When we met Simon and Toby we already had a young Labrador retriever and a one-year-old beagle puppy who we purchased from a breeder. We love him to death, but truthfully I would never purchase another puppy again. Not that there was anything wrong with our Charlie. I just could not, in good conscience, pass up the opportunity to save an unwanted beagle and give him the home he deserves. That's where Simon and Toby came in. I was recovering from surgery two years ago when I stumbled upon the BREW website. I really had no idea how many beagles are abandoned and just plain abused and unwanted. I looked through all the photos and two of the dogs’ stories captured my heart. I contacted BREW and since I lived an 8-hour drive away, did the interview process over the phone. Two days later we drove down to pick Simon and Toby up. I can't tell you the feeling I had, and still have to this day, two years later, every time I look at their sweet faces. They are so loved and so spoiled. The look of gratitude in their eyes is so satisfying. They got along great with our other two dogs and they've been great pals ever since. I can't imagine life without them! Simon had obviously been abused. He was slow to warm up and kept to himself most times. But he's come such a long way. He's actually happy!! It's such a difference from when he first came home. He still hates to have his picture taken. In fact it's almost impossible to get photo of him since he takes off as soon as he sees or hears a camera. And he's petrified of the flash. Poor guy. It really makes you wish they could talk. I can't imagine what made him that way.

Toby is such a great beagle! He's a challenge too. We knew from the beginning that he was an escape artist...we just didn't know how good at it he actually was!! We had strategically placed chicken wire to keep him from going over our chain link fence. He got out. Then we put the wire around any trees that were near the fence since he was using them for leverage. He still got out. We filled any gaps around the base of the fence so he couldn't wiggle under. He still got out. We reluctantly added an invisible fence to our arsenal and he had to wear one of those bulky collars whenever he went out. He still got out. We realized that he was smart enough to stand close enough to the fence without zapping himself to run the battery down in his collar, and then he'd make his getaway. We've since moved and put up a 6-foot stockade, with chicken wire stapled the entire way around the bottom so he couldn't dig. We figured we could forgo the electric collar. He still got out. We're back to the electric collar and he still makes an escape now and then, usually because I hate to make the collar a tight as it has to be to keep him here. I keep trying to explain to him that the grass is definitely not greener on the other side of the fence, and that the squirrels are just as much fun right here! We figure he must have escaped from his previous owner or owners and wasn't properly tagged. We've always been lucky and gotten him back and I feel sick every time he gets away but it's been worth all the grief to have him in our lives and our hearts.

We've since adopted Sally, a senior beagle who was about to be euthanized after spending a month in our local shelter. I found her online at the shelter's website and immediately drove over to meet her. She was quite a mess. Her feet were practically licked raw from boredom, and she was very overweight. They told me they were going to have the vet check her over and they'd call me when she was ready. Well, the next day came and no call. I got in the car and drove over and told them to just give me the dog, and that I had an appointment for her at my own vet that afternoon. It was New Year's Eve and I couldn't stand the thought of her having to spend another night on that cold concrete floor. They let me take her and we went to my vet on the way home. It turns out she has a heart murmur. She had a bunch of tests and we've determined she's doing fine without medication for now, but we'll keep our eye on her. We love her so much!!

We're up to 5 dogs now and with 4 kids and an aviary full of lovebirds we've got a very full plate...and we love every minute of it!!

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