To shed light on this tail … er … tale, let’s rewind a bit. Last summer, the Humane Society of the United States stepped in at the request of the U.S. Department of Justice to transport nearly 4,000 beagles from a facility that bred dogs for the animal testing industry and had numerous animal welfare violations. Picture it as a sort of beagle factory, where most of these pups were destined for lives in testing laboratories. But the HSUS removed these beagles and placed them with our huge network of shelter and rescue partners, who in turn adopted the dogs to families eager to provide them with love and care.
Fast forward to today, marking a full year since this incredible operation took place, and it’s time for a special celebration! In late September, we invited beagles and their families to Bark Social in North Bethesda, Maryland, for a beagle-versary bash. Bark Social serves as a recreational haven for dogs and their people, complete with food and drink offerings for both species. One family even came all the way from New Jersey to join the party!
Members of the HSUS team who played a pivotal role in the beagles’ journey were present as well. While watching the dogs romp around the play yard, Jessica Johnson, a senior director of our Animal Rescue Team, couldn’t help reflecting on the difference a year can make. When she first met them, the beagles had never experienced the joys of cuddling on a cozy sofa or taking leisurely strolls around a neighborhood. Today, they are part of loving households.
“Last time we saw these dogs, all they knew was life in a mass-breeding facility,” Johnson says. “Seeing them here with their adopted families a year later is amazing—I hope that this is all they remember.”
Rudy was underweight when he was removed from the facility, but he’s happy and healthy now. His family named him after Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, played by Sean Astin in the 1993 film Rudy, who overcame significant challenges (including his size) to achieve his dream of playing football for the University of Notre Dame.
Pluto was the smallest pup in a litter of nine, each named after a planet. Ana, who works for NASA, was immediately drawn to the “planet puppies” and Pluto’s pint-size stature.
Learning about the world around her from the safety of her kennel, which Heather sets up (with the door open) around the house, outdoors and wherever they travel
Henry, a Star Wars fan, named Dooku after a Sith Lord in the Star Wars saga. Despite his Dark Side namesake, Dooku is the kindest dog in the galaxy with his family and his feline sibling, Prince (whom Henry is quick to say he did NOT name).
Neely loves to be around people and is what Carol describes as a “Velcro dog.” After the transport, Neely’s group of mama dogs were all given names that start with N—Naomi, Nala, etc. Carol quite liked the name Neely and decided to keep it.