Bumper’s Journey to Becoming a Big Brother

Last summer, Connie’s family went through the heartbreaking loss of their beloved 19-year-old rescue beagle, Piper. Their other beagle, Sporty, who they rescued at 11 years old from the Windsor Humane Society, was also very ill at the time. With Sporty grieving for Piper, they knew they needed to find him a new friend right away to help ease his sadness.

In their search, they came across a beagle named Bumper Cars on a rescue website. They drove to Detroit Animal Care and Control as soon as possible. As soon as they met Bumper, they knew he was the one. Sadly, Sporty passed away a month later, but Bumper brought him comfort in the brief time they had together. Bumper is on the right in the photo with Sporty.

But that’s not the end! When Sporty passed, they knew Bumper would need another companion to fill the void. That's when Astro entered their lives. They rescued him from an organization dedicated to rehabilitating beagles who have spent time in testing laboratories. Astro had spent three years in a US lab and was severely traumatized. The director told them he was one of the most shut-down dogs from that laboratory and asked if Connie and her family would take him. He arrived terrified, unsure of the world around him.

Laboratory beagles require special care, patience, and love. They do best in homes with another dog, preferably another beagle, and Bumper stepped up in the most amazing way.

He became the perfect big brother, showing Astro how to be a dog again. Bumper taught Astro how to enjoy life, how to play, and most importantly, how to feel safe.

We are so happy that Connie’s family found Bumper that day. She says it feels like fate that he was wandering the streets of Detroit, picked up by Detroit Animal Care and Control, and found his way to their home. Now, thanks to Bumper, Astro is slowly learning to overcome his fears and embrace the joys of being a dog.