Dogs Need Your Help!

My friend and fellow photographer, Susan Richey, with A Dog’s Life Photography & Art recently posted on her blog about a ton of dogs that were just rescued in Texas from horrible conditions.  The Arizona Basset Hound Rescue (AZBHR) has stepped in to help with the rescue efforts.  I thought I would try to help get the word out by posting the story here too.  If you or anyone you know can foster a dog, or donate some money, please consider helping out.

Story and photos above by:

Robin Martin - AZBHR Vice President and Intake Coordinator

30 bassets were seized by Animal Control from a backyard breeder in a rural town outside of Houston, TX.  Animal Control responded to a complaint from the neighbor, who stated the dogs were being neglected.  Animal Control was not prepared for what they found.   They discovered 30 bassets, 3 bloodhounds and 6 pugs living in absolute squalor, chain link fenced runs with no cover, filled with mud and feces – no fresh water or dog food was to be found.  If this does not sound horrible enough, Animal Control then came upon a pile of dead older bassets that the person was waiting to dry out so she could burn and two plastic bags were found with deceased bassets inside.  After the Animal Control officerscomposed themselves (neither had never seen such a horrible case of abuse and neglect) they threatened to bring legal action if the owner did not sign over the dogs.  All 39 dogs were relinquished to Animal Control immediately.

While the dogs are certainly in a better place, this small town facility can not handle having the bassets for any length of time and the bassets are continuing to live outside.  So, getting into Rescue’s is a priority and must happen quickly.  The local basset rescue is not able to handle the intake of 30 bassets and has asked for help from the surrounding states and AZBHR would really like to help.

THIS IS WHERE YOU COME IN:

AZBHR’s regular foster homes are FULL and we are in need of ONE TIME foster homes to help with the dogs coming from Texas.  So, this is where you come in – would you consider fostering just one of these dogs?  The minimum amount of time a dog is in foster is 2 weeks.  Fortunately, AZBHR has had a steady flow of adoption applications coming in, so we expect adoptions to happen quickly.

Even though there is no shortage of needy bassets in Arizona, there is just no way that AZBHR can not try to help these babies that are so in need of a miracle. It is because of you, the supporters, volunteers, adopters and foster homes, that make this organization so successful even in these difficult, economic times.  Most rescues are having to consider cutting back, but AZBHR continues to just get bigger, better and stronger and able to help other fellow organizations.  This is only possible because of your continuing support and willingness to always step up and help when you are asked.

Can’t foster but you want to help?  Consider donating to the Texas hounds through the first giving page: http://www.firstgiving.com/texashounds.

If you are able to help with these needy, stubby legged babies, please contact me at intake@azbassetrescue.com.