Beech Tree News Network

Growing up as a young boy in the farmland of Michigan I am no stranger to the outdoor world. Many times have I heard the crunch of snow under my boots during the frigid winters or felt sweat stinging my eyes while baling hay beneath the hot August sun. Field corn had to be planted by Memorial Day and should be knee high by July 4th, is how the old guys put it. After the corn was put in the silos in October it was also time to pheasant hunt. A good hunting dog to have along with you was like having a multi tool at your side.
It seemed like we always had a dog around, I guess it was ours because we fed him and he stayed with us. When you’re ten years old it really doesn’t matter what kind of dog it is, it’s just comforting to have a companion that doesn’t say something like “Son it’s time to mow the lawn, and you know if you don’t your mother is going to get after you with the wooden spoon” Sandy the Collie was with us for many years and helped me form the beginning of an affectionate bond for dogs for a long time to come.
Years went by and I finally realized that now I was one of the old guys. I had retired from career number one of retailing. After spending thirty five years of working in different parts of the country I was really looking forward to spending time on my photography. Most of my photography is done on the weekends and with the wife working I had plenty of free time during the week. Taking up drinking and chasing women would not be a good idea and the gambling places were too far away. It was time to get a dog. Part of my early upbringing included getting taught that dogs do not belong in the house and it took me awhile to get used to the idea of having an animal inside. We went ahead and did some research and after much discussion I, or we, decided on a Beagle. They had all the traits that would make life more interesting without things getting out of control. They are smart, affectionate and like to take naps.  Knowing that Beagles are mainly working dogs I was a little concerned about one having enough space in our house on our 1/3 acre lot in our subdivision, but a few good walks a day should solve that problem. The answer came one morning by way of the local TV channel. The Animal Shelter was showing dogs up for adoption and it just happened to feature a hybrid, note not mutt, Beagle/ Basset hound.

Bringing a dog into the house also involves a learning curve both for the dog and the owner and Indie was no exception. You learn real quick like where not to leave food set out at.. I swear that even a 13" Beagle can stretch herself out to be at least seven feet long.  It also involves things like being a potty coach, part time psychiatrist and giving out treats for doing the right thing. Indie our male dog took to life at our house so well we decided to watch the local morning TV show again, and would you believe that they had another Beagle up for adoption. Knowing that Beagles are very social dogs and feeling that Indie was feeling lonely, I signed up for another term of potty coaching and we brought home Toni.

The Beagle lifestyle is very easy to get used to. Eat a little, take a walk and then take a nap. Then it’s grab a snack, walk or do a some work and take another nap. Normally we go out every morning on foot and conduct a rabbit patrol, but sometimes we jump in my van. If you have never seen two Beagles with their heads sticking out of the window of a vehicle howling away and a rabbit running across the street you are missing some real entertainment. Usually we patrol for rabbit action but we got lucky one day and spotted a wild turkey. By the way, in case you are wondering, a Beagle can trail a turkey until it gets airborne.

Jim Baird for Beechtree News