Ridglan Farms’ Beloved Beagle Gets a New Name After Community Vote

Ridglan Farms, the family‑run agritourism spot famous for its corn mazes and pumpkin patches, has a new celebrity – a beagle who’s finally got a name. After months of wagging his tail around the fields and sniffing out lost socks, the pooch was officially christened ‘Baxter’ in a ceremony that felt more like a small town celebration than a farm event.

The story behind the naming is simple, yet oddly heart‑warming. Earlier this spring, the farm’s social‑media manager posted a call‑out asking fans to submit name ideas for the four‑legged mascot that greets guests at the gate. The response? Over 300 suggestions ranging from “Sir Sniffs‑A‑Lot” to “Corn‑Pup”. It was clear people loved the little dog and wanted him to have a proper identity.

When the entries rolled in, the farm’s owners—Tom and Jenna Ridglan—huddled around the kitchen table, sipping coffee, and sorting through the flood of options. They tried to keep it light, reading each name aloud, laughing at the quirky ones, and occasionally asking, “Does it sound like a good name for a beagle?” In the end, a handful of favorites emerged.

To make things fair, the farm set up a poll on their website and let the public vote. The competition was fierce: “Milo” was a close second, while “Scout” and “Baxter” vied for the top spot. In a surprising twist, “Baxter” edged out the rest by a narrow margin of just five votes. The owners say the name felt “friendly, easy to say, and just right for a beagle who loves to explore the corn rows.”

On Saturday morning, a small crowd gathered by the farm’s main entrance, phones out, ready to hear the announcement. Tom raised his microphone, smiled, and declared, “Ladies and gentlemen, meet Baxter!” The beagle, apparently aware of his moment, gave a cheerful bark and trotted up for a quick selfie with a delighted family.

Since the naming, Baxter has become even more of a fixture at Ridglan Farms. Children adore him, adults pause for a quick pat, and the farm’s Instagram has seen a noticeable bump in engagement. “It’s the little things,” Jenna notes, “like having a friendly face at the gate, that make visitors feel welcome.”

Beyond the cute factor, the whole naming campaign served a practical purpose. The farm used the buzz to raise $2,000 for a local animal shelter, matching donations made during the voting period. It’s a win‑win: the community gets a named mascot, and a nearby shelter gets much‑needed funds.

If you’re planning a trip to Ridglan Farms this fall, you’ll likely meet Baxter trotting along the pathways, nose to the ground, perhaps even nudging a pumpkin with his nose. The farm encourages visitors to say hi, but reminds them to keep a safe distance and respect his space—after all, he’s still a working dog at heart.

In the end, the story of Baxter is a reminder that even in the hustle of modern life, a simple naming contest can bring people together, spark a few smiles, and support a good cause. And for the farm’s four‑legged resident, it’s finally the acknowledgment he’s earned after countless years of loyal service.