Like most, I am sure you are wondering what determines the price of our puppies. Let me start by saying we price our puppies individually based on various factors. Let me explain them for you.

First, size. After years of experience and continued relationships with families who have received their puppy from us, I am able to give you an educated guess that generally turns out to be spot on. There are some tell tale signs when a puppy will be (stay) extra small. First, his/her ears will not lengthen at the same time as the littermates, its usually a couple weeks later. I can also judge by the parents and grandparents, past litters, among other indicators. 

Second, color and markings. We strive for the classic traditional beagle features, like the tricolor and blaze (white stripe between the eyes). We do occasionally get a chocolate, lemon, red, silver and even lilac and hare-pi. While those are all attractive colors, our favorite is, hands down, the traditional tricolor. 

Third, physical attributes. This includes a variety of things, such as confirmation, ear length, short legs, boxy chest, etc.. We make sure all of our moms and dads are as close to perfect as possible so that they will pass down these features. 

More important than anything listed above is HEALTH. Every puppy that leaves here is backed by a guarantee against any life altering genetic issues. Above all else we want our puppies happy and healthy. We are adamant about our adult dogs' health and wellbeing, and that, in turn, produces superior puppies. 

Its Friday, which means its flight day at Perfect Pocket Beagles, bittersweet... I am so excited for my puppies to meet their forever families, but I am also sad to say goodbye to them. Currently I am anxiously awaiting the puppy parents to call or text letting me know they have their new puppy in their arms.. happy day. I get to know the families that get our puppies, and I am excited for them as well. It's so cool when they keep in touch and text over pictures as they grow. Sometimes they even send us Christmas cards  with their family photo, and the pup is always front and center! 

We have had an arctic blast down here in Oklahoma! We didn't lose power, thank you Jesus! But we did have propane heat on stand-by just in case. I let the big dogs out in the snow today to play, and they loved it! American Airlines in Dallas put an embargo on all live animal cargo from Wednesday through Monday, which was a bummer. But, whatever is safest for the pups is what we want. My travel team has been awesome to reschedule flights for next Friday, and we are all thankful for that. I am so ready for spring! Ready to see green grass, birds everywhere and put these winter coats away. I could also go for longer daylight hours, too. We are getting closer every day!

Ed Walker, 91 years old, Korean War Vet, my dad.
  When he could no longer live alone I moved him in with us. This was just over Memorial Day weekend in 2021! Such a strong, independent man who needed a little help. The kids loved him being here, and so did I. He was such a help to entertain Macy and Carter while I was busy, and always had input on the dogs even though his eyesight mostly failed him. In just a few short months his health began to decline, having a "significant" heart attack, as the nurses said to me. He eventually needed help with basic tasks, such as showering, taking his medication, and pouring his tea. I could see the man I always thought to be the strongest person I had ever known become completely dependent on me. This was tough on so many levels. In his last days I was helping him in and out of bed and back and forth to the ER. We all caught covid at my brothers service and he seemingly didn't have any symptoms. After a few trips to the ER he was diagnosed with pneumonia on Carters 3rd birthday. I talked to his nurse a few times a day to check on him and his progress. It was going good until day 3. I got a call from his nurse saying he was struggling a little with his O2 saturation. She didn't seem panicked so I said a prayer for him and waited to call her later that afternoon. However, I got a call 45 minutes later with devastating news. He was gone. Just like that. I would've told you I was mentally prepared for the worst, but I was wrong. We are still reeling from the loss of my brother, now I am making phone calls to cancel doctor appointments, VA medications, and his cell phone. The last few days has felt unreal as I am the last one left of my immediate family. Such a strange feeling. What an impact he has had on me as a person, you'd never know he wasn't my biological father, and neither would I had my mom not told me as a kid. Macy and Carter don't understand why Papaw and Bubba (my brother) aren't here. They aren't sad, just confused. Saylor has struggled, which I expected. We are making it, one day at a time. I know the Lords timing is perfect, but it's still a tough pill to swallow. This too shall pass.

We sure love you Papaw. I know you can see clearly now, the rain is gone.

We are experiencing a great loss in our family this week. I apologize that I haven't been in contact, as I had to plan my brothers funeral. Thank you for bearing with me during this tragedy. Your patience, kind words and prayers have meant so much to me. I am trying to organize my thoughts and get back to everyone who has reached out. Will was my only sibling, and I am 18 months younger than him. We lived just down the driveway from each other, we talked, FaceTimed, sent texts, and saw each other every day. Please pray for my sweet kids, they are devastated. I had so many plans yet to do with him. So many cups of coffee to drink, meals to have together, laughs to share, and texts to send.
Rest easy, Bubba. 

If you are thinking about purchasing a puppy, you will need to consider the amount of time your new friend will have to spend alone. Since dogs are pack animals they thrive with human interaction or other pets interaction. It's never a good idea to crate your puppy daily for several hours while you leave for work/school. This might be unavoidable at times to keep your puppy safe, but should not be in the plans of raising your pup. They need social interaction especially the first year of life. Ideally, at least one family member should be with the pup for the majority of the day. This will prove beneficial in the long run with behavior and potty training. You and your companion will have an unbreakable bond with the right amount of love and attention!

Staying current with your puppies shots and dewormings are crucial in maintaining a healthy puppy. At their first vet appointment be sure to bring the provided medical record with you to give to your vet so they can project when shots and dewormings are due again.

Typically puppies will receive 2 vaccinations before they leave the breeder, depending on the age of the pup at pick up. Vaccinations are commonly given in 4 week intervals in the first 16 weeks of life and, according to many professionals, the pup is not FULLY vaccinated until two weeks after the final puppy shot. If you are preparing to receive a puppy soon it is always a good idea to research vaccinations and safety precautions prior to pick up.

And remember: always follow the advice and instructions of your veterinarian! 

Sunny day tips!

• Your puppy is barefoot, so if the sidewalk burns your bare feet - theirs will too!
• When you are out and about, make sure there is shade available.  Imagine how hot it would get if you had to wear a coat all of the time too!  Bring a portable water bowl if you expect to be out for a bit.
• Walks are best in the morning and evening.
• Dogparks = potential fleas and ticks.  See my earlier post for more information.
• A neon collar helps with visibility if you are in a crowded area.
• ALWAYS make sure your address and current​ phone number is on their collar.

Springtime has arrived, and so has flea and tick season.  You will more than likely find a flea or tick on your pet at some time, but prevention is crucial.  If your pal goes to dog parks, their risk is much higher.

Fleas

• Can live for more than 100 days
• Lays 20 to 40 eggs every day for several weeks
• Can transmit bartonellosis and tapeworms

Ticks

• Can live a few weeks up to three years
• Lays thousands of eggs at once
• Can transmit Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

​Preventative and active treatments include once-a-month topicals, sprays, dips, shampoos, collars, oral products, and flea combs.  These products are widely available at most pet and online stores (which may be cheaper).  As always, please consult with your veterinarian when treating your pal.

CAUTION: If you choose to remove a tick, it is essential that it be done properly or you risk infection.  The Humane Society has an excellent article about removing a tick.  Again, consult with your veterinarian about any medical advice.