Skittles is a 30.6-pound beagle girl who is looking for a very special home where she can finally learn what it means to feel safe, loved, and cared for.
Skittles came to us as a breeder release alongside her friend Starburst. She and Starburst spent their lives in outdoor kennel spaces, and that is essentially the only life they have known. Their past was not filled with the attention, affection, and comforts that most dogs experience, and now they are getting their first chance to learn what life outside a kennel can be like. Her estimated age from the veterinarian is 4 years old, although the original information we received was that the dogs were 45 years old. The breeder told the transport person that Skittles and Starburst are mother and daughter, but we don't have enough information to know for certain what their relationship is.
Skittles was raised in kennel spaces outdoors, and that is essentially the only life she has ever known. Sadly, the condition of her water bucket gives us an indication that she did not receive much care or attention during her time there.
Like many breeder release dogs who have had very little positive human interaction, Skittles is afraid of most things. The sights, sounds, and experiences of a normal household are all new to her, and she will need a family who understands that her fear is not disobedience or stubbornness. She simply hasn't had the opportunity to learn that the world can be a safe place. It is very likely Skittles will be a good friend to a resident cat as her prey drive has been repressed her whole life.
Skittles will need a patient, understanding home that is willing to let her progress at her own pace. Her adopters should be prepared for a girl who may initially be overwhelmed by her new surroundings and who will need time, consistency, reassurance, and plenty of positive experiences to build her confidence.
For Skittles, we are looking for a home with:
- A securely fenced yard
- Another confident, resident dog who can help show Skittles that the world isn't so scary (Hopefully with Starburst)
- Children who are at least 13 years old
- A family who understands her background and is prepared to give her the time she needs to blossom
Sudden movements and loud noises can be frightening for Skittles, so a home with younger children would not be a good fit for her.
Skittles was rescued alongside Starburst, and if you're looking to open your home to two deserving girls, you may want to consider adopting them together. They have shared an important part of their journey together. While we would love to see them both find wonderful homes, we're also happy to help someone who has room in their heart for a pair of deserving beagles consider giving them a home together.
Skittles is heartworm negative and will be spayed and vaccinated on September 9, with her vaccine boosters scheduled for September 16. She will also be microchipped and have a fecal test completed.
We are still getting to know this sweet girl, and as she learns more about life outside a kennel and we learn more about her personality, we'll update her profile.
For now, what Skittles needs most is someone who can look past her fear and see the hopeful girl underneath it all. She has spent her entire life knowing only one way of living. We can't change her past, but we can give her the chance to discover how wonderful her future can be.
Please note: Our rescue is foster-based and cannot hold dogs for future adoption due to travel, home renovations, or schedule changes. Adopters must be prepared to welcome their new companion within a reasonable timeframe.
We do our best to ensure every dog is as healthy and prepared as possible, but we ask adopters to understand that rescue dogs may need time to decompress and adjust. They are not perfect they are simply in need of patience, understanding, and a second chance.
Please visit our website www.beaglerescue.org to learn more about this amazing dog and to see other available dogs.
