In October 2003, I was made aware of a group of 6-8 year old male beagles being used for biomedical research, and I was informed that they might be put up for adoption. I went to visit the dogs, and instantly wanted to adopt one, but when push came to shove, my mother's reasoning (and threat to no longer dogsit a "third") won out, and I had to accept not being able to adopt one of these beagles. As disappointed as I was, I stayed in contact with people from the facility to try to keep informed about the dogs, whether they would be adopted, etc. To make a long story short, we ended up assisting the facility by introducing them to a rescue organization for the adoption of 4 of those beagles in 2005, and then after founding the Laboratory Beagle Adoption Division of Cascade Beagle Rescue (now the Lab to Leash Division of the Beagle Rescue League), we received the remainder of those beagles in 2006! Elmer was one of those beagles. I had fostered many of the beagles who had been released, but yet Elmer stayed...and he became the 4th (!!) and last addition to my pack of beagles. Pretty ironic that three years later, I ended up adopting one of those beagles anyway!
Elmer was "special" from the beginning. We thought he had a heart murmur, but that ended up not being the case. Elmer was pretty fearful - just hid behind the bushes in the backyard, took months to learn how to climb the stairs, and he struggled with his cratetraining and housetraining for many months (and still does). He does not know how to play with toys, but is learning to play with other dogs, and in all honesty, all he ever wants is for someone to hold him so that he may fall asleep in your arms.
I call Elmer my Worrier since he always has a
worried look on his face. I reassure him that he is home now,
and my adoption of him only strengthens my desire to grow our
Lab
to Leash Division of Beagle Rescue League so that, through
cooperation and respect with the field of biomedical research, these
animals can find life and love in their retirement.
As you can see, Elmer had his first Christmas
picture taken in December 2006.
He has gone for a(n) (accidental?) swim in my
parents' pool, and here I am scooping him out of the water.
He LOVES kids, and has adjusted better than I ever could have expected him to.
He has an interesting new behavior in which he
likes to roll on people - especially if they are wearing cologne,
perfume, or even scented deodorant or soap. It's a bit
embarrassing, but we're working on that one... His
housetraining still leaves a bit to be desired, but we will continue to
work on that, too. He is a sweet, gentle soul who deserves
the attention and love he so craves.
He is a wonderful little beagle who,
even starting at the age of 6, can learn how to have a new life as a
loved pet.
Above, Elmer (almost 8 years old) with me and my nieces, Amanda and Anna in December 2007.
Elmer's separation and crating anxieties continue, unfortunately. It is now December 2010, and although I finally broke down and tried Clomicalm last year to help, we saw no difference with Elmer's behaviors. He is a very sweet beagle, but is obviously aging now. He walks much slower now (he is on Dasuquin for arthrtitis), and still loves to sleep. He will always be a very special little beagle.
Getting ready for RU Football 2011-2012 season!!
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