This post is somewhat a departure from my normal blog posts. Rather than being an informational article, this is more of a direct appeal for help. This appeal comes from Michelle, a visitor to the My Dear Whippet blog, regarding her adopted Beagle Whippet.
Michelle came across my article about the Beagle Whippet mix. After reading it, she sent me a direct message with questions about her recently adopted “Whipbeagle“. Her message was so detailed and heartfelt, I felt it deserved a post in its own right. My hope with this is to generate some feedback from other readers to help Michelle and her predicament.
With this in mind, please take some time to read Michelle’s story. If you have some advice for her about her Beagle Whippet, please leave it in the comment section at the bottom of this page.
So here’s what Michelle had to ask…
Michelle & Her Adopted Beagle Whippet

Last week I took in a Whipbeagle from a foster organization. She came from a tragic situation (homicide/suicide) and was in the house at the time and naturally has left her traumatized. However, she is very loving towards me but as you can imagine very skittish to noises.
Two weeks ago I had to say goodbye to my 14 year old mixed Yorkie and as you can imagine it’s heartbreaking. My 12 year old male mixed Yorkie and I have felt empty without Kelsie.
I received a call from the foster organization a week ago asking if I would be interested in providing Daisy a nice quiet environment. Considering the circumstances and knowing she needed a quiet peaceful environment it felt like the right thing to do and it has turned out to be so.
After reading your blog I understand her a little better. Naturally, I still have questions about her breed and common characteristics. I have discovered that she likes wrapping herself in covers with only her head exposed… if that.
Is this common for this breed or is it perhaps due to her recent trauma?
Also, I read that they can suffer from separation anxiety after 4 to 5 hours. I have found that to be true. She can’t get close enough to me when I return home from work. Unfortunately I have to work 10 hour days, and although my Sammy is home with her I can definitely feel her anxiety when I return home.
She’s a great dog that’s totally trained to go outside, she hasn’t torn up anything this past week except my bedding that she makes a cocoon out of…lol! She is 4 years old and came to me with the name Daisy. Considering her circumstances and the void she’s filling for me and my boy, I feel it was the grace of God that we have found one another.
I would like to change her name to Grace but I don’t want to confuse her. I would like for her to have a new beginning and not hear that same name that was given to her nor do I want to say it.
Do you feel that would be appropriate?
I have learned that her mama loved her very much and I don’t want to confuse her anymore than she already has been. I’ve tried it out on her the last day or so and she responds but I don’t know if that’s just because I’m speaking to her. And yes, I do plan on keeping her 😊
Any thoughts and suggestions would be most appreciated!
Michelle
If you have any advice or guidance for Michelle and her Beagle Whippet, please provide it in the comment section at the very bottom of this page.
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Tim Sanders says
Hi Michelle,
Can I start by saying what a gorgeous looking girl you’ve got there! Would it be at all possible to elaborate on the noise sensitivity? What sort of loud noises have you seen her react to? What is her reaction? Is she asleep or dozing before reacting to the noise?
Whippets, grey hounds and other boney dogs are famed for their love of comfort so nesting in a bed like yours is very common.
I’m not sure what to advise about the separation anxiety beyond saying if she’s not destructive or howling/annoying neighbour’s then you should be ok. I’ve friends who hand set up cameras in their houses so they can check on their dogs but I think that’s more owner anxiety than dog anxiety.
My dogs name was changed for her to have a new start and also I didn’t find her old name appropriate. It caused no issues for the dog.
I just wanted to reply because although your dog has been through a lot none of the things you’ve mentioned is causing alarm bells to go off in my head.
Tim
Ruth Wright says
Try calling her Gracie which sounds very much like Daisy. Then you can slowly change to Grace. She will respond
Erna Thomas says
Hi Michelle, I adopted a Beagle/Harrier cross 6 weeks ago after my Beagle boy died in January. I’m no expert but my little girl is called Poppy. She has been used to breed and has been abused but I’m not sure of the details but she is very traumatized when out in the world. A couple of people suggested I change Poppy’s name simply because they didn’t like the name. I don’t know if she associates the name with her trauma. My view is that her name is part of her identity and who she is as it is for all of us. Her name is irrelevant to my wanting to give her a loving home where she is cared for and respected for who she is. I just want to help her overcome her traumatic experiences as much as is possible and give her the life she deserves. For what it’s worth I believe your Daisy is still Daisy. Best of luck with her whatever you decide. She’s lucky she found you!