Beagle Boy 3

The first order of business was a bath. How would we get rid of that odor? We scrubbed and washed and scrubbed and washed. Then we did it all over again. We used the best dog shampoo money could buy. Then we used the best people shampoo money could buy. That little beagle was so patient with all our scrubbing efforts. We didn't know it then, but his persistent patience through all this bubble action was the first sign that we were now in possession of an exceptional canine. You see, Beagles think very little of "foo foo" smells. A spray of Cliniques Happy perfume equals S-A-D to a Beagle's nose. However, nothing will deliver a more proud pooch than after he has had a good roll in fresh manure.

So back to my story...
Our new house guest was about as clean as he would ever be and our house now smelled like "Skunk A La hound dog." Our new Beagle buddy just sat and stared. He acted a little like a polar bear vacationing in Hawaii. He just did not know what to do with himself. Our little family of six gathered around him. The children did not know what to make of his demure disposition. Quite frankly, I did not know what to make of it either. No movement, no wagging tail, no friendly licks or howls...just silence and stares. We were all feeling the tension in the air. Just then, the dog stood up and approached our oldest son, Bryce. Unsure of how to react, the Beagle instructed him by placing his head under Bryce's hand. It was his way of saying.."Go on...pet me. I like you too." Slowly, the dog made his way around the room, stopping to acknowledge each one of us. This was all very deliberate and caused us to feel as though we were the guest instead of the hosts. He stopped at each one of us to introduce himself. He even included the baby. She had been watching all of this unfold from her place in the walker. She let out a shrill of delight when he gently placed his paw on her tray so she could reach him for a pat. What would he do next?