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.
We began fostering Lily on September 17th, and it didn’t take long for us to know we wanted her to be part of our forever family. She was so timid and scared during that first week, but our other beagle, Harper, really helped her settle in. They’re the perfect pair—we even call her ‘baby Harper’ because they share so many of the same mannerisms! Having a playmate has been wonderful for Harper; it’s something he’s missed. Lily, on the other hand, has embraced her role as the fierce protector of our home, making sure every squirrel knows she’s on patrol. She’s also the world’s best snuggler and will happily cuddle with you for hours. We feel incredibly lucky to have her as part of our family!
Coda, officially adopted on October 13, has been with us for a few weeks now. Here is what we know. He loves all humans, big, small, old, and young. He loves other dogs too. Oh, and we love him! He isn't sure on the cats, but he has a lifetime here to figure it out. He has more energy than we know what to do with, but we are excited to learn more about what he needs. Oh, and being deaf is no biggie here. He starts training soon and we know he's going to rock it!
Meka is adjusting well. She loves riding in the car and getting attention. She has claimed the chair in the living room as hers. She still has some issues with noises and the trash cans. She is adjusting to longer walks, especially with her sister Holly. She retreats to her bed which is her safe spot. We know it will take time for her not to be afraid but she has made progress.
I have renamed him Huck, which is short for Huckleberry. He’s doing great! He and his sister Sophie love to run around together in the backyard, and play tug of war. Romeo (the cat) is not a fan yet…Huck is pretty vocal and that scares him so Romeo wont leave the safety of “his room” yet, but eventually I’m sure Romeo will be fine.
Huck is such a love bug, and has gotten used to sleeping on my bed, and likes to snuggle up on my lap in the recliner. He has definitely made my life more complete!
I hope to take him to the Beagle Bash this year!
Here are a few photos of Hershey. He has settled in nicely to sitting on the couch or laying in the bed. He is a friendly guy who loves all people and kids and gets along with all of the neighborhood dogs. Like most beagles he runs around and howls and also likes to try to escape from time to time!
Lexi immediately made herself at home, and has taken over the sofa during the day and the bed at night. She also has no problem rolling onto her back to show you she's ready for belly rubs. What an amazing, gentle beagle, who just wants a loving home... :)
Mosey was planned to be a test case, to prove I could make it as a foster mom, to measure my resolve in loving and letting go of pups as they move on to their FURever homes. I knew within seconds of meeting him that he was a special little guy, with a boisterous personality and a surplus of confidence beyond his size and years. He took me by surprise and by storm, I was an immediate "foster fail" and knew I would make Mosey an official member of the family as soon as possible...but I wasn't done trying...
Sullivan appeared on the BRSM page shortly after bringing Mosey home, I took one look and knew I was a "smitten kitten" for those soulful brown eyes, and that he would be coming home to live happily ever after with Mosey and me, making Sullivan my second "foster fail".
Since coming home, Sullivan has shown signs of his true playful character, and his confidence grows stronger by the day; his energies continue to improve through treatment for heart and whip worm, as well as Lyme disease. He and Mosey are the best of friends, cuddling for naps, sharing toys, and vying for constant attention (which they never get enough of, and I never tire of giving).
Thank you BRSM for making my house a home, again and again; I am forever grateful and, in your debt, and will continue to support your organization at every opportunity.
If you are reading this success story, and you are on the fence, if you are thinking of bringing a pup into your home, "Don't Shop, Adopt!" ?? - BRSM has lots of little bundles of love who looking forward to meeting you and stealing your hearts!
Bagel is settling in nicely. The backyard has been reinforced and Princess Bagel doesn’t mind the bumpers. We’ve met with a trainer and she’s getting most of the commands. It’s good she’s food motivated. She’s pretty good about going into the crate but cries when I leave. After she has mastered sit, stay, come, drop it, and down, we’re going to focus on her behaviors during a walk. Being a beagle she goes into full huntress mode when she sees another dog, a squirrel, a fox, a rabbit, and birds. She becomes quite vocal and is hard to distract. She has met my neighbors’ dogs and is happy with them.
I love it when she snuggles on my lap and she knows just how cute she is.
Thank you for taking such good care of her. She’s a joy.
Gunner is still adjusting to his new home. He enjoys family walks, tug-of-war, and wrestling with his new sister, Nalla. He also finds himself in trouble when counter-surfing or dumpster-diving in the kitchen trash can. All these activities lead to hungry bellies and long naps. The longer drool, the more food he needs. His people have learned to expect drool on most surfaces and Nalla. Gunner is loving his new life.
Tucker, formerly known as Jay Jay Suffolk, is doing very well in our home. He plays hard all day long and then he’s completely tuckered at night, thus the name. He loves his toys and has a favorite stuffed animal that he carries everywhere with him. He gets along well with our big dog and cat, although he does chase her around at times. He is always on the lookout for squirrels on our daily walks. He’s petite but he’s very strong. He sits on command especially for a treat. He’s very affectionate and likes to snuggle. We’re delighted that we adopted Tucker.
