Transitions
Posted by laurie on July 6, 2014
Dear friends,
The Daily Digital has been a labor of love for the past fourteen years. But lately my inspiration has faded and sometimes it feels like a chore.
Phew, I said it. I’ve been trying to summon the courage for a few weeks because I know this will be sad for many of you. You’ve followed all of us through thick and thin: me, Phillip, Clayton, Spenser, Scooter, Sherman, Stanley, our friends and relatives, even my colon. Believe me when I say that I feel the love.
I shared my feelings with Susan (from DE) at the beaglefest in May, and she made a great suggestion: to start a Facebook page where anyone could post photos and the community that we’ve established here could continue. So I’ve gone ahead and done that. Search for “The Daily Digital” or click here and join*. Post photos and join in on the conversation. Let’s make this a new beginning.
Love,
Laurie
* It’s a “closed” Facebook group meaning that all posts stay in the group (and don’t go to everyones friends). Anyone can join.
The Daily Digital 
Rebeca Schiller said
I definitely would miss the daily emails and not know what was happening to Sherm and Stanley. There are many times I wanted comment, but just didn’t have the time to join in the conversation. However, I just joined the FB page and look forward to seeing the boys, you and Phillip in my newsfeed.
Eleanore, Lucky and Heidi said
I can’t hit like, because it’s always been great every morning to see what’s going on at the Kramers. I don’t comment often, but read it every day. I can understand your feelings because you have a job and many things to do at home. Hopefully you will write once in awhile so we know you “guys,” the 4 of you, are doing OK and hear one of your stories. Have a great summer and belly rubs for Sherman and Stanley.
Michelle Drouin said
Laurie- I’m another who doesn’t comment but I wanted to say that I understand but will miss you and the boys every single day. Looking at your posts was the first thing I did after I walked and fed my two boys and you always put a smile on my face even when I didn’t feel like it. I always looked forward to it. I sent a request to join the FB group and I really hope to see you post there once in a while, you’ve been part of my life for many years.
Thank you so much for all the good beginnings to my days.
Cody and Henry's Aunt said
As am I. I don’t comment often, but look at it every day. I can understand why this has become difficult after all these years, Laurie. I plan on joining the FB page. Love to all.
Carolyn Sammells said
Bless your heart! Gosh how time flies. It was almost 14 years ago when I stumbled across The Daily Digital, when I first got my Daisy Beagle. Thank you for just years of dedication, and for sharing your life with us. I do look forward to the Facebook page. Oxox
Susan in DE said
I’m glad we got to chat at Beaglefest, Laurie, and was honored that you confided in me, and that I could help with a suggestion to keep the DD going in a different way. 14+ years of almost daily posts is a lot, and things change and evolve. Who would have thought those awesome photos with clever, short captions would evolve into such a wonderful community, and yes, I’m going to say it …. family!? Please do continue to post photos and stories of Your Merry Little Hounds that like to Sniff, Snack and Snooze, and the awesome Kramer family that serves them. :->
Linda UK said
Oh Laurie, I can’t say I’m not going to miss the DD as I shall! BUT I do understand how you must feel (inspiration is a fickle thing) & I think the FB page is an excellent idea. It will be lovely to keep in touch with all the wonderful human & beagle friends who are part of this great DD community 🙂
Thank you, Laurie, so much for the last 8 years I have been following the Kramer clan, it’s been brilliant 🙂 Can you believe I first came across the ‘Beagles on the web’ whilst doing a search for why beagles eat their own poop! Regretfully, Dylan still does this(:-( ) but there’s been so much joy since, & of course some sadness too…
I look forward to keeping up with all the news on FB!
Amy~Cobalt & Onyx's mom said
Thank you for sharing your lives with us. You have become part of our family.. I can’t tell you how many times I told Erich of ‘the beagles on the daily digital did this’ or showed him the picture. I think it has made all of us with our crazy hounds know that it’s not just us.. .but it also gave us the chance to love, mourn, and share with each other. I will look forward to the community continuing on FB.
Scott and Scout said
well,I guess I finally have an excuse to join Facebook! Laurie, the BOTW has been wonderful!! I thank you for sharing so much of your family with all of us.
