We need new foster homes

One of the most rewarding things you can do as a volunteer is help a Basset in need by opening up your home for temporary shelter. Many of our dogs come from situations where they have been neglected and displaced. ABC brings in dogs and gives them a new lease on life. As a foster, you have such an impact on that transition. Maybe your not sure if a dog will fit into your lifestyle. This is a great way to experience living with a basset and finding how much love and joy they can bring to your world.

Maybe you have been a foster caregiver before and currently your home is full, there are other ways you can help.

Kathy Roberts is looking for some help and a little bit of your time. She says, “I have been asked by Gary Penny and accepted the task of heading up a small group of folks to recruit and retain some new foster homes. What I am looking for are a few key folks in different areas of NY state to volunteer 1 day a month to setting up an information table at your local grocery store, movie theaters, vet office, even at the mall giving hand outs. You would explain who we are and what our mission is all about (fostering being the focus) and how rewarding this part of dog rescuing can be not only for the dogs, but for the whole family. This will be a group effort I cannot accomplish this alone, the more we get out the word about fostering the better for all of us.”

You can reach Kathy at kadydid39@AOL.com if you would like to participate.

For more information on fostering: http://www.nybasset.org/foster.html

Transporting, the joy and tears

A long time ago, I transported a very little basset to a foster home location. I went home crying and told my soon to be husband that I was going back to get him. I got a phone call the next day..."The poor little fellow did not do well at the foster home and would have to be transported somewhere else and could I help out?" Could I? It was a sign. So off we went to get Caleb and brought him home. He has been with us since 2003. He had five different homes before the age of three. He was bad mannered, bit my poor husband and does a lot of nasty things, like eating poop and is not house broken to this day. But he wormed his little paws into our hearts and is cherished by his family including his big brother. We call them the Butt Boyz as they often are found sleeping next to each other, butt to butt. Unfortunately, Caleb is quite sick, but that is for another story. I know it is very hard to transport and not want to take all the doggies home.

But transporting is so important to the survival of the dogs. Sometimes, the safety of the dog is only guaranteed if the dog is removed from its situation immediately. ABC has done some really big transports of dogs from some really awful situations. But the weekend runs done by volunteers are so vital to this organization.

As Carly said, " I get attached easily and feel so guilty when I can not keep them. I was advised today that is does not get any easier as time goes on. I guess I will have many more tears ahead of me. I laughed on the way home thinking of all the funny things Maggie did in her short time with me."

Garry and Linda who also helped in this transport said;"Poor Maggie was quite frightened and confused and cowering at beginning of our leg of the trip. Linda sat in back seat with her the entire trip, giving her rubs and words of encouragement. By the time we passed Amsterdam, she was much more comfortable. We absolutely love being able to help in any way to assist these beautiful dogs find some happiness."

Part of transporting might entail hosting the dog for the night. What a fun experience for the family to have a guest pup for a short visit. Justin said, "She is fitting in just nicely here at her sleepover at our house before she finishes here trip to her foster home tomorrow."

If you are looking for a way to get involved, but not ready for a full time commitment to a dog, transporting and fostering are a great way to experience "That Basset Thing!"

Summer Fest June 4 & 5th

The Event of the Year!

This will be a 2 day event. Saturday will be our traditional basset hound event with raffles, games, and the royal court. Sunday is shaping up to be a Rescue Rally with multiple vendors and rescue groups. Onsite camping for up to 40 RV's-with complete hooks ups, hotels close by, and on site parking for hundreds of cars. This maybe the largest indoor event of this kind---at least in the northeast.

Feel free to contact Tom Rodwell at trodwell@clearwire.net to volunteer to help!