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We adopted Cuddles in February of 1998, she was only 4 years old at the time,
considering that we had one other basset and a Chihuahua she soon became
“Dad’s Dog” she could not wait for me to get home from work, as soon as I
would walk in the door she would come waddling over and kiss my face as only
Basset Hounds do. She was our great friend and companion for 13 years, she
passed away on January 23, 2008 peacefully after a brief illness. We miss you
“Big Dog” and will see you on the other side someday.
Jim Sheldon & family
considering that we had one other basset and a Chihuahua she soon became
“Dad’s Dog” she could not wait for me to get home from work, as soon as I
would walk in the door she would come waddling over and kiss my face as only
Basset Hounds do. She was our great friend and companion for 13 years, she
passed away on January 23, 2008 peacefully after a brief illness. We miss you
“Big Dog” and will see you on the other side someday.
Jim Sheldon & family
| Cuddles January, 2008 |
I first met her at 6 months, living outside in the winter, the runt of the litter
and rejected by the first person who took her home. She seemed almost
too pretty for a Basset but she sat so patiently while waiting for a treat and
for my crazy life, Buddie was a perfect match. She proved to me just how
smart bassets are. By watching her actions, she taught me how to help
her understand things. Buddie learned probably 30-40 simple hand
signals or words that made life easier because she knew what they meant.
without knowing what was inside. If I picked up one, it meant I was
working and Buddie would lay down. If I picked up the other, she would
dance and spin and run back and forth to the door because we were
going to visit grandma. You couldn't be sad around her because
everything she did was funny. She walked funny, ran funny, she slept,
played and even snored funny - and don't forget about the howl. My
customers would stop by to ask her to howl.
Her fur was soft, her ears were like velvet, and the white tip on her tail
spun like a propeller when she got happy. I'll miss the way she would play
with toys for hours and the way she would "hide in plain sight" by sitting
behind a stool and then peeking around it. When I worked 70 hour weeks,
she was there to make me laugh. When I injured my leg and couldn't walk,
she was the brightest part of my day. For almost 14 years, I did my best to
watch over and protect Buddie - when she passed, I finally realized it was
really Buddie that was watching over me. I will miss her dearly.
Mitch Anheier
Bloomington, Illinois
and rejected by the first person who took her home. She seemed almost
too pretty for a Basset but she sat so patiently while waiting for a treat and
for my crazy life, Buddie was a perfect match. She proved to me just how
smart bassets are. By watching her actions, she taught me how to help
her understand things. Buddie learned probably 30-40 simple hand
signals or words that made life easier because she knew what they meant.
without knowing what was inside. If I picked up one, it meant I was
working and Buddie would lay down. If I picked up the other, she would
dance and spin and run back and forth to the door because we were
going to visit grandma. You couldn't be sad around her because
everything she did was funny. She walked funny, ran funny, she slept,
played and even snored funny - and don't forget about the howl. My
customers would stop by to ask her to howl.
Her fur was soft, her ears were like velvet, and the white tip on her tail
spun like a propeller when she got happy. I'll miss the way she would play
with toys for hours and the way she would "hide in plain sight" by sitting
behind a stool and then peeking around it. When I worked 70 hour weeks,
she was there to make me laugh. When I injured my leg and couldn't walk,
she was the brightest part of my day. For almost 14 years, I did my best to
watch over and protect Buddie - when she passed, I finally realized it was
really Buddie that was watching over me. I will miss her dearly.
Mitch Anheier
Bloomington, Illinois
Buddie
| Nick August, 2008 |
Nick came to us to foster in October of 2002. We were pretty new at fostering back then.
He was a 'mixed' breed but definitely basset hound by his body shape. Never were quite
head stuck on a basset hound body. He was one of those dogs that shouldn't have been
in rescue but GABR, being the great organization that it is, took a chance on him
because he was in an animal control shelter and was scheduled to be euthanized. He
instantly became our first, and so far only, foster flunkee.