Scott
Sam, Sweetums, and Sadie's Mom said
I look forward to starting my day at work with the daily digital but I start with FB at home while I eat breakfast so now I can have the best of both! I do thank you for the smiles over the antics of beagles. We joined when we started with beagles in 2005. Thanks for doing this and look forward to you posting photos now and then of your crew!
harperlea said
Laurie,
A heartfelt thank you for all the years of Daily Beagles 🙂 and sharing your, Phillips and your darling pack with us!
A huge Thanks to Susan for the FB idea!
I echo the others with I hope you’ll be checking in every now and again!!
And I’m so happy that our DD family can continue on in a morphed version! 🙂
Hugs to all and see you on FB!
Harp and the Lash Pack
Audrey-Mom of Buddy & Holly in NJ said
Hi Laurie- I truely understand how you feel about feeling obligated to post each day, and I am sure it was a labor of love. I will really miss seeing your photos and captions each morning as I log on to my work computer. Unfortunately , we are blocked from logging on to Facebook at work, so I will have to only get my beagle fix when I am at home. Mornings will never be the same with out your heartwarming pictures. Thank you for sharing your family with all of us. Audrey.
Terry from Minnesota said
Oh no, first thing when I get to work I look at your site. What am I to do?? I don’t think we can do facebook at work, but I will try. Maybe it is finally time to get my own computer at home? Thank you so much for what you’ve done for the past 14 years. I think I’ve probably followed you for 10 of those (commenting only a few times). I will miss everyone!
Terry (currently beagleless (companion to two rainbow-bridgers – Teddy and Barney))
Luana, Cody, and Henry said
Laurie – I echo all the thoughts and sentiments expressed by those who read this post before I did this morning. Beagles on the Web has been my home page ever since my sister Lori and I bought our first computer in 2005. I understand how much effort and work must go into coming up with something new five days a week to maintain the website. I had the feeling you were finding it harder and harder to find inspiration when you were posting more and more pix of The Original Three in the past weeks.
I will be joining the Facebook group as soon as I finish this posting. Laurie, thank you for everything – the pictures and news of all of your beagle babies (both happy and sad), the calendar (on my wall at work), and for the times you posted pix of my own beagle boys.
See all of you on the Facebook page!
Kate (Gandolf's mom, w/ memories of Kramer) said
I will miss the Beagles on the Web format, and your daily photos, but I thank you kindly for doing something we can all still share and participate in. Thank you for the great many years of laughs and sadness that we’ve shared vicariously through you. Best wishes always for you, and Phillip and the boys and all of your followers. I look forward to still be connected through Facebook. Sincerely, Kate Meddaugh (the late Kramer’s and still great Gandolf’s mom).
Spunky's Mom said
I completely understand your need to move on from this format……..and I think creating a Facebook page where we can all continue to keep in contact is a wonderful idea! I found BOTW 13 years ago when we got our little Spunky as a pup, and have laughed and cried and mourned the losses so many have experienced over the years. Thank you so much, Kramers, for sharing such a big part of your life with us!
I’ll be “liking” the FB page as soon as I get out of work today………our firewall won’t allow it while I’m here 😦 Looking forward to where our new group takes all of us and our hounds!
Baci's mom said
I have so much enjoyed checking in with the DD every morning. I will miss seeing the daily antics of your boys and sharing both heartaches and joys with so many of your readers. Thank you, Laurie, for bringing together this community. And thanks for so many laughs over the years.
Barb (Lenexa, KS) said
Thank you for all the wonderful pictures and posts and comments all these years!
Lynne said
I have been following the Daily Digital for years and have commented from time to time. I will truly miss your daily photos and captions but completely understand. I am sure it is very difficult to come up with inspiration and to do that every day. The Facebook idea is a great one and I will go like it as soon as I finish this comment. I look forward to following you, Phillip, Sherman and Stanley and fellow Daily Digital followers on Facebook. I will have to post a picture of our Judy.
Lynne said
I just went to Facebook and clicked join and now it says pending. Hope I get added to the group soon. Thank you.
