Here's Kate holding our newest arrival, blind Billy, who just came to us from Atlanta Beagle Rescue. Morgan S., who runs the group, had emailed me to say:
We got him from South Carolina last weekend. He's maybe about 6-8 years old and has the wide open stare of PRA. The shelter neutered him before they released him and unfortunately did not stop him from licking his incision site. His mouth is a bacterial cesspool - worst teeth I've seen in a while - so now he's got infection "down there" as well as a ton of teeth that are going to have to come out. We've started him on antibiotics and have him scheduled for a dental next Thursday. He is, of course, heartworm positive on top of all that.
The shelter had picked him up as a stray wandering loose in a neighborhood. He had a tag on his collar, and when the shelter staff called the person whose name and number were on the tag, the fellow said he didn't have a dog. Lovely, eh?
When I emailed Morgan back to say we'd take him, I joked that we were beginning to look like Atlanta Beagle Rescue North. Of the seven blind Beagles we now have, all but one came from Morgan's group. (Well, Widget came to us from Morgan many, many years ago when she lived in New York.) And with Billy's arrival -- and Katie and Spencer's adoption -- the Beagle to Dachshund ratio has tilted decisively in favor of Beagles at the moment, 7 to 4. Of course, since Widget is half-Dachshund (a fact that makes her grumpy whenever we bring it up), even if we add her genetics to the Dachshund side of the ledger, Beagles still prevail.
In addition to being blind, Billy also has dry eye, which Morgan had started treating him for. His left eye in particular seems painful -- some discharge and squinting -- and may need to come out. He had his dental in Atlanta, which we paid for, and lost most of his teeth because they were so bad. Between his heartworms and his eyes, he's got more medical work ahead.
Billy is a very sweet boy, and immediately made himself at home. He loves cruising the front yard, sniffing all the new smells. When I was taking the photos this morning, Billy could smell some food on the table next to us in the dog room, and all he wanted to do was climb out of Kate's arms and go find that food! So with all the squirming and wiggling, I subjected Kate and Billy to 47 photos. By the time we were getting to the end of the shoot, Kate was still holding up but Billy was getting bored and decided to yawn:
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The new Shelter Challenge started Monday, January 9 and ends at midnight on March 18. Grand prize in this round is $5,000, plus $1,000 for weekly winners and $1,000 for state winners. There are also other categories ... please see the Shelter Challenge website for details.
*** We are now LISTED UNDER OUR NEW NAME, ROLLING DOG FARM. State is still NH for New Hampshire. ***
Please remember, you can vote every day ... consider bookmarking the voting page to make it easy.
We just won $1,000 as a weekly winner for Week 4 in this current contest, and thousands more in the previous contests. The Shelter Challenge really does bring in a lot of money for the animals here!
You can vote in the Shelter Challenge here.
What a handsome boy! Billy, you will have a great time there at the farm! Welcome!
Posted by: Nina | February 26, 2012 at 07:16 PM
What a beautiful twosome - welcome little Billy - can't wait to hear more about your new life at RDF!
Posted by: Angela | February 25, 2012 at 11:33 AM
Welcome to RDF Billy, you are a very handsome boy! You will have a wonderful life, get taken such good care of and have everything you'll ever need, especially at lot of love!
I know Billy will be feeling so much better very soon!
Posted by: Ann | February 25, 2012 at 01:28 AM
Welcome Billy, you have survived the first 47 pictures with Kate. Can't wait to hear about more of your adventures.
Posted by: Lisa B in Bel Air, MD | February 24, 2012 at 07:12 PM
Ok, something needs to be done about that dachshund to beagle ratio...ha, ha...
Posted by: Linda | February 24, 2012 at 07:08 PM
You be sure and slip him a little corn bread ever now then. And sending lots of love from S.C.!
Posted by: linda ramos | February 24, 2012 at 05:52 PM
What is PRA?
Posted by: Kathleen Rivard | February 24, 2012 at 01:15 PM
Welcome home, Billy!
