May 27, 2009

Chicot the Beagle

Hi. Thanks for following up. We have it; I've read lots of it, scanned more and mostly like it. There's more of the AKC slant than I wanted, but I'm sure many want the breeding information. I wanted a "How to"; teach him to walk on a leash, come when called, stop 'marking' on furniture book and I can get a lot of that from your book.

We were Campground Hosts at a Louisiana State Park this winter and someone brought our little guy out and 'dumped' him. We discovered him several days later, we 'sort of' know that because there were some contractors who said they'd seen him since the weekend and we found him on a Wednesday. We think he was 'dumped' because he had no collar or ID, and he was hanging around the same campsites until we picked him up. We put up posters and notices locally, with no response. The vet says he's two to three and in generally good health, although we removed half a dozen ticks and treated him with Advantix prior to seeing a vet and he prescribed Ear Mite Medicine which we continue to administer.

We named him Chicot, after the Park, and he's captured our hearts; although he is a lot of work. When he gets loose he is off and running after whatever scent he locates and 'sounds' joyously as he disappears into the distance. So far, he has either returned, or got 'close enough' that we, or someone else, has been able to get a leash on him. We'd like to be able to turn him lose with some confidence that he'd respond to voice commands when we want him back.

When we leave him in our truck, with our other dog, to shop, eat or watch birds, he takes any available escape to get out and run. When it's warm we leave windows 'cracked' and it doesn't take much for him to get out. We tried tethering him to a seat but he was able to get out, apparently nearly hung himself, and left tether and collar hanging from the nearly rolled up window. I hate having him constantly tethered but it seems the only way to make sure he'll be there when we come back.

He also 'marks' walls and furniture; until we catch him and he then stops…at that location, as he 'understands' it. He will be neutered tomorrow and we hope that helps.

Here's a picture of me, him and our other adoptee in a dog park.

Bill

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