Beagles Who Spent Their Lives in Cages at a Research Facility Find Freedom and Love in New Homes (Exclusive)

**From Cages to Companionship: The Transformation of Beagles Pebbles and Paulie**

In a heartwarming turn of events, two beagles rescued from a research and breeding facility have embarked on a new chapter in their lives, adapting to the comforts of loving forever homes. Pebbles and Paulie, now renamed Milo, were among the beagles relocated to Alaqua Animal Refuge in Freeport, Florida, after being rescued from Ridglan Farms in Wisconsin, a facility that is shutting down.

Earlier this year, Alaqua Animal Refuge took in 20 beagles from Ridglan Farms, where an undisclosed agreement had been reached to transfer a total of 1,500 beagles to the Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the Center for a Humane Economy. This move allowed the displaced beagles to be sent to various rescue organisations focused on rehabilitation and adoption.

Initially, both Pebbles and Milo faced the challenge of acclimatising to environments drastically different from the cages they had known throughout their lives. The adjustment was particularly overwhelming for the pair, who had lived with minimal human interaction before their rescue.

Pebbles, a petite two-year-old, was one of the smallest beagles at the refuge. Despite this, her courage quickly became evident. Upon her arrival, Pebbles weighed only 17 pounds and presented with multiple health issues, including an ear infection and dental disease. These dental problems were prevalent among the Ridglan beagles, as they were accustomed to eating softened food, devoid of the need for chewing.

Once treated, Pebbles blossomed, exhibiting her adventurous spirit as she began to explore her new surroundings. “More than anything, she loves exploring,” said the staff at Alaqua, reflecting on her enthusiastic demeanour as she adjusted to her newfound freedom.

Milo, formerly known as Paulie, had a similarly rocky start. Coming to Alaqua with a range of health complications, he also displayed signs of fear typical for dogs coming from a laboratory setting. Fortunately, the new adopters demonstrated an understanding of the backgrounds from which these animals came, and the refuge provided crucial support through a specialised training programme.

Named “Bailey’s Beagle Boot Camp,” the initiative trained volunteers and adopters on how to assist fearful dogs. This included workshops on leash walking, socialisation, and tips on how to help the dogs build confidence. To further support the beagles, the programme, funded substantially by donors Ann and Mark Killen, equipped each dog with a GPS collar to prevent escapes—an important consideration for dogs with laboratory backgrounds.

After completing the boot camp, Pebbles found her forever home with Karen and Travis Tillman, who have a history of adopting pets from Alaqua. During their initial meeting with Pebbles, the Tillmans noticed her transition from an inquisitive and friendly demeanor to one that was timid and withdrawn, revealing her uncertainty in the new environment.

Undeterred, the family dedicated themselves to forming a relationship with Pebbles, allowing her the time and space she needed to feel comfortable in her new home. They adopted a gentle approach, encouraging her to come inside at her own pace and ensuring that sudden movements were avoided to prevent startling her. “We quickly learned that forcing things wasn’t going to help build trust,” shared the Tillmans.

Thanks to this nurturing approach, Pebbles began to make significant progress, learning to enjoy basic activities such as playing with toys and receiving cuddles—all experiences previously unknown to her. “For Pebbles, they’re brand-new experiences, and it’s been a privilege to watch her discover them,” the Tillmans reflected.

In parallel, Milo’s adopter, scientist Lisa Sapp, also faced challenges as she introduced Milo to the realities of home life. Sapp expressed her passion for giving one of the rescued beagles a chance at companionship rather than life as an experimental animal. She quickly realised that even basic household items and activities, such as stairs and new sounds, posed challenges for Milo.

Sapp described her role as a guiding force through Milo’s journey of discovery, noting the joy that emerged as he learned to navigate his new world. “Watching him learn to trust, adapt, and embrace new experiences has been a powerful reminder that healing often happens through patience rather than force,” she shared, highlighting the importance of small victories in the training process.

Through these experiences, both the Tillman family and Sapp embraced the challenges of adopting former research dogs, echoing a message of hope and compassion. They hope that the stories of Pebbles and Milo will inspire others to consider adopting pets in need and to extend patience and understanding to animals who may require a bit more time and care.

The journey of Pebbles and Milo exemplifies the transformative power of love, patience, and companionship, inviting others to open their hearts to rescue animals and experience the joy of helping them heal.