Life Beyond the Lab

At Charles River Laboratories Inc, three wonderful and unique beagles were known only by the numbers tattooed on their ears. Now, we know them as Drax, Marianne, and Hemi.

In October 2020, Joni Detwiler saw a Channel 3 news segment featuring six beagles (from Charles River Laboratories) available for adoption through the SPCA of Southwest Michigan. 

“My heart just connected with the look in Drax’s eyes,” Detwiler recalled as one special dog called to her.

On her application, Detwiler noted that if she was approved, she would take in any of the beagles featured in the segment, as they all needed a loving home. Of the six adoptable dogs, Joni was matched with four-year-old Drax.

There are over 500 beagles placed in research facilities throughout Michigan. Adopting a dog retired from research is an extensive process and the dogs require special care, considering their unique start to life. The dogs aren’t housebroken and may have lifelong medical issues as a result of experimental testing. They have had minimal exposure to natural elements such as sunlight and grass, so acclimating to the outside world requires extra attention and patience. Detwiler and Chikanaele Onwuzurike, another adopter, both say it has been well worth the challenge.

“The benefit of adopting from a research lab is the impact we as the adopters have on the beagles,” said Onwuzurike, owner of beagles Marianne and Hemi, “We have the ability to shape their existence in a world that’s foreign to them. We can make it a positive experience.” 
Onwuzurike and her husband Brandon adopted Marianne over a year and a half ago, when she was just over one-year-old. They recently adopted two-year-old Hemi in December 2021. Both dogs had unique challenges they were able to overcome, with help and dedication from their loving family.

“Being outside and climbing the stairs were Marianne’s biggest challenges,” Onwuzurike reminisces, “It took being out every day and literally walking her paws up the stairs for her to gain confidence. After about eight months, she became comfortable in her space.”
Detwiler explained that Drax was afraid of noise, shadows, and anything unfamiliar.
“There were so many times at the end of the day as the sun went down, and the shadows would change, that Drax would run and hide,” remembers Detwiler, "Drax is a sweet, loving soul, but still has nightmares. He wakes up from a deep sleep, in attack mode, against an unknown threat. He looks back at us when he comes out of it and rejoins for reassurance and love."
Walking outside was a major challenge for Drax at first, but after months of consistent practice and training, he now gets excited for his walks at 4:30 every day. 

“He’s much more confident,” Detwiler proudly stated.
Detwiler attributes Drax’s increase in confidence to not only patience and consistency, but to his experience with other dogs and enrichment sessions where he can sniff and explore freely. Drax, Marianne, and Hemi enjoy daycare visits together once or twice a week.

“We could tell him he was loved, and show him he was loved, and have him connect with people, but he didn’t have an outlet to learn how to be a dog,” shares Detwiler, “And that’s what you all have helped him with.” 

Onwuzurike believes that spending time with her dogs, showing them affection, and socializing them has helped with Marianne and Hemi’s confidence and development.

“Considering where they came from, they weren’t aware of love or what it even meant, Onwuzurike says. "They also didn’t know their own kind,”

It was important to Onwuzuirke and her husband to allow Marianne and Hemi to interact with other dogs, once they were comfortable.

“Let’s face it, what other way to learn how to be a dog than to observe other dogs,” she said.
The SPCA of Southwest Michigan refers to research beagles as "community heroes." They’ve provided a public service in assisting in potential medical advancements, and are on to happy, fulfilled lives with their adoptive families.

“Assume nothing and be patient,” Onwuzurike says when asked for advice to those considering adopting a research beagle, “They are not the typical dog. Basically, they are puppies at heart, and they will get it eventually.”

“You’re helping them to learn that life is safe,” commented Detwiler, “The bond is so amazing. To join with Drax from terror to tender has been a life enriching experience for both of us.”

Please support Teddy’s Law to provide an opportunity for cats and dogs to be adopted when their service in a research laboratory has ended. This would require dogs and cats used as research subjects to be adopted out through state-registered animal protection shelters in Michigan.

From left to right: Luna, Marianne, Hemi, and Drax

Luna's inner ear. Blue markings are often used to identify beagles at research labs.