Willa & Sylva
Status: available for adoption!
Information: females, Beagles, approximately 2 years old, up-to-date on vaccinations, microchipped, spayed
Adoption fee for both together: $750 - helps to cover medical & daily shelter care
IMPORTANT: Willa and Sylva are two of 20 beagles WAHS took in from Ridglan Farms, a facility that bred beagles for research. They come from an environment with extremely limited exposure to normal dog life, and welcoming them home will be a rewarding, time-intensive, gradual, hardworking experience. All potential adopters must be fully informed of these facts before applying, so this bio includes both Willa and Sylva’s observed personality traits, ideal home match qualities, what to expect, and finally the application link.
About Willa & Sylva:
While we cannot officially confirm they are littermates, Willa and Sylva share a bond that is impossible to miss
These girls are constantly checking in on one another, regardless of what they are doing
Their brief separation following their spay surgeries was genuinely difficult to watch, as both girls were noticeably concerned about where the other had gone
We would love nothing more than to see them remain together in their future home
No matter where they are or what they are doing, Willa and Sylva almost always find a way to check in with one another. Their bond is one of the sweetest relationships we've witnessed since the beagles arrived.
Notes about Willa:
The more people-forward of the pair
Often the first to approach and investigate new people
Enjoys sitting near trusted people for ear rubs and chin scratches
Calm, thoughtful, and quietly confident
Acts as Sylva's protector and often keeps an eye on her little sister
Frequently serves as Sylva's source of reassurance when facing something new
No resource guarding observed
No known medical concerns
Cat-friendly status: unknown
Adult-only or older teen home recommended initially
Notes about Sylva:
The more energetic and playful sister
Loves running, playing, and exploring
Looks to Willa for guidance and reassurance
Less likely to approach people if Willa chooses not to investigate first
Full of personality once comfortable
The only beagle in the group who has consistently mastered both "sit pretty" and spinning in circles
Brings a playful spark to the partnership while Willa provides stability
No resource guarding observed
No known medical concerns
Cat-friendly status: unknown
Older, respectful children recommended
Willa & Sylva's Ideal Home:
A family willing to welcome both girls together
A calm environment where they can continue building confidence side-by-side
Adopters who appreciate the special relationship they share
A home that understands bonded dogs often draw strength and comfort from one another
Plenty of opportunities for play, exploration, naps, and staying close to each other
What to Expect:
The decision to adopt a Ridglan beagle should not be taken lightly. We encourage thoughtful self-reflection and honesty about your lifestyle, time availability, home setting, financial flexibility, and commitment to this unique experience.
While they’ve come a long way already, possible initial home behaviors include being fearful, shut down, under-socialized, vocal, difficult to leash, uncomfortable with handling, unfamiliar with household objects, or distressed when alone. Some may not seek any affection right away, and others may be anxiously attached. Potty training accidents in the home should be expected and patiently handled over time.
Decompression time, structured routine, anxiety support, flight risk prevention, and LOTS of patience are critical to their long-term success. Approved adopters will be those who are prepared, committed, and understand the expectations. The ultimate goal is securing stable environments for these beagles to safely rest, heal, and begin learning what normal life looks like.
If you’ve considered the factors above and wish to move forward, fill out the application below. We’ll follow up with best-fit applicants for a questionnaire and group visit scheduling.