BREW Alumni

In February 2002, our beloved beagle girl Jenny who was our friend and companion for 16 years became very ill and it was necessary to put her to sleep. As the days passed, we felt her loss more and more. We missed the daily walks with Jenny and her greeting every time we walked in the door and the company that a beagle provides. We decided that we would adopt our next beagle from either a shelter or a rescue organization.

Through the Internet we discovered B.R.E.W. and started our search. There are so many wonderful beagles in need of homes; we knew that there was one just for us. When I read about Chloe (formerly Flo) I knew that she was the dog for us. I called her foster mother on a Wednesday and she brought Chloe to us the following Sunday. It was love at first sight! Chloe’s face was so kind and gentle she became one of the family instantly. (I think Chloe adopted us) The cat did not agree at first, but now they are friends and even sleep together in Chloe’s bed. We love to take Chloe to a campus nearby and let her romp through the grass (on a long leash). She loves to chase the squirrels up trees and follow her nose wherever it takes her. She really enjoys a good game of “fetch the stuffed animal” indoors too.

Chloe has been with us for just over a month and she really has become a member of the family. Chloe is such a wonderful dog I cannot imagine why anyone would have voluntarily left her at a shelter but I am very glad they did. Chloe has a home for life!

My family and I wish to thank Melissa, Chloe’s foster mother, for bringing her to us and for the B.R.E.W. organization for their dedication to the beagle breed.

by Margaret, Judy and Chris Capra

In April 2002, we had to put our old basset hound, Buddy down. Annie the coonhound missed him a lot and walked around to all his ‘spots’ looking for him. We knew we had to do something, so, we contacted BREW and yes, left with not one but two! (Annie was not toooo pleased) Consuela fell immediately in love with our daughter, Katie, and visa versa. Renamed because of her beautiful copper-colored face, Copper was very skittish and shy. She was also very thin but has happily gained weight and is lookin’ good! She follows Kate around and gets to go for walks daily. She’s come into her own and loves to sleep in the master bedroom with Mom and Dad. Annie has taken a shine to this one. Molly, aka Buffy, is the busy one. She sleeps with Paul, our son, and loves to go for rides in the car. She’s a little thief and if she arrives, you’d better make sure she leaves empty mouthed! She especially likes Kate’s purple, fuzzy slippers! The 15-year old cat has had to put Molly in her place when her food is threatened! Annie is her favorite ‘play thing’.

Annie now has two little girls to play with! She gets lots of exercise in the back yard and has let the little ones know who’s boss! Somebody’s gotta be alpha! We’re a very happy, busy, fun-filled, large family now! Thanks to everyone at BREW for helping us complete our harem!

Susan, Jeff, Kate, and Paul Roseberry

On October 29, 2001, our friend of 14 years (a beagle-mix named Monroe), passed away quietly in his sleep after having suffered failing health for the final two years of his life. Almost totally deaf and physically impaired by arthritis and age, Monroe was not the same dog my wife, and I had known when we adopted him as a puppy. Gone was the vibrant, curious and happy companion. Instead there lay a quiet, sullen animal suffering from the affects of old age. And so it was with very mixed emotions that we that said goodbye to our friend.

It pained us deeply to let him go that day, but we knew that at last his suffering had ended. Our kids were uncontrollably distraught when they came home from school to learn of Monroe’s passing. While he was never an agile, energetic friendly companion to these kids, he was their dog and it was a special and defining moment in our family as we dealt with the death of a family member. Our youngest (age 6) wanted to know where Monroe’s body was and our oldest (8) wanted to see him again to feed him once more. Each wondered why he had died. Between her tears, our daughter asked longingly, “Maybe he just needed a good long nap and then he’ll feel better?” at which point, both my wife and I forced back tears at the loss of our companion and our first baby.

