Like all newcomers to one's home we've had to make some adjustments, but overall they have been very slight, so needless say we've raved not only about Alexa, Basset rescue, but the whole concept, so everyone we know gets to hear how wonderful these type of organizations are and about the people that have the time, energy and patience to operate one.
For anyones information we just spent a Sunday afternoon at Alexa Paul's home trying to decided whether or not it would be a good idea to adopt a new Basset Hound after 'our' Sally of almost 12 years had to be put down. It was the most enjoyable, uplifting time that we have had in months, this lady is an absolute wonder to be around because of the obvious deep affection that she feels for each and everyone of these animals that she hs rescued... believe me there is nothing like walking into a yard full of basset hounds that are obviously very well taken care of and happy.
Needless to say we are in the process of adopting Lucy a four year old chubby girl that we both fell in love with, we get to pick up on Friday morning and have a great time getting to know each other.
Thank goodness for people that not only have the time but the patience and huge hearts that it takes to do this work.
Thank you!
Jim and Shirley Berry
basalop@eskimo.com
In August, my Papillon, Gizzy, died. He had been ill with a heart condition for some time, but I really believed he would live forever. Terry, my husband, and I discussed getting another friend. We changed our minds constantly and did the rounds of the pounds. There were some lovely dogs, but none caught my eye.
One day I found an ad for Alexa Paul's Basset Hound Rescue, in a free paper from Paws. I phoned Alexa and felt sure she would say 'Sorry, I don't get that many'. Well I was wrong. Last year she had 138 and must have found homes for them all. And when I called she had 9 or 10 and had just taken in a new Basset that afternoon.
We went straight away and Watson leapt on Terry, so that was that. We collected him the next day and what a joy he has been. I think he's the best looking Basset I've seen! He is so loving and cute and all the good things.
Right now he has at least 5 biscuit bones 'buried' around the house, under desks, behind curtains. He checks on them occasionally, but never eats them. Is this normal Basset behaviour? Watson is 3 years old. We have a GRX who adores him, but I would dearly love another Basset.
I cannot understand why these beautiful animals are not kept by their original owners. Watson's history is a bit vague. It seems he has had at least two previous owners. The last person got him in December 94 (at least that is the first time she took him to the vet). For five or six months prior to August, he was kept outside in a 3' x 4' pen as she couldn't cope with him whilst caring for her sick mother. Judging by the way he is so deft at opening cartons and wrappers, I feel he must have been foraging for his food for some time during his life. Maybe Bassets are just good at that.
He is an absolute dream. His only fault is that he has a mind of his own, and refuses to understand 'come'! He is no trouble, seldom barks, and loves people. We work from home, so he and his buddy Sherlock are rarely left on their own. It is impossible to get out on our own now, as soon as they hear the car keys being picked up, they are both waiting at the car.
I do not not why or how Alexa started the rescue group. To say she is devoted to her dogs would be an understatement. She has her own pets and show dog. I get the impression that any dogs not rescued, stay with her no matter how long it takes. The dogs all live inside her home, it seems every room has it's own occupants. The last time I was there, I noticed her coffee table, all the corners have been chewed off!
Sorry to ramble on. It makes me mad when people get their 'cute' puppy and then disgard it. I brought my little Gizzy all the way from England, 5 years ago. It did not occur to me to leave him behind, and now I notice that the Basset Rescue Groups seem to get a large number of dogs each week.
Anita Wright