Juno Rescued Beagle

In one week it will be 21 months to the day that 120 Freegles were rescued by Best Friends from a testing laboratory in New Jersey. By this time 21 months ago the lab had been abandon. The quiet hours in the dark ticked by. A mixed blessing it was, to be left alone yet so alone.

A lot can happen in 21 months. A lot to learn and a lot to teach. Being a smart and extroverted beagle who spent the first 5 years of my life in a laboratory I didn’t know much but picked up on things pretty quick in my new home. Two months into my freedom I met my Freegle sister Harriet again at Strut Your Mutt in New York City. It was pure luck but meant to be as we were both there for a reason, to pay it forward to Best Friends for helping us out in our hour of need. For that we are eternally grateful to them. One of the first things that both Harriet and I understood in our forever homes was that promises are for keeps. The day I went to my forever home I knew that I was safe. I knew that nothing would ever harm me again.

Since Strut Your Mutt we have become not only best buddies but travel partners and co-ambassadors for laboratory animals the world over. Harriet knows that together we can help to make a difference in educating people about animal testing and that sometimes using your sweet big eyes to help drive that point home is something that we just have to do. Takin one for the team so to speak. Our Mom’s both have a force within them that inspires them to speak until they are hoarse about the plight of laboratory animals. We come along for the ride…. and to be called upon when big brown eyes are needed!

Harriet, I’m so glad that we are best sisters and that we get to do neat stuff together. It’s been a while and soon I will get to see you again at the Songs of Hope on April 22. There we will no doubt be called upon to give big eyes and say hey everybody shop with compassion, okay! In our travels we have played and snuggled and shared food… Well okay I stole your food, but only because you let me. You always let me have to spotlight and be the bossy one. I love and appreciate your quiet strength and can’t think of any one else I would rather share the spotlight with than you, sister.

 This morning Harriet sent me this video, special delivery. It makes my beagle heart want to aarroo with joy to know that my sister is safe and sound. I told her I was going to share it with all my friends and let them know how much she too is loved.

Luv & Wags,

Juno