www.atlantabeaglerescue.org

We love, love, LOVE our adopters. They are so special and every one of them make what we do worthwhile. For us it's not just about the dogs - it's about the people too. Dogs are only 50% of the equation.

We have adopters who have lost a beloved pet and want to fill some of the hole left behind by rescuing a dog in need. Some adopters are getting their own dog as an adult for the first time. We love when adopters want to get a companion for an existing pet; they realize the importance of their dog having a pal who really speaks her language.

We recently had an adoption that was definitely a match meant to be. The adopter wanted to write something for us to tell other people about her experience adopting from a rescue. We were very flattered and are happy to present her letter here for you. So please, read on...

Dear Atlanta Beagle Rescue,

Happy-go-lucky is the best way that I can describe Bailey (aka Boscoe). It’s been two weeks since he joined our family, and he has fit right in. Since he’s still going through his heartworm treatment, I haven’t let him wrestle and romp beagle-style with my six-year-old beagle, Charlie. But that hasn’t stopped these two boys from becoming buds. They hang out on the couch together looking out the window and surveying the parking lot of my apartment complex. They alert me with sweet (and occasionally ear-piercing) beagle bays if any other dogs are outside or any humans are walking by. They love to go for walks together are very respectful of each other’s space. They usually walk side by side and follow the same scents together.

I want to thank Atlanta Beagle Rescue so much for helping me bring Bailey into our family and for making the adoption process so easy. Bailey came from Fulton County Animal Services, and I remember seeing his picture on their website before ABR took him. I had been looking for an adult male beagle to be a playmate for Charlie and had been watching the shelters’ websites, as well as the local pet rescue sites. It has always been a struggle for me when I look at shelter websites. I want to save all of the sweet faces but know I can’t. When I saw Bailey’s picture on FCAS’s site, I really debated about whether or not to go meet him. Unfortunately, adopting an animal from a shelter can sometimes be a leap into the unknown – specifically relating to the health of the dog. The shelters aren’t equipped or financially able to give each dog a thorough exam, so when you adopt, you’re not 100% sure about the health of the dog. I knew I could afford another dog but I also knew it would be very difficult for me to meet the needs of a dog that might be sick from the beginning.

So … I decided that I would go the pet rescue route. With most pet rescues, the dogs get that thorough exam and are given all the necessary vet care to be healthy, happy dogs. The rescue groups want to make sure there are no surprises for the dog’s new family – and Atlanta Beagle Rescue is no exception.

I was so excited when I saw Bailey’s picture on ABR’s site. I contacted the adoption coordinator right away and got a quick response. I had listed out what I was looking for in a dog, and they felt that Bailey matched perfectly. After we did the meet and greet and started to go ahead with the official adoption, the bad news came. Bailey had heartworms. This is such devastating news because it’s such an avoidable illness with monthly prevention. ABR asked me if I still wanted to adopt him, letting me know from the get-go that they would cover the cost of his treatment. Of course I still wanted him! Knowing that ABR would help us through the heartworm treatment, both financially and emotionally, took any apprehension I felt away.

And so far, everything has been great. There have been a couple of times that I’ve had questions about Bailey’s care, and ABR has been more than happy to answer my questions (and offer reassurance). I know that they aren’t going to leave me out in the cold now that I’ve paid the adoption fee and taken the dog. ABR does what they do because they have a deep love for the dogs. They want to make sure they are healthy and are a good match for the adopter’s family. I couldn’t have asked for anything more in this experience. Thank you, thank you, thank you! And Charlie and Bailey thank you too!

All my best,
Michele

Charlie (left) with his new buddy Bailey (right)