Judy - Beagle Dog Available for Adoption in Wheeling, Illinois

Judy is living in a foster home! Please submit an application from our website and email dogs@heartlandanimalshelter.org to see if you're a match!

You may have heard about the beagles that were in the news recently. A biomedical research facility in Wisconsin came under scrutiny, and agreed to release 1500 of the beagles they had kept for testing. Heartland was able to help by taking some of them in in early May.

The beagles that were released to us were all mamas, having been used for both breeding and for testing at this facility. The day of their release was the first time they had ever touched grass, been pet, interacted with other dogs, been walked on leash, and so much more. They all went to foster homes within a few days of coming to Heartland, where they have slowly but surely learned how to "dog."

While we can't undo years of living in a kennel, being deprived of fresh air and loving care, we have been amazed at how quickly they adapted to life on the outside. These girls are remarkable and resilient, and deserve homes that will continue the progress made in their foster homes. The most important thing for anyone interested in adopting one of these beagles is acknowledging that they aren't on a typical timeline. For example, we celebrated with their fosters when they went potty outside in the grass for the first time! Only recently are they starting to play with toys, and solicit affection.

Our girls are all exceptionally gentle souls. In fact, beagles are bred and used for medical testing due to their docile natures. None of them has a mean bone, and they were not afraid of people or touch; rather, they were unfamiliar with the way a dog is typically touched, and not sure how to react to it at first. They were only ever held in the context of being poked and prodded, not lovingly petted and cooed at. So when they were first pet, they would just kind of freeze! Now, they soak up the attention, and have formed strong bonds with their foster families and their canine foster siblings!

Judy is one of these resilient gals! She is 3 years young and has been in foster care with a staff member and her family and has been busy soaking up how to be a dog from her foster dog siblings! While she has made great progress, she still has a ways to go to adapt to life outside of a cage.

In her foster home, Judy has been living happily alongside other dogs, a cat, and children! She gets along well with everyone. Having furry and human friends around seems to help her feel safe and supported as she continues to blossom.

Judy is also making great progress with her house training and is getting better about doing her business outside. She's learning that walks can be fun, too, and has become noticeably braver on the leash!

As her personality emerges, Judy has started discovering the joys of being a dog. Recently, she's taken a particular interest in stuffies and enjoys slowly and methodically "deconstructing" her favorite toys. It's one of the many ways she's begun expressing her playful side. She's even started smiling-a heart-melting grin that perfectly captures how far she's come!

Here is what her foster mom had to share about her!

"I wasn't sure how Judy would react at my house, but she has fit in quite well. She enjoys the company of our dogs and children and spending time outside in the yard. She is getting braver each day and has started going up and down stairs and in and outside on her own. She is startled by noises and sudden movements but she is learning she is in a safe space. She has started smiling in the past week and is getting more and more playful with the dogs in the yard. She is making positive progress each day!"

If you're looking for a gentle companion and would love the opportunity to help a deserving dog continue her journey, Judy may be the perfect match. Every day she comes a little further out of her shell-and the dog waiting inside is absolutely worth getting to know!

Judy's adoption fee is $375. This animal is spayed, up to date on core vaccines, and Heartworm negative.

The Beagle is a beloved breed known for its friendly nature, curious personality, and distinctive howl. These small to medium sized dogs are incredibly sociable and get along well with both humans and other pets. Beagles are curious and energetic, always eager to follow a scent with their incredible sense of smell, making them excellent hunting and tracking dogs. Their short coat is easy to maintain, and they are adaptable to various living environments, making them popular companions for families and individuals alike.

Heartland Animal Shelter is a no-kill shelter and a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization.  We depend on your donations in order to...