You see Monroe was acquired before we had started our “human” family. He was found in a “Pennysaver ad,” bought for $50 and saved from certain death by immediate veterinary care. He was our surrogate for a human baby. He was our source of enjoyment together. And he was our pride and our joy. And as the years went on, the human babies came. Monroe took a dignified backseat to these human interlopers. As a toddler, our son rode Monroe like a horse and Monroe never once seemed to “argue”. When our daughter would investigate Monroe’s food as he ate, Monroe simply stepped back and waited for the inquisitive hands to be out of harms way. His sense of maturity grew as the years passed.

So, as we dealt with this loss, we assumed that we would give ourselves a good long period to decide whether we really wanted another dog. But not our kids — they were convinced that they wanted a dog and they wanted one as soon as possible. As we discussed different breeds, it was clear that Monroe had paved such a strong emotional path in our hearts that a beagle or a beagle-mix was to be our unanimous choice. But we insisted to our young children that dogs are not gifts that Santa Claus brings for Christmas. We, as a family, agreed we would wait until after Christmas to begin our search for a dog.

And in typical form for this family, just days after the Christmas holiday we found ourselves at the local pound and on the Internet, finding the BREW homepage and then reviewing all the beautiful animals available for adoption. On New Year’s Eve we spoke to Laura Johnson and within days, we had spoken to three BREW foster families, scheduling three visits. On January 4, 2002, we met Butch. The moment we saw Butch we knew we had met a very special dog — he looked us straight in the eyes and he stayed close to my wife throughout the visit. In a sense, he really picked us more than we picked him. We expressed our desire to adopt Butch days later and he was in our home very soon thereafter.

Now as my wife and I see our kids hug, wrestle and cuddle with Butch on the floor and on the couch, we are certain Monroe would be pleased to know we had selected (and saved) another beagle. In Butch’s eyes, we each see a little bit of the “human” spirit we saw in Monroe and a knowing twinkle that must be genetically inherit to the beagle breed. I even have to catch myself calling for Monroe instead of Butch. There will never be another dog to touch us like Monroe did, but we think Butch is now carrying the torch quite high on Monroe’s behalf.

Thank you BREW for filling our family’s void and for saving these beautiful animals for families like ours. You are doing valuable and charitable service to this breed and to lover of beagles everywhere.

We’ve adopted Rosie as of last Thursday. Our dog Lacey of 5 years was lost to us two weeks ago due to kidney failure. We were devastated. Then, I found the brew beagle web site and there was Rosie. We love her. She’s soooooooo sweet. Adopting her was just what we needed to fill the emptiness we felt in our home. The experience of adoption through brewbeagles was very exciting. We thoroughly enjoyed searching the web for our match and boy did we get a perfect match. Rosie is a bundle of joy, loves kids, animals and anyone or anything that will give her attention. She’s quiet but playful, always up for some fun and about as much of a cuddle bunny as they come. She is very well behaved and enjoying her new home. Rosie is really exploring her new huge back yard. We formally introduced Rosie to the beagle friendly neighborhood on Sunday night at the annual hayride and bon fire that we host. Rosie was found to be riding the hayride often and lapping up the attention from anyone who would give it to her. There were plenty of beagle kisses! She has been loving the car ride — playing mascot in the morning in our car pool too. Her gentle, carefree nature is soothing to all of us and we are thankful that we were able to find and adopt her through brew beagles.

Thanks to all of the people who give so much of their time rescuing these precious dogs!

