HoundHelper's Profile

Email

Tweet

Report

Status: Platinum Member (1181 Points)
Date Joined: July 28th, 2007
Last Login: June 27th, 2016
Location: Florida
Profile Views: 8532322

 

I have always had dogs growing up and became a fan of beagles when I was very young.
   
In 2002 I lost my beagle Dizzy and adopted two more four days later from a local beagle rescue that was just starting. Xena & Gabby are mother and daughter and are the best dogs anyone could ask for. I became a board member of the rescue and adopted two more foster dogs. Buddy and Annie were both terrified of people when they first got here but you would never know it now.
   
I left the beagle rescue to help start up another rescue that adopted all types of dogs. Our first dog was a beagle that has aggression issues, which made her not adoptable. I didn't have the heart to put her down, so I decided to keep her. Cordy has gotten much better and she trust me completely, but I still have to be careful not to let her become stressed. I adopted Jasmine from a close friend, which put me up to six beagles.
   
I took an online course from Animal Behavior College to become a certified dog trainer in 2006 and completed the course in 10 months. Part of the course involved attending dog training classes and later I helped teach the classes. The experience has made living with a large pack of dogs much more enjoyable.
   
I got Buster, a Boston Terrier, from a friend whose father (his first owner) had a stroke. Buster was 8 months old and would go visit his "Daddy" each week at a nursing home. I soon starting taking a beagle (or 2) along also to visit everyone there. After 2 years Busters first owner passed away but we still go every week for a visit.
   
And last to my gang came Ruby who was about 10 months old when I got her. Some people a couple of blocks over owned her briefly, but when she escaped they went out and got another dog. It was their loss, she is a great dog and she makes beagle # 7.
   
Update: I inherited Sooner, a German Shepard mix at the end of January 2012 after a friend passed away.
   
Sooner was a former foster dog and is a complete joy to have around. It is great to see him have so much fun.
   
I loss my dog Buddy on May 3, 2012 after he got loose and was struck by a car. I will never forget what a special dog Buddy was and how close we were. He would look at me and his eyes were full of love and happiness. It was a big difference from the terrified dog I first brought home nine years earlier. Happy trails my little friend.
   
Sadly, my favorite dog Xena passed away on August 15, 2012. I knew she had a heart murmur and was getting up there in age, but nothing could prepare me for waking up and finding her laying next to my bed passed away. I try my best to remember the 10 1/2 years I was lucky enough to have her and try not to dwell on her passing. As with Buddy, I love them every day as though they were both still here. Because the one place those dogs will never leave is my heart.

This member has not yet added any Top Pet Sites.