New Mexico Beagle Rescue

My 2009 Thanksgiving Message to Trish in Heaven

Dearest First Mom in Heaven,

Your home in Heaven is quite far away from all the earthly beagles you sheltered from harm, but many of your babies are living in a Heaven on earth because you secured wonderful homes for us. Today is the day when I say a special prayer of Thanksgiving for the loving care you gave until that perfect forever home was found where I could live my days surrounded with the peace that comes when little beagles know they are safe and secure in a loving family.

So...here is my very pointed question. Why did you feel you it was necessary to send that other beagle into our peaceful lives?

Now, it will truthfully be admitted that the early road with little Simon Basil was not strewn with lovely scented rose petals! Simon was not the easy laidback little pup that I was. This ingenious little character certainly did cause huge disruption in our serene family life for almost nine months, but the turn around seemed to come when he realized that he was not going to be deserted again~~~five homes in fourteen months is way too many for any little beagle to understand! Oh my, was he a bothersome pest! We began to describe him as an irritating gnat that would not cease buzzing about our lives bringing havoc and chaos wherever his little pawpads landed. At the beginning, life with Simon was so difficult that Zoë, Fiona, and I took turns packing his bag and putting it on the front porch with a FREE BEAGLE sign hoping someone could be enticed to remove him from our presence. No one seemed interested. I wonder if it had to do with the great rabbit signaling sound that could be heard throughout the neighborhood? As time passed, Mr. Simon realized a hierarchy had been established long before his arrival, and our daily lives began to settle somewhat. Of utmost importance was the simple fact that Simon needed to recognize that I am the well established "main man" around this domicile. From time to time, Simon has a reminder of my ire if he hassles me too much, but I do know that he is just a pup who is looking to have a good time.

There has been some exceptionally good news involving Simon recently, and I am wondering if, in your wisdom, you had conceived a plan for our family.You know how I kept telling you that my mistress works Zoe and me from dawn to dusk with this animal-assisted therapy routine. Well...Simon finally qualified with the Delta Society so I am now getting a bit of relief. (This is with no intention to embarass Simon, but he did fail the first Delta test because he barked, RATHER LOUDLY, at another dog during the evaluation. Imagine a beagle barking, second nature one might naturally assume!) At this point, Simon isn't quite sure why he is visiting in hospitals, nursing homes, and libraries, but he certainly relishes the attention and petting. As for me, while Simon is laboring in some care facility, I am able to snuggle in my special chair to count rabbits, chipmunks, and squirrels as I drift off to sleep.

On the Eve of Thanksgiving, I want you to know that your memory lives in my heart. I came to you as a most injured little beagle. You knew my worth, and I flourished under your care until your found my special people. You are the very special angel God has appointed to guide and watch over the continued work of New Mexico Beagle Rescue through the efforts of Trish Nesbit, David, Bill and Linda, Sherry, and Cristie.

With a most loving heart,

Llewelyn Joseph

A huge honor has been bestowed on Fran and Llew, they have been voted Pets For Life volunteer of the year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

March 2005

Llew

MIRACLE BEAGLE

In Honor of Llew's Aniversary there are new photo's on Llew's page. His Mom promises to send an update soon about all that this wonderful boy has accomplished! What a difference a year makes! NEWS: Not only has Llew pass his AKC Canine Good Citizens test but he just passed the Pets for Life test in Kansas, a tough test allowing Llew to be a therapy Beagle in multiple care facilities--nursing,Alzheimer's, assisted living, severe multiply disabled, physical rehabilitation, skilled nursing,pediatrics and many more! And who said Beagles can't be highly trained. Way to go Llew and Fran!!!

ADOPTED to our great friends Fran and Rich and NMBR Beagle Llew and his sister poodles Zoey and Fi Fi.Jake now SIMON BASIL is on his way to his career as a Therapy Dog like his big brother Llew!
Priceless Jake. Jake had a rough start in life. His first people keep him crated and mussled 24/7! This must have been torture for a young energetic Beagle (or any dog) But besides the scar on his nose this boy has rebounded ten fold! He is the sweetest of the sweet ,loving little cuddle monkey,he's big on kisses too. He LOVES to play, it would be best for Jake to have another dog close to his age to play with, is wonderful with all dogs, great with kids he loves everyone. He is around a year old,a stunning tricolor 15" 24 lb bundle of energy and love.He is neutered and current on all is shots. He loves to be wherever you are and of course is a big help in the kitchen. He is Beagle good on a leash( nose to the ground) and just happy to be part of the family. He is house trained with a dog door, He is almost perfect at everything that a young Beagle can be perfect at. He is a darling boy looking for his loving happy forever home. Remember Jake is young with lots of energy and a beautiful bay.