I look forward to reading that you're heartworm negative and no longer in pain because of your eyes.
God bless you, Alayne, Steve & Morgan, for saving this adorable little boy!
P.S.: Kate has a very sweet smile.:-)
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | February 24, 2012 at 12:05 PM
What a sweet boy! He's got a lot ahead of him, but I'm sure he'll do just fine.
But honestly... 47 photos?
Posted by: Linda | February 24, 2012 at 11:05 AM
WELCOME HOME BILLY WELCOME HOME
Posted by: Eric | February 24, 2012 at 10:14 AM
Welcome Billy. Just think of how good he's going to feel when he gets all his ailments taken care of. Poor guy. I don't understand how people can just put their pets out once they no longer want them. Something tells me they'll get theirs someday. Will be waiting to see a photo of Billy standing so we can get a better idea of how he looks. Welcome home Billy!
Posted by: Barb Ribinski | February 24, 2012 at 08:35 AM
What a handsome boy. He is so lucky to have a new home with you and all his new friends. And, yes, I vote every day for Rolling Dog !
Posted by: Kathy Hertzel | February 24, 2012 at 08:28 AM
Yeah, Billie...welcome home, our little Mister! So glad you are getting some help and real love.
Kate, you are pretty terrific, also!
Posted by: Glenda | February 24, 2012 at 06:34 AM
I met the transport at Morgan's house to send Billy up to you, and I have to admit I almost didn't let him go. Before TLC transport got to the house, Billy and I were cuddled up reading. He's such an awesome dog and loves, loves, loves his people (and his food ... but what beagles doesn't). Thank you yet again to Steve and Alayne for helping our Southern beagles! I think ABR South should take a road trip to visit the Northern extension of our rescue! ; )
Posted by: Michele | February 23, 2012 at 07:46 PM
What a sweetie! Sounds like he's had a hard life so far, but he's in the best of hands now. Now you need to find a few more dachshunds to balance things out a little. :)
Posted by: Tonya Allen | February 23, 2012 at 06:59 PM
'Welcome dear Billy' ~ what a great mom and dad you have now got...and....so many fun playmates!
Posted by: Valerie | February 23, 2012 at 05:33 PM
Sending hugs and kisses to Billy. Once the B-ster is feeling good again, I think there may be some more photo ops with very entertaining stories from the RDF family.
Posted by: Mary H. | February 23, 2012 at 05:07 PM
You had better start buttering up Widget. She plans to become Beagle Overlord of RDF. He plans are on track. I can see her rubbing her paws in anticipation from here.
Posted by: Bob | February 23, 2012 at 04:55 PM
Welcome Billy! Gosh, as frisky as you already seem to be ... just wait 'till you're really feeling better!!!
Posted by: Lisa K. - San Diego | February 23, 2012 at 04:32 PM
Welcome, Billy, and Miss on you, Pister, for denying your Beagle "son"! Billy you'll be well loved by all of us but the heavy work will be handled by Kate, Alayne, and Steve. I love "the I'm so bored with my close-ups" yawn! Go Billy!
Posted by: Kathleen Rivard | February 23, 2012 at 04:03 PM
Welcome Billy!! Steve since when did Widget become a beagle again! She is the official mascott of Rolling Ranch...second ot Dexter
Posted by: gayle | February 23, 2012 at 03:48 PM
WELCOME BILLY & WHAT A LUCKY & CUTE BEAGLE YOU ARE. HANG IN THERE, YOU'LL BE FEELING BETTER SOON I'M SURE.
Posted by: FELICIA | February 23, 2012 at 01:36 PM
So wonderful when RDF adopts out there is room for another disabled animal to be saved and Billy certainly needed saving!!! Thank you all involved especially RDF!!!!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | February 23, 2012 at 12:49 PM
What a cutie pie. He is a lucky guy to have RDF as his new home.
Posted by: Ev | February 23, 2012 at 12:14 PM