Gumball is a very well-behaved and mellow dog who was taken off of death row. He does very well in the car, likes other dogs and gets along well with kids.

 

Foster Update 7/20/10: Gumball is precious. He is fantastic with kids, of all ages. We had a ton of them here over the weekend, from four months to 15. He is great with other dogs, and even cats. He has a "knowing" about him, that indicates he knows that the original dog in the home was there first.  He LOVES, LOVES, LOVES to go places. HUGE lover of the the car.. If you pick up your keys, or sunglasses, or purse, he goes right to the door for a ride. He loves men and women, but seems to really like men a bit more, looks for the male approval. He has no scary or dangerous trends. He really is a sweetheart.

 

New Foster Mom Update 7/29: Gumball is such a sweetheart - he follows me from room to room, and loves to run in front of me and throw himself down on his back for a bellyrub. He and my Beagle are "two peas in a pod" already - they are always sleeping on the couch together when I come home. He and my boyfriend are warming up to each other, but he favors me - maybe because I give all the bellyrubs. I was told that he might have some separation anxiety, but he has been great at my house when I go to work. I crated him at first, but he has been doing fine loose in my home and doesn't like the crate at all. I give him some natural "calming-aid" tablets before I go, just in case. He is great on a leash - we go for a walk every morning. He doesn't have an aggressive bone in his (slightly chunky) body - I can even put my hand in his foodbowl while he's eating. My cat likes to give him a hard time, and he doesn't understand why she is being mean when he wants to be friends! He is such a humorous and endearing dog - I would love to foster him long-term, but my other dog is not happy about a strange dog in the house, so she is at my parent's house until we can find this guy a new foster.

 

Like many dogs in the south, he is heartworm positive, but don't let that scare you.  We are treating him with monthly heartworm preventative, our preferred method.  Many dogs with heartworms lead a long and happy life.

 

According to www.dogbreedinfo.com, the Beagle is one of the most popular scent hounds because of his energy, willingness, and merry, sweet disposition. The breed probably originated as a cross between the Harrier and other hounds in England. The Beagle has been used in packs, alone, and in pairs, for hunting hare, pheasant and quail. He has also served as an excellent narcotics detection dog and makes a fine family companion. The Beagle is a gentle, sweet, lively and curious dog that just loves everyone! A happy little tail-wagger! Sociable, brave and intelligent. Calm and loving. Excellent with children and generally good with other dogs, but should not be trusted with non-canine pets, unless they are socialized with cats and other household animals when they are young. Beagles have minds of their own. They are determined and watchful and require patient, firm training. This breed doesn't like being left alone. Consider buying two if you will be gone a lot. A Beagle has a loud baying cry that was a delight to hunting horsemen, but can be disturbing to family and neighbors. Beagles have a tendency to follow their own noses. They may take off on their own exploration if let off their leash in an unfenced area. Energetic and possessing great stamina, the Beagle needs plenty of exercise, but a yard of reasonable size will take care of most of its requirements. A brisk daily walk will cover the rest. Always use a lead when walking this breed or you will be running the risk of it disappearing in search of wild game. They have a life expectancy of about 12-15 years.