MANSFIELD, Ohio – Richland Source is taking the term “newshound” quite literally these days.
Through the Humane Society of Richland County’s “Home for the Holidays” program, Richland Source is fostering Tess the beagle for the next month in our newsroom. The program allows families (even work families) to temporarily adopt a pet and give the animals the gift of a warm home for the holidays.
While Tess does make a friendly host to newsroom visitors, and a very cute distraction for reporters, our ultimate goal is to help find her a permanent home – possibly with one of our readers.
In the meantime, she hangs out with the staff during the day and goes home with Managing Editor Rhonda Bletner or another staff member in the evenings.
Friday, Veterinarian Cheryl Becker, and Staff Reporter Curt Conrad’s wife, paid an office visit.
Becker confirmed that Tess does not have fleas and her teeth are good. She and Curt brought her some toys and some healthy dog food. She also suggested walking her with a harness instead of just a leash because beagles are prone to neck problems. For Tess, it would be from all the tugging on the leash to get where her nose wants to take her.
For those readers who might be thinking about adopting our beagle, Bletner and reporter Brittany Schock are here to provide a little insight about beagle ownership and about Tess herself.
RB: So, Brittany, we didn’t choose a beagle purposely, she rather chose us. But knowing that you recently lost your beloved Sadie, I was curious about why you first chose a beagle.
BS: It’s true, this past April I had to do one of the hardest things I’ve ever done and say goodbye to my companion of the last 13 years, my beagle Sadie. Anyone who’s lost a pet knows firsthand the pain of parting with a creature that is truly man’s best friend, but anyone who loves dogs also knows that often another cuddly, loving, sometimes-smelly dog can help fill the void in your heart.
When I first met Tess at Richland Source, she reminded me so much of Sadie that it brought me back to the day I first got her. I was 13 years old, and fell in love with her so swiftly I ended up sleeping on the floor of my parents’ living room her first night at home so she wouldn’t be scared – Sadie spent the night curled up on the pillow next to my head.
Before Sadie’s arrival, I spent a long time researching dogs when I decided I wanted one. My dad had always had Labrador retrievers when I was growing up, but I decided I wanted a smaller dog that could live inside the house (much to my mother’s dismay). I wasn’t fond of the daintier dogs, I wanted a dog that was a little more athletic.
After vetoing terriers because of their tendency to yap, and influenced slightly by my love for the movie “Shiloh,” I decided on a beagle.
RB: In your research on beagles, what did you learn?
BS: The Humane Society of Richland County told us beagles are often harder to find homes for – this shocks me, because according to the American Kennel Club (AKC) beagles are the fifth most popular dog breed.
The AKC describes beagles as “solid, sturdy, and fairly easy to care for,” which is exactly what I was looking for in a dog. They’re also extremely friendly and happy-go-lucky, and good in homes with kids and other pets.
Beagles are pretty independent dogs, which is good if they need to be left alone for periods of time. However, this independence can also lead to stubbornness when it comes to training. I can’t tell you how many times I caught Sadie on my parents’ couch when she knew she wasn’t supposed to be up there, and I’d watch her slink guiltily away.
RB: Uh oh, I have to interject. Tess goes right for the couch and stays there; and I’m weak: I let her. We both slept on the couch the first night. Someone better adopt her quick and teach her some manners. And she definitely is trainable. She knows “sit” and “high five” and she’s getting used to “no” and “come,” which I use outside when I don’t want to be drug as far as that nose wants to lead.
BS: Which brings me to another point – beagles are extremely intelligent. In addition to the basic sit and stay commands, I was able to teach Sadie how to shake hands, roll over and give high fives. With patience and a pocket full of treats, I even taught her to run through a homemade obstacle course.
Beagles are also generally healthy dogs, with a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. General grooming of beagles to keep them healthy involve cleaning out their floppy ears, which are prone to wax, and brushing them regularly to keep their coats shiny.
RB: What was Sadie like as a house dog?
BS: A lot of people might shy away from having a beagle, or any type of hound, as a house dog because they are popularly known as hunting dogs for rabbits and hare. Personally, I found Sadie to be a great house dog, but their natural hunting instinct is something to keep in mind.
Because they were bred to hunt, beagles can be quite energetic. Without regular exercise, this pent-up energy can turn destructive – I had a stuffed monkey that was missing a good portion of its hand after Sadie got hold of it.
Regular walks and opportunities to run and let loose some of that hound energy is essential when owning a beagle, provided you keep a firm hold on the leash in case your beagle spots a squirrel or a rabbit and their instinct to follow their nose takes over.
Maize Memorial Dog Park in Ontario would be a great place to take a friendly beagle.
Once their energy is spent, beagles become the laziest, cuddliest dogs you’ll ever meet. Throughout her life, and especially in her later years, there was nothing Sadie liked more than taking a nap in my lap. But beware, beagles will take advantage of the comfy spots on your furniture.
RB: What do you think of Tess so far?
BS: If the stereotypical beagle according to the AKC is “curious, friendly and merry,” then Tess is the perfect example of a beagle. She has yet to meet a stranger in her time here at Richland Source, and when she’s not inspecting every inch of the office nose first she can easily cheer anyone up by popping in at their desk to say hello.
RB: She’s been at home with me three days now. We go outside frequently so we haven’t had any accidents, except the first night when she looked at me with those big brown eyes and I gave her some nibbles from my dinner plate. Later I found a mess outside the bathroom door. Too bad: She almost made it to the toilet!
BS: Tess is as comfortable straining at her leash while exploring outside as she is curled up in your arms. I guarantee it won’t be hard for Tess to find a loving home.
RB: I hope so! As I write now, she’s snoring…on the couch of course. But look at her, how can you not just think she’s sweet? And yes, those floppy ears are silky soft.
