Beagle Paws Rescue Stories

Sidney the Beagle

Seven years ago, in July 1995 I bought my first house. I installed plush new carpet and added fresh painted to the walls. Days after I moved in my mother asked me if I would take a puppy, a little tri-colour thing with big floppy years and legs so long that I thought he would never grow into them. I immediately said NO. After I spent a couple of hours with him he grew on me and I took him for One night. I forgot to tell you how he was found. My mother's stepson was walking along the alders on the Trans Canada Highway on a misty day and saw a ball of fur lying in the bushes. He thought it was a dead cat. The little head turned to him and Shawn couldn't resist. He brought him to my mother who already had two dogs. She begged me to take him.

That leads me to the day in July 1995. I took him dog house and all and put him in the back yard. He whimpered for hours. I couldn't stand to hear him crying. I moved him and the doghouse up to my new deck. The crying continued. What was I to do? It's 3 a.m. and the first time I've ever been responsible for a dog. I went out to his little home and brought him into the house. I put a blanket on the floor and he fell fast asleep. I decided he would stay in my home and in my life forever and named him Sidney. Wherever I went, including house parties, beach parties and dinner parties, Sid went too. Everyone loved him and he loved people. Everyone knew him as the beagle who loved beer stoppers. I know it's weird but for some reason he loved to chase and chew beer stoppers and no other kind. As I write this my heart is breaking and I can't control the flow of tears. He was a wonderful pet whose life ended too soon.

In February, about one week after my dear Nanny died, Sidney died from gall bladder disease. I didn't even know he was sick. He had had some ailments last summer, he was famous for ear infections, but he had been treated and vaccinated as per normal. He had lost some weight but I thought it was because I had cut back his human food consumption and had been exercising him more. But my ex had him for one week and called me to say he wasn't well. When I went to see Sidney he was laying on the floor just barely breathing. When he heard my voice he moved his head and tail to acknowledge my presence. I kissed his face and belly and told him to hang on. But by the time I wrapped him in his blankey he took his last breath. To this day I still can't believe he's gone. I rushed him to the vet but it was too late.

When I hear about the abuse beagles in this province and the rest of the country endure it makes me very angry to know that such wonderful animals are taken for granted. Thank-you for letting me share my story about how Sidney the beagle touched my life. I'll forever be grateful to the happiness and joy he brought me.

Bonnie Belec, Newfoundland

If you have a rescue story to share please email us at info@beaglepaws.com

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