Rescue Throws Sweet Birthday Bash for Would-Be Research Beagles

The pups were treated to sweets and toys for the first time in their lives.

Earlier this year, on two separate occasions, hundreds and thousands of beagles were rescued from an animal research breeding facility in Virginia. 43 of those beagles ended up at the Helen Woodward Animal Center, a California shelter, where several of them got to celebrate their birthday for the first time during the rescue’s DOGust event.

According to a release from the Helen Woodward Animal Center, DOGust is “the unofficial birthday for all shelter dogs whose birthdays are unknown.” This year, the dogs in the shelter got to celebrate with “festive birthday ‘paw-rtys,’” including pupcakes, presents, and lots of love and attention from staff members.

For Sheffield, Cambridge, and Wales, three beagle babes who just arrived at the shelter a week prior, the birthday party likely marked the first time they were ever offered treats or toys. “Their tail-wags all-telling, the birthday bash was an exciting new experience for the furry bunch,” the shelter said. "It is a special privilege to witness milestones along their journey to understanding love."

Foster families also took part in the celebrations at home. Edinburgh, nicknamed Honey and estimated to be six-years-old, was thrown a princess-themed party. A “7” shaped birthday candle adorned her pupcake and she wore a “Happy Birthday” crown alongside her human siblings.

According to the shelter, the rescue of these beagles is part of the Humane Society of the United States’ largest operation ever, following seven months of investigation into dozens of violations of the Animal Welfare Act at Envigo, the facility the dogs were rescued from.

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