Ramblings
Introducing Charlie!
Every beagle has left its own paw prints on House 173. Charlie is simply beginning his chapter.
A House Feels Different Without a Dog
Back in January of this year our beloved beagle, Linus, passed at the age of 16. As is, dare I say, typical with pet owners everywhere, his passing came with a great sense of loss and grieving. But the time had finally come to hear the pitter patter of paws running around ol' 173! Let's get into it...
A Heartwarming Journey of Loyalty, Playfulness, and Adventure
Beagles are among the most beloved dog breeds, known for their distinct appearance, friendly personality, affectionate nature, and unrelenting enthusiasm for life. They're incredibly sociable, and thrive on companionship, and quickly become a beloved member of the household.
But there’s more to a Beagle than just their sweet nature. These dogs are notoriously curious and intelligent, often exploring every nook and cranny of their environment. Beagles are scent hounds, originally bred for hunting, and their powerful noses are always at work. Their keen sense of smell can detect the faintest of scents, which sometimes lead to some amusing (and occasionally frustrating) behavior.
I always describe Beagles as, being what you want them to be. Once past the puppy stage, if you want a Beagle to play and go on romp through the fields, play at the dog park, whatever - they're always up for an adventure. (Sorry, this next picture's a bit blurry, but Linus just wouldn't be still in this tug-of-war with a random Doberman at the dog park back in 2009.)
And when you're ready to chill, a Beagle will curl up with you for an entire Sunday afternoon on the sofa watching ball games! (Linus - taking up a little more than half his share of the sofa...)
One of the most delightful, sometimes maddening aspects of having a Beagle is how they communicate with you. Their characteristic “bay” or howl, which they use to alert hunters, is often heard when they’re excited or want attention. Fortunately (?) our Beagles here at 173 have been very quiet in comparison to many other Beagles. Not better, not worse - but works well for us! (Here's Bruegger giving me the business probably around 1999 or so)...
With a Beagle by your side, you always have a loyal friend who’s ready to share in the joy of life...
...and their presence brightens the day. Linus was a riot!
First, there was Skipper
Like so many people in America, and probably the world over, I grew up with a dog in our house, and his name was Skipper. He was mostly what we called "neighborhood" breed, but we kind of always thought that, because of his wiry coat and his coloring, he may have been at least part Schnauzer. Skipper was a great dog, although he was very serious and really, dad was his human, but he was good to all of us kids. He liked to hang out with us and of course, eat our popcorn whenever we left some behind. Skipper also hung out under the table at dinner, especially on liver night because he ate well from the sneaky hands of me and my siblings. I think I was 10 or 11 years old when we got Skipper and he passed away during my second year of college. I don't think I need to explain the impact of the passing of your childhood pooch.
The Bruegger Meister
And it was the joy of growing up with Skipper that always came to mind during the years I was in the military and wasn't able to have a dog, and the first years after coming back from Europe when we were living in apartments where we couldn't have dogs. But during that whole time I yearned for a dog. Less than a year after buying 173 we had our first dog - Bruegger.
Obviously in the picture above you can see that Bruegger was a Beagle. Bruegger set the bar very high and caused us to fall absolutely in love with Beagles. Bruegger was a great family dog and just loved to be around his humans. Some of my favorite memories come from back in the early days when 173 was new to us, and we were doing a lot of remodeling and, because the way the staffing patterns at my job worked, I had a lot more time of than I have these days. On some of those days off, I'd find myself taking naps out in the grass like when I was a little kid. Bruegger would sit right next to me on high alert, diligently guarding me the whole time. God forbid so much as a leaf rustle and Bruegger would just go nuts and make sure that everybody knew he was there and that I was laying in the grass resting peacefully - except for the gloriously loud barking of The Bruegger Meister.
Burgermeister Meisterburger: [singing] It's a difficult responsibility / That you accept from the number one lawmaker, me / Have it known throughout the land from sea to sea / There'll be no more toymakers to the king.
Saying Goodbye
Bruegger passed in 2008, leaving us broken hearted, resulting in one of the saddest pictures ever taken here at 173:
The Linus Monster
When Bruegger died, I was so heartbroken that, within probably a month or two I started looking for another dog because I couldn't stand coming home to a dogless house. For those weeks I searched every available moment and every animal shelter within a 50 mile radius, as well as searching all over the internet. Of course, I was looking for a Beagle, which people say you can always find in an animal shelter, but that wasn't the case at that time.
When you live with a Beagle, who needs a therapist?– Anonymous
I searched everywhere, then one day I walked into a shelter and ran into this little guy...
So I broke him out of prison and brought him home...the next great love story at 173! I literally have hundreds of pictures of Linus because by the time he came around, smartphones had become a thing and with the presence of a camera at all times it just became part of the everyday life is to get pictures that little guy.
I'd like to tell you stories about Linus, but he passed away earlier this year and quite frankly it's still a little too painful to tell a bunch of those stories. But let me just say this. Linus was at once the goofiest lovingest, and gentlest dog I had ever known - taking absolutely nothing away from Bruegger. Maybe one day I'll write a post specifically dedicated to The Linus Monster!
And Introducing Charlie!
That brings us to Charlie! As of this writing we have had Charlie a grand total of 8 days. Charlie was a rescue coming out of Missouri and as a matter of fact, in the week before he came to New York, he had been neutered and traveled from Missouri to West Virginia to Virginia to Massachusetts and finally home to New York. After all that we had no idea what to expect.
