Another Blind Beagle from Georgia!
I drove out to Great Falls on Friday to pick up a blind Beagle puppy we flew in from Atlanta. This little guy, who we named Austin, came to us from the same lady, Morgan S., who sent us blind Widget, blind Willie and blind Briggs. Morgan was living in New York when she rescued Widget years ago, and has since moved to Georgia where she runs Atlanta Beagle Rescue.
An animal control shelter had picked up Austin as a stray, but no one claimed him and the shelter couldn't find anyone to adopt him. Just as his time was running out, a private rescuer noticed Austin in the shelter and called another rescuer, who knew Morgan and asked her for help in getting the blind Beagle to safety.
We think he may be only about 9 months old or so. His eyes are clear but appear a little odd ... a tad undersized, perhaps, but not what would be considered microphthalmia. They don't really track anything, so even if Austin knows you're there and he's "looking" at you, his eyes don't necessarily point in your direction. In other words, his head is facing you but his eyes sometimes wander. Most blind dogs will still train their eyes on you if they know where you are from sound, smell or touch.
He's an itty bitty guy, underweight for sure but also just very small. He's as cute as can be, sweet and affectionate. Briggs knows there's someone new in the isolation yard, so he goes up and down the solid wood fence, cone attached to his head, trying to figure out who the new arrival is. He's heard there's another blind Beagle from Georgia on the other side, but he wants to check it out for himself:
How nice to see Alayne in front of the camera!!!
Posted by:Kristi Gross | April 29, 2008 at 12:25 PM
He's so adorable! Beagle-mania continues!
Posted by:Kristen D. | April 29, 2008 at 06:45 AM
It is all part of the Beagle's master plan to take over the world. Plump little Beagles running the show! It's only a matter of time.
Posted by:Bob | April 28, 2008 at 07:44 PM
Welcome precious puppy! What a cutie!
Thanks to all involved in his rescue...you all have compassionate hearts.
Posted by:Nina | April 28, 2008 at 07:12 PM
Congratulations, Austin!
Briggs looks like he's being punished, you know, standing in the corner thing?
Posted by:yoonamaniac | April 28, 2008 at 07:07 PM
Wonderful news! Austin is in the best of company now with fine tutors eager to jump in, :) Morgan S., you rock!
Posted by:Margaret | April 28, 2008 at 04:41 PM
What a lucky little guy !
Pretty soon the beagles are going be beating the doxies !
Best of luck, Austin !
Posted by:Kylie Payeur | April 28, 2008 at 02:09 PM
What an adorable Beagle puppy. Thanks for taking this cutie into your very capable hands!!
Posted by:Carisa | April 28, 2008 at 11:11 AM
This is such a sweet picture -- I am so happy for little Austin that he is right where he belongs! I can't wait to see the beagle gang together when they are all settled. Alayne you are looking great. Congratulations on your new little addition.
Posted by:Angela Langdon | April 28, 2008 at 08:03 AM
What a cutie? So do the beagles out number the little dash hounds....
Posted by:gayle | April 28, 2008 at 07:29 AM
Austin is very sweet looking!
It's so hard to be patient when you have another beagle to add to the pack but you can't get close enough to get a good sniff.
Welcome home Austin!
Posted by:Boundforglory | April 28, 2008 at 07:08 AM
awwwww!!! hes soooo cute!!! welcome to the RDR Austin! Hugs to all at RDR!
Posted by:GiLe | April 28, 2008 at 06:53 AM
It looks like Briggs is using his cone like a glass to a wall to amplify the sounds next door! "What kind is it? Will I like him or her? Will we play? I'm so excited to meet the newbie!"
Austin is a cutie & so fortunate to have rescuers to get him to the fantastic RDR! Thanks so much for giving him Sanctuary!
Big hugs,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by:ginger & Tobias (the greythound) | April 28, 2008 at 02:43 AM
How cute are the new RDR puppies? (Don't tell the Widge)
Posted by:Lalla and Sasha | April 28, 2008 at 02:34 AM
A very warm welcome to sweet Austin! What a cutie! He looks so content in Alayne's arms (and she looks quite happy, too:-))...
Posted by:Carla Polastro-Nigro | April 28, 2008 at 02:30 AM
Pretty soon the Beagles may out number the Dachshunds and then it's.....the battle of the minions.
Austin is such a cutie, thanks to those involved in his rescue and to the RDR for his new home.
Posted by:Andrew, NZ | April 28, 2008 at 12:29 AM
Widget better get busy making mischief, bc Briggs sounds like he is quite the character and might give her a run for her money!
And welcome to adorable Austin!!!! I'm sure that he will be an absolutely amazing addition... :)
Posted by:maggie | April 27, 2008 at 08:38 PM
Wow he is really a cutie!!! So glad he found his way to the Ranch.
Posted by:Lori Leduc | April 27, 2008 at 07:56 PM
Maybe Austin is a 13' beagle--very cute--another Beagle for the RDR Beagle pack!
Posted by:Shirley & James, Portland, OR | April 27, 2008 at 07:26 PM
Oh my... another cute beagle at the RDR. Welcome to the best place in the world Austin.. .:)
Posted by:Jen | April 27, 2008 at 07:20 PM
Aww this little guy is tooo precious. He reminds me of my beagle, Mischa. I just wanted to say thank-you from one animal-lover to another. The work you do is amazing, and you have inspired me to want to help animals in need too.
Posted by:Lisa Beaudoin | April 27, 2008 at 06:33 PM
Morgan S is a saint , and I can't even put into words what she must think of you and Alayne !
Austin, I think, is going to be a major player on the RDR Championship team !!!!!!!!! :)
Posted by:Bibi | April 27, 2008 at 06:04 PM
Welcome home, Austin Mini!
Posted by:Jamie | April 27, 2008 at 06:00 PM