Nick became a perfect example of a second chance dog. He had several behavior issues
and did not like men, particularly teenage boys - of which I had 2 living with me during
that time. He had "He Bites" across the top of his vet paperwork. He did lots of rough
mouthing when he played. He never gave up his job of protecting the house and was an
excellent judge of character. I always trusted his instincts when it came to people! Once
he would NOT let one young man in our house. That young man ended up going to
prison for burglary. With patience and love, he ended up being my demo dog for pet
when we were working. At work we handed out more business cards for GABR than we
did for training classes. During his life he was a true ambassador for GABR.
I lost Nick to bone cancer this August. But he was a real trooper right up to the end. His
spirit lingers with us. I know he is helping to train the new pup to guard the house in his
absence. He still rides shotgun when I'm alone in the car. That funny looking mixed
breed basset hound was my bodyguard, my confidant, my therapist, my foot warmer, my
self confidence, my foster dog trainer, my co-worker, my traveling companion, my
inspiration and my best friend.
Martha Mercer
He was a 'mixed' breed but definitely basset hound by his body shape. Never were quite
head stuck on a basset hound body. He was one of those dogs that shouldn't have been
in rescue but GABR, being the great organization that it is, took a chance on him
because he was in an animal control shelter and was scheduled to be euthanized. He
instantly became our first, and so far only, foster flunkee.
Nick became a perfect example of a second chance dog. He had several behavior issues
and did not like men, particularly teenage boys - of which I had 2 living with me during
that time. He had "He Bites" across the top of his vet paperwork. He did lots of rough
mouthing when he played. He never gave up his job of protecting the house and was an
excellent judge of character. I always trusted his instincts when it came to people! Once
he would NOT let one young man in our house. That young man ended up going to
prison for burglary. With patience and love, he ended up being my demo dog for pet
when we were working. At work we handed out more business cards for GABR than we
did for training classes. During his life he was a true ambassador for GABR.
I lost Nick to bone cancer this August. But he was a real trooper right up to the end. His
spirit lingers with us. I know he is helping to train the new pup to guard the house in his
absence. He still rides shotgun when I'm alone in the car. That funny looking mixed
breed basset hound was my bodyguard, my confidant, my therapist, my foot warmer, my
self confidence, my foster dog trainer, my co-worker, my traveling companion, my
inspiration and my best friend.
Martha Mercer
| Mosey |
We adopted you through GABR when you were 3 and we've loved the stuffing out of you
for the last 8 years. You were our lap buddy, our riding in the car with the windows down
while ears were a flappin' friend, our always happy to see us pal. You brought so much
laughter, joy and love into our household and for that we will be forever grateful to you
my dear friend.
Yes, you had your stubborn streak...stopping in the middle of the road when YOU
decided our walk was over. Not budging in the bed so we had to mold ourselves around
you. Jumping up just far enough to reach that stick of butter on the table.
But we loved every stubborn streak in you. When cuddling was needed, you were the
best. It felt so good to bury my face in your hound dog smelling fur and just hold on to
you sometimes. You always were a great comfort to me. You were quite simply, the very
best dog in my entire life, Mo.
I miss you so incredibly much it hurts.
I hope your sweet soul is across that rainbow bridge running through green grasses,
playing with happy puppies, and eating treats to your heart's content.
I'll love you forever, Mosey and hope in the later years that our souls will meet, play,
laugh and run again together.
Good bye my sweet, sweet Mosey.
We love you,
Mom, Dad and Andy
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| Raymond 1998 ~ 2008 |
I still remember the first day I brought home Raymond, a sweet large boy, who looked
like he skipped the "puppy stage" and when straight to "old man". As I attempt to
come up with one word to describe my best friend, who spent 10 years by my side, it
would be "special". Raymond was in every sense of the word, a special dog. He was
the life of every party, a friend to all, and was kind to everybody that he met. Ray
wasn't the most athletic creature on the planet. While other dogs ran around the
park, Ray chose to root around at his own pace. He was a fan at softball games, an
obstacle a bean bags, a pillow to lay on, and a friend that words can never truly
grasp. He had a special place reserved in the kitchen, where he would lay at our feet
every time we cooked. That sweet face would always be present on the coffee table,
just waiting for a crumb to find its way to the floor. At the waddle, he enjoyed being
around his brothers, and couldn't wait for the "pooped" truck to pull up to take him
across the finish line. His life was a full of joy and happiness. As the years went on,
his health began to suffer. On Christmas Day 2007, he became paralyzed in his hind
legs and couldn't walk. The vet wanted him to be put down, but Ray gave me that
look that said, "I'm not ready yet Dad". We went to a specialist the day after
Christmas and through a minor miracle, he was hobbling around in weeks. He made
it another year, until that lump in his neck began to grow larger. The cancer had
ravaged his body, and even up until his last day, the trooper Ray was in great spirits.
