Hi to all at BRSM,

My name is Lena – I was called Mary Ellen by BRSM but my new daddy changed my name to Lena which is the Russian version of Ellen. I have been in my forever home just over a month now. Most folks from BRSM didn’t get a chance to meet me. My mom saw me in Petsmart with Judy just after Judy had picked me up from being transported from Lexington, VA. Mom asked if she could pet me because I looked like the little sister of her beagle Oscar. Judy explained that I was rescue puppy looking for a home. I was about 10 months old and probably had been abandoned because I wouldn’t hunt. All this time I was sitting in the cart shaking because I had no idea what was going on.

Mom talked to me and Judy for a little longer then left to buy some stuff for Oscar. She went out to the car and called my dad and told him about meeting Oscar’s little sister. When he found out that I needed a home the decision was made – they wanted me! So mom went back into Petsmart to tell Judy and find out about the adoption process. A couple of pictures were taken of me so my new dad could see what I looked like. Mom went straight home and filled out the application on BRSM’ s website. Judy e-mailed back and let mom & dad know that I had been out running in Judy’s backyard.

Two days later Judy called to say I was being microchipped that night (very James Bond!) and could we come over the following night for the home visit. We arrived at my new home and my two new brothers came out to meet me and Judy. Dad came out and talked to me while Judy talked to Oscar the other beagle and Duncan, a West Highland White terrier.

I was very timid my first couple of days but I had my own bed and toys! Duncan explained to me that he was the boss but he was willing to play with me and share his stuffed toys. Tennis balls, on the other hand, were off limits and all his! Mom explained that Duncan is in training for something called flyball and that the obsessive behavior over balls is good for that. I don’t know – I think I would like to play with the tennis balls so Mom has promised to get me my own and we will play when Duncan isn’t around.

Oscar and I took a little while to sort things out. He wasn’t very happy with another beagle moving in on his food turf. We still have the occasional spat but I also like to sleep with Oscar under mom’s work desk on one of the dog beds.

I am still timid when we out to places like Petsmart. Mom has signed me up for obedience classes with Deb the cookie lady. Duncan comes with me to help my confidence and show me how things are done. Both Duncan and Oscar are Canine Good Citizens so I have a lot to learn. I have figured out sit and am working on come. If I am out sniffing I pretty much ignore everything! I am also working on quiet because I like to bark at people, cars and other dogs as they go by the house.

Dad takes me out running in the field across the street from our house. Other dogs play there along with people. I love to run and sniff. Mom can’t understand why anyone would give me up because she thinks I can sniff like nobody’s business. Dad thinks I should work for something called the Beagle Brigade – I don’t think so since I am quite happy sniffing in my own backyard.

So that is pretty much what I have doing for the past 6 weeks. The last week or so mom has started teaching me to jump over a flyball jump. She says I will make a great flyball dog because I run faster and corner better than Duncan. I like going over the jump because I get a tasty treat. Of course keeping my nose off the ground so I can focus on the jump can be a challenge! I am very busy all the time.

Thank you BRSM for my forever home. Mom and dad thank you for letting them adopt me. Duncan is very pleased with his new playmate and Oscar still has days he wishes I would go away. He’ll just have to get over it since I am staying!

Thanks again,

Lena, formerly known as Mary Ellen

PS:   I will let you know how the obedience classes go and when I get to go try a flyball class! Oh and I am going to someplace called Canada for Christmas which sounds cold.