Hugo, obviously caroling

In September I moved to Maryland from Chicago. It was a tough adjustment as I had only a few weeks to move and get my affairs in order. In October I decided to get myself a companion. I went to PetFinder.com and searched for a dachshund. One of the first entries was for a 28lb, 3-year old beagle-doxi mix named Hugo Boss. I have to admit, I wasn't looking for a beagle as I had never owned one before, I grew up with dachshunds, but what caught my eye was the name, Hugo Boss; so I clicked on the picture and there he was. Hugo Boss, one of the most oddly proportioned dogs I have ever seen... yet he seemed to have a very original cuteness about him. I immediately went to the beaglemaryland.com website to read on about Hugo. There were more pics and a bio. The pics showed that he was a very handsome beagle with a very good disposition, but he had been in foster for 6 months. That made me wonder, "why?" When I finally got to see Hugo at the PAWS pet walk and spend some time with him, it turned out he was used to test other dogs temperaments because of his overwhelming good disposition, and had a very loving foster family. The team at Beagle Maryland filled me in on the breed and what to expect should I decide to get Hugo. After my first walk with him, I fell in love and picked him up the following Friday, October 11th (my birthday coincidentally). Hugo turned out to be the best b-day gift I have ever received. Within two weeks he was completely house-trained, within a month he was able to go off leash in enclosed areas, and turned out, "yes" Hugo was very good with other dogs, children, strangers, cats...everyone. He truly is the most obedient, friendliest and loving dogs I have ever had the pleasure of having.

It is a testament to Beagle Maryland, their volunteers and fosters, who took in Hugo and fought for him to avoid being euthanized. The folks there know the breed, know how to work with strays and provide a great atmosphere for someone to let the dog of their dreams find them.

Thanks to all at Beagle Maryland, especially Ewa, for your help, time, and rescuing Hugo, the best looking, friendliest dog in Maryland and truly the greatest companion a fella could ask for.

Happy New Year from Patrick, Martha, and Hugo

12/07