Here in the South, we have lotsa Beagles. They are not only popular pets, as they are throughout the U.S., but they are also used in packs for rabbit hunting. As with any group of people, you will find responsible hunters and those who are less so, especially with regard to their Beagles. It is easy to find Beagles roaming the countryside, dead at the side of the road, and awaiting either adoption or death in shelters. I wish I could open a Beagle sanctuary so that hunters who no longer wanted their Beagles could have a safe place to take them.
I don’t know how this West Virginia man takes care of his Beagles (assuming he has more than one), but this particular action was not well thought out:
A man in a pick-up truck can be seen [on surveillance video] pulling up to the shelter gate, before the shelter opens for business.
He can be seen taking a Beagle out of the back of the truck, carrying it around to the front of the truck and then to the chain link fence gate, and dropping the dog over the top.
“In the video, you can see him leaning into the fence and dropping the dog over the fence,” says Pam Ferrell, assistant shelter director.
It’s a long drop, over a 6-foot fence that is then topped with three strands of barbed wire.
The man in the truck then drives away.
OK so that’s a sucky end to whatever human-canine relationship these two had. But we don’t know the circumstances leading up to the nightdrop and, if you feel inclined to give the guy the benefit of the doubt, please do. I can think of several plausible scenarios that would make the guy a loser and just as many where he’d come out all right. That aside, here is the real reason I’d like to have a Beagle sanctuary (it’s not just that there is a need):
Minutes later, the little dog has dug his way out from under the fence, and he runs off down the road, trying to follow the man’s truck.
[…]
Even though the dog had been dropped over a high fence, the dusty old male Beagle desperately wanted to be with his owner.
The shelter got him back and mercifully, he wasn’t hit by a car. He’s now available for adoption. If the Beagle Gods decide to toss me some winning lottery numbers, I’ll open that sanctuary tomorrow and adopt him myself. Otherwise, I’ll be hoping someone in WV feels inclined to take on an older guy with a heart so loyal.
It’s so much easier when people just come into a shelter to give up their animals properly. We’re not there to judge you; as a matter of fact, if you don’t want your animal, we certainly DO.
Give us the opportunity to take the poor pet in, get its medical history, and make sure he’s safe and sound and indoors.
That poor little guy. So many are left at the doors of shelters. Just come on in, people. Do right by the little guy.
I hear ya, I really do. Although your shelter sounds great, I’m sure you’ve been to some who post the number of pets they’ve killed so far this year right at the front entrance and then try to guilt people surrendering pets out of doing it. It’s possible this man may have dealt with that evil type before and wasn’t up to facing it again.
I’m going to see if I can find the letter he wrote to the newspaper they mentioned in the article.
Oh, I understand completely. I’m sure he either was told “no,” or was afraid he’d be. I’m sure that’s why most people abandon pets in the cover of night, at least I like to think that’s why. I just wish they would leave a note with a little background. “Fluffy is 10 years old, likes belly scratches, has diabetes, and has a fondness for other dogs.” It would mean the world to Fluffy and her rescuers.
that is enough to break your heart. No matter what happens to them, they STILL offer that incredible loyalty and love – bastard!
This is a very touching story. There is so much mankind has yet to learn. I wrote a tribute poem to this beagle and all others who face the same fate of abandonment. You can read it on my blog if you’re interested. I wasn’t sure if I should put it in a comment.
Beagle tribute poems are most welcome in comments – please post!
The Forever Loyal Beagle….
You starve me, hit and yell,
But I take it very well.
In isolation I wait,
Could this really be my fate?
You neglect me but I still love you,
I hope one day you’ll love me too.
I try to please and be good,
You say I can’t, I believe I could.
Give me a chance, a smile, a hug,
I didn’t want you to leave so I dug.
I didn’t mean to fail I try so hard,
If only you would let down your guard.
Let down your walls and the hatred you hold,
Kisses from me and you will be sold.
Let us start fresh, start anew,
As a team there’s so much we could do.
Look into my eyes we don’t have to part,
Let me off this chain and into your heart.
To you I make my final plea…
Let me love you so you can love me
*I grew up in a farming and hunting community. It’s so common for ‘hunting dogs’ (yes still in this day and age) to be kept outdoors in terrible conditions, neglected and hungry. As their saying goes, “keep them lean and mean”. I wish I could save them all.
shucks, I think I have something in my eye…
I’d like to add despite the horrible neglect and isolation some beagle’s face I have yet to meet a ‘mean’ one. They are always just so happy for a little attention, food, and love. It really breaks my heart. I see my beagle Shiloh in every one of their faces….and I break down. Unfortunately it’s legal in Ontario and the rest of Canada to keep your dog chained outside it’s entire life with little shelter and virtually no companionship or human contact. I hang on to hope that one day I will see this changed.