Stories

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A Lovely Beagle Girl Named Lady

Sometime in 2004, I received a message regarding an adult female beagle that needed to be surrendered. Her elderly owner had been experiencing some major health issues and would be going to live in Southern California with her relatives there. Lady was temporarily going to be staying with some other relatives in the East Bay until another home could be found for her. She was described as an active and loving 6 1/2 yr. old beagle, and we were sure that she would be a cinch to place in a caring home – that is, until we first saw her.

Lady was born as a healthy, normal beagle pup - playful and full of energy. However, over the past year before we met her, she experienced great difficulties. Her elderly owner had dementia and was unable to properly care for her. We heard that Lady had been left in a crate for hours on end and was fed anything but nutritional food, mostly hot dogs. Unfortunately, her family was too far away to know what was happening. As a result of a dangerous diet and cramped quarters, she developed what is called Collapsed Carpi Syndrome (CCS), also known as "down in the pasterns". This rare condition is usually seen in puppies as a genetic disorder and is more or less correctable through diet and nutritional supplements. In an adult dog, this is the extremely rare result of poor nutrition and can be somewhat bettered through diet changes and supplements, but often this is simply not enough to correct the joint deformity. Below is a picture of Lady’s disfigured legs.

My husband and I were amazed as we saw this beautiful girl dragging herself towards us, eager for a belly rub and a kind word. She was so sweet and happy, not seeming to mind at all that she could barely move herself a few feet. We were determined to help her somehow. Tipping the scale at 42 lbs., she definitely needed to shed some weight. A wonderful long-term foster home was found for her and she spent the next 6 months eating better and getting regular exercise – she even lost 20 lbs. Her legs were still deformed and her front paws are floppy at the joint but she manages a sort of scoot/walk which is a definite improvement from dragging herself with her front legs.

Little Lady had to undergo many tests and several surgeries to help her walk upright again. Our vet generously donated his time and resources to help Lady and made it his personal mission to help better her condition, however long that might take. She does take pain medication as her bones grind on each other when she walks and the vet suggested wrapping her ‘elbows’ when she is out on the pavement.

Lady was permanently adopted by her foster parents and has become a wonderful part of their family. They continue to explore options with the vet to help her. She is so happy and has been a joy to watch over the years.

Mandy We had been without a dog since the summer of 2005. Lady, our Labrador-mix, had been put down due to illness and old age. At the time, we had no intention of getting another dog. For the first time in ten years, there was no dog poop in the backyard and no dog hair on our clothes. That part was nice. However, we missed the sound of happy barking, the comfort, and the love that Lady had provided for so many years. In the fall, Dad started talking about beagles and the possibility of getting one through a rescue organization. I wasn’t even sure what a beagle looked like. Of course, I found out, after Mandy was brought home. Even though she was full grown, she seemed so small compared to Lady and she was afraid of everyone. We weren’t told much about her. We know she’d been in other homes and none had worked out. We were her last chance. Mandy is so beautiful, with her sad eyes and soft coat. Some of her favorite things to do include ripping the squeakers out of her squeaky toys, sitting by “the box” (the refrigerator), looking out the window, following us around the house, sniffing about the yard, sleeping in while we get ready, going on walks, and riding in the car. She’s a typical beagle who loves to play and really loves to eat. Her walk is dainty, but proud. She’s happiest when we are together. We no longer miss the sound of happy barking because Mandy provides plenty of it, along with comfort and love. She will for many years, just as Lady did, and for that we are grateful. We love her so much! -Amy Welch

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