by John & Nancy Sargent

To my foster family:
Whew! What a week! So many new faces and things to explore. I love it here. You would be so happy to see how much fun I have throughout my day. First, I wake up to go outside and have a good morning wander and sniff around this great big yard. it’s so big that Rosie, (that’s my little friend) and I feel like we are running for miles and miles. Afterwards, we have a wonderful breakfast. I have finally taught Rosie to keep her nose out of my bowl. I mean, we are great friends, but fair is fair and a girl has to eat, right? Then the kids come to play with us before school. It’s a really good game of hide and seek. The kids hide and Rosie and I search behind the shed, around the trees and under the deck for them. Then I find myself a nice sunny spot and Laura is kind enough to give me a good belly rub. Man, does that feel nice! Next it’s off to carpool. It’s only a short distance but a great change of scenery for me and besides; the teachers who greet the kids really need a cuddle to start their day. Truthfully, by this time, I am ready to go back home for a snooze. Upon our return home, I can’t seem to snooze because it’s so beautiful outside that I just have to go out and play some more. You know, Rosie is a puppy still so I have to teach her the ropes and exercise her a bit to keep her healthy. She’s a great pup. We share beds even though there are plenty to choose from. Everywhere in the house there are doggie beds of all shapes and sizes and lots of sunny spots. Our favorite spot is by the front door. It’s so sunny and a big enough area for both of us to lay there and watch what is going on outside. Kids come by all the time in the neighborhood to walk us and play with us. They’re swell. I’m not fearful any more about meeting people cause my family really looks after me and I trust them. In fact, on Friday, we went to recess at the school to meet Kevin and Laura’s teachers and friends and we loved it so much we’re going to play at recess with the children every Friday. They all wanted to meet us because Kevin and Laura have been writing about us in their journals at school. There is one little girl who is in a wheelchair. She wanted so much to pet me so I got up on her lap and just laid there for a little while. It really made her happy and I enjoyed the cuddle too. It’s good therapy for both of us and it is nice to feel appreciated and needed.

After school, the kids come home and give me a much needed snack because of course, everyone is outside and there is so much going on that I need energy. Actually, the mailman brings me and Rosie a biscuit every day too. His name is Jerry and he loves us. He told us that he use to take Lacey (that’s the Sargent’s dog that just died) on the mail truck to ride around the neighborhood sometimes. He said when I get more familiar with him and if I am a good girl, I can have a ride too. You know I’m a very good girl, so I am looking forward to that adventure. Oh, did I tell you that there is another Beagle who lives up the road. Her name is Keates. We visit her every day and sometimes she even comes over for a play date. She’s little, spunky and oh so sweet!

My favorite part of my day though is after dinner when my new family puts a fire in the fireplace. I just loooooove to lie by the fire. Because it is so nice and cozy I can always interest somebody in stroking me. Later in the evening after the kids go to bed, Rosie and I get up onto Mom & Dad’s lap for a nice long cuddle. I think they need the cuddle more than us but you know, it’s just part of the job of the family pet. I’m really not too sure who needs who more!

When it’s time to retire it’s off to our bedroom upstairs with Mom and Dad. We love it up there. We feel so secure to see them sleeping right next to us and when the alarm goes off in the morning, Rosie and I are allowed to get in bed with everyone for a morning hello and cuddle. It’s a lot of people cuddling but a big bed and fun for all of us.

The weekends are really special because my new dad is home all day. He’s been taking me on late night walks without Rosie because in the beginning I was afraid of him and Kevin and he wanted to make sure that I understood that he was going to take care of me and love me. I feel safe with him now and I am happy to see him when he comes home. At the moment, he is busy installing a new invisible fence and as soon as I get permission to be adopted, he and mom are going to train me so I don’t get lost or hurt by running loose. It will be nice to have the run of the front and back yard. That way, I won’t miss anything that is happening.

You should see the sunroom. It’s very comfy and great to lay in when the weather is too hot or too cold. That way, I can be outside and get fresh air in total comfort. On really nice days, I love to lay on the deck. It will be fun to watch the kids in the pool. These kids are really special. Did you know that they are paying for my adoption and my new collar for the fence? It’s practically all their savings and they don’t mind a bit.

You know, I really miss you guys and I am so grateful that you took care of me because it was you who brought me to the attention of this family. I know I would be happy with you but this family really needs and loves me and I think if it is OK with you, I would like to stay with them. I don’t know how they would survive without me, being the special girl I am. I promise I will write and send photos and hope you will fill my spot in your family to another Beagle in need of adoption. Us Beagles need people like you and the Brew family or most of us wouldn’t be very happy and in some cases suffer an awful fate. Thanks so much for helping us.

