‘It shatters my heart’: the fosters taking care of stressed former lab beagles Following the release of 1,500 beagles from Ridglan Farms, a biomedical research facility, animal rescue organizations were overwhelmed with adoption applications. These dogs, bred for research and often sheltered from outdoor experiences, require significant patience and specialized care from foster families to adjust to a normal life. Despite the challenges, adopters find the process of helping these beagles blossom to be incredibly rewarding.

• 1,500 beagles were released from Ridglan Farms, a Wisconsin-based biomedical research facility.
• Many of the beagles had never been outdoors and were initially frightened and shut down.
• Ridglan Farms agreed to cease operations due to accusations of animal mistreatment, including improper eye procedures without anesthesia.
• Animal rescue groups received a flood of applications to foster or adopt the beagles.
• Adopters were warned that these dogs require more time to reach milestones due to their lack of experience.
• Patience, a calm environment, and often another well-adjusted dog are crucial for helping lab beagles adjust.
• Witnessing the beagles overcome their anxieties and experience normal dog behaviors is highly rewarding for foster families.