One VERY Happy Beagle Family

Dear All,

Rich and I made a very quick trip to Santa Fe this past Wednesday through Saturday to look at a little beagle that Trish at New Mexico Beagle Rescue thought was a good fit for our existing furry family. Llew went along because Trish had not seen him since we adopted him from her almost four years ago. Although Llew may not have shared our assessment of the new pup's possibilities, the two humans decided to take the little boy home to Kansas.

Keeping in mind that beagles have an English heritage, we named him Simon Basil, but he is called "Simon". At fourteen months Simon is in his fourth home with two of the four being rescue situations. We feel that he seems to be unaffected by all the changes in his young life.

Simon had been in two rescue homes since the first of September when he was relinquished by his owner with a chain around his neck. Simon's story gets rather involved. Suffice it to say that he was flown by Delores at Lonestar Beagle Rescue in Texas to New Mexico Beagle Rescue so that his tracking would be made more difficult. At this point, Fiona, Zoe Z., Llew, and Simon are trying to establish their standing within our canine family. As I had predicted, Fiona and Simon have hit it off pretty well because they both love to play and scuffle, and they both have very high energy levels. Llew just wants to know that his chair is not reclaimed and that his food appears on schedule morning and evening. Zoe Z. has exhibited behavior that I had not expected. She has always been the soft mothering arbitrator within our family and with other dogs when they visit at our house. Now I see the watchful arbitrator, and an emerging dominant matriarch. Zoe's primary concern appears to be taking care of Llew and Fiona as little Simon tries to initiate play. And, Zoe is not caving into his charms yet.

Simon is very cute, affectionate, cuddly, playful, energetic, and, possibly, more than a 60-something year old lady had thought to reckon with in advancing age. He does not have the black saddle that Llew had as a younger dog. His coloring reminds me more of a pinto pony. Due to his previous life, Simon may have a permanent scar across his nose because he was muzzled to keep him from barking while the owner was at work. He also needs to gain weight because all his ribs and bones are quite noticeable. Simon does not have the stocky build that Llew has so I suspect he will always have a more slendor appearance.

In time, I have the good feeling that he will be a therapy dog candiate because of his gentle nature, interest and friendliness with people, ability to listen and learn, and general demeanor. Until that time, there will be lots of learning and sniffing experiences to enjoy. A silly rabbit came through the back fence last night which caused quite a vocal rendition of "Aroooo...."

Rich and I are ready for another beagle experience since all previous beagles have been wonderful, but some of the best news is that SIMON IS HOUSE-TRAINED!

Fran and Rich

Fran and Rich visit Beagleland Aug 2006. Of course bring love and gifts! Thank you!!!!!

Thanksgiving Letter from our Darling Llew

Thanksgiving 2007
Dear First Mom Trish,

As my Dad sits to read the paper, I find myself snuggled between his legs which is my usual spot for a weekend or holiday morning. I don't want to move because it is so comfortable here so I have asked my Mom to send my Thanksgiving thoughts and gratitude to you. I have told her everything to write!

This is such a wonderful home you found for me. There are rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, and the occasional mole to be hunted or chased in my garden. The only problem I have is those pesky standard poodles, Zoe and Fiona who are my sisters, because they are sight hunters. As I point the direction by sniffing the ground, they start watching in the direction of my nose and give chase scaring away any creature that could be my prey. So my baying goes for nought meanwhile the whole neighborhood is alerted to a potential rabbit infestation or problem. In addition to Zoe and Fiona chasing away the prey, I am now having to deal with an owl who has taken up residence in this neighborhood. The owl has left evidence of hunting in our back garden so I know it has taken away a source of nourishment for me! And, do you know that late one night that owl actually was stalking me???!!! Let me tell you was I scared, but my Mom was there to protect me.

I do, however, want to mention that there is still a bit of a problem from time to time. For whatever reason, I am jostled from my reveries and naps to WORK of all things! Because I am a therapy dog with Pets For Life, Inc. and The Delta Society my Mom still drags me over hill and dale to nursing homes, hospitals, detention centers, schools, libraries, special event appearances, etc. Although I complain from time to time, it is fun because people and children are so happy to see me. My Mom does admonish me frequently to remember that I am there for people and not the treats that some residents keep for me in their drawers. Yesterday, I rudely brushed right by Mrs. Dennis, one of my favorite people at Overland Park Manor, to get to the treat drawer. She just laughed and said, "That's what I wait for with each visit because Llew is so predictable." Several weeks ago, there was a reporter for the Kansas City Star who is writing a story about my friend Teddy and me and the work we do for Overland Park Manor. Do you think I may become famous?

