Bagel Koch

January 17th 2013 - February 18th 2022

Bagel was the result of a small boy researching dogs and which breed would be best suited to his requirements. I don't know the parameters of this search but the resulting breed was a beagle. We went to look at two females at a breeder and both were in an outdoor enclosure when we arrived. We were immediately taken with a tri-colour cutie that was the classic beagle in every sense. As the visit went on we started to notice the other tan and black pup took a very keen interest in chasing and nipping at the heels of our 10 year old boy. This was the start of an 8 year journey that would become our first dog experience as a family.

Starting from the car ride home we couldn't have been happier with our new pup. She was an eager girl with a very large voice. We had read plenty of material about how crate training was important to start and stick with from the beginning. Beaggie didn't like the crate and voiced her opinion loudly. It was almost comical because she had a high pitched whine that would transition into a low howl that reminded me of an old tractor starting. Crate training lasted one night and we removed the door to give her a private spot with total freedom. This open door crate was her sanctuary and she would go there often but was never banished to her "house" as punishment. Bagel went to obedience school and we quickly learned some traits that most hound dogs share.

1 - they’re scent oriented and their nose is to the ground most of the time

2 - they’re pretty stubborn and independent thinkers and this pulls them from the beaten path (regularly).

3 - Treats are always necessary when you want to get your beagles attention

Needless to say Bagel passed school but wasn't at the top of her class. The lessons we all learned from doggy school helped us be better parents to Beags and the reward system worked out well and we were on our way to having a great pet. The journey with Bagel was a learning curve for all of us and we were fortunate to have a patient pup who was very relaxed and affectionate.

As time went by little regular games and routines developed including a special game called "cups". This involved taking some paper cups and hiding treats in some of them and placing them around a room, usually in the basement. Beags was good at figuring out which cup contained the treats and developed a quick solution to the problem of getting the treat out. It was comical because sometimes as she was sniffing she would push the cup quite a distance with her nose before putting her paw on it to tip the cup over.

Later in Bagel's life she was at the point where she could be taken off leash and walked confidently without worry of her wandering off. She was a great listener and followed direction well. She understood a lot of commands and with the proper treat/reward she would stay close but still have a little freedom to do the "hound dog sniffing thing". Some of her favourite commands would be "is that Sherry"? With that command Bagel would immediately stop what she was doing and her head would come up searching for Sherry the neighbour who always had the best treats. Often this would include a short visit into the neighbours house for a quick play date and more treats. Walks with Bagel slowly became a routine that revolved around who had treats available. A typical Saturday walk would include a stop at Buzz stop who keeps treats in their mailbox. Then, Downtown to Ross' Bike shop where she was spoiled every time and back to Balzac's for another snack offering. Bagel could always be coaxed off the couch with the phrase "did anyone go to Balzacs" This got her attention and she would come greet you and receive a little treat.

Coming home after work as Bagel got older went from her meeting you at the door to her knowing that you would come to see her, wherever she was. She was always easy to find because her happy tail would give her away every time. There weren't many times that Bagel was left alone as she was welcome at most places we went. The times that she was left alone would almost always end with her howling in pleasure at your return (or possibly her displeasure of being left alone in the first place!). She always had the run of the house and had a favourite spot in the front window to sun herself and to keep an eye on the neighbourhood. She learned if she sat on the back of the upstairs couch she could see you sooner on your return and let you know she missed you.

It was heartwarming to see how the little boy and big ear puppy grew up together. Outdoor sports always included an energetic beagle who had no concept of sharing or fair play. Hockey pucks were chased, captured and removed to a distant corner of the yard to be taught a lesson. Wiffle balls shared a similar fate. Basketballs were interesting but the poor little beagle had met her match and was happy to just voice her displeasure at them. Walks with the little boy were a time when Bagel often forgot she was a beagle. She would hold her head and tail high to show off to the other dogs this kind little boy she had chosen. Eventually the Beagle in her returned and she got back to work checking out the smells of the neighbourhood while glad to be outside with her pal.

We lost our little pup too soon at 8 years, but lived a full lifetime with her in the short time we had together. The good memories, from the little puppy whose ears would hang into her water bowl when she drank to the wiley-rabbit hunter who chased a rabbit the day before we lost her, offset the sadness we all now feel. There'll be no more "let's go wake up momma" or "did you get that squirrel" but we know for sure who the good girl with the nice belly was.

I would be remiss to write a memorial about our journey with Bagel and not include Black Creek Veterinary Services. Dr. Erica walked us through everything that would happen with Bagel. From the first phone conversation it was very clear Beags was in good hands. With kindness, caring and unwavering compassion Dr. Erica was a pillar that supported our whole family through our loss of Bagel and for that we are very thankful.

Bagel is eternally missed and loved by Shirley, James & Kevin, along with the many neighbours, community stops, and relatives who loved Bagel’s tail wags at every visit.