By Janet Medcalf, Columnist for The Greeneville Neighbor News

“Save Our Snoopies Beagle Rescue” is an organization that rescues and finds homes for displaced beagles. They say beagles, just like Snoopy in the “Peanuts” cartoon strip, are intelligent and “oh, so lovable.”

The East Tennessee Chapter of SOS Beagle Rescue recently saved three pooches from euthanization in Greene County. We'll share the story of Lizzie, an older beagle who has helped add love to a grieving family's home.

Meet “Blizzard”

Sandra Olsen, an SOS Beagle Rescue volunteer and foster, regularly regularly visits Greene County Animal Control, where she noticed “Blizzard” and two other beagles in a kennel. Sandra said that Blizzard's eyes were “full of sorrow and pain.”

Blizzard appeared to be the oldest of the three dog, and Sandra decided to take them all in hopes of finding homes. 

She scheduled vetting services, including spaying/neutering, at the Greeneville-Greene County Humane Society. The dogs then went to Sandra's home for fostering in hopes of eventually finding permanent homes in New Jersey, after SOS Beagle Rescue posted their pictures on Petfinder.com.

While the two younger beagles quickly found homes, Lizzie took a bit longer. But don't worry, there's a happy ending.

Meet Rob and Irene

Rob and Irene Rogers of Atco, N.J. had recently lost their beloved beagle Molly, 16. They were debating whether to adopt another beagle. 

Irene was hesitant because she wasn't sure that she was emotionally ready for a new pet, but her husband felt the time was right for another canine companion. They contacted Linda Forrest of SOS Beagle Rescue. Linda introduced them to Blizzard.

Blizzard made a “beeline for the couch and snuggled up” to both Rob and Irene, whining for attention. The pooch then contentedly curled up and fell asleep between them. That sealed the deal.

The Rogers family had a new pet, with the adoption finalized on St. Patrick's Day 2012. The little beagle's name was changed to Lizzie, and the family felt that their home was complete again.

While Lizzie hasn't replaced Molly in their hearts, she has rather shown them that their hearts are big enough for more than one little furry soul.

Even older dogs have plenty of life and spirit. Look at Lizzie. She went from being a stray, actually on the list to be euthanized, to a happy, loving member of a wonderful family.

About SOS Beagle Rescue Tennessee

SOS Beagle Rescue Tennessee is one of three chapters of SOS Beagle Rescue. The regional chapter covers an approximate 50 mile radius of Knoxville. They occasionally accept owner-surrendered dogs as space permits.

All SOS beagles are spayed/neutered, microchipped, up to date on vaccinations, and on preventative heartworm, prior to adoption. 

The non-profit organization does not have an actual shelter or public facility visit, but they they encourage prospective adoptive individuals and volunteers to learn more and contact them via their website.