THE TRAVELING BEAGLE

Sami's automatic pose when food or a treat is being offered

How many dogs can claim the distinction of leaving their mark (literally), in 49 of the 50 states? Our old girl (soon to be 14) Sami, has been around this great country of ours several times, and there's still new smells out there for her to discover. Even though she's slowed down considerably, and we see signs of her older age, our faithful Beagle still eagerly awaits for one of us to pick up the leash, and head for the door. We are starting to notice that her hearing is fading, but her sense of smell is as strong as ever. As I like to say, a Beagle is really just a nose, with four legs and a dog's body attached, and that nose rules most everything about Sami's behavior. When walking, if she gets a whiff of something in her nose, that begs for further exploration, the brakes are suddenly applied. In order to keep moving, one of two things must happen. Either, she gets enough of the curios odor, or the leash master must overcome the force of the four legged brake application.

As a puppy, she had to learn to live with a grumpy calico cat named Tera, who would not tolerate any of her attempts to be playful. Now, in her advanced years, she has learned to tolerate the antics of a young snowshoe cat named Gracie. Despite living her entire life in close quarters with a cat, she still thinks that cats, squirrels, and especially rabbits, were put on this earth for her to chase.

I probably feel like most pet owners, that their animals are part of the family, and are treated as such. No matter what species the pet is, a certain amount of commitment & sacrifice is required, and I'm often saddened by stories of abandoned, or mistreated animals. Our traveling Beagle is not one of those stories, and her presence in our life has brought much joy and happiness.

Can a Beagle really climb a tree?