Freedom and Beyond pt. 3

This is part three of my five part series on where the Christmas 11 (Beagle Freedom Projects Rescue #9) are today. 

              Once upon a time in a land called Sherman Oaks, there was an enchanted garden.  This magical place was filled with tall majestic trees hiding cozy little cottages straight out of a fairy tale.  Living in this veritable wonderland were five of the sweetest pups I had ever met.  Including Spanky (formerly Elfie) from the Beagle Freedom Projects Rescue #9, The Christmas 11. 

             Spanky's mom, Shannon, is the Beagle Freedom Project’s Cruelty-Free Coordinator and Consultant.  Not only is she extremely knowledgable about all, and I mean ALL, of the cruelty-free items out on the market today, she is also single mom, foster mom, dog mom, event planner, and quite possibly, Super Woman.  Ella, Shannon’s eight year old daughter, also has the fighting spirit to save animals.  I remember meeting Ella at the 11th rescue and her calm energy and intelligence was quite impressive.  Together, I imagine those ladies are unstoppable.    

            Spanky had no problem showing me around his home.  He and his Chihuahua brothers were tearing up the yard.  They were flying up and down stairs and running through flowerbeds.  The two older dogs meandered out of the house to check me out.  Once I passed the sniff-over, they gave me their "woof" of approval, then headed back inside to finish their naps. 
            When I asked Shannon my standard question about how Spanky's transition was, she answered similarly to the other Beagle parents, "Every day was a new experience.  One minute the wind chimes might scare him but he learned that they were just wind chimes and the next minute he'd be fine." 

            The numbers tattooed on his ear are all that is left of Spanky's former life. He's not someone's test subject anymore.  He's not a thing.  He's a silly, mischievous Beagle.  Happy and carefree.  With a life filled with unconditional love, frolic and wonder.


          Thank you Shannon, Ella, Spanky and the gang for letting me into your magical world.