Dear Editor: I am writing as the foster mom of Mayday, an 8-year-old former Ridglan Farms beagle, to ask for our community’s support in freeing the approximately 500 beagles who remain there.
When Mayday came home, it was clear he had experienced significant trauma. He was afraid of loud noises, quick movements and people approaching him. Simple experiences most dogs take for granted — walking on grass, drinking from a bowl, sleeping through the night, riding in a car with the windows down and enjoying healthy meals — were unfamiliar and frightening.
Mayday also arrived with serious medical issues, including double ear infections, severe infections on all four paws and a badly infected mouth with teeth falling out. To help him recover, he required antibiotics, daily medicated foot soaks, extensive dental treatment with more than 30 teeth extracted, neuter, acupuncture and cold laser therapy.
Today, he enjoys hiking, sleeping in bed with his foster mom, getting brushed and cuddled and enjoying Pup Cups from Starbucks. His transformation is a testament to both the resilience of these dogs and the care they can receive when given a chance.
Hundreds of beagles remain at Ridglan awaiting that same opportunity. They are intelligent, affectionate animals who deserve freedom, safety and loving homes.
I urge readers to contact Wisconsin Go. Tony Evers at (608) 266-1212 and request an executive order directing the remaining dogs to shelters before July 1.
Every beagle deserves the chance to experience the love, care and freedom that transformed Mayday’s life.
Lindsey Decker
Stoughton
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