Beagle Rescue of Southern Maryland

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.

Huckleberry Hughes (now Ovi): Ovi is doing so well. We named him Ovi after the Washington Capitals hockey player, Ovechkin.

He is almost completely potty trained. He’s a little cuddle bug. He enjoys taking his daily long walks, playing with his kitten brother, and play dates with his “cousins”.

As far as Christmas decor, he’s very interested in the tree, but has not chewed anything yet! He even came to the Christmas tree farm with us to pick our tree!

He is a great addition to our family!
Tina L. - posted January 12, 2019

Ovi was one of the four pups born to Mango Hughes on July 31, 2018 .

To read more on Ovi, who was adopted in November, 2018, and his mom and siblings, click on the links below:
Huckleberry Hughes (now Ovi)
Quince Hughes (now Charlie)
Kiwi Hughes (now Flash)
Plum Hughes (now Maggie)
Mango Hughes

Bagel Hughes (now Cooper): Cooper has been a part of our pack since the end of August 2018. He quickly grew attached to our other beagle, Billy, who also happens to be a BRSM alum.

As you may remember, Cooper was terrified of many things. He is slowly building confidence, and he started dog training a couple of months ago. He also had two fractured teeth which have since been removed and overall, he is in great health. He gets nervous with other dogs, but he is super attached to Billy...go figure LOL! We are working on the nervousness/anxiety though.

I have to say Cooper is just the sweetest little boy when he opens his heart up to you. He loves food by the way! His vet Dr Myers, is winning his trust with food/treats. He used to be so terrified he refused treats. Not anymore! We are getting there. We love him very much, and we know he was just meant to be part of our pack.

I just want to thank you again for saving him. If it wasn’t for you, and a few more days passed by in the shelter, he wouldn’t be here anymore. He totally deserved it, and his is thriving. More importantly, he is being spoiled with toys, food, and most of all LOVE.
Sarah Y. - January 8, 2019

For more on Cooper and Billy, click on the names below:
Cooper
Billy

Cali Southampton (now Callie): Callie is our little adventurer. I think she would spend all day outside if she could. She absolutely loves being in the backyard and seems to never tire of it. We live in a townhouse, so it's a wonder that a small yard keeps her so occupied. She loves to dig, as well as search around the fence in hopes of breaching it! She is like a machine with her nose to the ground, and howls incessantly, when on the scent of an animal during a walk. She loves to explore all around the house and climb on top of things (including the kitchen table ??). It's so much fun to watch her and our other dog, Annie, romp around together and chase each other around the house. They are just the cutest.

April Warren: Our little girl, April, has turned around 360 degrees since we have had her. She is even more affectionate, she loves her walks more and now goes outside the back yard more than she has ever done. Now when I tell her to come downstairs with me she comes flying down which she didn’t do before. I am so glad she has made such a drastic change for the better. She is still a little skittish but not as bad as she was earlier. We both love this little girl and boy does she love our other beagle, Marvin. They act like they have been together forever. They both lay on top of each other sometimes which makes me laugh.

Take care and wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Dixie Hughes (now Darcy): Darcy is a very happy (but perhaps a bit theatrical) and a deeply loved addition to our family. When Darcy first came home, she was largely inactive and unfriendly towards other dogs. Now that Darcy is on a good joint supplement and has had plenty of opportunities to meet other dogs, I can proudly boast that she's down 5 pounds, goes for 2-3 mile walks through Rock Creek Park, and has a handful of older doggy friends she likes to sniff and lay around with. Darcy still prefers to move at an incredibly slow pace (taking the scenic route, as we call it), so much so that I'm often asked if Darcy is a senior beagle (she's six). She will pick up a nice trot or even break into a run off the leash. Stubborn beagle.

Darcy LOVES a good nap, especially if it's with Mama. She also enjoys the occasional car ride, snacking on carrots, and pushing the pillows of the beds and couches. She definitely does not like the vacuum or the bath.

Adopting Darcy is the best decision I’ve ever made. She has brought more joy and happiness to my life than I could have imagined. She came at the perfect time, when work was overwhelming and exhausting, and turned everything around. More than anything, Darcy has taught me to be patient and gentle. I love her to pieces.

