Tommy was my first best friend; a black and white, short-haired tomcat who was my responsibility, and who, when no-one else was looking, slept on my bed when I was a kid. He comforted me, inviting me to think while he purred. I loved him, and still enjoy cats. However, decades later, in 1991, when my husband’s business kept him away for weeks at a time, I decided I needed a dog to come home to when Creighton was gone.

Creighton and Scooter meet

Scooter at 7 months

At three months old, Scooter came home with me, and our love of beagles began.

Dad, Scooter and me.

Scooter with best friend Jo Jo

With a six foot fence built into six inches of concrete, our yard became a safe haven for beagles. Over the years we took in Jacques, a scoundrel who had been dumped in the neighborhood, and we adopted nine-year old Mattie, the only beagle we’ve had who came with papers.

Jacques

Mattie Magoo

You can imagine the challenge it was to take a walk with three sniffing hounds on retractable leashes. Often I was wrapped up like a maypole! When Scooter, then Mattie passed, and knowing Jacque was aging fast, we adopted Josie from the local Humane Society. Small, scared and sweet, she thrived in our loving home.

Josie at the Beach

Our hearts broke when, within a year or so we noticed Josie was not eating and learned that she had terminal renal failure. Such a loss – we took it hard. She passed before we left on a two week trip. Immediately upon returning home, I was in beagle withdrawal. Through Portland Beagle Rescue, we found Jello. She was 4 when we adopted her – this Christmas she’ll be 9.

Jello at sunrise

Jello is a frequent subject in my posts; she is smart, photogenic, and an absolute love.

To Tina, thank you for this sweet challenge. I’m thinking of you as Hurricane Dorian storms along the Carolinas. Hope you are safe and sound.

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