Tristan Keene has been fostering a beagle named Theo, who was rescued from Ridglan Farms in Wisconsin by the animal rescue organization, The Bond Between. Two weeks ago, the Minnetonka-based organization rescued 30 beagles from the facility after a judge found evidence of maltreatment at the biomedical research breeding site near Madison.
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Rachel Mairose, executive director of The Bond Between, described the beagles' arrival as a significant transition, noting their shyness and curiosity. "They were exactly what you might expect from animals stepping into a brand-new world. They were shy, apprehensive, gentle and so incredibly sweet," she shared in a blog post.
Theo has experienced several milestones as he adjusts to life outside the facility, including his first encounters with grass, a bed, and toys. Keene has observed how he is becoming more comfortable in his new environment. "He's still coming out of his shell a bit and becoming a bit more rambunctious, which has been so fun to see. He really just loves to be around his people and to snuggle with them," she said.
Theo is scheduled to move to his forever home on Friday, but Keene noted that many foster volunteers ended up adopting their beagles. She advised potential adopters to research the dogs’ backgrounds, emphasizing the need for patience as the dogs adapt to new circumstances. "They're super loyal, but they are obviously coming with a different set of circumstances and some more challenges," Keene explained.
Other animal rescue organizations, including the Animal Humane Society in the Twin Cities and Ruff Start Rescue in Princeton, have also taken in beagles from this rescue operation. "It's been really inspiring to see the support that these beagles have had, and just how many people are willing to step up and come together as a community to support them and help them get to better lives," Keene stated.