Arnie (2011)

Arnie has been with us three weeks now and is settling in well. We have re-christened him Barney; it just seems to suit him. He's a character and makes us laugh all the time. He gets so excited when we come home, even from a brief trip to the market, that during the first week he'd jump on the dining room table. (Despite having been found with heartworm and pneumonia, he's now very strong and healthy.) He's become very talkative in the mornings and when he comes home from a walk. Like most bassets, he's a terrible watch dog, but we knew that before we adopted him. He loves to play fetch with any toy, but easily yields it to us. NorCal Beagles told us they thought he might be between 2 and 4 years old. We think he might be a bit younger. He's a constant chewer, and we've found more than few slippers, flashlights, and other household objects in his mouth. But, he's also very smart. When we say "no," he doesn't chew on the same object again. (He also has a houseful of rawhide bones, stuffed toys, and balls to play with.) He loves walks, so we try to walk him about one-to-two miles a day, and that helps with his high energy level. I work at home, and after a walk, he's content to nap on the floor next to my desk when I am on the computer. He's made friends with all the neighbors by escaping out of the front door, into their open garages and in through their back doors into their kitchens. Fortunately, we live in a quiet cul-de-sac with dog-loving neighbors, and his friendliness just wins them over. We owners are learning to be more vigilant about opening the front door. Barney has a beagle head and basset body. When he plays, he thinks like a beagle, but he has the lovable stubbornness of a basset and that desire to be a lapdog despite his 44 pounds. So although he still needs a bit of training (we're working on that) we're so glad to have him in our home. Barney's is intimidated by only two things: spray bottles and cameras, so we haven't taken many photos of him, but I've attached three here. Thanks again to both Golden Gate Basset Hound Rescue, where we first saw him a cross-listing, and to NorCal Beagle Rescue, which fostered him. Jeanie Wakeland

Lucy

Miss Lucy Lou is doing great! She has become an integral member of the family – participating in Sophia’s make believe games, hanging out with our cat Mimi Molly and quick to snuggle whenever possible. We’ve had a lot of fun in the last few weeks going to the beach, taking walks through the neighborhood and just lounging around the house. It is like she has been with us for years, especially when she and Mimi answers the door together when we come home. Thank you so much for helping us find the perfect match for our family! We are forever grateful!

Riley

Ten-year-old Riley came into our lives in October 2010, sadly given up by his previous owners as a result of a divorce. He was just passing through and was supposed to stay with us only long enough to be neutered and then go off to a foster home, but he was such an easy dog to be around, and was a nice playmate and quiet counterpoint to mischievous, noisy and busy Billy, that we decided to adopt him. Riley filled that last vacancy in our pack left by Kirby’s passing, and he now rounds out our 3-dog quota. Riley is quiet, gentle and mild mannered. He is playful with Billy, and gentle with more fragile Jackie. He loves and begs to be petted. Riley’s size and rugged good looks turn heads wherever he goes, too. Seeing him run--heavy feet and with folds of skin flapping, reminds me of a medieval charger in full regalia. Riley is a gentleman in the house, in the yard, in the car, on the street, at the dog park—everywhere. He’s just an all around lovely guy. Fran and Mark Madden, Billy and Jackie. January 12, 2011

Molly

On Saturday, February 5th, Molly's owner - a young soon to be college student, drove to my home in the Placerville foothills with Molly. She wanted to see for herself that Molly would be living in a "country" home on 5 acres of land. My husband and I were finishing up securing the 1 acre fenced area around the house when they arrived. Molly was let out and was met by a curious and little bit reluctant "Chico" our macho little Chihuahua. It took some time and some treats and soon Chico realized everybody was his friend. Naturally, Molly was curious about Chico and wanted to sniff him and Chico was being a little bit agressive so we put him inside so Molly could relax. Molly wanted to meet and greet me an my husband. She was very friendly and personable. But what she wanted most was to explore! She smelled a critter hole and started digging. This was OK because most of our property is "natural" and not landscaped. She was a little bit scared of the horse, mini horse and goat in the ajoining pasture. But she was very subdued and did not bark at them or provoke them in any way and they appreciated that about her and were curious and friendly toward her, willing to be her friends. We showed Molly and her owner the inside of our house and how parts have gates so that dogs can be carefully monitored on carpets. Chico is a little dog and sometimes has a problem in big spaces when left alone. Molly's owner had brought all her toys and her bed as well as all her favorite snacks. We put Molly's toys with all the other dog toys. She started to pick out some of the new ones and play. She showed us how good she was at making the toys squeek! Molly was adorable. As the day drew on Molly's owner reluctantly realized it was time for her to go. I knew how hard this was for her. She was genuinely relieved and happy to see that Molly was going to be happy in her new home. As she drove away through the property gate she smiled through her tears and we promised to keep in touch and let her know she was welcome to visit any time! I had Molly on her leash and we continued along the road. We walked to the neighbors who have a beautiful property full of rock formations, trees, and interesting planters and natural gardens. She also loves animals and has 5 dogs and 14 cats! She rescues dogs and cats and has a Basset Hound that is 14! Molly was happy to visit with the dogs and explore the area. The cats were smart and stayed out of sight. Everyone was very excited to meet Molly and happy that she would be the new neighbor. After the visit I took Molly on down the road for a long walk. We went around the lake nearby. It was a beautiful day with the sun shining and the air warm. Molly settled in easily and it has been 2 weeks and she has not had any accidents. Chico warmed up to Molly and they tend to go out at the same times and sort of hang out. We have 2 indoor cats and and one outdoor and Molly is still learning to control her urge to chase them. She tries really hard. We know from past experience that at some point the urge will be gone. We acclimate her to the cats who are both very docile and sweet. The outdoor cat likes to hang out with dogs and has his own way of "training" new ones. Molly is no longer afraid of the horses or goat. In fact one evening I had to walk the horse because he had signs of collick. I walked him all over areas of our property even unfenced areas and Molly stayed close by without wandering off. The horse acted gently toward her and seemed happy that she was not the type to tease or herd. Molly is very sweet and loves to hang out and be close. She is a great cuddler. She is adorable and plays with all kinds of toys. She sleeps through the night and eats well and is an all round great dog. We are so pleased to have Molly as part of our family. Thank you to everybody at Golden Gate Basset Hound Rescue for all that you do - for making this match possible. Sincerely, Judie Stanley

Romeo

We waited and waited until the time was right to get a dog. Whenever we saw a basset hound they made us smile and we knew this was the dog for us. We have been smiling ever since! When we first me Romeo, now Remington, we fell in love with his friendly demeanor and constant curiosity. He has been a part of our family for over a year and everyday brings joy, excitement and countless surprises. He is a dog with a huge personality and hilarious mannerisms. He loves to travel in the car, stroll and sniff around the neighborhood and cuddle on the couch. At a time when we celebrate and reflect on what we are thankful for, we would like to thank the Golden Gate Basset Rescue for helping these wonderful dogs find forever homes. We are so happy that we get to give Remington his. Nick, Shelly & Remington Auriemmo