Charlotte's Story

by Big On Beagles Rescue

Charlotte may never get adopted, but her story is important to share with you. She is an example of why Big On Beagles exists. She is the very reason we're here.

Charlotte came to us from the Windsor Humane Society this past fall. There was little known about her. She came in as a stray and seemed like a sweet dog. It's so hard to tell what a dog is really like in a shelter setting. It's such a stressful environment and the dogs are focused on simply trying to cope more than anything else.

The kind folks at the Windsor Humane Society were concerned for Charlotte. She was an older dog, between 8 and 10 years old, and they didn't expect she would get much interest. After a few weeks, they decided to contact private rescue for help. BOB had space for one more and we agreed to take her on.

It's always a bit risky when you agree to take a dog without first meeting them. This is why foster homes are so essential. It gives us time to assess each dog's true nature and health. We were in for some surprises with little Charlotte.

It was only a week after her arrival from Windsor when the trouble started. Charlotte suffered a grand mal seizure and was rushed to our veterinarian for immediate care. Extensive bloodwork and other tests revealed that Charlotte is epileptic. As for the severity of her condition, only time would tell. And time has told us the sad truth. Charlotte is severely epileptic, prone to suffering from frequent often lengthy seizures. She's taking anti-seizure medication which required monitoring for several weeks until we were able to determine the proper dosage. Nevertheless, her continued seizures proved the need for an additional, more potent drug to keep her safe. This drug, phenobarbitol, can do damage to the liver with prolonged use but we didn't have any choice in the matter. We've witnessed her suffer from more than one cluster seizure that lasted an entire hour. It's heartbreaking to see and very dangerous for Charlotte who we've fondly nicknamed Charlee.

There are even more health concerns that have come to light recently. A full day of testing at our vet's resulted in a disheartening diagnosis of Pituitary Cushing's disease. She is now on costly medication to control this incurable condition.

Finally, there are behavioural issues that the average adopter would understandably consider unacceptable. Charlotte has a habit of guarding things she decides should be hers and hers only. She'll growl and snap if you try to take the stolen item from her. It was not something her foster parent could tolerate. He's an elderly gentleman who had always owned mild-mannered dogs. So Charlotte has come to live with BOB's founder.

Things have improved tremendously since Charlee's arrival in February. Sadly, experience tells us that Charlotte may have been the victim of some abuse as she is so quick to feel threatened by approaching hands. It has taken limitless patience, gentleness, tolerance and understanding to sort through Charlee's fears. Most important, it's taken our unconditional love. But, this dear little misunderstood beagle girl is worth all the effort! There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a special dog like Charlee transformed from a frightened, confused little thing to a crazy happy beagle! We see it every day when she rolls on her back and grunts like a pig! This rescue is a success - adoption or no adoption because, despite all her troubles, Charlotte is happy! She has finally found her place in this world.

We may never find an adopter for Charlotte. She's a tough sell. But, at least she's loved by her rescuers and always will be.

Big On Beagles thought it was important to share Charlotte's story with you. We wanted you to get a better sense of what private rescue is really all about. So often, there are stories you never learn about, just behind the rescue scene. Dogs that can never be adopted out due to health issues or behavioural issues but still deserve the chance to be happy and to be loved. We're glad we've been able to do that for Charlee.