After losing Dipsy and Mischief I decided to get a dog. Ever since looking after a Beagle called Rocky, many years ago, I'd always thought that one I'd like to own one. So I was amazed that when we went to the Freshfield Animal Rescue Centre and the first dog I saw was a Beagle. I'll leave you with Toby to tell you his story.

Would you believe it - after living in this establishment for over 2 years I've finally been allowed to add my page to this web site, it must be my reward for wearing that hat, I'm pleased to say that mischiefblue doesn't make me wear it all the time.

Anyway lets move on, I'd like to introduce myself to you and maybe find a couple of stories to tell you.I'm Toby, a three year old Beagle, I've lived here now for over two years and I've really landed on my feet. Nobody ever explained to me as how I had to leave my first home and go and live in an animal shelter. I've got an idea that it may have been because I'm very mischievous and rather do what I want instead of listening to someone telling me what to do. Mind you I don't know why I couldn't get away with it then like I do now although some ear plugs wouldn't go a miss sometimes.

So how did I end up here in Southport? Well it all started one day at the back end of August 2004, I was sitting in the kennels just minding my own business. There were a few other dogs running around and making rather a lot of noise. The gate opened and the guy that was taking care of us walked in with two other people. I stayed sitting down leaning on the fence waiting to see what was going to happen. I didn't expect to be the lucky one but I was hopeful when I heard the smaller person say "I've always wanted a Beagle". I think that these people were a bit shocked at seeing such a handsome fella in an animal rescue place. They walked past me and my heart sank, but then they came back and I was taken into the yard for a while. I was very hopeful now and tried to be good but I'm a beagle and being good isn't what I do best.

I was taken back to the kennels and everybody just left, I felt very sad and thought that I'd blown my chance. Some hours went by and then this person who wanted a beagle came back with another friend and they took me for a walk up the lane, now this was very exciting and maybe I wasn't on my best behavior but it didn't seem to bother these people. They took me back to the kennels and left me again, only this time mischiefblue, whispered to me and said that she would be back for me. Promises, promises I thought and I went to lie down thinking about what could have been!

August went and September came and still I was here in these kennels, I'd given up all hope when suddenly my whole world seemed brighter, standing in front of me was my dream come true, mischiefblue had come back for me. We spent a bit of time in an office and then all the kennel staff came to say good-bye to me, this was a bit strange as I didn't really have a clue about what was going on, but a sense of adventure was in the air.