In Memory of Winston
Everyone comes to BRSM to adopt their ideal beagle --- young, active, occasionally a couch potato --- but those dogs are rare compared to those who have been left behind, the ones who were discarded in favor of obtaining a newer, younger dog.
What is the story behind the older dogs in shelters?
Sometimes these dogs had spent their lives loving a family, only to be abandoned when their age meant they were more couch potato than playmate, and the costs of veterinary care rose. Sometimes they were used as hunters --- penned out in the back of someone's yard --- never knowing a warm bed in winter or the love a house pet takes for granted. And because they are older dogs, it doesn't matter that they are friendly, loving, outgoing, and make wonderful house pets. Because of their age, they are either dumped in shelters or put out of a car and left to fend for themselves. Their last memory is often an emotionally exhausted shelter volunteer closing their eyes forever, or of finally starving to death outside in winter . . . They deserve better than that!
What is a "Friend of Winston?"
Winston was the founding dog of BRSM, an older gentleman who never made it out of foster care, but found himself loved nonetheless. BRSM took care of his health concerns and allowed him to die peacefully at his own time, not earlier because of someone else's neglect or indifference. Most of Winston's friends are in the same situation, and will never be adopted --- but we rescue them from the shelters anyway. BRSM provides them with veterinary care and finds a permanent foster home to love them. The permanent foster takes care of the dog's routine vetting, but BRSM provides support for any extraordinary vetting that is required.
In Winston's memory, BRSM provides that vetting support through the Friends of Winston senior dog fostering program. Friends of Winston participants include a network of families willing to bring older dogs into their homes and provide them with love until they pass over the Rainbow Bridge in their own time. We support each other and the dogs, and form a unique sort of family.
Please Be Aware: If you become a Friend of Winston foster, it is unlikely your foster dog will ever be adopted --- he's probably with you for life! If you cannot help with the vetting costs (for basic care), BRSM will assist with this, but you must use a BRSM-approved vet who is willing to discount to rescue organizations! We realize it's not convenient when your own vet is just across the street. But we do our best to help as many dogs as possible, and rescue-discount vets are an integral part of that process. (And we've done a fair job --- big pat on the back to the Friends of Winston foster homes!) Please consider opening your heart and home to one of Winston's friends. They don't require the non-stop attention of one of our younger dogs --- they just want to cuddle with you when movie time rolls around. And they are fine spending their day home alone; that means they can sleep undisturbed! It may be difficult to think that they will be gone sooner than a younger dog, but the rewards are ample compared to the challenges. Each of these dogs has a story of abandonment --- can you help us make sure the remainder of their lives are happier? If you can foster a Friend of Winston, please contact us at profile@beaglemaryland.org. It's a small way to make a huge difference, and you can make a difference! Please Note: Friends of Winston are always available for regular adoption, but in the event that they do not find their forever home, we want them to live out their lives with a loving foster family.
All of the BRSM programs, including Friends of Winston, are supported through donations and fundraisers run and supported by our volunteers. BRSM does not receive any local, state, or federal funding that supports the rescue. Our volunteers work very hard to make a program such as Friends of Winston possible, and we very much appreciate the efforts and support of the Friends of Winston fosters.
I’m very happy to say that Cricket’s insecurity issues seem to be almost gone. She has relaxed and does not have to be on us or underfoot all the time. In the mornings she will actually go back to bed after breakfast and no longer stands outside the shower waiting for me.
Unbelievably, she actually sits and waits in the living room while Benny finishes eating and leaves his bowl do she can make sure he didn’t miss any morsels.
They each sit on the bed and play with toys. She no longer growls or guards us or any other resources. While I’m sure this may reappear at different times, we are thrilled with her progress.
We love her so much. Here’s a few recent pics... Thanks again, Kay W. – Posted March 14, 2019
Blanche (now Cricket) was one the Golden Girls who were surrendered to the shelter together. Rose was pulled by another rescue group, but the other three found their forever homes through BRSM, including Dorothy (Dee), adopted by Valerie, your current Success Stories hostess.
Blanche Hughes (now Cricket) Dorothy (Dee) Hughes Blanche Hughes
If Lulu could talk, she might tell you that getting her chops on a whole tune steak was quite the success story.
For more on Lulu, click on the link below.
Bayla Davies (now Lulu)
Posted February 23, 2019
February 14, 2019 - A year later, this video update was submitted by Charlie “Awesome” Williams.
Charlie has quickly become a contributing member of the pack. He is the first to start the howling when Daddy comes home from work and is also the first to offer many wet smoochies. He has also taken on the role of guardian of the back yard. He loves to stand on the deck and look out over the fence into the woods and scare away any wildlife that might be lurking - squirrels, birds, you know!
It didn’t take Charlie long to learn that we keep fresh baked puppy cookies in the fridge - he heads straight to the kitchen when he comes in from outside. He waits very patiently for his treats and is very appreciative of the goodies that he receives.
Charlie is doing well learning to walk with his new pack. We’ve paired him with Cooper who is a little older, so we can keep his pace down due to his heart murmur. He loves his walks and really enjoys car rides. As the weather continues to improve, we will increase the number of outings so he can socialize more.
He is a wonderful addition to our pack, and we love him so much. Yes, it was a foster fail, but in such a good way. We think Charlie knows that he landed on the Gravy Train in the First Class Car. He brings us laughter and lots of kisses! He is so handsome!
Originally posted February 28, 2018
Every morning he enjoys his walk, where he meets up with his German Shepherd girlfriend, to run and play! He absolutely loves everyone and lives to give his kisses out for free! He’s a fierce protector of his yard against the villainous squirrels and any bug that he finds wondering around.
Hatch has such a big personality and loves to “talk back” as only a hound can do! He was our pick of the litter and brings joy to our family every day. We live to spoil him and he lives to let us! We can’t thank BRSM enough for our wonderful boy!!
Catherine B. – posted January 30, 2019
Hatch was one of eight puppies born to Pepper Northhampton in November 2016. For more on Hatch and his siblings, click on a link below.
Hatch Pepper Thai Pepper Ancho Pepper (now Oliver) Poblano Pepper (now Simon) Pimento Pepper (now Dexter) Bell Pepper Cayenne Pepper Serrano Pepper (now Luna)
