Beagle Paws Rescue Stories

Sally and Honey Understandably, you don't print many stories of happy hunting beagles, because there aren't any to print. I'm not sure that you'll print this one, but I'm going to write it anyway.

In the Fall of 1998, I was introduced to rabbit hunting with beagles by a friend of mine from Grand Falls-Windsor (my former home). I had always spent time in the woods hunting over the years, but this style of hunting was new and very interesting to me. What made the experience even better, was the love and care shown for the dogs by their owner. Top the cake with the fact that these dogs are house dogs, and what you have is fun all around. Question is, could the dogs hunt?

To answer that question, one only has to visit my home. I was so impressed with their abilities (not to mention obedience) I had to have one for myself. Sally (Brown) was delivered to our home in February 2002. At six weeks old, I immediately started here in woods, making the experience fun as I went. At six months she made here first yap at a small rabbit while out for a stroll. This, mind you, from a dog that sleeps at the foot of our bed. At six months, amidst much mockery from fellow hunters, I took her to the vet to get her done (please note that it wasn't the first time at the vet - Sally has all her proper vac's as well). So what's the moral of this long story?

I have hunted with kennel dogs and house dogs. It is my personal opinion that kennel dogs cannot hold a candle to house dogs for rabbit hunting. Not only that, but no kennel dog has as much fun as my dog does when she's in the woods. When I put on my orange vest, she goes crazy! And if she's not having a good day, or the scent is weak, we sit back and have a lunch and enjoy the great outdoors together.

So please, before you (readers) banish the rabbit hunter as an unnecessary evil in this world, just keep in mind that although it only takes one bad apple to spoil the barrel, you should double check the barrel for any remaining good apples.

Congratulations on your efforts, and this website. The dogs deserve it.

Brad Collett, Torbay, NL

PS Attached is a picture of Sally with her best buddy Honey. Honey is four and also has some beagle blood in her. She tends to be a little more dainty and doesn't have the hunting blood, but Honey also loves a run in the woods. As you can see, they've got a superb home, and a bed each, even so they often squeeze into the same one!

Dear Beagle Paws,