Sarah & Perry Golden

Early in 2000, my soon-to-be husband and I decided that the perfect way to start the new century and our new life together was with a dog. After several weeks investigating dogs breeds my husband and I agreed that a beagle would be the perfect dog for us. We also knew that we wanted an adult dog preferably from a rescue organization. All that we had to do was find our perfect friend. I searched the internet before stumbling across BREW. I read on the website that 8 beagles had just been rescued from a hunt club in Fredericksburg, I felt the time was right. I contacted BREW and was encouraged from the beginning. I agreed to head over to the vet to meet a few beagles. Once my husband and I met Madison we knew she was ours. Madison was being kept at the vet recovering from mammary tumors (she is now just fine!) and had no foster home to go to. She came into the room with her tail between her legs and refused to make eye contact. When I finally got a good look at her I was treated to the most expressive dog eyes I had seen. I knew there was a special dog just waiting to come out. We were hooked and Madison came home that weekend.

Since Maddie joined our new family she has become the center of the house. Everyone who visits says hello to Maddie first (this has really helped her stay comfortable). At first Maddie didn't know what to think of inside things like stairs and normal house noises but has learned that nothing here will hurt her. She only has two enemies; the cat, who stays out of her way, and the vacuum cleaner, they're still fighting it out! Maddie has also had to learn that her food bowl is all for her. I do have to tell people that Maddie is not your typical beagle, she's very relaxed and, has only barked once (at the vacuum, of course!), other beagle owners understand how unlike beagles this is! My husband and I feel so lucky to have Maddie in our lives, there's nothing like seeing those big, trusting eyes every morning.