Jan said
Thanks for so many years of wonderful beagle pix and so many laughs … I often printed out photos and hung them up in my office or on the fridge. (Favorites were the one of Scooter noticing a pork chop at the bottom of the pool and inadvertently entering a swim race, and Clayton in the cherrypicker saying, now if I can just get it through the door into the kitchen). Glad that the DD community will continue on Facebook. We can’t let teh internets be ruled by cat pictures! 😉
Sara said
Like many mentioned, I have been a fan for years but never commented much. I admit, I don’t remember how I even stumbled upon the website but I am glad I did! I had my beagle, Daisy, when I started following and laughed when I read about the stories of Clayton, Scooter and Spenser that reminded me so much of my hound! I giggled at their daily photos and mourned when they passed. When Daisy passed in 2011, coming to this site daily filled my void of missing my dog so much and having that ‘beagle fix’ everyday! When I got my newest beagle, Gage, in 2013–I couldn’t help but notice how much he and Spenser looked alike! I have only owned red beagles and was glad to see someone who also owned them 🙂 I will definitely join your Facebook page and will post pics of my lil’ man! I think it is a great idea too—I would love to see the boys of course and their antics as well as see pics of other beagles and even post tips/advice!
Gypsy & Trents dad said
Thank you Laurie for tirelessly entertaining us and everyone else for participating. I can’t believe its been that many years! I’ll happily join everyone on Facebook.
Cathy, Gomez, Lily & Mr. Peabz said
Well, it’s the end of an era . . . and the beginning of a new one!
The Daily Digital has been the first place I visit every morning to get my beagle fix. It got me through the dark days of No Beagles after my girl Kichwa died, and has provided so many laughs, tears and overall doggie entertainment over the years. Off to Facebook!
Steve said
Thanks for sharing all of the escapades, trials, and tribulations of your pack of merry hounds, past and present. I shall see you on FB and will post videos and images of my motley crew of eight crazy beagles. There is never a dull moment with a bunch of beagles around.
Gunner and Bailey's mom Anne said
Aw sad but wow 14 years! Thank you for sharing and look forward to a great community on facebook. Happy summer!
Patty in San Jose said
Thank you, Laurie for so many wonderful years of sharing and love! Checking the site has been a ritual for me for almost as long as you have been posting so I will definitely go to Facebook to stay part of the “family.” There really are no words for how much I have loved this site and all the wonderful people who share their beagle (and wanna-be beagles) adventures. xoxo!
Sue - Barney, Jodi & Huggy's Mom said
Yes, Agree with what everyone has said. Thank you SO much for my daily smile. I will miss the DD but look forward to seeing everyone on FB.
Loved the DD. Thank you Laurie, Hope that you enjoy coming to the FB page, so that we can keep in touch with the Kramer Klan. 🙂 All the best to you and yours, you have brought me many years of smiles and valuable information.
Julie, JB & Cassie's Mum in the UK said
I’ve made many Beagley friends in the US (and Linda in the UK!!) and think it’s great we can share experiences and thoughts across so many miles. Thank you for that Laurie x
Linda UK said
Will you be on the FB group, Julie? I hope so – would hate to lose touch!
Susan Hann said
Laurie – thanks for the many wonderful years of sharing your family and friends (two and four legged) with us.
Donna, Oscar & Spencer said
Laurie, I really, really don’t want to be a face book person, but I’d hate to loose touch with everyone. I’ll have to get a fake gmail account, wear a funny nose and a hat to sign up. Maybe face paint too. I don’t like the idea of face book knowing too much about me.
Anyway, I’ll work it out. I remember when we first “met”. I didn’t know how to scan a photograph and email it to you so you could put it in the Kennel or Pack (can’t remember which) section of your web site. I mailed them to you and you scanned them for me. Thanks again.
And when Rosco was so very sick and it very kind of you and Phillip calling me several times to help me.
I keep hoping one day we will actually meet and continue our friendship. Thanks for all the hard work.
Aloha
Donna
Marci said
My thank you cannot be enough to express how much BOTW and the DD has come to mean to me. Thank you for your years of dedication and joy that you have brought me and many others. I could always guarantee a smile when I visited. I shall really miss it. But I completely understand. I shall look forward to visiting Facebook.
Jean, Lexi's mum said
Thank you so much for keeping the daily digital going for so many years. I completely understand, but will miss my daily Kramer Pack fix! I may have to rethink my rabid avoidance of facebook…
What am I going to put on my browser homepage now? It’s been so long, pretty much my entire computer life, I can’t think of opening my browser without a beagle popping up!
Thanks again, and please know how much I think of you and your boys as extended family. You were a lifesaver way back when it was still Beagles On the Web, and I was a new beagle owner and desperate for some reassurance that my beagle was ‘normal’.
