Alayne and I spent the weekend trying to recharge our emotional batteries after losing Pepper on Thursday, and here's one thing that really helped -- wobbly blind Briggs arrived at the ranch this afternoon. He has a true Widget-certified Beagle personality, and Widget's same bossy, insistent, pay-attention-to-me-now attitude. Stuart the deaf Beagle is not nearly as bossy (oh thank heavens) but has more than his fair share of Beagle spunk.
Morgan S., who runs Atlanta Beagle Rescue, had pulled Briggs from a rural Georgia shelter where he had been turned in as a stray. We first learned about Briggs on the day we lost our beloved old Dillon. Morgan had earlier sent us both blind Widget and blind Willie, and we were delighted she'd been able to save this little guy, too. You can read Morgan's write-up on Briggs on her blog here.
So this morning she put Briggs on a Delta flight leaving Atlanta at 6:50 a.m., and after making his connecting flight in Salt Lake City, he was at the Missoula airport by noon. Alayne drove in to pick him up, and I took the photo of the Alayne holding Briggs this evening when they got back to the ranch. When Alayne got to the ticket counter at the airport to get Briggs, she could hear a Beagle baying from the cargo area in back. The airline staff were only too happy to hand him over and send him on his way!
Briggs is definitely a wobbler, too, although more stable than our other wobblers. I can't tell if it's cerebellar hypoplasia or not -- he can maintain his balance better than our animals with that condition typically can -- but he's just like them in one respect: when you hold him in your arms, he goes absolutely still and just melts.
His eyes really bulge, and we suspect he has glaucoma. I went to take his eye pressures this afternoon using our Tono-Pen but the batteries had died -- and of course they're a fancy, medical device kind that has to be special ordered. (On Monday's to-do list now.) We will take Briggs to see our vet, Dr. Brenda Culver, this week for an eye exam when we go to pick up Trooper and Popeye. (Trooper's hip surgery went well, by the way, and Popeye's eye is healing, too.) I worry that we will probably have to remove both of his eyes, given their appearance and the tearing and discharge we see. In fact, they bulge more than any glaucoma eyes I have seen in a dog, and if the intraocular pressures are as high as I think they are, his head is throbbing.
For now, although his eyes bother him, he's still a very happy boy and his baying has announced to all who can hear it that another Beagle has arrived. It's Beagle mania at the Rolling Dog Ranch.
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Thank you to everyone who gave us such wonderful emotional support in the past few days after we lost Pepper. We read each of those blog comments and emails, and believe me, it makes a difference. It's not just our grief but shared grief. And there is strength in that. It really does provide comfort and solace knowing so many incredible people care so much about these special animals and what we're going through when we lose one.
Congrats to you both on your new bundle of joy!! Alayne- what a beautiful picture of you!! You look so happy to have a new critter to love!! ok Steve-- you are cute too!!
Posted by: Debbie | February 26, 2008 at 01:47 PM
Welcome Briggs! This is the first day of the rest of your life! You already know more love then you have in the past!
Posted by: Shirley & James, Portland, OR | February 25, 2008 at 09:53 PM
It just amazes me that he looks so at peace after everything he has been through, including the flight. I love this photo. How blessed, another Widget friend.
ps yes I caught the Doxies, concern about the Beagles... they kill me !!
Posted by: angie | February 25, 2008 at 09:00 PM
Good to see Alayne smiling after such a rough month at RDR. I watched the video of Briggs and it looks more like he does a spontaneous shuffle/dance rather than a traditional wobble. Look forward to reading about his antics. :)
Posted by: Kelly Luchtman | February 25, 2008 at 04:44 PM
Steve/Alayne - I completely agree - I cry with you when there is a loss and I rejoice with you with every new arrival. Rolling Dog Ranch is a very special place. Please know that many, many people support what you do and while there may be days where you wonder why you do it, I know from working with Brittany rescue that it only takes one resuce to make it all worth while! Your blog is wonderful and it is a must-read every day!
Posted by: Kristin | February 25, 2008 at 04:22 PM
WONDERFUL WONDERFUL Some happy news for a change !!!! Welcome to your new home Mr. Briggs. You don't know it yet , (maybe you do)_you are are a very lucky dog. Be kind to Widget, she has "seniority" !!!! So, you delightful little bundle of energy, you just keep "baying" , letting everyone at the ranch know you are in attendance and it is a new day to live life at it fullest,after all, isn't that what Beagles are for? So glad to hear Trooper and Popeye are healing well. It is a good day, thank goodness Have a GOOOOOD week !!!!
Posted by: Taylors on Olympic Peninsula in WA state | February 25, 2008 at 09:47 AM
I see happiness and comfort in this photo. I'm so glad Briggs has a smooth flight (although with his baying, he may not have thought so)!
Welcome home darling Briggs. You have excellent timing!
Posted by: Boundforglory | February 25, 2008 at 09:21 AM
I'm so glad you finally have a happy event amidst all the pain and tears of the past few days. He's a lucky dog to have found you.
Posted by: Maureen | February 25, 2008 at 08:54 AM
We have been checking "Briggs Blog"on the Atlanta Beagle Rescue sight since you introduced the little guy to us. We are so excited he has arrived home.
It's great to see the smile on Alayne's beautiful face. We know smiles have not been easily mustered the past few weeks.
From your friends in NC, enjoy your snowy new start in Montana Briggs. Show then what a that Southern spunk is all about!
Posted by: smiley Faces | February 25, 2008 at 08:49 AM
Alayne is absolutely beautiful holding precious Briggs!So glad you have a new baby to love as mourn for the loss of Pepper. How about that beagle winning the big dog show!It's a great for beagles!!
Posted by: Mary Young | February 25, 2008 at 08:16 AM
Congratulations on your new arrival "Briggs". No doubt he will give Widget a run for her money.
Please keep us updated with this lovely new boy.
Posted by: Kae | February 25, 2008 at 04:48 AM
A big warm welcome to bossy Briggs!:-)
I'm very happy to read the good news about Popeye and Trooper. Please give them all a huge hug for me, will you?
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | February 25, 2008 at 04:36 AM
Oh wow, he's a handsome devil. Wonder how Widget will handle the competition. He's a wonderful sign that life goes on.
Posted by: Lalla and Sasha | February 25, 2008 at 04:12 AM
I'm so glad to hear that Trooper and Popeye are doing well...the names of those two fit them so well!
And welcome, Briggs! i wish I could see Widget's reaction to this new little blind boy trying to usurp her place!
Posted by: maggie | February 25, 2008 at 01:47 AM
Briggs, I must say, you certainly look comfortable in Alayne's arms. You look completely relaxed & as if you've been there your entire life already! Thanks so much for taking him in. I know he will get lots of love & excellent care with you at the fantastic RDR & he's going to be making lots of new friends.
Big welcome hugs, Briggs,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger & Tobias (the greythound) | February 25, 2008 at 01:12 AM
Briggs you have found a good place.
Posted by: Vicki | February 24, 2008 at 10:25 PM
The circle of life begins again at the Ranch. I'm so glad that Briggs has come to join you all. Maybe he'll give Widget a run for her money!
Posted by: Jessica | February 24, 2008 at 09:59 PM
Welcome home, Briggs :- )
Steve / Alayne - Congratulations on the addition of another beautiful furkid to your family. And, thanks for taking in another one. The world is a better place for making sure Briggs and others like him have a good home. :-)
Posted by: Karen | February 24, 2008 at 09:47 PM
Morgan sure knows the best place for the special beagles she rescues! Briggs is a cutie and he will fit right in with the other beagles! Welcome, precious boy!
Posted by: Nina | February 24, 2008 at 09:24 PM