Irresistible charm meets fast-moving
hurricane
Ten “hurricane dogs” from Florida recently arrived in Missoula, having been separated from their families in the storms’ aftermath. Two dogs, Sadie and Hawk, were taken in by Basset Rescue of Montana here in Frenchtown. They went there because, well, both dogs have just a wee bit of hound in them. Sadie has Black and Tan Coonhound in her, and Hawk has, among a few other strains, some Catahoula hound in him.
Both Sadie and Hawk were brought here from the Dothan, Alabama Animal Shelter by MariBeth, Steve and Robert Constable, volunteers for Save-A-Pet, a national rescue organization. The Dothan shelter administered a temperament test, which affirmed that both dogs are gentle and safe around people of all ages and both sexes. Beyond that, Leslie Ames, President of Basset Rescue of Montana, administered that organization’s rigorous temperament test. During the psychological assessment, Sadie and Hawk were always leashed, and at no time were they, other animals, or the public in danger.
They were exposed to a variety of situations to see how they reacted. For example, Sadie and Hawk were walked among Leslie’s horses, pony, mule, cats and other dogs. They got to see skunks, deer and a variety of wild birds. Next week, after their neuter/spay sutures are removed, they will be taken to a local market to meet and greet the customers. So far, though, Sadie and Hawk have passed with flying colors, demonstrating gentleness, confidence, and curiosity, and the rescue has been able to more accurately determine what type of family situation will be best for them. The testing indicates that these dogs need to go to very special families who have the time, dedication and patience to work with animals that have been through a very traumatic experience.
Sadie and Hawk are youthful, rambunctious juveniles with an overwhelming abundance of love to give to the right people. Hawk, AKA “The Hurricane” (an apt nickname) can spin around in mid-air, run amok, and twist his compact little body faster than a speeding greyhound. He can handily win a Basset 500 (yep, the Indy 500 has nothing on this boy). And he does this all while giving kisses in between laps.
Needless to say, his new “forever family” will have to attend obedience classes with him, and be the most patient human beings in the state of Montana. If you apply for his adoption, be prepared to convince the adoption committee that you and your family are “supercalifragilistic” super-humans, with the patience of Job!
Your reward will be the happiest, most devoted, loving, protective, healthy, and mischievous little boy-dog you’ve ever met in your life. Please don’t let him pass you by.
Enchanting Sadie . . . so soft, sweet and simple, all this gal wants is a family to call her own. Highly intelligent, she has a mind of her own. She’ll easily persuade you to do what ever she wants ‘cause she has those hound’s eyes that coo, "Oh merciful me, I need just a little more meat in my kibble”, or "Oh, just give me a soft warm bed of my own right by you! Or, better yet, let me snuggle under your sheets with you!”
Sadie will be your best hiking partner and she’ll run you around a playing field faster than a rocket-propelled Lance Armstrong. She promises to keep you in shape so Miss America will have nothing on you. Sadie is positive you will be her perfect “slave” . . . she’ll see to that, with her matchless charm! You will never, ever regret adding this sweetie doll to your family but, as with Hawk, obedience classes are an absolute must.
If you are interested in Sadie or Hawk, or any of the Basset hounds at Basset Rescue of Montana, and wish to obtain an adoption form, please visit their web site at: http://bassetrescueofmontana.org/available.html. If you prefer to have a form mailed to you, call Leslie Ames at 207-0765 and leave a message. When calling, clearly state your complete address twice, and an adoption form will be sent to you. Due to overwhelming response, Basset Rescue can only acknowledge people submitting completed adoption forms. The adoption protocol requires four references, including your veterinarian. A fenced yard is also required, and a Basset Rescue volunteer will come out and walk the fence. Finally, once an adoption is completed, Basset Rescue offers a two-week trial period to ensure that the adoption is working out. If you wish to help Nancy Van Allen with placing the “hurricane” dogs, please call her at 251-5359.