10/18/23 A little over 6 years ago, we took in a group of research dogs. These beagles had never seen the light of day. They had no idea what it was to be a dog. They did not know people could be kind.
Valentine came in with that group. She was 7 yrs old at the time. She had lived her life in a cage, being tested on and breeding more research dogs. The lab left scars, although not physical ones. She did have some issues with her toes from being kept in a cage and made to stand on wires instead of even a mat or flat bottom. She slowly became a dog. Val was adopted by a loving couple who adopted her and another. She was a special girl and unfortunately took a turn. She stopped eating (a symptom too many of us are too familiar with), and she crossed peacefully with her family surrounding her in love. Rest in peace my funny Valentine……you will always hold a special place in our hearts.