Well, gotta go. There are kids to play with and lots of romping around to do! See ya!

by Nancy Sargent

SCULLY BRUGH

Dogs are such amazing things
But few can cause your heart to sing!
Scully is our new found friend
Beagle Rescue chose her to send.
We are very truly blessed
As she is certainly the best!

Her name we chose not to change
So much of her life had been re-arranged
She’s sweet and loving and such fun
All of our hearts she has won!
Plays well with others is her creed
My girls adore her Yes indeed!

She barks, she snores, she hogs the sheets
But oh so cuddly and so sweet!
No she’s not perfect, but who is
And all’s forgotten with a kiss!
Scully is now our other child
She makes us all wear a smile!

A great big thanks! That’s for sure!
LOVE is the only word for her!!

Written by Julie Brugh

We adopted Bailey (alias Caruso) from BREW in October 1999. We had recently lost our beagle of 10 years and were quite lonely. We came upon the BREW web site through our local humane society and started looking at pictures of available beagles. Bailey caught our eye right away…. we couldn’t resist.

Our adoption was a little more difficult because we live in Illinois, but with Laura’s help, Bailey was placed on an airplane and flown within 100 miles of us. He was so shy and withdrawn for those first few hours, but eventually, the playful beagle in him began to emerge. He was obviously still a young pup because we went through the chewing stage for another year. The worst thing he chewed was my Birkenstock sandal. The shoe storeowner asked me if a lawnmower had gotten a hold of my shoe, I replied, ” No, just a beagle!”

Bailey is quite settled now. He loves his cage and retreats there on his own when he’s tired, but he also loves to snuggle with you on the couch, the recliner, the bed, or wherever else he can wedge himself next to you. He loves his morning walks and he loves to go in the car wherever you will take him. Oh, did I mention that he also likes to stand in the bay window and watch the kids walk by on their way to school? Everyone says that Bailey is a “Lucky Dog,” but we know in our hearts that we are the lucky ones to have him in our lives!

Suz Jones

We adopted Charley from BREW right before New Years 2001. We adore her — she is the first one to meet every one of us at the door when we come home, wagging her tail furiously, and she is warm, furry, sweet, and loving to every member of our family. She brings more love, comfort, and happiness to our home than we EVER had before!

Anyway, recently we had the blessing of rescuing two other beagles, right in our own neighborhood. We had just returned home around midnight from a week away on summer vacation, and my 13 year-old son Andy went to walk Charley before going to bed. While he was out walking her, I heard some VERY distinctively-beagle baying from somewhere behind our house, sounded like a block away or so. There are no dogs that live in that direction, I knew. When Andy came back, I mentioned the baying to him, and he said that on his walk he had noticed a REWARD poster about two lost twin beagles, posted on the next block. We got into the car (it was almost 1:00 a.m. at this point) and he showed me the poster, and we wrote down the phone number. I called the owner (yes, at 1 a.m.) and she came over, but by that time, the baying had stopped. The owner told me the dogs had been missing for three days, and that on the first day, someone had reported hearing them in that same area.

The next morning, I took Charley on her leash, and two extra leashes, and some dog treats, and we went walking in the direction we’d heard from the night before. About 3 blocks away, we heard barking, and we followed the sound, to the back of someone’s house (no fence). It was just like an old Lassie TV show or something — there were two beautiful beagles, stuck in a very deep window well behind a house. The occupants must have been away on vacation also, since I can’t imagine that no one in the house would have heard them all that time. Anyway, I had to reach in pretty far to pull each one out, but they were very sweet and gentle, so I managed, and leashed each one. One started to run away, but I rattled the treat bag and they came running back (along with Charley!) for treats. The three leashed dogs and I walked back to my house, I called the owner, and gave them water and food.

The three dogs really enjoyed each other’s company in our back yard, while we waited for the owner to come get them. It turns out that they only live a few blocks away from us (those beagles didn’t get very far before getting trapped, I guess), and we have exchanged phone numbers and are planning play dates for the three beagles.

