Both Pebbles and Paulie were removed from a research and breeding facility in Wisconsin and transported to Alaqua Animal Refuge in Florida
NEED TO KNOW
- Two beagles rescued from a dog breeding and research facility are adjusting to new lives in loving forever homes
- Alaqua Animal Refuge provided specialized training to help the dogs overcome fear and adapt to new environments
- Adopters shared how patience and care helped the beagles experience trust and joy for the first time
Two beagles have discovered the grass is greener on the other side after leaving cages for loving forever homes.Earlier in 2026, Alaqua Animal Refuge in Freeport, Fla., took in 20 of the beagles removed from Ridglan Farms, which is preparing to close. According to the Associated Press, Ridglan Farms is a dog breeding and research facility in Blue Mounds, Wis., that reached a confidential agreement in April with Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the Center for a Humane Economy, selling its 1,500 beagles to the organizations for an undisclosed amount.The two purchasing organizations dispersed the beagles, who had only known life in cages, to dozens of partner rescues for recovery and adoption. Two of the twenty sent to Alaqua were Pebbles and Paulie.
Pebbles was one of the smallest beagles of the bunch at Alaqua, “but she quickly proved she was among the bravest,” the rescue shared in a statement to PEOPLE.
The 2-year-old dog arrived at Alaqua weighing just 17 pounds, and suffering from an ear infection, dental disease, and a soft tissue injury to her front leg.According to Alaqua, significant dental issues were common among the Ridglan beagles because the dogs spent their early life consuming softened food from rabbit-style feeders rather than chewing solid food.After getting her injuries treated, Pebbles began showing off her adventurous side.
“More than anything, she loves exploring,” said Alaqua’s rescue team…