THE ILLINOIS WADDLE EVENT

HOSTED BY GUARDIAN ANGEL BASSET RESCUE, INC.
FOR ALL BASSET HOUNDS IN THE U.S. AND CANADA

What is the Bash?

The Bash is an afternoon and evening of fun at the home of Larry and Emmy Little in Dwight, Illinois. Held the day before the Waddle, there are dogs, dogs, and more dogs everywhere you look. There is something for everyone—human and dog alike.

During the day you will notice people with video equipment. They will be gathering video footage to put in the 2003 Waddle video. This is your opportunity to be in the movies. You will be seeing them throughout the two days. The Waddle video will be available later in the fall for you to purchase. This is a professionally done video that you will certainly enjoy.

Dogs are all allowed to be off leash during the afternoon of the Bash. You will need to make sure they are all back on leash for the evening program. You will be amazed at the sight of a hundred or more bassets running around off leash. One reminder: Bassets love food. If you bring snacks for you and your dogs, please keep them in a closed container. These bassets are quick to sniff out a chip or a cookie. Unattended treats may be eaten!

During the afternoon, there are games for the bassets and their owners. Some of the games in past years were "counter surfing" and "best trick." In addition to the games, there were prizes given for those dogs with the longest ears, lowest belly clearance and best howl. Every year new games are added.

Also throughout the day, there are booths by various rescue groups where you can purchase dog and basset related gifts. One of the most popular booths is the GABR booth. Here you can find all those great GABR store items. Proceeds from your purchases go to the rescue.

One of the high points of the afternoon is the raffle. This is where you will be able to purchase raffle tickets for many unique basset items. The tickets are $1 and there are some wonderful items available. All raffle items are donated with all proceeds going to the rescue.

Think you might get hungry with all the activities and events? There is food available throughout the day. The Livingston County Humane Society is in charge of the food. They come every year and serve hundreds of hungry bassets and their owners. The Humane Society uses the proceeds to help them continue to help animals in Livingston County.

Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on for the evening’s events. This is when the King, Queen, and Princess of the Waddle are crowned. These are dogs that came into rescue during the past year and overcame incredible odds. If you are looking for a hero, these dogs are it! They were rescued by GABR and adopted to loving homes. It is an inspiration to all that attend to see what unconditional love can do.

This year GABR is fortunate to have Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald DVM from Animal Planet’s "Emergency Vets." Dr. Fitzgerald was our guest speaker for the 2002 Basset Ball and has agreed to return for our Bash and Waddle. His wit and humorous stories kept all those attending the Ball laughing. Dr. Fitzgerald will be a great addition to this year’s events.

The Bash is closed with the memorial to those bassets and basset owners that have left us over the year. It is a touching memorial that honors those dogs and people that have been our friends. People are seen hugging their dogs a little closer after hearing the memorials. A few tears are shed as the names are read. This is a very moving event for all involved.

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