Beagles are, regrettably, among the breeds that are frequently utilized in scientific experimentation due to their gentle and reliable nature.
Research indicates that over 60,000 dogs are annually utilized as laboratory animals for testing purposes in the United States. [1]
Consequently, these canines are deprived of the opportunity to leave their enclosure, stroll on grass, experience affection, or truly understand what it means to simply be a dog.
A Beagle named Dora, the primary character in this narrative, was one of those laboratory animals until she was eventually saved by One Tail at a Time, an animal rescue organization based in Chicago.
Introducing Dora
Dora, an eight-month-old Beagle, was among the numerous Beagles that One Tail at a Time successfully rescued once they were “retired” from laboratory testing.
Just like the other lab canines, Dora simply lacked the knowledge of being merely a dog.
“Up until now, she had only been known by the number inked within her ear,” Kimberly Thomas, Marketing Manager at One Tail at a Time, informed The Dodo.
These laboratory animals are not provided with appropriate names; they are merely identified by a number marked on their ear – because they are not treated as genuine dogs.
“For a lab Beagle who has spent her entire life confined in one building, facing new experiences, such as steps, can be intimidating,” Kim noted. Dora had to learn to navigate the stairs and explore outside, but fortunately, her foster parents were there to assist her immensely.
Samantha, Dora’s foster mother, remarked that on her first day at home, Dora was so anxious that she crawled around on her belly.
Dora the Beagle captured the hearts of the internet as she encountered going for a walk for the very first time. Even though she was quite frightened, Dora displayed commendable courage in attempting it.