The news story of thousands of rescued beagles needing homes broke in July. Another story of rescued beagles saved from testing labs broke in August. 

These stories feel like a gentle nudge from the wet nose of our rescued beagle who died this past July. Is it time to get another pup? 

We tell her memory, “It’s a big decision to get a new pet who becomes a part of the family for years, just never enough years.”

Everyday, many people commit to bringing a new pet home. Yet pets lose their forever homes too often. Here are the reasons why.

Life changes. Most things can be negotiated for the pet, but who will the pet live with if not you?  

Animals change. They get bad, disruptive habits. They become old and sick. How will you handle these challenges?  

Resources change. Pets cost money. Are you equipped?  

People change. Pets take energy. No one wants to play or take care of the pet anymore. Wait, what?  

If any of these things happen, these unconditional friends are our responsibility.  We need to do everything we can to ensure a good, safe home. 

I have learned that pets get accustomed to the life we provide. They can be trained. They can spend time alone. They are forgiving and loving. They will take what we give and think it’s paradise. 

This is written in memory of our Maggie Mayhem pictured above. We’ll forever hear her howl.