A Beagle Admiral Reviews the Fleet but Dreams of Snacks

The admiral has just finished reviewing the fleet, and he is not entirely sure he trusts the sea breeze. A red and white Beagle with big hound ears hangs his head slightly forward and gazes from under his brow with deep brown, honest eyes. His navy coat has an embroidered collar with gold thread and a thick gold epaulette on each shoulder. Warm light falls across his tan cheeks and the white blaze that runs down his nose, while the background stays dark and cracked like old varnish.

There is a soft, hopeful quality in his expression that makes this commander more lovable than fearsome. It looks as though he would give the entire navy for one more whiff of whatever is in the galley.

Beagles are scent hounds, and their noses are their greatest tools. They were developed to follow trails, so when a Beagle puts nose to ground, it can be hard to get its attention. A secure fence and a leash are important on walks. They are friendly, curious and sociable, and they usually do well with other dogs. They also love food and can gain weight easily, so measure meals and keep up daily exercise. Some Beagles are quite vocal, with a famous bay, so training and enrichment help keep them busy. Ask your vet about diet and routine care.

The admiral may be in charge of a whole fleet, but we suspect his true mission is simply to find the snack drawer.