In 2018, Lexington, North Carolina couple Helen and Greg Groce had one of the toughest years of their lives. Greg was diagnosed with Amyothropic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a neurological disorder that affects motor function — a devastating diagnosis, as the disease is progressive. Symptoms get worse over time, and the prognosis for the disease is 3-5 years after symptoms first appear.
Helen’s mom Alice Reid, who lives in Greenville, North Carolina, knew the dog-loving couple needed “something happy.” In 2019, she found the perfect match: a Beagle named “Xavier.”
A Beagle for Beagle-Lovers
The Groce couple live on 15-acre farm with their six — now seven — Beagles. Their love for the breed and showing their dogs in Conformation is what inspired Reid to act when Helen saw a photo of a “gorgeous” Beagle puppy in Romania. Helen has owned Beagles for 19 years, and Xavier took her breath away.
“Xavier was gorgeous in the Facebook photos I saw,” recalls Helen, who has owned Beagles for 19 years. “He took my breath away. His rust was so dark and the black saddle was rich-looking. His white was gleaming, he had a beautiful rear angle, a lot of bone and a beautiful head.”
Not soon after, Reid purchased the dog for the couple. The 4-month-old puppy arrived in the United States in January 2020 at the outset of the pandemic. There were very few dog shows to attend. “It gave us time to bond and train,” Helen says. But now that they’ve started, they aren’t slowing down.
A Show-Quality Beagle
Conformation fanatic Helen calls Xavier a ‘Godwink’ in her life. “I use the term for unexpected things that are put or given to us in life at a time we need it the most. Xavier was one of those ‘Godwinks.’ We knew we were getting a Beagle, but not one that would give us unexpected happiness every day. He has fulfilled all of my dreams and then some.”
Xavier (BISS GCHS Bory Wood Xavier) is co-owned by Jon Woodring, owner of the famed “Uno,” the 2008 Westminster Kennel Club Best in Show titlist. Uno was the first Beagle to win Best in Show at Westminster.
Woodring, known as “Mr. Beagle,” lives in nearby Advance, North Carolina, and has been Helen’s Conformation mentor with Xavier for the past four years. “I don’t know where we would be without his expertise and friendship.”
A ‘Godwink’ for the Groces
Xavier wears many hats: he’s also Greg’s emotional-support dog. “He serves up plenty of joy and excitement when he is showing, giving me something to look forward to,” says Greg. “When he returns from show road trips, he comes in and is always eager to see me and discuss his trip. He and I have something in common: Neither of us understands what the other is saying, but we have lots of secrets.”
The couple is incredibly grateful for their dog as an addition for their family. “Xavier has been a gift that Helen and I have been able to make memories with together,” says Greg.
Xavier loves to eat breakfast with Greg, standing on the back of a barstool and awaiting his treat handout. He has quickly gotten used to everything that helps Greg move around. He respects the walker, and loves to ride in the wheelchair. He’s constantly making sure Greg is okay, checking in on him frequently. Whether he’s in bed, in his wheelchair or simply sitting outside, they can count on Xavier to pop over, if he’s not already with Greg, to check on him.
Conformation Handler and Caretaker
The other key member of Team Xavier is handler Carlos Chacon, another avid Beagle fan. He and Helen met through Facebook, and an “incredible trust” ensued. “Carlos is like family,” Helen says. He’s not just Xavier’s handler: he lives with the couple and helps Helen with Greg, enabling her to engage in activities outside the house.
Chacon, who’s from Nicaragua, purchased a Beagle from a friend of Helen. He moved to California to become an assistant handler for another friend, with his eye on becoming a professional handler. An opportunity moved him to North Carolina, prompting Helen to eventually send Xavier to him, and the two just clicked.
His presence at home has fostered a strong bond with Xavier. When he was hired, the two chiefly saw each other at shows. “Now Xavier knows Carlos is family and respects him even more,” explains Helen.
Balancing Showing with Emotional Support
Xavier is shown about three times a month. With Greg housebound much of the time and care of the other six dogs mandated, Helen can only attend about three shows a year. If there is a show nearby, Greg may attend. The couple did attend the 2023 Beagle Club of America National Specialty in Dallas. “We drove and had the best time traveling,” Helen smiles.
After winning an Award of Merit at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in May, he is entered in several specialties along with the National Beagle Club of America National Specialty in Kingsport, Tennessee, in early November; The National Dog Show, in Philadelphia, mid-November; the AKC National Championship in Orlando, Florida, mid-December.
Last year they bought a 50-pound, battery-powered wheelchair that enables Greg to move fluidly around show venues.”Everyone is so kind to him,” says Helen. “When they see me, they all want to know where he is. They offer to assist him with anything he needs if I’m not nearby.”
Greg’s motto is “Positivity Brings Longevity,” which he applies to his life. Helen says that despite how hard day-to-day can be with ALS, his mindset enables him to make the best of each day, especially with Xavier’s support.