Big On Beagles

By Lorraine Houston

Big On Beagles otherwise known as ‘BOB’ is an organization that founder Marna Gale refers to as “an assistance agency for beagles experiencing troubled times”. Although many dog folks say that the hounds can be described as a nose with a dog attached, Marna likes to portray the beagle as a heart with a dog attached. Her passion for the beagle types began over a decade ago when she fostered and eventually adopted her first beagle mix, Darwin. She says the beagle is a sensitive, loving and inexplicably happy-go-lucky dog and with such glowing characteristics it makes it easier to overlook their high food drive and endless passion for the common garbage can! Sadly, misunderstood beagles and beagle mixes end up in animal shelters at an alarming rate. Why, you might ask - Marna has some theories based on her experiences; “Most love food and will go to great lengths to unearth it, they are high energy, social dogs who need an active, engaging exercise routine even as they age, they are adorable as puppies and often people purchase them without researching their needs–they are literally making a 15 year decision on “cuteness” and last but not least owners allow their dogs off leash privileges without training or realizing that their beagle will indeed follow the nose”. The majority of dogs BOB takes into their rescue program are from shelters and have been admitted as strays. Sheltering facilities often call BOB for assistance, especially for the harder to place dogs, and whenever possible BOB is there to lend a paw. “The ones with special needs and/or health issues, the seniors, the overweight ones, the beagles lacking in confidence with an assortment of emotional baggage in tow are the dogs who are often overlooked at shelters”, says Marna adding “we try and help as many as we can, but we are limited to the number of foster homes available”. All dogs cared for by BOB are spayed or neutered, fully vetted and microchipped. A full assessment of each dog’s personality is given by the foster parents to ensure suitable adoption match ups. To learn more about Big on Beagles visit www.bigonbeagles.petfinder.com or call 416-693-5590

Since 1976, Lorraine Houston has been involved in the plight of homeless, abandoned dogs and has worked in animal shelters in the US and Canada. She is a feature writer for Dogs, Dogs, Dogs! a Maxwell Award winner from the Dog Writers Association of America, an evaluator for Therapeutic Paws of Canada and the director of Speaking of Dogs an organization devoted to education, outreach and rescue. Lorraine is an advocate for humane training, rescue/shelter dog adoptions and relationships built on kindness and respect. She and her family have fostered hundreds of dogs and found home for thousands of others. www.speakingofdogs.com

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