His body finally gave up on him and that when he told me that it was time. Raymond
will always be in my heart and will now be able to root through the park everyday as
he has now crossed the bridge into happiness. My beloved Ray has given me way
more than I ever gave him, and I will be thinking about him every day. If there is a
doggy heaven, I'm sure Raymond has already found the most comfortable place to lay
down and just be "special".
We will always remember you
Mike, Julie, A.J, Clyde
like he skipped the "puppy stage" and when straight to "old man". As I attempt to
come up with one word to describe my best friend, who spent 10 years by my side, it
would be "special". Raymond was in every sense of the word, a special dog. He was
the life of every party, a friend to all, and was kind to everybody that he met. Ray
wasn't the most athletic creature on the planet. While other dogs ran around the
park, Ray chose to root around at his own pace. He was a fan at softball games, an
obstacle a bean bags, a pillow to lay on, and a friend that words can never truly
grasp. He had a special place reserved in the kitchen, where he would lay at our feet
every time we cooked. That sweet face would always be present on the coffee table,
just waiting for a crumb to find its way to the floor. At the waddle, he enjoyed being
around his brothers, and couldn't wait for the "pooped" truck to pull up to take him
across the finish line. His life was a full of joy and happiness. As the years went on,
his health began to suffer. On Christmas Day 2007, he became paralyzed in his hind
legs and couldn't walk. The vet wanted him to be put down, but Ray gave me that
look that said, "I'm not ready yet Dad". We went to a specialist the day after
Christmas and through a minor miracle, he was hobbling around in weeks. He made
it another year, until that lump in his neck began to grow larger. The cancer had
ravaged his body, and even up until his last day, the trooper Ray was in great spirits.
His body finally gave up on him and that when he told me that it was time. Raymond
will always be in my heart and will now be able to root through the park everyday as
he has now crossed the bridge into happiness. My beloved Ray has given me way
more than I ever gave him, and I will be thinking about him every day. If there is a
doggy heaven, I'm sure Raymond has already found the most comfortable place to lay
down and just be "special".
We will always remember you
Mike, Julie, A.J, Clyde
| Napa 12/20/97 - 8/20/2007 |
While at the Waddle in 2004, we came across the cutest girl. We were just browsing,
but...there was Napa.
Although she had back problems, that really never slowed her down. Napa loved to
run through the puddles at the park with our other Basset, Scrappy. She also loved
car rides, belly rubs and laying on your lap. Obviously, she would do ANYTHING for a
treat. Just don't put a leash on her! She would lay down until you took it off. Who
needs a leash for a walk? Not Napa!
but...there was Napa.
Although she had back problems, that really never slowed her down. Napa loved to
run through the puddles at the park with our other Basset, Scrappy. She also loved
car rides, belly rubs and laying on your lap. Obviously, she would do ANYTHING for a
treat. Just don't put a leash on her! She would lay down until you took it off. Who
needs a leash for a walk? Not Napa!
In the end, she lost the use of her hind legs. She was such a trooper though. Imagine a 60 pound basset dragging herself
around for snacks and bellyrubs! So strong and sweet, but we just couldn't let her struggle that way.
Our girlie is deeply missed by the family and Scrappy, too. We had almost 3 years, how we wish we had more! We hope you're
running again, Napa!
Love,
Mom, Dad, Becca, Tony & Carly Bernardy
And your buddy Scrappy, too
around for snacks and bellyrubs! So strong and sweet, but we just couldn't let her struggle that way.
