Dogs Saved By Truck Driver From Cold, Filthy Pen Find New Homes

PECONIC, NY — A family of beagles rescued by a truck driver who found them living outside in bitter cold weather and a filthy pen have all found new homes, according to the North Fork Animal Welfare League.

A truck driver got lost and ended up at the end of a dirt road where he noticed the beagles, Gabrielle Stroup of the North Fork Animal Welfare League explained.

"He was very concerned. He called the shelter stating there were 3 beagles outside in a pen with no food or water — and the pen was filthy," Stroup said.

Gillian Wood Pultz, executive director of the NFAWL, went to assess the situation and "saw the same thing," Stroup said. "While at the location, the owner showed up." The owner willingly surrendered the dogs, Stroup said.

Delilah, the mama beagle, 7 years old, was adopted by Maureen Meyer of Cutchogue's Nassau Point — and Dunkin, her 2-year old pup, was adopted by Meyer's nephew Richard Russo of Bay Shore.

Dee Dee, the 2-year old sister of Dunkin, also found a wonderful home, Stroup said.

Meyer said she saw the Patch article and also sent a copy of the post to her nephew; she's also followed Stroup's post on the North Fork Animal Welfare League's Facebook page about the beagles.

Meyer had adopted a dog, a Katrina puppy, from the NFAWL in Peconic in the past, and was heartbroken when that dog had to be put down last May due to a battle with cancer.

"I've always had a dog in my life," she said.

A supporter of the animal shelter, donating beds and food, Meyer said when she heard about the beagles' plight, she was compelled to bring Delilah, now named Lily, home.

"She's so sweet and laid back," Meyer said.

While the mama pup needs a bit of training since she's lived outside all her life, Meyer said the sweet dog has adapted easily and happily to her new home.

"She sleeps, all warm in a bed, wrapped up like a baby, and lays next to us on the couch. She seems to be adjusting very well. She's become part of the family." Meyer said she hopes to give the dog nothing but love, "to make up for the rotten 7 years she must have had."

While Lily has scars on her face and is a bit timid — the fear is that she may have been hit in the past, or hurt by other animals — her spirit is still "so sweet. She's so friendly and thankful. She just such a sweet dog."

Her new pup follows Meyer everywhere in the house. "She's attached to me at the hip," Meyer laughed.

She added: "I'm so happy I did it, took her home. When I first read the article, and then I saw her photo posted on the NFAWL page, I couldn't sleep that night. And then when I saw her, and saw the scars, I said, 'That's it. I'm taking her.' I told her, once I got her home, 'No one will ever hurt you here.'"

During the interview, Lily wagged her tail happily. "We are really very, very happy with her," Meyer said.

Stroup said she was overjoyed that all 3 beagles have new families. "I’m thrilled they were all able to find great homes so quickly. I have heard from all the new families and they are doing great. In fact, Delilah’s new mom said she is the best dog she has ever had."

Patch photos courtesy North Fork Animal Welfare League.