Janelle George (now Annie): It’s been a year since Annie came to live with us and we couldn’t love her more. It was months before she starting to feel comfortable around us. She would go upstairsand hide all day. I let do this for a month. Then I started shutting the doors upstairs where she has her night bed. She would hide whenever anyone came to the house and I had to bring her food to her where she stayed in her bed all day. She would not eat if anyone was around and keep watch as she ate. Now she is eating in the laundry with Millie (beagle sister) and she comes when I call her to eat. Annie barks at anyone who comes to the house and when she is by herself for a while comes to look to see where we are. She does not try to hide anymore. In the evenings when we are watching Hallmark movies, she jumps on the sofa with Millie and me. If I put her in my lap, she will stay for a little while, then she jumps down. She will run around and play at times. We have not let her off the leash and think we will try to see how she does in the fenced-in yard this winter off the leash. She has come a long way, but still, at times, has trust issues. She loves to eat, as all beagles do. Annie seems very content. The first week she was here she got out in the yard and we had a hard time catching her since our fenced in yard is quite large. Now, if the door happens to be open, she does not try to get out at all. Just wanted to give you a year update on this sweet little girl. Merry Christmas!

Abby Warren: Abby is doing great! When we last spoke she was dealing with being left home alone. We immediately stopped crating her and started leaving her with our other two dogs to roam the downstairs part of the house. She took to this idea right away and has since been a perfect angel! We do leave pee pads down in front of the door she uses to go to the bathroom, and she only uses them on longer work days. Otherwise, she is free to play with the other puppies and nap on the couches as much as she likes. She also has a huge personality! She is the goofiest dog I've ever had! She has the funniest facial expressions, she groans like an old man when curling up to go to sleep, she runs (not walks!) everywhere, she's curious about everything, and she gets everyone in the house in a playful mood! After all that, she'll curl right up next to the other puppies or my husband or I and just nap away! She has been a delight and my husband and I are so happy we made her a part of the family.

Apple Hughes (now Willow): She has adjusted nicely to family life, enjoying walks, treats, toys and snuggling! She is a joy to have living with us. She and Harper adore each other. They play and take naps together- really sweet. We are looking forward to her first of many holiday seasons with us!
Merry Christmas and thanks again!

Roscoe Warren: Roscoe's foster family quickly became a "foster fail" when they couldn't imagine life without him! He's pictured here with his 4-year-old sister. They are inseparable.

Lola Nash: All is good with Lola. She was a hand full initially, still can be a bit stubborn at times. We kept her name the same, because our son likes it. Here is a recent picture of her.

Hank Berkely (now Stanley): Stanley, named after the Washington Capitals Stanley Cup win, is enjoying long walks in Rock Creek Park, baying at the alley cats, taking many many naps, and defending his neighborhood from those pesky squirrels. My husband and I agreed, as a 10th anniversary present to each other, that we would adopt a beagle. Stanley is the center of our lives and very very loved.

Queenie Hughes (now Mulan): Mulan came into our lives as we were looking to provide a home for an older beagle to enjoy a peaceful life. One worry was that she might not be able to keep up with her new younger sister, Molly Moo. It turned out Mulan is the most energetic girl. She loves her walk so much and always seems disappointed that it has to end even after an hour and a half. She is a sweet, affectionate “baby,” and she has enriched our lives since the first day we saw her. We are grateful for her foster mom, Audrey, and everyone involved at Beagle Rescue of Southern Maryland.

Kado Springfield: I'm so happy to let you all know that Kado has found his forever home with us! His new human-beagle family loves him to pieces--and Kado seems to love us all right back. His assimilation into our former all-girl pack of Tia, Amelia & Jayda (all BRSM alumni) has been seamless. Kado immediately started grooming each of the girls on his very first day with us and they all love it. Jayda especially schooches up next to Kado constantly and offers an ear for him to lick endlessly. And now instead of there usually being one big beagle lump resting in the living room, there are two beagle lumps side-by-side with any combination of happy beagle friends. We walk a lot around here and Kado just adores his jaunts. Thanks so much to Barb for allowing us to adopt another of her wonderful foster pups!

