I got Maggie as a puppy and raising her was a full time job. As an adoption counselor for a beagle rescue, I often recommend to first time beagle owners that they consider a middle aged beagle. Like Eleanor I hope to have a second beagle someday. You can always get a second younger beagle when you finish school. Also by then your kids will have some dog experience. Beagle puppies chew everything, including hands and I have seen young kids not very happy. Our rescue just listed a puppy for this reason...nipping at the kids, jumping on them and chasing the cat...just puppy stuff but its too much for the kids to handle.