I honestly think it’s okay that I’ve started thinking/talking about my next dog. Here’s how I see it. Had I just gotten a divorce, let’s say, or become widowed, and then I showed up with a new wife 3 weeks later . . . yeah, that would be in poor taste. People would talk. And rightfully so. But with this dog situation, it’s really different. I never had a dog till I had Ricky. Then I had Ricky for almost 11 years. And when he died, I knew — didn’t even have to think about it, just knew — that I couldn’t be without a dog. So the next dog won’t be here to replace Ricky; it’ll be here because of Ricky. It’ll be a tribute to Ricky. (There. How’s that?)
I’ve been spending a good bit of time with my friend Mark’s German Shepherd, Luke Jr. He’s a sweet dog, a beautiful dog. We seem to get along really, really well, though he’s super-attached to Mark. Over the years that I’ve had Ricky, I’ve met a number of shepherds, loved them all — and the German Shepherd owners I know swear by the breed. I’d have to say that all other things being equal, I’d want to get a German Shepherd. But all other things are not equal. Carol does not want a large dog. And she says she’s afraid of German Shepherds. Furthermore, she says, everyone’s afraid of German Shepherds. Do you want everyone to be afraid of your dog? My
quick, knee-jerk, wise-ass answer is . . . “Maybe.” But truthfully, I really liked that everyone fell at Ricky’s feet and worshipped his sweet nature and his good looks. And I suppose I wouldn’t be all that comfortable if I sensed people were crossing the street at the sight of me and my dog.
Of course, there’s the Golden. Brodie was always one of my favorite dogs; in fact, I’m sure Ricky is pestering him right now in doggy heaven. Molson, at the dry cleaners, is an absolute sweetheart. And Angus, at the gym, is totally irresistable. But again . . . big.
Now if I were to try to mollify Carol, and go for a small breed, I suppose the Cavalier King Charles would be my favorite. Drop-dead adorable faces on those little critters. Supposedly perfect in terms of their disposition. Our friend Marybeth was madly in love with her Tanner. Ditto for Robby’s friend Jake and his Rocco. And my writing student Bernice and her Tommy. But they are awfully small. I actually wanted to go bigger than Ricky, not smaller . . .
So then we have the Buhund. I know, I know, you never heard of the breed. It was certainly not my goal
to go for some weird breed that people would have to look up; it would actually be kind of a pain in the neck. Think Akita — but half the size — if you want to get a picture. Carol’s colleague at work has one — Gustav (he’s already made two appearances in Beagle Man: “Ricky the Beagle for RTM” and “National Take Our Dogs To Work Day“) — and Carol’s absolutely in love with this animal. Calls him “the perfect dog.” I’ve met him, and he is a very cool dude. So I started doing a little wikipedia-ing. And the first thing I noticed is something I knew, but had forgotten: The breed is not called simply “Buhund”; it’s “Norwegian — or Norsk — Buhund.” It’s from Norway! My favorite country! And the dogs go about 25 to 40 pounds when fully grown. Perfect! A bit bigger than my Ricky, but still able to ride shotgun comfortably. I read on and saw that Buhunds are “extremely lovable and are known for their love of children.” Good — no street-crossing at the sight of my dog. “Loves to cuddle and give kisses to their masters and families.” Good again: Ricky was a big kisser, and we’re a big dog-kissing family. “Highly intelligent.” Nice.
But here’s what really caught my eye: “It is also an ideal dog for people who are athletic and desire a dog to go running, hiking or biking with. O-M-G!!! This is exactly what I had in mind when we got Ricky! Trouble is, Carol and I had so thoroughly convinced ourselves we wanted a beagle that when we did our so-called “due diligence,” we only heard answers the way we wanted to hear them. So when I asked the experts, “Will a beagle go running with me,” the answer that came back was, “Well . . . not really; they’ll want to stop and sniff every 10 yards or so.” But what I heard was: “Sure, a beagle will run with you!”
So now we’re looking at a dog that’s the perfect size, the perfect temperament, a jock . . . I’m getting myself all worked up, when another of my writing students sends me a link to a photo of a foster dog available via Petfinder, a positively heart-melting little beagle/Australian Shepherd mix named Bennie. The pup is beautiful, like Ricky, and
looks 95% beagle — but I’m thinking, maybe he’s got just enough Aussie in him so he’s not stubborn, food-obsessed, and untrainable, like every beagle I’ve ever heard of . . .
But I don’t want to rush into this precipitously. It’s a big decision for me, and I’d like to get it right. Purebred, or shelter-dog? I’m hearing there’s a lot to be said for mixes, especially in terms of avoiding diseases that are associated with a particular breed. Big dog, medium dog, little dog? Puppy, or no? (I say definitely yes. Carol says definitely no. Oy.)
So I can absolutely use your input. Please feel free — in fact, I encourage you — to weigh in via the “Leave a Reply” box at the bottom of this post.
