'Every moment is learning something new': Thrifted Kittens Animal Rescue in Milwaukee takes in 4 beagles from Ridglan Farms
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- This week, many animal rescues are preparing to pick up beagles, after Ridglan Farms struck an agreement with Big Dog Ranch Rescue to release 1,500 dogs into their care.
Many of those beagles will end up at rescues in Milwaukee and eventually will be available for adoption.
Thrifted Kittens Animal Rescue in Milwaukee is one of many that picked up dogs on Monday, May 4.
Big Dog Ranch Rescue connected with Thrifted Kittens recently, asking if they were able to help.
"We're a pretty small rescue, so we couldn't take a lot," said Emilie Rackovan, Thrifted Kittens' director. "But we had to do something, so we agreed to take four."
Thrifted Kittens volunteers also helped Big Dog Ranch with veterinary needs on site Monday.
Now Daffy, Gordon, Timothy, and Banjo are settling into their new Milwaukee foster homes.
"Every moment is learning something new about them," Rackovan said. "They're like, fresh off the transport van."
While Thrifted Kittens mostly fosters cats, they also take in dogs with special needs that could make shelter life difficult, and these beagles fit right in.
"I knew this would be a little bit of a challenge, and a good experience," said Judy Carlson, a volunteer and foster for Thrifted Kittens.
She, Rackovan, and two other foster parents spent Tuesday watching these pups transform from nervous to curious.
"Everything is a new smell at this point to him," Carlson said about her foster, Gordon. "He just wanted to go all around the house, check everything out."
"He wanted to be near me at all times, so he actually slept in my bed, which I don't usually do with fosters," Rackovan said about her foster, Daffy.
The dogs have been figuring out different floors, stairs, and even foods.
"It doesn't seem like they know how to eat hard food or anything, which is really interesting. They're not really interested in treats or anything," Rackovan explained. "We have a whole array of different types of food, and all these different things, so we can learn about them, and see what they like."
While in foster homes, the dogs will be neutered and receive any needed medical care. Big Dog Ranch Rescue has already given them initial vaccinations and microchips.
Once the time is right, many of the rescued beagles will be ready for adoption.
Every dog is an individual. One might be ready right away, and one might need months," Rackovan explained. "We really have no idea, so we're just taking it day by day."
What is certain is that these pups are special, silly, and full of love to give.
"Each one of them has completely distinct personalities," Rackovan said. "It's really cool to be able to see that."
Rackovan estimates all four dogs are between six months to one year old, as they each have tattoos on their right ears indicating they were born in 2025.
For now, she said the best way to support the beagles is to donate to the rescues who are caring for them, as they'll need to funding for supplies, care, transport, and medical needs. Many rescues are also in need of foster homes.
Click here to donate to Thrifted Kittens Animal Rescue.