Sadly, Beagles are frequently utilized in laboratory experiments due to their gentle and reliable nature.
Research indicates that annually, over 60,000 dogs are employed as laboratory animals for scientific testing in the United States. [1]
Consequently, these dogs often never leave their cages, never walk on grass, feel affection, or even truly understand what it is to be a dog.
A Beagle named Dora, who is the central figure in this tale, was among those laboratory dogs until she was ultimately rescued by One Tail at a Time, a Chicago animal rescue organization.
Introducing Dora
At just eight months old, Dora was among the many Beagles that One Tail at a Time successfully rescued after they were “retired” from laboratory testing.
Like her fellow lab companions, Dora was initially unaware of how to simply be a dog.
“Her only identity thus far was the number tattooed in her ear,” shared Kimberly Thomas, Marketing Manager at One Tail at a Time, in a conversation with The Dodo.
These laboratory animals are never given a true name, merely recognized by the number inked on their ear – because they are not treated as real pets.
“For a lab Beagle who has spent her entire life within one building, encountering new experiences like stairs can be intimidating,” Kim noted. Dora had to adapt to using stairs and going outdoors, but fortunately, her foster family provided her with immense support.
Samantha, Dora’s foster parent, recounted that on her first day in her new home, Dora was so frightened she crawled around on her belly.
Dora captured the hearts of many online when she took her first walk. Though frightened, she bravely tried.
