THAT’S MY DOG!

I told you, in last month’s post, how the Beagle Man wound up with a Duck Toller.  Which got me to wondering:  How did you all choose your best dog in the world?

ROB & CHARLOTTE: SCOUT (4 yrs old)

“In 2018, Charlotte and I woke up one morning and decided to go to a rescue shelter we’d been eyeing in central CT. What started as a simple, “Well, let’s just go look” trip became the day we began to grow into our now family of 4! Mixed in with all sorts of interesting mutts (including a really cool half Lab, half German Sheperd were about two dozen tri-colored Smooth Fox Terriers (Beagle, Jack Russell) from Tennessee. I pointed to the only one not jumping up onto us and they handed him over.  That was how we first met Spock —now Scout. Little did we know, the reason for his tempered behavior that day was because he had kennel cough, but we loved him instantly nonetheless. After a quick vet trip, we quickly saw his personality transform into the energetic and protective Scout we all know and love.”

I was honored to be the officiant at Rob and Charlotte’s wedding two years ago . . . and Scout was right up there with me! — Beagle Man

JOHN & MALCOLM: GRACE (8), GWEN (2)

“We chose the Vizsla as the breed for our two dogs because of the following attributes: They are affectionate and loyal (known as “Velcro dogs”), they have a high intelligence and trainability level, and they don’t have a dog odor or shed a lot. They do have an abundance of energy, which requires at least an hour of off-leash exercise per day, which keeps us fit. And most importantly, they are the best looking dogs in the world!”

Vizslas are super-fast, like 40 mph fast.  Kemba was the fastest dog on our beach, until those two arrived. — Beagle Man

GREG & KELLY: RUCKUS (7.5)

“Kelly was deep in internet searches for rescues, and we stumbled upon Rinkles (before he became Ruckus).  So went to go see him at a kennel in Harlem, and it was love at first sight!  He was just so cute and loving that we had to bring him home that day!”

Ruckus is a bit of a nut-case, but he’s so freakin’ sweet and lovable. — Beagle Man

MIMI: COOPER (4)

“Canine companions pulled me through many difficult times. My first dog, a Pekingese, licked away my teenage tears. My youngest brother’s black Labrador Retriever, Pooch, consoled my family and me after Todd’s untimely death at age 25. My ten-year-old daughter Elizabeth’s yellow Lab, Buddy, took her horse’s lead line, with Elizabeth on board, and went on a nature walk.  These dogs and others were remarkable in their separate ways. And they all broke our hearts when we lost them.  After our last Lab passed, I said no more dogs. I was done with that heartache. My daughter was grown, my parents were gone, and I decided to travel. But I always returned to an empty, quiet home. I began to feel my life had no purpose. My daughter suggested I get another dog.  “I’m too old for Labs—they’ll pull me over if a squirrel runs by,” was my excuse.  My 66^th birthday arrived, and Elizabeth presented me with a four-pound Yorkie–Cooper.  “I assure you, Mother, he will not pull you over,” my snarky daughter said. Her idea, however, was a good one.  Cooper loves me unconditionally, I’m not alone anymore, and now, I have a purpose.”

Mimi often tells me about black bears that visit her backyard.  So I guess 4-pound Cooper is her guard dog. — Beagle Man

JOHN & LIZ: GIGI (8.5), FINN (4)

“Liz got Gigi before we were dating and picked her breed because she liked terriers, wanted a dog that didn’t shed, and was a good size for apartments. For Finn, he is from a local rescue group in LA. We wanted a male companion for Gigi that was a similar size. We both always loved black Labs, but found out Finn is basically 100% mix. His dna results had 15 different breads—-only 2% black Lab!”

Liz and John recently had a beautiful baby girl, Margot.  Note to Gigi and Finn: Get ready to each drop down a notch in the family hierarchy! — Beagle Man

JAYNE: MOTOR (11)

“Mostly I chose the breed (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever), and Motor in particular, due to his high drive lineage that I could put to use in training for agility competitions.  My first dog of my own, that I chose as a puppy, was an Australian Shepherd. Which led to a second Aussie.  Which eventually led to a third Aussie when my first Aussie passed.  This Aussie, Cruiser, started my love of agility. During Cruiser’s short time with me (he passed from cancer at eight years old), I also acquired two Border Collies. Epi is still with me, at 15.5 years old! During these years, I also helped raise a Toller named Rip that was owned by my partner.  I love my BC’s.  And though they were willing, beautiful agility partners, they had a lot of injuries — mostly due to their “go at breakneck speed, who cares about my body” attitudes. When I was ready to get another dog, with agility competitions in mind, I chose Tollers for their high drive and excellent structure for the physical demands of agility. Even though we don’t do much agility these days, he’s a wonderful companion who brings me joy everyday!””

Most of what I know about Duck Tollers, I  learned from Jayne.  Which is why I picked Kemba. — Beagle Man

JESS: CASH (7)

“In 2015, Second Chance Rescue NY posted this picture of a mutt puppy named Marlin to raise funds as he battled parvo and pneumonia for the second time.  As a child, I had battled pneumonia twice. Although I was living in a place that didn’t allow dogs, I knew this puppy was meant for me, so I donated and followed. Never in my life did I know something so confidently. A few months later not only was he healthy but he was available for adoption. My living situation had changed, I talked my landlord into letting me adopt him, and I was approved by the rescue. (I was the only person to apply for him; his six litter mates and his mother had already been adopted out). Drove to NJ, his foster mom handed me the leash, Marlin became Cash — the pup in black, and we’ve been on our journey together. He’s my soul dog.”

Jess posts Instagram pics of Cash at least once a day.  Usually more. — Beagle Man

ROBBY & BRIANNE: PICKLE HERMAN (10 months)

“Have you seen Picky’s face, for cryin’ out loud? Have you seen the way his entire body wiggles in excitement if you even just look at him? Have you seen him sleep on my head all night? Have you seen him bounding and astounding through the waves and the snow? Have you heard the adorable noises he makes when he yawns?   We chose Black Lab because they are loyal, athletic, beautiful, and because they love to lick people’s faces.  And we got the most perfect one out there.”

We think of Pickle as Kemba’s nephew.  The two of them get along great.  Except when Kemba swims way out in the ocean, fetches a stick, swims back in . . . and Pickle rips it out of his mouth.  The little bully. — Beagle Man

YOU CAN ALSO FOLLOW BEAGLE MAN, KEMBA, AND RICKY ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM.