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What
is Basset Hound Rescue? Basset
Hound Rescue is a network of individual Basset Hound Rescue Organizations
dedicated to the welfare of basset hounds. These organizations are
operated solely by volunteers who find new homes for abandon and
relinquished basset hounds. Changing lifestyles, moves to condominiums
and apartments and the general state of the economy create an abundance
of good basset hounds who need new homes. Rescued bassets are from
pounds/shelters, strays whose owners cannot be found, and those
given up directly by owners who no longer want them. Each rescue
organization works within its own set of guidelines tailored to
the needs of the community it serves and it's operational resources.
In general, a veterinarian examines each rescued basset and checks
for parasites, gives immunizations, and either spays or neuters
as necessary. Then the dog is placed in a foster home until an adopter
can be found. When a dog is placed with an adopter, it is usually
for a trial period. During the trial period, a rescue volunteer
will periodically check on how you and your basset are doing. The
member will be available for advice and to share your frustrations
with this lovable breed. Most Basset Rescues charge an adoption
fee to recover veterinary costs associated with the process.
Basset Rescues are very careful about the homes selected for their
dogs. We have the welfare of the bassets in mind, first and foremost.
These dogs have already lost the security of their original homes
and some have been either abused, abandoned, or neglected. We need
to place them is stable homes where they will be allowed to live
out the rest of their lives being loved and well-cared for. Being
shifted from one home to another, or worse yet, to a pound/shelter
is confusing and can be traumatic to the dog. This can cause severe
behavior problems, especially separation anxiety. Also, many of
these dogs do not cope well with the quick unpredictable movements
of small children. For these reasons, we look for homes where there
isn't a lot of stress.
Basset Rescue organizations are always looking for volunteers you
are interested in helping find these wonderful dogs homes. We are
always looking for foster homes, help in screening prospective adoption
homes, transporting dogs from pounds/shelters, and to and from veterinary
clinics and there is always administrative work (correspondence,
marketing and advertising). As a volunteer you can be as active
as you wish, picking an activity to suit your special interests
and available time. If you are interested in volunteering, please
contact the Basset Rescue Organization in your local area.
Is
Adoption Right For Me?
Each Basset Rescue Organization has developed it's own set of adoption
criteria and based on guidelines provided by BH Cares Inc., the
National Basset Hound Rescue Organization. These criteria have been
developed over the years and have been found to work for the welfare
of both the basset hounds and the adopters. The criteria may differ
slightly from organization to organization, but in general the following
is required by all
-A legal contract will be signed when a dog is adopted.
-The dog will sleep inside at night and be provided adequate shelter
during the day
-Fenced yards are recommended, as bassets tend to be wanderers
and get lost easily.
-Approved homes with swimming pools must have their pools fenced
in. Bassets are at great risk for accidental drowning.
If for any reason the dog must be given up once it has been adopted,
it will be returned to the Basset Rescue Organization unless transfer
to another party has been approved.
Most
Basset Rescues ask for contributions for each adopted dog in order
that we can continue to rescue bassets. The amount of the adoption
contribution varies upon such factors as the expense incurred by
the organization for a particular dog. For Basset Rescue organizations
with an IRS tax exempt status, any donation over and above the expenses
incurred is tax deductible. The contributions are used entirely
on the rescued dogs and are necessary to continue this service.
Also, most organizations run fund raising activities to generate
much needed revenues.Calendars, T- Shirts, and Christmas Cards are
typical examples of items sold. Any and all donations, however small,
are gratefully accepted by all Basset Rescues.
We consider basset hounds to be more than just personal property.
We view them as loving, needing, feeling, living creatures who depend
upon humans totally for their health, welfare and existence. Please
spend some time evaluating your own lifestyle and situation and
be honest with yourself before you decide to own a dog."
Search
shelters across the US here!
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