Bones Sunderland (now Bo): Bo loves his new neighborhood and is friendly to everyone he meets; adults, children and dogs! He also gets along with the resident cats! He is a great ambassador for beagles too. He’s such a wonderful dog! Thank you, Beagle Rescue of Southern Maryland, for saving his life and making it possible for me to adopt him!

Gabby Union (now Gabbi): We are very excited to bring Gabbi into our family. We looked for quite some time to find a companion for our beagle, Cami, after the loss of our elderly dog early this year. Gabbi is adapting quickly and we are excited to learn more about her everyday. We are so grateful for the support and guidance of Gabbi’s fosters, Sheila and Jan.

Clyde Bastrop: Clyde is so happy! We love him so much already. He’s getting used to our routine. Absolutely loves having a backyard to run and play. We introduced him to our neighbor's labs. I believe they will be best friends. I’m so thankful we found him.

Chloe Souriceau: We adopted Chloe from your organization in late 2008 or 2009. Sadly, she died in mid June of 2018. During the past years, she was a wonderful pet. She was well taken care of and loved by all. I will really miss her.

Walter Hughes (now Mr Beasley): A little rocky at the start turned into a great new addition to our home. Mr Beasley is a gentle, friendly companion to both of us. No favorites. No food aggression, no more trash hound activity. I guess he was testing our limits but found a much better life as a 'good dog'.

Vet put him on a prescription diet which has helped his weight. His favorite places are: 'his sofa' and what was our bed. He gravitates to whoever meets his temperature needs. That means he is my best friend when it is cold. Neither when warm.

Oh, those beagles.

Flora Hughes (now Nellie): Flora has a new name. It took a few weeks for us to decide. Originally, we were going to call her Summer, but it just didn't fit her personality and she didn't seem to like it either. After observing her, I started calling her nervous Nellie. So, Nellie stuck and she liked it. Nellie is scared of her own shadow, but she is a lovable little lady. We are still working on housebreaking her and Autumn, her beagle sister, is keeping her within limits. She is a sweetheart and I would expect as time goes on she will become more confident. Did I mention she and her sister are spoiled rotten!

Lotus Henderson (now Maggie): Maggie is doing very well. She and Seaney are good buds. She was only 9 months old when we adopted her. Doesn't she look great.

Darla Park: Darla found us by accident. We weren't really planning to foster her, but it worked out that way - and we are so glad it did. She is a beautiful, sweet, well-mannered girl. It was love at first sight. She responds to her name and comes when she is called. We absolutely had to adopt her. She loves to run and play outside in our backyard. She chases our other beagles around and they all have fun together. It feels meant to be to be her furever family.

Chloe P. George: Chloe is either a bundle of energy or asleep (and she has claimed her spot for sleeping). She doesn't have much of an in between. It's really hard to believe she is not a puppy, but she is nearly 11 years old. She loves to give kisses and play. She keeps us laughing. She gets along with our other beagles, but prefers her human family over the other pups. She's an independent woman! We fell in love with her as soon as we began fostering her and eventually decided we couldn't let her go. We're so lucky to have this sweet girl in our lives.

Lucy Caton: All is going great with Lucy! She is the sweetest girl. Brady, our son, has finally found a chasing partner. They are hilarious together! Still figuring out food with her. She likes to pick through the dry to get to the fresh pet chicken pieces :)

We had a wonderful experience with Beagle Rescue! Our new girl, Lucy, is the perfect fit for our family. She has put the pep back in the step of our older dog and our son loves her!

Jax George (now Louie): Louie is a social butterfly and makes friends with everyone that he meets! All of my friends play with him every chance they get and he's won the hearts of the ladies at the day-care that watches him while I work. He loves exploring with his nose during our walks but loves cuddling in bed even more. He's also a great travel dog with his eyes glued to the outside world as we fly by in the car. He's everything that I dreamed he would be and I look forward to introducing him to the community at an event someday!

Moe Hughes (now Moe Howard Hackley): Moe is doing well. He continues to have the cough but the vet said there is nothing really wrong. He loves my husband as you can see. Thanks for saving him ! He is a sweet boy and a wonderful addition to our family.