Jean
Carol, Eddy's mom said
Thank you Laurie, Phillip and family. As I recall, my husband found BOTW for me when we got our first computer, trying to get me interested in the internet. Then Laurie added the Daily Digital… and I feel comfortable saying I’ve seen every picture and read every post along the way. I’ve laughed and cried (as I’m doing today) and shook my head at all the silly beagle antics that we all encounter. Best of all, I’ve grown fond of everyone and their beagles and honorary beagles.
I suffer from Facebook avoidance too, even though both Eddy and I have FB pages. Heading to FB now…see you all on the other side.
With Love,
Carol and Eddy
PS Laurie I hope we will still be able to visit and view all the past DD’s. Something special about those trips down memory lane 🙂
Donna, Oscar & Spencer said
Does anyone know how I can access the Beagle Face Book page without joining FaceBook?
harperlea said
I too avoided FB but have had a page for years… But my page is very generic and I don’t add a lot of info….
Good luck if you find a way without joining!!!!
babba88 said
Thank you Laurie for all the time and dedication you put into sharing your beagle life with us. We will miss you.
I too avoid Facebook as much as possible. Unfortunately you cannot see anything on Facebook unless you join. I made up a fake name so I could see certain things. And I do not post identifying photos or comments.
Karen S. said
I will miss the DD so much! It’s how I start the day. Thanks for all your hard work!
Carolyn Campbell, Reno, Nevada said
Just add you to Facebook, I understand all the hard work you do to post mostly everyday on Daily Digital. Just want to say “thank you”!
Leah said
Laurie, I knew this sad day would come, but I really thought it would have been years ago! You have worked so hard on this for so long, and I appreciate all that time and effort on your part for lo! these many years! Thank you for sharing your life and sense of humor and your beloved Beagles with us. I am going to miss y’all! Best wishes and God bless y’all! c u on fbook 😉 Love, Leah
Sue - Barney, Jodi & Huggy's Mom said
Well said, thank you Leah!! I came here out of habit today….guess its going to take awhile.
See you on FB.
Darlene said
Loved following you and the hounds! Thanks for all your hard work.
Rebecca Campbell said
Laurie –
Thank you for sharing your Beagle boys, Phillip, family members and friends with all of us over the years. It has truly been an honor getting to know you if only thru a computer screen. Hubby and I have been with you through the loss of the original 3 Beagles, the acquistion of the current 2, along with our own losses and additions. I am not great with facebook, but will learn 🙂
Rebecca and Art Campbell
Elkhart IN
Val said
Thanks, Laurie. I am late to the thank you party 🙂 , but I have enjoyed seeing and hearing about the boys.
suepfox55 said
I will miss your blog and hope you will continue to post info of your beagles and your life (our beagles are often our life) on the Facebook page group. I’m known as ‘Susan Pabijan Fox’ there.
Gerry said
Your pics would bring a smile to my face – thank you for that. Unfortunately my beagle Gumbeaux passed a few years ago. She was a naughty girl with an attitude!
Andrea said
Laurie, I have followed the DD from the beginning. When I think of all the changes that our family has been through in these past 14 years, it is astounding to realize that the DD has seen us through it all. I cried with all the passings and rejoiced with all the new gotchas. You, Phillip, and all the boys are a part of our lives. Thanks for sharing. Our beagle love, Tinkerbell, turns 15 in two weeks. We will be celebrating in high style, as any beagle of that age deserves. I will share the festivities on the new FB page. Again, thanks for sharing your love of beagles and letting us into your lives.
In beagle love, Andrea (Tinkerbell’s mom)
EAR said
All well said, Thank you.
Mark & Bobbie said
Sorry to see you stop, but understand completely.
We started following you after we got our first beagle, Casey, probably soon after you started Beagles on the Web. We have followed you through thick and thin, even though we may not have commented all the time, we “saw” and were sad and mourning right along with you when all your babies went to the bridge. We, like all the others, will miss your stories, your pictures, and hearing about the babies, you, and Phillip.
Thank you so much for sharing yourselves with us.
Sue - Barney, Jodi & Huggy's Mom said
FB is OK, but I still miss the DD…
Donna, Oscar & Spencer said
Me too. I just don’t think I can handle FB
Julie, JB & Cassie's Mum in the UK said
I’ve joined the Facebook group but I agree, it’s not the same!!
Melanie said
Laurie, Philip, and the many beagles over the years–you have made me smile, cry, and laugh uncontrollably. Thanks for the memories.
Kelly said
Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything. You’ve been a part of my daily life for years. Through some hard times, I would turn each morning to the DD before heading out into the fray. Much love!