Our girlie is deeply missed by the family and Scrappy, too. We had almost 3 years, how we wish we had more! We hope you're
running again, Napa!
Love,
Mom, Dad, Becca, Tony & Carly Bernardy
And your buddy Scrappy, too
| Angelo 08 -2008 |
When I think of all the blessing in my life I have to include Angelo. What a great
Basset and it was an honor to Foster him. He brought so much Joy to this family. He
loved my granddaughter Hannah and my son Mike. He would lay on the floor for hours
playing hide and seek with Hannah, she would cover his eyes with his ear and say,
“Where's Angelo?” He would give a little arooo and shake his head like here I am.
He was Hannah's boy. She would come over and he would get so excited he would
get a little loud with his aroooo's. I would say, “Angelo, little bark bud” and he would
tone it down a little. It was so funny. Bless his heart he tried to run with the other
dog's and Hannah, but he just couldn't. All of his bones from the back down were
fused together from arthritis and some neglect before coming to GABR. He couldn't
even lift his tail, but he was a happy boy. In the end, he started licking the floor and
walls. I spoke to his Vet and she said that was a way of dealing with his pain, so we
knew we had to let him be pain free. It was so hard to let him go but it was the best for
him. Angelo, you are now pain free baby and you can run and keep up with your
friends and wag your tail as fast as you can.
We love you and miss you so much,
Hannah-Momma-Sissy-Toaster-Sally-Lilly
Basset and it was an honor to Foster him. He brought so much Joy to this family. He
loved my granddaughter Hannah and my son Mike. He would lay on the floor for hours
playing hide and seek with Hannah, she would cover his eyes with his ear and say,
“Where's Angelo?” He would give a little arooo and shake his head like here I am.
He was Hannah's boy. She would come over and he would get so excited he would
get a little loud with his aroooo's. I would say, “Angelo, little bark bud” and he would
tone it down a little. It was so funny. Bless his heart he tried to run with the other
dog's and Hannah, but he just couldn't. All of his bones from the back down were
fused together from arthritis and some neglect before coming to GABR. He couldn't
even lift his tail, but he was a happy boy. In the end, he started licking the floor and
walls. I spoke to his Vet and she said that was a way of dealing with his pain, so we
knew we had to let him be pain free. It was so hard to let him go but it was the best for
him. Angelo, you are now pain free baby and you can run and keep up with your
friends and wag your tail as fast as you can.
We love you and miss you so much,
Hannah-Momma-Sissy-Toaster-Sally-Lilly
| Doc 04/30/01 - 09/07/09 |
Rescue #1133
Adopted, March 2, 2002
Doc, our beloved son and brother to Roscoe is now at the rainbow bridge. We miss him so. He was the love of our life. We
are going to cherish all the good times we shared with him and there were so many. He had a nickname of Diesel Doc.
Very shortly after we adopted Doc, we bought a new diesel truck. One day when we were headed out for a walk, we
happened to walk next to the new truck and he stopped and stuck his entire nose up the tail pipe. I guess he wanted to see
what was up there. When he pulled his nose out, it was all covered in black soot. He looked so funny, and he had this look
on his face like what did I do?
Once when we were returning from a trip to Iowa with him, we had extra things we were bringing back with us so part of
Doc's seat was taken, so he decides to get up on top of the box that was taking up some of his seat and he stands on it the
whole way home. When he stood on the box he had his butt pressed against the back window of the truck and appeared to
be mooning everyone that passed us on I-80. Doc got alot of looks on that trip, there was also alot of finger pointing. He
was a funny, funny boy.
When he was diagnosed with Lymphoma in early January of this year, it crushed us. We were not prepared to lose him.
