Update on 11 Beagles Rescued From Wisconsin Research Facility

Sometimes the best stories are the ones that remind us how much a second chance can mean.

That is exactly what is happening with 11 beagles who came to the Tri-County Humane Society after being rescued from Ridglan Farms.

ALL 11 BEAGLES HAVE BEEN ADOPTED

All the dogs have now been adopted, and Tri-County Humane Society says it has heard from the families who took them home. Each dog is adjusting at their own pace, but they are all settling into their new lives.

And one of those dogs is a 9-year-old beagle who is learning something she should have known a long time ago.

How to simply...be a dog.

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GERTRUDE'S STORY

About two weeks after arriving at TCHS, the beagle named Gertrude found her forever family, and was adopted on May 29th, 2026.

Her new name is Annika, and there is actually a pretty great story behind it.

Annika's new family has a “Star Trek: Voyager” theme when it comes to naming their pets. The name Annika comes from a character who breaks free from a cybernetic collective and begins rediscovering her individuality.

That seemed like a pretty perfect name for a beagle who has finally gotten the chance to discover what life outside a facility is all about. Apparently, Annika is taking full advantage of her new name!

LEARNING TO LIVE

Her family says she had a few things to figure out when she first arrived home. Stairs were new. The television was new. There were plenty of everyday things that other dogs probably take for granted that Annika had to learn.

But she is getting there.

SOME OF HER FAVORITE THINGS

One of her favorite things is apparently Saturday morning breakfast, when her humans make scrambled eggs and cheese. And just like many dogs who have discovered that humans are an excellent source of snacks, Annika has quickly mastered the art of begging.

She is also learning how to play with her new canine sister, who happens to be bigger and younger than she is.

AN EMERGING PERSONALITY

Having another dog in the house has helped Annika tremendously, according to her family. Her goofy personality is beginning to emerge, and she is even attempting something that every dog should have the opportunity to experience: Zoomies!

She has not quite mastered the technique yet, but her family says it is pretty fun to watch her try.

WALKING

There is one other thing Annika has made very clear.

She likes going for walks.

Actually, “likes” might not be a strong enough word.

Annika has decided that she only wants to go potty when she is out on a walk. That means several walks every day, regardless of whether it is raining, whether there is a toy waiting for her at home, or whether her humans might have other plans.

Someone suggested to the family that they didn't HAVE TO take their dog for a walk in the rain. They know that. But Annika is letting them know that she WANTS TO WALK, rain or shine, and the family says, 'This girl spent nine years in a cage. If she wants to walk, we're walking.'

THANKFUL FOR THE FAMILIES

I think that says a lot about this family.

They did not look at Annika's age and decide she was too old.

They did not worry about how much time they might have with her.

They simply saw a dog who deserved a home.

Her family is especially proud that they adopted a senior dog and one of the beagles who came from Ridglan Farms.

ANNIKA PICKED HER FAMILY

Perhaps the most touching part of Annika's story is that Annika picked her family.

They say whether they get one year with her or 10, they are determined to make the rest of her life the best of her life and love her more than she knows is possible.

There are still plenty of stories to tell about the 11 Ridglan beagles who found new homes through Tri-County Humane Society. The shelter says more updates are coming as they hear from the families.

ANNIKA IS LOVED

For Annika, though, her story is already pretty special.

After nine years, she has a family.

She has a dog sister.

She has Saturday morning scrambled eggs.

She has walks in the rain.

She has discovered stairs, television, begging, and even the beginnings of zoomies.

Most importantly, she has finally discovered what it means to be someone's dog.

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