Happy ending to a story. And more…the owner gave a reward to my son and to Charley. We are keeping $20 for bones for Charley, but we are sending the rest to BREW, because we are constantly grateful to you for sending us Charley, and for all the other dogs you work so hard to save.

We will be sending the check in the mail. Just wanted you to know, we are grateful for Charley every day/night/all the time, and we are always mindful of the wonderful work that you do.

by Beth Weisberg

Somehow I ended up in a shelter near Bel Air Maryland where folks were kind BUT the dogs…I had to fight for my food you see I am a tiny beagle (but please do not underestimate me!) only 16 pounds! One day a nice couple named Doug and Claudette came and “sprung” me from my cage and took me to their home. I thought I had it made, there where kids, a yard LOTS OF FOOD and well yes other beagles, but they were much nicer then the dogs in the shelter. So my job I thought was to look pitiful and shy so I would get all the attention. It worked and for the first time in a long time life was good.

Then one day I was PUT IN A CRATE (imagine shy little me) and Claudette, Amber and I drove in the car for what seemed an eternity. No matter how much I howled and whined this time it did not work and I was so afraid that it was back to the shelter and to hard times.

Finally the car stopped, they lifted the crate out opened it and here were all these people looking at me, so I thought I’d better do the shy routine. A woman walked towards me picked me up we cuddled and I thought well that is not so bad. There was lots of commotion they put this blue halter on me (I had to get used to that and occasionally I slip and chew on it) and I was taken to this large yard full of strange noises, trees squirrels and birds. As I walked in I could sense that there was a beagle grave so I went over to sniff and pay my respects.

Claudette and Amber were getting a little sad and I knew something was up. Sure enough they said goodbye and left me as I whined and howled at the door. I was upset and sad and did not know what would happen to me next. Then the door opened and in walked this men and I just knew then things were going to be great, he was so calm and kind and I just loved his bald head. Come to find out his name is also Douglas.

I knew right from the start if I was to stay with Gloria and Douglas I had my work cut out for me. They were both still a little sad, their beagle Harriet had died a short time ago and from the ever lingering scent of her it is clear that she must have lived a long time. I can smell her everywhere, but that is Ok time will take care of that and thank God Harriet trained her humans well. Now I had to get to work to finish my job and cheer them up and let them know who is in charge.

The first week I was real quiet and shy, stayed closed to the house when outside and did not pull on my leash while out on walks. YOU SHOULD SEE ME NOW, I sleep on all the furniture, I burrow under the covers, I keep the yard free of squirrels and those pesty crows. I have figured out where the treats are and my humans are always smiling at my antics. I have trained Gloria to take me for a walk FIRST THING every morning, they both now know that going out doors in the rain is OUT. So you see I have done my job well, but I have to be very vigilant and make sure that things do not change, so occasionally I look real shy and sad and voila I am swooped up in some ones arm to be petted. Life is great – but a beagle’s job is never done.

Gloria and Douglas Thompson

My husband and I had been deliberating for almost 3 years about getting a dog. This past May we finally fenced in the yard on our brand new house and felt the time was right to begin a serious search. We researched breeds, had lots of talks, and finally found the BREW website. We kept checking back until we found Bailey, a wonderful beagle who really caught our eye. Rita and Kent Brown were nice enough to let us visit their home so we could meet Bailey. He was a great dog but we still weren’t quite sure how he would fit into our family.

On July 21 we headed to Manassas for the adoption day and we met our beagle – a beautiful girl named Bea. We’ve since renamed her Emmy, which we think is quite fitting since she is a really lady-like beagle. That day we took her home and our lives haven’t been the same since. She is a constant source of joy and happiness. She’s a very quiet beagle who loves to burrow under the covers on our bed (like we won’t see her!) and romp in the yard. She loves walks and even sits still while we brush her. Having Emmy has been great – we love her more every day. I don’t know how she ended up at the rescue but we’re sure glad we found her!

Karin & Dan Bisbee