Hank the Beagle Brought Half the Backyard Onto the White Rug

The Beagle's eyes are huge. He sits on the white rug with his long ears hanging, looking directly at the camera with wide, round eyes, while all around him there are muddy paw prints leading across the rug in every direction. His white chest and legs are splattered with mud, and the brown and red patches of his coat are damp. In the background, a basket, a blanket, and a pair of slippers are scattered about the room.

Beagles were bred as scent hounds, and their noses rule their lives. When a Beagle catches an interesting scent in the yard, he can follow it with total focus, which is how a clean dog goes out and a muddy one comes back. They are friendly, curious, and merry dogs that often do well with other pets, though they like to explore and can be vocal. A sturdy fence and a leash on walks are important for them, because that nose can pull them far from home. After a muddy adventure, a towel and warm water can clean up most messes, and your vet or groomer can suggest a gentle dog shampoo.

We will call him Hank. He has never looked so sorry, and he has never been so muddy. The rug will recover, though the memory of a Beagle's adventure will linger much longer.