Clockwise from left: Maggie, Buddy and Cooper.
AB knows few greater joys than the homey companionship of a dog, so much so that there are now three dogs in the tower — and a new, large sofa from which we can all watch Mad Men and Rescue Me.
While three dogs does not make me a mad man (just edgy at times) all of them are, appropriately, rescues. Here’s a snapshot of the barking order:
- Buddy (basset-spaniel) was happenstance, the result of a misdirected Sunday outing to an event that no one in the car knew how to find. On the fly we decided to swing by the Animal Humane Society and flirt with the dogs — no commitments, just some harmless wooing. Three days later Buddy was sleeping at the foot of the bed in a plaid cuddler all his own — his third home in three years, but where he remains seven years later.
- Cooper was eight months old when he arrived via the Carver-Scott County Humane Society. His original family booted this hyper-social hound into a garage for a month of his young life because with three children under the age of five they had no time for or need of him. In the tower, he’s become a hybrid class clown/classic middle child — always trying to amuse and please.
- Maggie‘s (basset) story is a twist on the old saw about the road to hell being paved with good intentions. In her case, that road actually led her away from harm. You see, Maggie had a harrowing start in life as breeding stock in a puppy mill. They nearly bred her to death. Hounds Haven Basset Rescue in Iowa saved her life and got her on the mend. We were supposed to foster her for the folks at Blue Sky Rescue of Minnesota, but after so much turmoil in her life another change was too unkind to consider. Now she’s dog number three, and the impetus for that new sofa.
Merely having a dog in your life is something to savor. But nothing tops the satisfaction of rescuing one (or three) through an organization devoted to that cause (like those mentioned in this post — all with convenient links to their web sites).
When AB ponders the weekend, it’s with anticipation of hanging out with the pack. We enjoy our time together free of blogs and Twitter and Facebook, opting instead for face time. Real relationships in real time. It’s a dog’s life.
7 comments
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May 21, 2010 at 9:44 AM
beauregarde
I found you today and have to say that I admire your adoption of these three beautiful hounds. When Beauregarde came to live with us, as an eight week old puppy, he charmed all who came in contact. He is now six and I cannot believe how quickly the time has flown by. He stll charms all who see him and at times I wonder if he would like a friend to live withas, when we have another dog for the day, he runs and plays the whole time that they are with him. However, as soon as they are gone, he collapses into his bed as if to say “thank goodness I can now have a sleep.” Perhaps I should have bought two in the first place, but would he be the same Beau?
May 21, 2010 at 9:50 AM
Neal Kielar
Bassets, as you already know, are highly social dogs. I’m a big advocate of having two if your home situation allows it. Having two bassets is the equivalent of having 1.33 dogs – not a lot of extra work compared to one. Having three basset hounds is the equivalent of having 7 dogs and is recommended only for the brave or foolish. But two is a great number and I hope you’ll consider that for Beau, and above all consider a rescue.
August 21, 2009 at 11:28 PM
Nathalie
The perfect story to start the weekend – thank you
August 21, 2009 at 1:28 PM
Amy
You are my hero, AB! Not only do you rescue wonderful dogs and give them loving and joyful forever homes, you support and blog and tweet about animal welfare organizations and rescue groups. Your gracious acts of kindness and generosity are noticed and appreciated. A special Animal Humane Society Four Paws Salute to you!
August 21, 2009 at 7:38 AM
Jon
I have to echo what Kim said and thank you for adopting your dogs from local rescues and shelters. We are fortunate enough to have people like you in our community to help us ensure a more humane world for animals. I’ll be sure to share your success story of Buddy to the rest of the staff at Animal Humane Society. We always love hearing how well our alumni are doing – especially ones that involve 7 years in a such a loving home.
Thank you!
August 20, 2009 at 11:28 PM
kayroseland
Best Thank Blog It’s Friday: Ever…….
Alphabet Bash Cinderella
August 20, 2009 at 5:52 PM
Kim
Thank you for adopting Maggie. She is a sweetie and a very lucky girl to have found such a wonderful home. There are so many sweet dogs just like her looking for new homes. Blue Sky Rescue pulls dogs like Maggie from pounds where their days are numbered. It’s the best feeling to know that there are good people out there that really care about their welfare. We couldn’t do what we do without fosters…….I mean………adopters like you!
Way to go Maggie – you charmed them!