Message From: Addy January 6, 2010
I have just approved the last two guestbook entries made. At the request of the kennel owners I have removed references to the kennel name and their last name. I would invite you both to read the home page of this website and tell me where we lied. I can promise you that throughout this intake Golden Gate Basset Rescue has refused to name the kennel in question (unlike the poster in one of today's posts) and has always been very clear that the breeder in question came to us for help and was cooperative throughout, that she loved her dogs and was doing this for the good of the hounds. I still stand by those thoughts and I am sorry that the press have sensationalised the story. The facts remain that we have 61 basset hounds to foster, spay/neuter, deal with medical issues (and we can get the vet reports to support those health issues) and now to find homes for. The response of the general public and our own supporters has been phenomenal and without donations we couldn't do what needs doing for these dogs. We still stand by the breeder as having done the best thing in her circumstances, and as having the welfare of these dogs at heart, as do we. We wish Wanda and Greg the very best for the future.

Message From: Neil January 5, 2010
Maybe you should visit the kennel website, specifically the guest book with articles as recent as Dec 09 and dating back to March 2005 for a more accurate view of the kennels in question with regard to the Great Basset Hound Rescue.

Message From: (Private) January 5, 2010
I am ashamed of GGBASSETS who have lied every step of the way and have broke many promises made..... Your facts are completely inaccurate and a retraction is called for or at a minimum the following presented to your viewers. You need to hear the facts as to why the bassets were “GIVEN” to a Rescue Group at the owners out of her love for the bassets The owner knew each dog by name and each responded to her in a very positive manner. Each dog loved her and actually jumped in her lap during the entire process, as she identified them for the Rescue Group. Each dog was provided with updated vaccanitations at the time of pick-up, each dog was also wormed in the presence of the rescue group and almost all of the dogs had been Micro-Chipped. Each dog was current on its Rabies shot and all records were provided. So you understand it is I who is mentioned as having Cancer that began this entire issue. In February 2009 I was diagonsed with have two forms of Cancer, Non-Hotchkins Lymphoma and a “True”Histocytic Sarcoma. Since March 2009 I have undergone four surgeries. The Lymphome is currently being investigated by the Veterans Administration as having possibly been contracted during my service in View Nam in 1971. The first surgery required that I remain in the hospital for almost 2 months. My doctor indicated in May 2009 that I needed to “Get My Affairs in Order” as he saw no way to treat my Sarcome, only 16 people had ever contracted this particular Sarcoma. During this period my wife, spent every waking moment at the hospital with me and worked late into the night, each night, with her dogs. It was in July 2009 that I received a lay-off notice from my position that required my wife to seek a job as I was physically unable to work. Although I was awarded Social Security Disability Benefits, approved in only 2 days, it was still not enough to make up for my lost wages and required my wife for obtain a job for the extra income. My last Surgery was completed in November 2009, where I spent Thanksgiving in the hospital. My wife was always at my side and at the same time worked with her bassets and maintained a part time position to help off set the loss in my income. On November 27th I was released from the hospital requiring that I be confined to a wheel chair and walker. Two days after my return from the hospital my wife fell down a flight of stairs, breaking her foot. It was decided at that time that there was no way to maintain our dogs and a Basset Rescure was contacted. We felt it in the best interest of the dogs to pet them out…… I further encourage you to review the Kennel Guestbook for the hundreds of positive comments received over the years, you may be surprised at what you find. You will also notice that each puppy that was placed in a new home received at 1 year health warrany on each puppy, in addition all shots were current with shot records provided. We further paid all CA State Sales Tax on each dog sold. A retraction is called for in this matter and you need to verify your facts in the matter. I’ve attached additional comments received by former clients and have further received emails and phone calls from the Basset Rescue Groups as to the possitive manner in which this matter was handled, each can be provided should you wish. The Rescue Group has further appoligized for all of the articles written in this matter although I see on their website a completely different story other that what their telling us.. You should retract this story or at least have your facts correctstory prior to trashing an individual who has done nothing but love her dogs. 1. by By Lorraine 01/05/2010 Warren Hinckle, Your article was OVER dramatized and almost to the ridiculous! The owners of the kennel (not a puppy mill) you describe are good people who have come across hard times!! Both with the economy, and serious health concerns; you should be a shamed of how you have judged people you don not even know! They are country folk and you have completely exaggerated their life style, first of all they are not on a road that takes an hour to get to their home, they live on a ranch and are good hardworking people; Your article is the typical city folk mentality, judging something that is unusual to your own chaotic city lifestyle. I live in a remote area myself, and I was amazed how remote the kennel owner’s home is, but what a peaceful place! I personally visited the ranch 12/7/09 to meet our new puppy and returned on 12/14/09 to pick him up. He is wonderful healthy and is a tremendous addition to our family. The veterinarian (Santa Rosa) thinks he was handle well, is trusting and was well looked after. You should become a fiction writer as what you have written about these people is one sided, overdramatic, and note the rescue was at the request of the owners due to their recent struggles. The true heros are the kennel owners who made the brave decision to close their operations due to their inability to provide for the animals in the high standard they desired to maintain. As for your so called posse, thanks for helping the kennel owners. Remember, most heros like to be silent heroes and do things without a lot of notarity, I feel sorry that you needed publicity to feel successful and empowered. Lorraine Webster Tunzi Comptche, California PS: We love Sherman!!!!! 2. \ There's much more to the story by Hinckle on basset hounds. In fact he has wounded someone who doesn't deserve it. Check the following facts out: The kennel owner's husband has been fighting bone cancer for 14 months. The kennel owner went to work in August in order to support them. In December she had an accident, breaking her foot. It was she who called the Golden Gate Basset Rescue. I've been reading the Chronicle for over forty years. Articles by a hack-writer like Hinckle don't belong in its pages. He's not a journalist. There are several cheap shots in his article, negative implications which have wounded a woman and her husband who have lovingly raised basset hounds for years. In other words, there is another story there which a real journalist should write. How do I know this? My daughter Susan travelled to that "ranch" several years ago to buy a basset. The animals were, according to her, raised with love and care. Please check out the facts referenced above. If confirmed, then a correction, or better yet, another story which focuses on the plight of these people is due. Thanks, Robert J. Donovan, Aptos, CA 95003, by Kathy 01/04/2010 This is ridiculous; I've purchased two bassets from Greg and Wanda and have had absolutely no problems. When I purchased my babies I was welcomed into their home, I recieved a tour of the newly built building the dogs were housed in (last year) and I was impressed by the entire operation. It was clear to me that these people loved their dogs and took very good care of them. The vet they mentioned as "their vet" also joked with me about the amount of money they have put into his business over the years caring for their dogs when I took my boys in for a check up. What the SF Chronicle and everyone else fails to mention is that they called the Rescue to help find homes for their dogs. It was not the county or animal control, they did so due to issues beyond their control. I know for a fact that this past year has been rough on them because we have stayed in touch, with Wanda and Greg wanting pictures of their babies in their new homes. Greg was diagnosed with multiple forms of cancer this year, forced to leave his job and was spending more time at doctors offices in other counties than he was at home. They struggled as long as they could to find homes for their dogs to no avail due to a bad economy. For all of you to pounce like vultures now that they're struggling speaks of a serious disregard for your fellow human beings. I'm glad the dogs were able to find homes once Greg and Wanda called the rescue for help - that speaks of a sincere love and care for the animals they cared for. Any "failed puppy mill," as the Chronicle called it, would have happily let those dogs freeze to death or starve before reaching out to anyone. You should all be ashamed of yourselves. And how would the rescue obtain all the thousands of dollars in donations without making the "rescue dogs" sound so pathetic and pitiful? Who's going to donate to a rescue that just obtained well groomed, healthy dogs? Greg and Wanda, I wish only the best for you both, be strong and you'll get through this. I'll be sending more pics of my boys soon! Kathy, Chico, CA Comments (1) By Lorraine - 01/05/10 Kathy, I just purchased a puppy b(12/14/09) who is simply wonderful!! I visited the house where Wanda and Greg lived and found things to be fine and the animals where in a loving home. Greg and Wanda have had some hard times especially the past several weeks. In my brief time I have known this family, I found them loving and attentive. If they (Wanda and Greg) found that life struggles were to the point they could no longer care for their animals then good for them for coming forward and putting the animals first. Shame on ALL of you who past judgment on people you do not even know! Lorraine Webster Tunzi Comptche, California Comment on Review 3. by je 01/01/2010 I personally disagree with what you are saying! I have two dogs from this breeder and neither one of them have had any problems. They are healthy and wonderful dogs. I also know many other people who are very satisfied with their dogs and love them. Maybe you should spend more time loving the unfortunate dog you have then waste your time writing about things that you have no way of proving that the animal got while in their care. (giardia) I have personally seen the place where the animals lived and they had a wonderful home. It is sad that people write things when they don't even know all the facts. I know that the husband was battling cancer and the wife had broken her foot. They were trying their hardest to take care and do the best they could to get the dogs good homes. It is too bad that those of you who are quick to slander others don't stop and think that there might be a reason they were getting rid of their dogs. Maybe you should think about that before you write something that could totally hurt someone. Slandering other people is not very Christian like JE, Red Bluff, CA

