Herman is a small Beagle- he only weighs ten pounds! In October 2007, we found him on a chilly, drizzly day, foraging for scraps of food, reduced to eating fast food wrappers. He was about to wobble from the exit ramp on to the interstate, inevitably doomed to be road kill. Thankfully, he didn’t scram as we got out of the truck to approach him. In fact, after gently calling to him, he came to us, wet, shivering and awfully emaciated. He had a hunter orange plastic collar on but the number on it had been disconnected (not that we were too keen on returning him to someone who treated him this cavalierly). Hunters think that neutering their dogs “ruins” them. Hounds, especially, have such an intense drive that is not diminished by spaying or neutering. Evidently, hunters must smell with their testicles. Many hunters virtually starve their dogs, male or female, so they’ll relentlessly chase game due to their overwhelmingly painful hunger. Unfortunately, the majority of hunters are seriously unenlightened and therefore cruel and abusive to their dogs. These forgotten dogs have no one to help (let alone save) them. After we had Hermie heartworm tested, neutered, vaccinated, and dewormed, he came here to our sanctuary. His first night he had the warm remainder of a spinach and gruyere omelet. We then introduced him to the world of soft, warm blankies. It was easy to see that he has never been treated decently. Later he had some popcorn and a Twizzler. When he’s in the woods, following his nose and baying to his hearts content, he never goes far. He doesn’t have to catch rabbits or squirrels anymore in order to eat (their entrails, no doubt ). For the past few days, he’s been going along with the pack on the daily walk, never straying, attentive and quiet, delighting in the security of consistent affection, friendship and food. Upon arriving here, Herman was extremely reluctant to come indoors, even if it’s only inside of a camper. However, we are thrilled to report that two nights ago he began sleeping not only inside the camper but on our bed. After three weeks here at the sanctuary, Herman has slowly adapted to his safe, new life, one devoid of severity, cruelty or indifference. He is the gentlest, sweetest dog and guess what? He actually engaged in puppy play today with Daisy and Kathy like a happy and secure dog do. With his little bottom in the air and his chin on the floor, it’s as if he’s saying, “Come on girls!! Let's play!
