The sound of a key in the lock, footsteps, a ray of sunshine breaking in… the first shelter worker had just arrived for the day.  I heard some dogs start to bark and whine… I added a big ol’ howl (what I do best) to the mix.  It was a new day!

 

Let’s see… what day was this?  Day twelve, that I’d been at this shelter?  I was so glad when they brought me in!  My feet were sore and bleeding, and I was so hungry!  The people who loved me I thought would keep me forever.  But one day they took me out to a country road and left me.  I know it must have been a mistake!  I ran and ran and tried to find them.  I barked and barked and howled!  But they were gone.  I don’t know how it happened!

 

So I walked and walked and walked…I was so hungry I tried to eat plants and dirt.  And then a kind soul came by.  I felt arms around me and they put me into a car and brought me to this place.  I got food and water!  Other dogs are here!  I have a roof over my head and it is warm!

 

… but something still is not right.  Each day people come by here and talk about “which day” it is.  They keep hoping to hear from my people (and I do too!) .. but so far, no word.  They say how much they like me here and wish I could find a home.  Then the part that bothers me is, they say there’s just so much time I can stay here.  I don’t know what happens when my time runs out but I think it must not be good.  Nice people come by and look at me… I think they’re looking for a dog to take home!  I smile and try to lick the slobber from my mouth.  But they usually pick little dogs… not big basset hounds like me.

 

Yesterday they said they called a rescue person.  I’m not sure what that means, but I think that person is coming today!  Is it day twelve?  I think it is.  And I think twelve days is all I can stay here.  Maybe that means I go “home” today!

 

… here comes someone now.  I hear the word “rescue”.  Is this the person who can save me?  Is this the person who can find my family?  I know they want me to come home!!!!

 

A kind person who was called “rescue” is at my cage.  She stoops down, and a soft hand strokes me.  She says “what a beautiful basset hound!  Yes… he’s a purebred basset.”  Wow!  I must be something special!  I know my family wants me back!  The rescue person stays at my cage and keeps petting me.  (I want to just melt!  I am in love!)  She takes out a cell phone and makes a call.  “Yes… this is a purebred basset.  He’s beautiful!”  I smile and try to look my best.  I lick her hand.  She is listening to someone talking on her phone.

 

She gets up and turns to the shelter worker.  Lucky me!  I’m going “home”!!!!! … I just know it.  She will be able to find my people who lost me and I am going to be okay! … what’s that?  Tears running down her face?  Don’t cry!  I am a good boy!  I will go home with you!  … I try to reach her hand to lick it.

 

“I am so sorry… we just don’t have foster space.  He is a beautiful dog and I want to take him so badly, but we just don’t have a foster home.”  Her voice is breaking up and she is running out the door sobbing.

 

What is happening?  I don’t understand!  I’m something called a purebred basset hound!  I am a good boy!  I just lost my people!  Please… help me!

 

A nice shelter worker has come to my cage and is petting me.  She has put a leash around my neck and tells me to come with her. Maybe this means I have another chance.  We have come to a big cold door.  She stoops down and hugs me and kisses me.  “I’m so sorry, big boy.  I’m so sorry.  Please forgive me.” … and she opens the door.

 

 

--story written by Eunice Cleeland
BHRA Founding Member and Trustee 
January, 2007

 

 

This story is one of many, many dogs.  The success of rescue depends entirely on availability of funds for vetting, and foster space for the dogs lucky enough to find their way into rescue.  Without foster space, we have no choice but to turn them away, regardless of the outcome (a heartbreaking decision for us!).

 

Can you make THE difference in this dog’s life?  Can you write a different ending to this story?

 

Please say “yes” and we’ll help you! We’ll have all the vetting and grooming done and send you monthly heartworm prevention.  We ask of you the important part… offering a place in your home to this special animal just for a short time, ‘til we can find a forever home.

 

PLEASE, please… can you help us?  We can’t do it without you!