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Hi!  I'm Gracie, mother to countless numbers of beautiful beagles like myself.  After a long career as a breeder dog I am enjoying a happy retirement.  Here's how it happened:

I was dropped off at a shelter and then was brought to Beagle Rescue of Southern Maryland.  I was sick and easily frightened.  When I was let out in to the yard in the evening, I dug a hole in the dirt to sleep in.  The rescue gave me to a new foster mom who took me for a car ride.  I was terrified until she gave me half of the meat in her hamburger.  Then, every fear disappeared!

I have been to the vet many times.  My mom doesn't understand why I am so tired all the time, but she never had to live in an outdoor pen.  My mom took her other older beagle "Wish" and me for an "old dog walk."  We covered two blocks in forty minutes with lots of sniffing along the way.  She put dog stairs by her bed so I could climb up, cause I can't jump.  My back legs barely support my weight.

In April of 2008, Pearl and Marney (my beagle sisters) and I went to a BRSM fundraiser in Annapolis.  I saw Pearl going up to strangers to be petted.  I tried it.  People petted and adored me.  It was a fantastic experience; the first time in my life that people cared about me like that.  I went up to people over and over and  I really appreciated their kindness.  This is a very different life than the one from my past and it's nice!

My foster mom moved in May and officially adopted me.  She takes her three younger beagles on leash and puts Wish and me in a dog stroller.  We relish the fresh country air without having to walk.  The rest of the time I wander in the yard or sit on the bed looking out of the window.  I'm fed, cared for and allowed to sleep indoors.  I'm also loved.  It's quite the life!

9/08