About Us

Jessica Shipman

Hi I’m Jessica! I like to think of myself as a little bit of everything including a bargain hunter, food lover, Disney fanatic, web developer, and entrepreneur. I started Beagles & Bargains in February 2013 shortly after adopting my first dog, Luna, to share my journey learning to be a pet parent for the very first time. Now I’m two dogs in and love the dog mom life!

I’m currently living in Broomfield, Colorado, but have a super strong connection to Northern Virginia where I grew up. I’m also a graduate from Cornell University with a BS in Information Science, Systems, and Technology, so I’m not afraid to talk a little tech-y. The Upstate New York wine region also has a special place in my heart.

I’ve always loved animals (llamas and manatees are my top two) and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to combine my love of technology to help more animal welfare forward. I know I still have A LOT to learn when it comes to be a pet parent, so stick around to follow our journey. I’m so happy to have you here!

Jessica, Ralph, and Luna encourage adopting rescue animals.

Luna

Luna at the World's Largest Gift Shop in Phillipsburg, Missouri

Luna is a 7 year old beagle mix (perhaps some variation of a puggle). She was adopted from the Homeless Animals Rescue Team (HART) in October 2012 shortly after I graduated college and has been with us ever since. Soon thereafter Beagles & Bargains was born. She is also my first dog as an adult, so I’m learning A LOT as she grows and ages.

Luna has been called the most expressive dog and I have to agree. She isn’t afraid to let you know what she’s thinking through various sighs and groans. She’s smart, stubborn, opinionated, and extremely food motivated. She is a hound after all! She is more than happy to snuggle up on the couch and catch some Zzz’s, but she also loves heading outside to enjoy the great outdoors. You can catch her running around the dog park, hiking, and playing with her brother Ralph. You WON’T catch her much enjoying the snow and cold or playing with a tennis ball though… she just doesn’t know what those are for!

Ralph

Ralph enjoyed the shady spots along our hike at Tuna Canyon in Malibu

Ralph is a 3 year old foster failure who joined us in January 2016 after he was rescued from living with a pack of dogs and a homeless man in a Tennessee State Park. Yes, he came with his name! We’re so thankful to American Rescue Corps and Homeward Trails for bringing Ralph to us. After having Ralph as a foster for a month, we just knew he’d already found his forever home and applied to formally adopt him. He officially became part of the family in February 2016. You can read more about his rescue and journey here.

We like to think of Ralph as our magical mutt. He was very timid at first – unsure of stairs, how to walk on a leash, and of course snow – but he has broken out of his shell dramatically at home. He’s still a bit unsure of new people, dogs, and experiences, but we’re working with him to be more comfortable.

Ralph has the sweetest soul and is generally very gentle, but may also “accidentally” punch you in the face when he’d like to be petted. He’s very lanky and a little pointy, but he’s all snuggle bug. He can’t control how much he wiggles or his tail wags when he’s excited. He loves to run and run and run as well as instigate a good game of “bitey face” with Luna. Ralph is a big fan of ball shaped toys and spending time with his people.

Happy 6th Birthday Luna! | Traveling to new places with dogs

Together Ralph & Luna are a great team. They comfort each other during unfamiliar situations and entertain each other as siblings regularly do. You can often find them cuddled together on the couch or in one of their dog beds.