We have 2 rescues and I was NOT keen at all. But over time I have been won around by them. I enjoy walking them and their little characters. Thanks for sharing this story.
I wasn't sure if I was reading about your life or rereading something I'd written about my family's journey to fostering, foster failing, and figuring out how we would keep showing up for the rescue world. How wonderful to learn even more about you, Henny!
Congratulations on your foray into animal rescue. I also fell into the "cute face" trap and ended up serving seven years on the board of an animal rescue organization. During that time, around a hundred dogs traveled through our home, destroying carpet, furniture, and stealing our hearts. I ended up specializing in the "hard to place" dogs - usually Beagles and Jack Russell Terriers. And yes, we became foster failures a few times over the years.
This is based entirely on my own experience, but they are both stubborn breeds. Beagles were bred to hunt rabbits without much input from the hunter, they just herd the rabbits back to get shot. They don't retrieve. They just follow their noses. Likewise, terriers in general, but specifically JRT's, were bred to hunt vermin, again without the aid of the hunter.
Beagles are obsessed with their noses. Nose switches on and brain switches off. They can't hear you calling for them. I've had Beagles climb fences, dig under them, squeeze through gaps - anything to get to what they smell on the other side. Then once they're out, they are going to make a day of it. We've had all the neighborhood children aiding in the hunt to catch a Beagle on the loose. They are also loud and will sing the song of their people until the neighbors call in a noise complaint about their howling when you leave for work.
JRT's believe they are the top dog - everywhere. They have to be overconfident to go down a hole and fight whatever lives there. They have no idea they are small and will fight the neighbor's Rottweiler. I know because they have tried. If you ever watch lure coursing, they usually wear muzzles because there is almost always a skirmish between two of the dogs chasing the lure. I've had up to 5 terriers at a time - two JRT's or mixes thereof. They woke up every morning ready for Fight Club. Not all of them are like this, but enough to give them a reputation. Also, if you don't give a JRT a job to do, he will find one for himself, like removing your carpet, chewing the couch, the woodwork, the remote. They get bored easily and need to burn energy all day every day.
But I love both breeds because they are independent and I enjoy a dog with an attitude vs unconditional loyalty. They are both very loving breeds who keep you on your toes. For the right person, they are the best dogs. For an owner who doesn't know what to expect, it's a recipe for disaster.
Holy smokes!!! I never knew all that! After reading your description of a beagle’s nose I’m starting to wonder if my 90 lb mutt is actually a beagle lol. She is NON-STOP nose and also turns off all other senses when she’s on the trail of something. It’s fascinating to watch her but also annoying AF when I’m trying to go for a walk.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge about these two breeds. I would never know because I’ve only ever had mixed large-breed rescues.
We have 2 rescues and I was NOT keen at all. But over time I have been won around by them. I enjoy walking them and their little characters. Thanks for sharing this story.
Dogs have a way of wiggling their way in our hearts, don’t they?
Yep the slippery little buggers ❤️
See, I just skip right to the adopting stage, because we all know exactly how that fostering is going to go.
I’m so glad I introduced you two, Henny and Kristi! Great piece.
G-d made dogs irresistible for a reason. They are heart melters.
So awful that Fauci used Beagles for testing. That tattoo! 😞
Love this! My daughter was just a foster failure!
What kind of dog?
I wasn't sure if I was reading about your life or rereading something I'd written about my family's journey to fostering, foster failing, and figuring out how we would keep showing up for the rescue world. How wonderful to learn even more about you, Henny!
Thanks Cindy!!!
Congratulations on your foray into animal rescue. I also fell into the "cute face" trap and ended up serving seven years on the board of an animal rescue organization. During that time, around a hundred dogs traveled through our home, destroying carpet, furniture, and stealing our hearts. I ended up specializing in the "hard to place" dogs - usually Beagles and Jack Russell Terriers. And yes, we became foster failures a few times over the years.
Dawn, can I ask why beagles and Jack Russels are considered hard to place?
This is based entirely on my own experience, but they are both stubborn breeds. Beagles were bred to hunt rabbits without much input from the hunter, they just herd the rabbits back to get shot. They don't retrieve. They just follow their noses. Likewise, terriers in general, but specifically JRT's, were bred to hunt vermin, again without the aid of the hunter.
Beagles are obsessed with their noses. Nose switches on and brain switches off. They can't hear you calling for them. I've had Beagles climb fences, dig under them, squeeze through gaps - anything to get to what they smell on the other side. Then once they're out, they are going to make a day of it. We've had all the neighborhood children aiding in the hunt to catch a Beagle on the loose. They are also loud and will sing the song of their people until the neighbors call in a noise complaint about their howling when you leave for work.
JRT's believe they are the top dog - everywhere. They have to be overconfident to go down a hole and fight whatever lives there. They have no idea they are small and will fight the neighbor's Rottweiler. I know because they have tried. If you ever watch lure coursing, they usually wear muzzles because there is almost always a skirmish between two of the dogs chasing the lure. I've had up to 5 terriers at a time - two JRT's or mixes thereof. They woke up every morning ready for Fight Club. Not all of them are like this, but enough to give them a reputation. Also, if you don't give a JRT a job to do, he will find one for himself, like removing your carpet, chewing the couch, the woodwork, the remote. They get bored easily and need to burn energy all day every day.
But I love both breeds because they are independent and I enjoy a dog with an attitude vs unconditional loyalty. They are both very loving breeds who keep you on your toes. For the right person, they are the best dogs. For an owner who doesn't know what to expect, it's a recipe for disaster.
Holy smokes!!! I never knew all that! After reading your description of a beagle’s nose I’m starting to wonder if my 90 lb mutt is actually a beagle lol. She is NON-STOP nose and also turns off all other senses when she’s on the trail of something. It’s fascinating to watch her but also annoying AF when I’m trying to go for a walk.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge about these two breeds. I would never know because I’ve only ever had mixed large-breed rescues.
Oh my goodness 100 dogs?!?! That is truly amazing Dawn ❤️ Beagles & Jack Russells are so dang cute, crazy too 😄