And yes, Robby, the first thing we’ll say to Future Dog will be: “You are not Ricky.”
LOOK FOR A NEW BEAGLE MAN POST EVERY THURSDAY. OR PRETTY CLOSE TO THURSDAY. COULD BE WEDNESDAY. OR FRIDAY. LET’S NOT GET TOO OBSESSIVE HERE . . . 
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Okay- you mentioned THREE Goldens– and not a peep about Archie– my RESCUE THERAPY dog– who goes to the park and hikes with Rick. I’m only slightly offended…
Sorry. Archie and I haven’t hung out that much . . .
Hi Hank-
What a wonderfully and thoughtfully written article.
China was a gift and purchased at a pet store(horrors!)She was born with severe Arthritis.If I ever get another dog it will be a foster.They are so grateful and as you have seen on pet finders,there are so many in need of homes.
Whatever dog you and Carol choose will be very lucky,indeed.
While at my heart I’m a cat person in my dotage, I grew up with and around dogs. The dog of my heart was a mixed-breed Great Dane/Boxer. Probably not what Carol would want! 100+ pounds of love and my best friend. My parents loved Airedales but they, too are a bit big and let’s talk high strung! Our last dog was a mostly-Beagle and very sweet but we could swap stubborn, scent and food obsessed stories!
My vote is for a shelter dog. Rescued souls are the sweetest and usually grateful. I have a new grand-dog named Jenna who is about the best dog in the state! She’s a mixed Lab about 2 years old, 50 pounds and all of it love. She loves her “boys” my grandsons adore her and she returns the favor.
You’ll know when you see your next pup. A new dog helps the healing and it’s a tribute to Ricky.
Yes, you MUST have a dog! Same way I’m still feeling. The pic made me miss Brodie even more. Summer will become lobbying season!
Oh, and the Behund sounds great and the pups are adorable.
I’m all for the rescue thing. There are a lot of dogs that need homes. But, you never know their previous circumstances, so there is a chance things won’t be perfect. Same holds true for a pure breed. You don’t know what the personality will be. People say “check out the parents.” That’s a lot of bunk. Look at me! Am I like my parents? (Don’t answer that!) So, we’re kind of even there. If I were to get dogs again (and I still have 3 so this is just speculation) shedding would be a major concern. There is nothing I put on these days that doesn’t have labrador fur on it. I”m always covered. And don’t let guilt get to you….like, awwww, I should rescue a dog. Listen to your heart and find a pal with whom you can enjoy life. There’s a big empty hold in your heart when you lose a dog. Remember where that void is before you fill it. And then, go do it. Dogs are a lot of time, work, and money. But it’s the best love when you need a friend. And every life needs a little love once in a while, don’t ya think?
I agree with Mimi, rescue dogs seem to know how much they need and want their “forever home.” And there is no predicting temperament, from either mutts or purebreds. The one thing you MUST NOT DO is buy your dog from a pet store. They get their “stock” from breeding mills and the conditions under which the animals live is horrible. The breeders think of the dogs as “money makers,” rather like pigs or chickens. So, either from a shelter or a reputable breeder find your perfect new friend. How much they shed is also important!! Best of Luck in your search.
Hank: you know I’ve had Beagles since 1967. Most were rescued beagles. We would never consider a puppy because you get to a certain age, and it is a lot of work. Getting a dog around 4 is great. Our beautiful Emmy-Louise died and we were 5 days without a dog. We searched so many beagle sites and found DTB in Monroe. When we first saw him, we knew he was for us. We could also see he seemed to be well trained. We took him home and he was wonderful. Sure, Dante has his quirks but we love him so much. I’m not telling you to get another beagle — that’s for you to decide. Just by looking at the photos, I lean toward Bennie. We’ve also had beagle mixes and they were great dogs. It is such a big decision for you. You’ll know the right dog when you meet him. One time my Daisy died at 17 and I had a new dog 1 hour later. When I brought her in to see the vet’s office, they were shocked I found a dog so quickly. Bailey turned out to be a wonderful dog. You never know what will happen. Mary
Hank, I know Carol and have heard all about Ricky. I’m so sorry for your loss. I thought I’d weight-in with my two cents on future pup: I adopted a puppy last year from a shelter and she has been WONDERFUL. Looked almost exactly like Bennie picture you posted, except was teeny tiny when I got her. They were thinking she might be part Australian Shepherd, part beagle, maybe a little terrier and/or hound. I named her Amazing Grace because she had been abandoned at birth ..can’t wildly imagine why!! She is absolutely incredible, and earns her name all the time. She is loyal, loves all people, loves playing with all kinds of dogs and running around, she’s smart and so funny, and incredibly cute and cuddly too. Now that she is grown, I think she is a beagle-ish hound. Since I’ve had her, we’ve met a number of other similar dogs, also from shelters. We call them her “cousins”. There are so many great pups and even young dogs that end up in these shelters! I’m glad you’re considering this route. Very exciting and will look forward to the new arrival for you! Laura