Rescued hounds trying to track down new owners

by Kathleen Galayda

Basset Rescue of Montana has several rescued dogs awaiting their “forever” homes. Please read about these special animals, then go to our website to check out their photos: http://bassetrescueofmt.tripod.com/available.html.

They really need your help to find (or give) them a home!

Sophie is thankful to be in a safe place. At eight years old, Sophie’s folks, who raised her from a puppy, decided they no longer had time for her. She needed surgery to remove benign cysts, one molar, and one tumorous eye, which was completely blind. Most animal shelters just can’t afford to offer their charges that kind of veterinary care, so Sophie was taken in by Basset Rescue of Montana. She is now doing great after her surgery on February 25. Then she had her teeth cleaned, and she is now a revamped "brand new Basset girl!" Next week, her surgical drains will be removed, and then her sutures will come out the week after.

Sophie is enjoying every minute of her new life. She loves men, women . . . everybody! All she wants is a warm, cozy home and some dedicated, loving, faithful "slaves" to care for her for the rest of her days. She is such a sweet, gentle Basset who adores belly rubs, and has "Bassetude" galore and utterly impeccable house manners. She has also discovered the marvels of the doggie door. Leslie adds, “Sophie fits in nicely here in the house with all my other dogs while she mends.  She is very low key, wags her tail very gently, and is so obedient that she is a pure pleasure to be around. It baffles me that her owners could give her up”. We just know she will make a sweet and loving “houndie” for some extremely lucky Basset aficionados.

Molly is one of those fortunate Basset babies who was loved and cared for by her owner. She had to be relinquished because her family is going overseas soon. A well-raised “child”, Molly is obedient, flawlessly behaved during car rides, housetrained, very affectionate, and gets along with everyone and all animals (a real plus for those of you out there with menageries). Molly’s lashes are irritating her eyes, so she is having eye surgery soon, and is also going to be spayed. Some lucky family will be very fortunate to have such a gentle, special dog!

Poor “Hurricane” Hawk, who is a Boxer/Catahoula hound mix, is still with us, waiting and hoping for his “forever” home.  He is a dynamo in a dog suit. Only two, Hawk is neutered, healthy, and your answer to a great family dog. He is a little shy of men at first, but you only need to sit down and be on his level, and he warms right up to you. Hawk will kiss your kids, sleep anywhere you want him to in the house, train you to take long, daily walks, and be your Forever Friend! He plays gleefully with the other dogs, is not the least bit food aggressive, has great recall, and is a joy to romp with while you are on a hike. Hawk will need to be in an obedience class to help him slow down and curb his exuberance a bit. He’s had all his vaccinations and is waiting for a stable home, since he lost his old home during the Alabama/Florida hurricanes of 2004. He will do best with a family, and will make an excellent watchdog. He is filled with a desire to please (unlike the typical houndie). Leslie, who has gotten to know him pretty well over the last few months, adds that Hawk is a very easy keeper who does not shed. So, if you’re allergic to dog dander, Hawk may be just the pup for you to consider.

If you are interested in any of these dogs, please contact Leslie Ames, President of Basset Rescue of Montana at (406) 626-4331. Or email her at partnersplace@qwest.net. She’ll be happy to hear from you, and so will the dogs!

While visiting our website, please stop and browse through our Everything Ears Shoppe: http://bassetrescueofmt.tripod.com/Everything_Ears.html. You’ll find many unique items for sale at low, low prices. Everything Ears has homemade soap, clothing, books, dog toys, even one-of-a-kind artwork! There’s also a “Puppy Ears Shoppe” for the kids, with even lower prices. And please remember that every penny you spend goes to support homeless, abused and neglected Basset Hounds.