Our Fafik is a beagle-type dog adopted through the Beagle in Need Association (Stowarzyszenie Beagle w Potrzebie).

The official adoption took place on New Year’s Eve, 2012, but we had already been supporting him financially since October.

Today, Fafik is a spry little senior, a bit over 9 years old.

Before we decided on Fafik, we already had Zuzka, a beagle we bought from a breeder. We’d had her for over six months and were considering getting her a companion to play with.

Once Zuzka became part of our family, we started visiting forum.e-beagle.pl more often.

After reading some of the stories of dogs looking for homes, we knew:

Our next dog would be adopted.

We expected him to be more sociable, but at first, Fafik preferred to be alone in his bed.

It took a few months for him to start opening up, and only after about three years did he really become a cuddle bug.

Now? He’s the world’s best Personal Mobile Heater, always snuggling up on cold nights to warm his human.

We love Fafik for everything he is –

For his “Fafikness”, for all the big and small joys he brings us…

Like when he plays with his rubber pig, clearly imagining some wild scenario –

rolling around with it, tossing it in the air, pouncing on it.

Or how he playfully bugs Zuzka when she’s sniffing a trail,

how he barks at her with his very special voice – feet spread, tail up – to distract her and steal her stick.

Or the way he beams when he follows me on a walk, knowing I won’t skimp on treats.

When Zuzka gets into trouble, he rushes to check if she’s okay – always ready to help.

Or on our local Poznań beagle meetups, where he proudly trots along with his crew of admirers.

I believe adoption is a wonderful way to find a four-legged friend,

but it must be a thoughtful decision – just like buying from a breeder.

You need to be ready for things not going as planned.

You have to ask yourself:

Are you willing to change your routine for this dog?

Every animal is unique.

They have their own personalities, their own baggage.

And if the adopted dog isn’t your first, don’t expect them to behave like your previous one.

Also, adoption is a long-term commitment – potentially for many years.

And every rehoming leaves a mark on the dog.

So yes – we absolutely plan to adopt another beagle in the future.

If you’re thinking about adoption, do it with your head – but also your heart.

Because the love you’ll get in return?

Is beyond anything you can plan for.