One Lucky Beagle

This adorable stray found her way to my back step a few days after we moved into our new home.  Where I live, hunting with dogs is very popular.  Although there are hunters that take good care of their dogs, it is a sad truth that many hunters see their dogs as equipment instead of family.  If you walk into any shelter here in North Carolina, you will see a plethora of unwanted hunting dogs.  It is so sad to see as hounds make wonderful family pets.  I can personally attest to this.  My sweet girls, June & Willa, are simply the best!   


We called this stray "Beagle" for her first few days with us while we tried to locate her owner.  I had a strong feeling we wouldn't find her owner due to her breed and condition.  She was very dirty with long nails and no collar.  I called all of the local shelters and left my name and number.  I also left my information at the local vet just in case when I had her checked for a microchip, which she didn't have.  No one came forward for her.  This little love bug had no one that was missing her.  I just don't understand how anyone could let her go.

I immediately thought of my parents when I took in Beagle.  They had taken in their own stray beagle, Barney, a few years back.  They had also recently adopted Ryder, a black lab mix.  Even though my parents had a full house, I still thought they might have room for one more.

I called my mom the same day Beagle showed up.  "If her owners don't claim her, do you want her, Mom?"  She replied, "You talk to your dad."  Easy enough!  I called my dad with Facetime on my Iphone.  I wanted him to be able to see this little bundle of cuteness.  He told me how pretty she was and that it would be up to my mom.  Well, it sounded like they both might be up for adopting another beagle!

After talking things out, however, my mom and dad called me later that evening to tell me they weren't ready for a third dog.  I understood, but I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little disappointed.  So I called Paula with Sea Dog Rescue to see if we could adopt her out.  Since we had waited well over 72 hours, which is the stray hold at the shelter, she decided we could make her a Sea Dog!

As any bad loving daughter would do, I continued to text my mom multiple cute beagle photos daily.  I knew she wouldn't be able to resist that cute little face!  Two days after we made Beagle a Sea Dog, my mom texted me.  "Arrange the transport for Betty."  They wanted her!!!  I was ecstatic!  I had fallen in love with this sweet girl and was so glad she would be staying in the family.

As you can see, my parents named her Betty.  Barney & Betty.  Mr. & Miss Beagle.  I loved it!   A little while longer, and Betty would be in her forever home!  And the Bruner household would be back down to four dogs.  That makes a happy husband!

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How would you handle a stray showing up at your house?  Please share your stories and advice.  I would love to hear from you!