In 2015, after a few chance encounters with Colorado Beagle Rescue, I started gravitating my own personal rescue work more toward this breed who has a unique need. Most people assume our rescue work is rooted in our love for these silly little dogs, and while I do adore them, our work is based more on need than on love. Few people know what a vicious cycle the life of a stray hunting dog can be, being bounced around from shelter to shelter after being cast away by new owners who think they can get them to hunt, then leaving them stray in the woods when they fail. Few also know what awesome companion dogs they are – beagles have battled the stigma of being nonstop barkers for years, and as a “yard dog” with no stimulation that can certainly be true, but as a companion they’re one of the most easygoing breeds out there! Still though, they’re near the bottom of the desired breeds list for most Arkansas adopters. Luckily, many folks in Colorado love this breed for its stamina and hardiness, as well as its travel-friendly size. Thanks to CBR’s dedication to helping with the massive pet overpopulation in the South, our relationship with this spectacular organization has grown deeper and deeper into our hearts and across the Hounds Hideaway pet parent population. Over a hundred beagles and four years later, we created a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization called Beagle Basecamp, which helps provide care for the beagles we rescue until they are ready to go to Colorado. Local foster families (oftentimes our own pet parents!) help socialize the rescued beagle, help it overcome any past trauma it may have experienced, and see them through any vet care needed to get them to a state of great health. Beagle Basecamp helps pay for heartworm treatments and prevention, flea and tick prevention, and additional vet care to help offset the financial burden Colorado Beagle Rescue so graciously takes on when they agree to help our dogs. Beagle Basecamp even helps pay for collars, leashes, and anything else our foster families might need to help care for their sweet beagles. Once our beagles are healthy, Colorado Beagle Rescue helps to match them with potential adopters who are typically giddy with excitement to welcome their new family members! We have been fortunate to work with another amazing organization called Pilots N Paws, a volunteer group of pilots who fly our dogs to Colorado so they don’t have to endure a two to three day car trip to their new lives. Our friends in Colorado often share photos of their new pets and share stories about how thankful they are to have come across one of our “Arkanbeagles” as we love to call them.
Please keep in mind the following policies regarding adoption from Beagle Basecamp: A fenced yard is required for all adoptions unless otherwise noted. Hounds/beagles are not typically suited for apartment living and are not typically good off-leash without a fenced area. Home visits are conducted for all potential adopters - this is to ensure fencing is secure and there aren’t any unknown hazards that might affect the incoming dog. Vet references are also checked for any current pets. Current pets must be spayed/neutered (if over 8 months old), up to date on all vaccines, and on heartworm and flea/tick prevention. All adoptions include a one week trial period, during which the adopter can return the dog and the adoption fee will be refunded. We want to make sure the pet is the right fit all the way around before finalizing an adoption. Adoption fees are $175 unless otherwise noted, and include the spay/neuter of the dog, vaccines, and microchip. We consider this a bargain, as the majority of dogs we take in come to us with health issues that cost several hundred dollars to treat. All healthcare is completed before adoptions are finalized and Beagle Basecamp does not make profit from adoption fees.