Walter and Timmy have settled in nicely. Walter made himself at home from day one! His favorite things are belly rubs and treats. Timmy was a little timid at first, but he has warmed up to us. He's a gentle little guy who is never far away from his brother. They enjoy short walks sniffing around the yard and curling up on a bed together. They are such sweet boys! We are thrilled that they are part of our family.
After much discussion, we have decided to keep the name Dilly. It is also British slang for "remarkable," which he is, so we found it suited him perfectly. His nicknames are Dilbird, Dilly Dill Pickle, and Silly Dilly. Dilly has made himself right at home and settled in like he's been here forever. He is the most sweet and gentle soul who loves his walks with his new buddy, Gemma. It took her a day to realize he was staying, and she has shown him how to guilt us into more treats. He figured out our doggie door in 2 days and now runs in and out into his backyard with his favorite squeaky toy of the day. He is the perfect fit for us.
Brody, (formerly Copper Charles) s a 2-year-old beagle who came to us as a foster when the local animal shelter was full. He was pretty sick when I picked him up and turned out to have a bad case of pneumonia. It was a few weeks of many naps and lots of medicine. But, he's all better now and loves to race around the house. He is a HUGE fan of stuffed toys and has a pretty vast collection now. His favorite, Capt Turtle (his "Captain" status indicated by his yachting hat), recently met an unfortunate end at the hands of Brody's older brother. Thankfully, Brody has asked the Easter bunny for a new Capt Turtle and we have high hopes he will deliver.
He's a pretty active little guy who enjoys exploring his fenced-in backyard (a very carefully selected stuffed toy always accompanies him outside and is brought safely back inside by him); playing with his stuffed toys; but, most of all, playing chase or a game of tug with his new big brother (a German Shepherd). Brody very much values rest and is happy to serve as a nap companion to anyone interested in partaking. He also enforces a strict bed time each evening. Curled up in a blanket on the sofa watching tv with his Mom and brother, he will spontaneously decide it's time for ALL to call it a night. He jumps down and stands staring at everyone until we orderly follow into the kitchen to head outside for the last outside visit of the night. He sleeps straight through the night and has miraculously convinced his brother to stop coming in and waking Mom around 4am (VERY thankful for this!).
Despite having a rough start (Brody was turned into the shelter by a family who found him but couldn't keep him after he appeared at their door, skin and bones, and collapsed), he is happy to politely wait his turn for treats and as his meals are being prepared. He quite quickly learned the command for "sit" and his new name. He's excitedly looking forward to attending Beagle Bash and to exploring the beach town on the Bay where he now lives with Mom when the weather gets a little warmer."
Thank you, BRSM, for saving this little guy!
Birdie is very affectionate and curious (she has to checkout every opened cabinet, drawer, or door). Everyone - family, friends, and neighbors- has fallen in love with Birdie. She loves everybody and loves meeting new dog friends! She’s truly a joy!
We are completely in love with Scout, and couldn't be happier to be his forever family! He's adjusting amazingly well to life as a Hackett and has been a cuddle bug since day 1, even though it took him a few days to come out of his shell and warm up to everybody. We love seeing more and more of his adorable personality shining through every day and are looking forward to years and years of doggie kisses from our sweet Scout!!
Barkley is such a fun, loving dog… and quickly became my baby boy! He has the best food, treats, best vet (if needed), best dog walker ever and all the loves he can handle. He has not been near a kennel or doggie daycare since the outbreak of the mysterious upper respiratory infection.
Mambo is doing great! He is the sweetest thing ever, some of his favorite hobbies include climbing on people’s laps, giving unexpected face kisses and trying to destroy every bed we get him. He’s acclimated very well and is very much in cahoots with his big brother desi. We are so grateful to have him in our lives and that we’ve been able to give him a forever home.
Kinsley has been enjoying her new life here with us so much that she doesn't even know what to do half of the time. She loves snuggling up with us any chance she gets and has a wonderful loving family all around. She is definitely not a fan of snow in any means, but she is spoiled to the core.
Copper says hello and thanks you for taking care of him. He is doing well and has become the boss of the house. He loves his toys and walks. He is a good napper and sleeps through the night. Copper is extremely smart and every where we go people just want to hold him because he looks like a stuffed animal. He is still a wild man but is learning to listen. He now rings a bell with his paw or nose when he wants to go out. Your dedication to beagles is greatly appreciated.
Rylee is adjusting well at her shy, slow pace. It's only been just over 4 days since I picked her up but she is getting more and more comfortable.
Her new life in Rockville includes so many new experiences for her. Every morning and every night I take her on a 45 minutes walk through my neighborhood. She is adjusting to suburban life of sidewalks, fire hydrants (she was afraid to walk past them initially), front yards to sniff and of course Christmans lights at night and large, holiday inflatables........life in suburbia.
She has paired up quite well with my other dog Dorris (9 yr old/45lb hound/boxer mix). They seem to have the same temperament and are quite the chill partners.
I love her and am looking forward to her getting more and more comfortable in her new home with Dorris and I.
Many thanks for saving the lives of so many beagles!!!!!