We immediately sought out a specialized oncology vet. After hearing our options we decided to start him on the chemo
right away. To us there really was no other answer. He deserved the best in life. After starting chemo he really bounced
back to his old self. He really did well on the chemo and had little to no side effects from it. Then in August we found out the
cancer was back. That is when I decided to take all of my vacation time so that I could stay home with him. I didn't want
him to be alone when he was feeling sick. That was the best decision I made. I was able to take my time with him and
make sure that he received top notch care and that he was comfortable. When he was feeling up to it, we would load him
up in his wagon and take him for a walk that way. He really loved that. The picture is him doing just that on August 25th,
2009. He would just sniff the air and enjoy his surroundings.
On Sunday, September 6th, he gave my husband and I big kisses as we were saying good night to him. Later that night, at 3
AM on that Monday, my husband wakes me up and tells me that Doc has just climbed the stairs to be with us. He hadn't be
able to do that for a very long time. I was so happy that he was able to do it, but I knew in my heart that it was his way of
telling me it was time for him to go to the rainbow bridge. We snuggled the rest of the night together. When morning came,
he was really struggling. We gave it some time to see if the medication he was on would help him, but it never did. He was
such a happy dog right up to his last breath. While in the vets office he was looking up and his eyes were moving around
like he was clearly looking at something. We believe he was looking at the angels that were coming to help him cross over
to the rainbow bridge.
Doc was pure love sent to us from above. He was the best son, friend and companion we could have ever had. He is truly
missed. We will carry him in our hearts forever and rejoice in knowing we will see him again one day at the rainbow bridge.
We love you Doc.
Mommy, Daddy and Roscoe
Adopted, March 2, 2002
Doc, our beloved son and brother to Roscoe is now at the rainbow bridge. We miss him so. He was the love of our life. We
are going to cherish all the good times we shared with him and there were so many. He had a nickname of Diesel Doc.
Very shortly after we adopted Doc, we bought a new diesel truck. One day when we were headed out for a walk, we
happened to walk next to the new truck and he stopped and stuck his entire nose up the tail pipe. I guess he wanted to see
what was up there. When he pulled his nose out, it was all covered in black soot. He looked so funny, and he had this look
on his face like what did I do?
Once when we were returning from a trip to Iowa with him, we had extra things we were bringing back with us so part of
Doc's seat was taken, so he decides to get up on top of the box that was taking up some of his seat and he stands on it the
whole way home. When he stood on the box he had his butt pressed against the back window of the truck and appeared to
be mooning everyone that passed us on I-80. Doc got alot of looks on that trip, there was also alot of finger pointing. He
was a funny, funny boy.
When he was diagnosed with Lymphoma in early January of this year, it crushed us. We were not prepared to lose him.
We immediately sought out a specialized oncology vet. After hearing our options we decided to start him on the chemo
right away. To us there really was no other answer. He deserved the best in life. After starting chemo he really bounced
back to his old self. He really did well on the chemo and had little to no side effects from it. Then in August we found out the
cancer was back. That is when I decided to take all of my vacation time so that I could stay home with him. I didn't want
him to be alone when he was feeling sick. That was the best decision I made. I was able to take my time with him and
make sure that he received top notch care and that he was comfortable. When he was feeling up to it, we would load him
up in his wagon and take him for a walk that way. He really loved that. The picture is him doing just that on August 25th,
2009. He would just sniff the air and enjoy his surroundings.
On Sunday, September 6th, he gave my husband and I big kisses as we were saying good night to him. Later that night, at 3
AM on that Monday, my husband wakes me up and tells me that Doc has just climbed the stairs to be with us. He hadn't be
able to do that for a very long time. I was so happy that he was able to do it, but I knew in my heart that it was his way of
telling me it was time for him to go to the rainbow bridge. We snuggled the rest of the night together. When morning came,
he was really struggling. We gave it some time to see if the medication he was on would help him, but it never did. He was
such a happy dog right up to his last breath. While in the vets office he was looking up and his eyes were moving around
like he was clearly looking at something. We believe he was looking at the angels that were coming to help him cross over
to the rainbow bridge.
Doc was pure love sent to us from above. He was the best son, friend and companion we could have ever had. He is truly
missed. We will carry him in our hearts forever and rejoice in knowing we will see him again one day at the rainbow bridge.
We love you Doc.
Mommy, Daddy and Roscoe
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