PD the Beagle

Image from google images, www.pet-breeds.com

Every now and then, you experience a series of events that make you realize things work themselves out, even under bad circumstances. No, I am not talking about the economy, the recession, my family or my pitiful boring life. I am talking about the stray dog that appeared at our workplace last Wednesday, shivering cold, scared and hurt in his back legs.

As I work for a chemical company, our manufacturing facility sits amidst the vast acres of cornfields, about 5 miles outside of town. To have a visibly traumatized dog show up at the front door is unusual. The first employee to arrive Wednesday morning found the shivering beagle in the bushes and brought him in, giving him refuge in the warm office area. He simply lay on a blanket fashioned out of a work uniform, shaking when others appeared to take a look-see. News of this gentle dog spread quickly, prompting a trip to the grocery store to purchase dog food, and an official naming of the beagle – “PD”, the initials for “Plant Dog”.

There were concerns that PD had been injured by a car or had been “dropped off” in the country, and several employees were reluctant to take him to the local county animal shelter, fearful that he might be destroyed. We determined PD to be at least 10 years old, but well taken care of, baring the issues with his hind legs.

One employee was coerced in transporting PD to a neighboring county’s animal shelter, where he would not be euthanized. Jeff reluctantly agreed, but in leaving late that evening, did not make it to the shelter in time. Jeff brought PD home, where his youngest son, seven year old Jack, immediately bonded with PD. PD spent the night in Jack’s room, and the next day, Jack spent hours reading books to PD.


At work we all became immersed with what might be PD’s fate – would Jeff’s family take him in? Another employee’s wife wanted to adopt PD – would Jim allow it? So much of the hallway conversation Thursday centered around the cute stray beagle instead of routine work topics (like slow orders, slow production rates, you know, the really depressing stuff during a recession).

Jeff was adamant about getting PD to the animal shelter Thursday night. He even left work at 3pm in order to ensure he had enough time. Imagine our surprise Friday when we learned PD was back at the office. Jim’s wife had arranged to take PD to the local vet school. Earlier that morning, Jack had to say goodbye to PD – they took their picture together – then Jack ran back upstairs to his room.


In calling around to arrange for PD’s care, the local animal shelter learned of PD and sent a worker over. Reports of a missing male beagle had reached the shelter, and they suspected PD was that missing beagle. PD left the site around noon on Friday, having earned the compassion of so many of us at work.

We learned today that PD reunited with his owner – a young boy, who, during PD’s time away, kept a nightly watch and vigil for his missing beagle. Jeff has decided to get Jack a beagle puppy for his 8th birthday in June.

And we were all grateful that things worked out for PD, who seemed to have many odds against him last Wednesday. Something we should remember during these tough times.