Toby , My 4th Foster Dog

Sadly, my fourth foster dog, Toby, has crossed the bridge. Adopted in 2007, he has been a source of many funny beagle stories. Like the one where he ate his grandma's 90th birthday cake on Christmas Eve. Or when he went for a stroll around the neighborhood and came back with the neighbor dog's huge bone. I have had the pleasure of watching Tobias at my home for all those years. This is why I foster. Not only do I get a family for the foster dog, I also get a new family. My heart goes out to Susan and her family. I will miss Toby and our love for football.

2011 in Review

Looking back on 2011.....

 We fostered three dogs for Pet Haven. Tug took 9 months to find his forever home but he finally did!!

 Angelica came to us from Red Lake Rosie's Rescue. She was adopted in about two weeks.

 Ash was also a RLRR dog. He was so energetic-the opposite of Angelica. He was adopted a couple of weeks ago Happy new lives to all. Looking forward to getting a new foster dog soon.

 In June we had a family reunion to celebrate Walker's graduation. It was fabulous to have everyone together.

 Walker graduated with honors and went on to study at the U of M. He has finished his first semester and is interested in continuing his studies in anthropology. He has a band and is writing lots of music.

 Rescue Buddy Boarding & Beyond had many guests through the year. We had 'old timers' like Toby and

 Mister visit often.

And some new tails too like Edna and Captain.

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We are saddened by the passing of one of our guests, Jack, who crossed the rainbow bridge this past year. Jack, you were loved and are still missed every day.

As we reflect  on 2011 we are grateful for our family, friends and for all the furry kids that come to visit. Here's to some big changes in 2012! Stay tuned. Happy Peaceful New Year to all!

Me and Mini Me

Toby, a former Pet Haven foster dog of ours, is spending the night with us while his parents enjoy a fun evening out on the town. He and Orlando, our current Red Lake Rosie's Rescue foster, became friends right away. They look like Me and Mini Me-big hound and little beagle.

Toby is so much smaller than Orlando but that did not stop him from trying to tackle his new buddy. Toby did a lot of playing standing on his back legs. Look at how his ears are flying.

Even Orlando got into the flying ear play style. This shot with his ears up, makes Orlando look more like a shepherd.

At last Toby was able to wrestle Orlando to the ground. Way to go Mini Me. It is so fun to watch these boys romp around enjoying this fabulous weather.

And where was our dog Buddy this whole time? Running around with the ball of course.

Toby and Paden in the snow.

Our Christmas rush is winding down. Toby the beagle is our last guest still waiting for his family to return from their holiday trip. Here is a video of him and our Pet Haven foster dog playing in the snow. Toby was our 4th foster three years ago. He is now with a wonderful patient family that loves him so much even with his beagles antics. Paden is our 28th foster dog still waiting for her special family.

Gotta Love a Beagle!

Beagles are one of my favorite breeds. We have had four foster beagles. They are social, curious, intelligent, and brave. Beagles have a joy for life that is contagious. Which is why-in my opinion-this very vocal breed has survived. Made famous by the Peanuts character-Snoopy,beagles were bred in England as trail hounds to hunt rabbits. When they have the scent they bark to alert hunters of the whereabouts of their prey. The purpose of the white tail tip is to make them easy to follow in the field-kind of a white flag location marker.

This weekend we had a former foster beagle stay with us. Toby is a beautiful three year old red tick beagle. Friends and fellow Pet Haven volunteers, Cindy and daughter Elanor came over to meet him. In 2007 they wanted to add Toby to their family but his current owner had already adopted him. They did however find the beagle of their dreams in another Pet Haven dog, Annie.

Beagles are scent hounds and have a tendency to ignore everything but an interesting scent. They are likely to get in trouble following their nose into the garbage or even worse onto your dining room table. Annie pictured above in a 'mocha comma' had just helped herself to a brownie mix and coffee grounds. Baaad girl!

If you are looking for an all around good family dog a beagle could be for you. They are not good apartment dwellers because of their loud voices. Here is a little video of Toby and Mister playing. Well mostly Toby doing what beagles do best-BARK!