Ernie, a beagle who has chased a deer across a dual carriageway, eaten an entire tray of chocolate brownies and jumped head first into a canal, has been described by his owner as extraordinarily lovable despite the worry he brings.
Ernie came into Farryn Stock's life about nine years ago when he crawled into her lap during a family visit to meet a litter of puppies. While the other beagle puppies ran wild, Ernie sat comfortably on her with his long, soft ears dangling down. The family chose him for his placid nature and named him after Stock's late maternal grandfather, who coincidentally also had short legs and a round belly.
A temperament that turned to danger
After a few weeks, the family realised Ernie was anything but placid. His gentle temperament quickly morphed into an unruly and persistent need to find his way into danger.
The most shocking incident happened one morning in November 2022. Ernie spotted a deer in the forest behind the house, darted away from Stock and her mother, and ran towards a busy dual carriageway. Ignoring their screams, he crossed the road, missing multiple lorries and cars, and made his way to safety on a small patch of grass on the pavement. It was a miracle he had avoided injury.
A history of near-misses and vet bills
Escaping death was a recurring theme. As a puppy, Ernie ate through an entire tray of freshly baked brownies left on the kitchen counter to cool. Since chocolate is toxic to dogs, the family feared he had been poisoned, but he was fine. He has also eaten a four-pack of raw chicken breasts; spring rolls, including the paper bag they came in; three Easter eggs with the foil on; and an entire six-pack of hot-cross buns.
Last year, during a weekend on a canal boat with Stock's mother and her partner, Ernie jumped head first into the River Wey. Initially sinking in the fast currents, he resurfaced a short while later and paddled to the bank, unaware of the panic he had caused.
Despite the worry and ever-mounting vet bills (over £12,000 so far), the love Ernie has brought to the family far surpasses the stress he has caused. He has been with them through three house moves, break-ups, job changes, birthdays, exams and everything in between.
A hero in the woods
Beagles are known as good hunting dogs, and Ernie's hound instincts once led him to find a missing dog in the woods. Out with a dog walker, they crossed paths with the missing dog's owner and her search party. Ernie sniffed out the lost dog by following its scent from a toy he had been given, reuniting the dog with its owner.
His craziness has started to ease in recent years, but he remains as charming and gentle as ever. A simple walk can end up as an adventure with Ernie, and there is never a dull moment with him by Stock's side.