Message From: Tara Cannizzaro January 5, 2010
I own 2 Basset hounds and one of them was a dog that was abused by his former owner. I am so thankful that there is a Basset rescue in this state that can help these wonderful, loving dogs.

Message From: Terri Lightfoot December 28, 2009
Best Holiday Wishes to everyone! You did a fanstastic job and a wonderful thing accepting all the new basset babies. We are keeping our paws crossed that each and every one finds a forever home. Rufus, Rosco, Channing and Terri Lightfoot

Message From: monique December 25, 2009
bassets are the best dogs in the world and i look forward to helping ggbr to the best of my ability.

Message From: Jenia December 1, 2009
Even if I am still waiting for my future basset hound from GGBR I want to say - THANK YOU very much to everybody, who is helping these wonderful dogs find their forever home. Hope one day I can be a foster mom too.. Thank you!

Message From: Marty Macdonald March 3, 2009
Gloria it's good to be in touch after a few years. I really hope I can very soon open my home to another wonderful Bassett. I can really use your help.

Message From: Tonia February 19, 2009
I have met so many wonderful people joining this group. I am now dogless as I had to put my little Emma down this January. I miss her dearly and am grateful for all the warm thoughts from GGBR. Thank you!!!

Message From: Rogers Family January 13, 2009
Thank you so much for letting us become foster parents which ended up falling in love with Minnie Belle. I hope to foster again in the future.