food & water and they went in and snarfed it.
P.S. They wouldn’t come back up the driveway with me after our walk until Mike walked halfway down and called them. They hustled right up.
Great day!
Mike and Nancy, we do not have the words to tell you how incredibly grateful we are for you. You took on, not just one, but two Beagles who were neglected, abused, tied to a stake for two years, living without love, cuddles, compassion. You have given them a chance to receive all of that and more. Thank you!