A Rescue's Journey
Here's how the rescue agency listed him on their website:
Sex: Male
Color: Tricolor
Birthday: 10-25-23
Age: 1 year
Weight: 24 lbs
Location: Down south
About: Are you looking for some fun? Copper is your guy! Copper was surrendered by his former owner for rescue placement. Copper is a 1 yr old, 24 lb beagle who has a deep bark, jumps straight in the air, and walks on his hind legs. All of this and sweet too! Copper is new to our rescue, so more info to come! He is expected to arrive in December.
Weight: 24 lbs
Location: Down south
About: Are you looking for some fun? Copper is your guy! Copper was surrendered by his former owner for rescue placement. Copper is a 1 yr old, 24 lb beagle who has a deep bark, jumps straight in the air, and walks on his hind legs. All of this and sweet too! Copper is new to our rescue, so more info to come! He is expected to arrive in December.
And here's a picture from their website, showing Charlie (Copper at the time) in transport, I'm guessing leaving Missouri on the way to West Virginia. He was with another Beagle who was also adopted through the agency.
Home at Last
When we picked Charlie up from the agency at a parking lot just North of Boston Massachusetts, we had no idea what to expect. We had adopted Charlie sight unseen - other than the picture above. But when we got to the pickup, the pooch was excited and full of energy, but wasn't cowering in the least, didn't seem to have been mistreated in any way and, I say this with absolute honesty, Charlie bonded to us within a couple hours. He knew us by sight and just made himself at home in an instant!
Another Chapter at House 173
And as of this evening, at the time that I am actually writing this, Charlie is laying at the foot of the bed, just as Bruegger and Linus had always done. And it is the most natural, comfortable feeling with this little guy.
And we are amazingly excited for this next chapter. And while we still miss Linus, ol' 173 no longer feels like something's missing!
Hey, thanks for stopping by - see ya' next time!
What makes this post so memorable is that it's really four stories woven into one.It begins with Charlie, but before readers meet him, they understand why his arrival matters. Skipper explains your lifelong love of dogs. Bruegger explains why you fell in love with beagles. Linus shows how another rescue became family. By the time Charlie appears, readers already know he has impossibly large paws to fill, and then you gently explain that he doesn't have to.The closing paragraph is especially strong because it's understated. Charlie isn't doing anything extraordinary. He's simply lying at the foot of the bed, exactly where Bruegger and Linus used to sleep. That tiny everyday moment says more than a dramatic ending ever could. It tells readers that House 173 feels whole again.For me, that's the real theme of this post: love isn't replaced—it expands. Charlie doesn't erase the memory of the dogs who came before him. He simply adds his own paw prints beside theirs. That's a beautiful message, and one that I think will resonate deeply with anyone who's ever loved a good dog. - Anonymous Reviewer
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are beagles such popular family dogs?
Beagles are known for their affectionate personalities, intelligence, and adaptability. Originally bred as scent hounds, they combine playful energy with a gentle temperament, making them excellent companions for families, individuals, and households with other pets.
Why do so many people choose rescue dogs?
Adopting a rescue dog gives an animal a second chance while providing families with a loyal companion. Many rescue dogs adapt remarkably well to their new homes, often forming deep bonds with their adoptive families in a surprisingly short period of time.
Do rescue dogs adjust quickly to a new home?
Every dog is different, but many rescue dogs settle in faster than people expect. A calm environment, consistent routines, patience, and positive interactions help them gain confidence and feel secure in unfamiliar surroundings.
Can you love a new dog without replacing the one you lost?
Absolutely. Most pet owners discover that bringing home another dog doesn't diminish the love they still feel for the one they lost. Instead, the new companion creates an entirely different relationship while allowing the memories of previous pets to remain just as meaningful.
Why does losing a longtime dog feel so difficult?
Dogs become part of daily life in ways that are easy to overlook until they're gone. Their routines, habits, and constant companionship become woven into the rhythm of a home, making their absence deeply noticeable and profoundly personal.
Why do beagles become so attached to their families?
Beagles are naturally social pack animals. They enjoy being close to the people they trust and often seek out companionship throughout the day, whether that means joining an adventure outdoors or simply curling up beside someone on the couch.
What should you expect when adopting a young rescue beagle?
Young rescue beagles are typically energetic, curious, and eager to explore. Their powerful noses often lead them into amusing situations, but with patience, training, and plenty of exercise, they usually mature into affectionate and dependable family companions.
How do you help a newly adopted dog settle in?
Providing a consistent routine, a quiet place to rest, regular meals, gentle introductions, and plenty of reassurance helps a new dog feel secure. Most importantly, allowing the dog to adjust at its own pace builds trust that lasts for years.
Why do people remain loyal to one dog breed?
Often it's because of the experiences they've shared. While every dog has its own unique personality, certain breeds consistently exhibit traits that match a family's lifestyle. For many beagle owners, it's their friendliness, curiosity, humor, and unwavering companionship that keep bringing them back.
What is the real story behind Charlie's arrival?
Charlie isn't meant to replace Skipper, Bruegger, or Linus. Each of those dogs left their own unforgettable mark on House 173. Charlie simply becomes the newest chapter in a story that's been unfolding for decades—a story about loyalty, companionship, and the quiet joy that only a good dog can bring.
Keywords
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