This Thanksgiving note to you must end because we need to get ready for a Thanksgiving feast at my Aunt Cris' house now. Cris has a very nice red standard poodle named Sashi who is a geat cousin for me. I must tell you though that I have had a real "come to Jesus meeting'" with my Mom this morning about behavior expectations while we are guests. I can't chase the cats, can't eat cat food, can't get into the cat litter boxes, can't get into trash, can't jump at the counters for turkey or countersurf, can't sit on their living room furniture, etc. What's a beagle to do? Everyone knows that they have to keep an eye on me!

I really really realy love you a whole bunch for finding such a perfect home for me where Fran and Rich cherish each day with me.

With sloppy kisses I remain truly grateful to you,

Llewelyn Joseph aka "Llew"

Dear First Mom,

This was my third anniversary in the very best home any one beagle could even begin to imagine!!!

Thank you for finding me the kind of home every lost or abandoned beagle needs to have. These people I live with tell me how wonderful I am almost every day. "Almost" is because I am, after all, a beagle, and we do have some interesting habits that can get us in a fix from time to time. Did you know that baying at midnight is not accepted by the neighbors? I was just sounding the rabbit alarm and trying to safeguard my neighbor's garden from those pesky rabbits that munch and crunch on everything. Isn't that just being neighborly?

I love you a whole bunch because you saw something special about me that others didn't. Do you remember how we used to cuddle in your bed after my hip surgery that was performed by Dr. Lewellen? That is what got me used to the good life. Now, every night I snuggle under the covers next to my favorite humans and with my two standard poodle sisters. What joy for a beagle boy!

Will you please talk to my people about my work load? I think I mentioned this request last year also. Since last year it has increased!!! You would think that being a Pets For Life Therapy Dog and a Delta Society Therapy Dog would be more than any one little beagle should have to do. BUT NO! Now they have me working as a certified R.E.A.D. Program Therapy Animal. Do you know what that means? It means I am a Reading Education Assistance Dog whereby I visit with children in schools and at libraries to help them feel comfortable with their reading. Boy, do I hear some great stories as I listen to the boys and girls read to me! Animal stories are the best especially the one about Peter Rabbit, Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail, and Mr. McGregor. I could be a great help to Mr. McGregor, don't you think? I wonder if he needs an assistant.

Lovingly and respectfully submitted to my First Mom on this wonderful anniversary adoption day, March 19, 2007---

Llewelyn Joseph Herz-Lancaster

Dear First Mom,

It is Thanksgiving Day and you would think these people here would let me have an extra nibble. But NO, when I broke out of the laundry room this morning and made a beeline for Zoe's food, the lady here grabbed me and put me back in a more secured area. Well, so much for food and celebrating a thankfulness day! AND, tonight I have to go to work at the juvenile center. At least there will be lots of treats there if I do all the things I am asked, and it is fun to play with the young kids.

All in all, this isn't a bad place to live. I know I am loved to bits and pieces, and these people constantly tell everyone what a great little guy I am. Do you know the best part of each day? I get to sleep snuggled under the covers with all my favorite people where it is so warm and comfortable. My poodle sisters keep me company during the day. We play and have the best time with chase games and tug of war each morning.

You could not have found a nicer place for me so I want to say THANK YOU on this special day. I am one of many little beagles who has the love and warmth needed to flourish because of your care and concern.

You are a special person who I will always love,

Llewelyn Joseph Herz-Lancaster

After a hard days work!

Must have been a REALLY hard day!

Dear First Mom,

I am so happy you help abandoned beagles find new families. There are so many happy puppies because of all your care, concern, and love. I am one of those very fortunate beagles who found a most fabulous home because you knew I was work the trouble and expense.

Now, will you please talk to these people about my work load?! They seem to think that I need to be out and about spreading good cheer at nursing homes, libraries, hospitals, etc. I am even getting wind of more pending to work situations such as listening to children read each week and something about children in detention centers. My other house companions don't have to work as hard for their daily food rations. Why am I so busy? Does it have anything to do with the fact that I am so darned cute and lovable? Did you know that people call me a handsome boy?

This is my THANK YOU DAY to TRISH. Maybe I'll get a special treat today because it is my second anniversary here with Rich and Fran. However, I did get into Zoe's food Friday night, and I heard a nasty rumor about not getting much food for several days. They are always way to worried about any extra weight and my hurt hip. I put up with them and take every opportunity to steal any food I can!!!

Thank You for my new home. I love you for all you did for me.

Llewelyn Joseph Herz-Lancaster