It all started a few months ago when I saw a post on the almighty Facebook talking about beagles and their use in testing of various products, medications, chemicals etc. I looked over at my beagle baby, Stu-E, who was curled up next to me on the couch and wondered how this was possible. This was the first of many tears I shed for these poor animals.
Upon further research, I learned that up to 70,000 beagles every year are used as test subjects. Some tests seem rather harmless and some are truly horrifying. Do a Google Image search "Animal testing on Beagles" and you will see what I mean....(or don't do that at all and trust me...it's very disturbing).
Next, I downloaded an app for my phone that allows me to scan all of the cosmetics, bath and cleaning products in my home to see what is tested on beagles and what is not. Believe it or not, Kirby's suntan lotion was the ONLY thing NOT tested on Beagles. Since that time, as we use things up, we are replacing them with Beagle friendly products. Lucky for us, my good friend Nicole, owns a WONDERFUL little shop on Mackinac called Little Luxuries and they carry lots of good options. We have switched our laundry soap, bath soap, fabric softener and several of my cosmetics so far and will continue to make changes as we run through our inventory at home. I am happy that several of our friends and relatives have follows suit and done the same. Cousin Kate bought all new cosmetics and Wylie is conscious of what is a is not cruelty free too. This is all good and gives me a warm feeling, but I knew we needed to do more...
Through my research, I learned of several animal rescue organizations that are working hard to free beagles and other animals from labs and place them in loving homes. Some are really focused on not testing on animals at all and some are focused on placing "retired" beagles with families. Beagle Rescue League and Beagle Freedom Project seem to be 2 of the larger ones, but there really wasn't anything in our area. Enter an animal rescue in Des Plaines, IL. They are about 8 hours from our house, but closer than anyone else. They were in contact with us about beagle who was to be "retired" from a research facility near them and would we like to give him a home?
My initial, gut reaction was, "Of course we will take him." Then my brain kicked in...this is going to be hard. This little guy is 4 years old and has never been outside, never walked on a leash, never socialized outside of a research environment, never had treats, never lead the life of a family pet. I was truly torn. I really wanted to give this guy a lot of love and a new life, but with our crazy schedule and already having our 1 1/2 year old beagle Stu E, was that the right move, right now? There were, and are, lots of "What if's" going through my head, but Kirby really put it in to perspective...either we are going to save this dogs life or we are not. A crazy life with us would be better for him than no life at all.
Soooooo...Little Murph-E was rescued last Thursday. Independence Day means a whole new thing for him now. He has spent the last week with his Foster Family while we make arrangements to pick him up. We have enjoyed daily updates from his Foster Mom that included a video of the first time Murph sniffed grass. They have been working with him on housebreaking and socializing him with people and other dogs. By all reports, we have another lover on our hands. His foster Mom said he is a very sweet dog and is enjoying exploring and sniffing everything he can. He didn't eat for several days and they tried many different food and finally Murph-E decided he would like canned Alpo mixed with rice and kibble and small Milk Bones. We will have to shop before his arrival.
If all goes according to plan, Murph-E will be arriving to Mackinac Island on Friday and begin his new life.
Stay tuned for more updates.............
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Jennifer, I always knew you were awesome, and this just puts the icing on the cake. What a wonderful gift you are giving Murph-E - a chance to live his life as any fun-loving beagle should, surrounded by a loving family and a fellow Beagle bro! Can't wait till he finds out his new home is Mackinac Island. That's about as good as it gets for pooches! Way to go, Jennifer and Kirby - and, of course, Stu E!
ReplyDeleteJennifer...I'm here from Bree's blog. As a fellow Michigander and dog-lover, I'd love to follow along on your adventure with your newest family member, Murph-E.
ReplyDeleteI saw a video a couple of years ago...it showed a dozen or so young beagles who were walking on grass for the very first time, having been used as test dogs since birth. I'm not ashamed to say I cried...a lot. It broke my heart to think these beautiful pups knew only laboratory life until that very moment. I was reminded of that video this week when I was researching flea and tick treatments. I try to use natural products, but living in Florida now...sometimes I have to cave to nature and use something stronger. The packaging actual read something to the effect "...this medicine was tested on beagle puppies beginning at 8 weeks of age and given multiple doses over several weeks..." I simply can't imagine the life of a lab beagle.
But...I predict Murph-E will have the best life from this day forward! Congrats on your new pup....all the best, Tina B