[Dailydrool] Ramblings on Ramble...

[Susan Randolph]

Basset people continue to amaze me!

This year's Ramble took place at a new location (a wonderful spot  -- if 
Mother Nature had only cooperated) and required a LOT of planning since 
there were extra challenges posed by a new site. BROOD volunteer Liz Kielley 
took on the challenge of organizing and running theh 2008 Xtreme Ramble (a 
VERY difficult job -- I did it one year, but without the challenges of 
weather or a new site -- nothing like what Liz faced). After this year, I 
think she deserves sainthood. And so do all the die-hard supporters and 
volunteers who ventured out in the torrential rains on Saturday.

DESPITE repeated showers (and thunder... and for those with a blackberry... 
TORNADO watches), people came, shopped, bought raffle tickets, hung out and 
chatted and bid (though the auction was not as successful as it might have 
been in sunshine). Every once in a while the sun would peak through the 
clouds... and then the showers would descend again (apparently, the showers 
were timed to the moments when I'd leave the safety of shelter and venture 
afield to grab food or pick up something in another location, but I 
digress).

What amazed me most wasn't the horrendous weather... but how little it 
affected the people who showed up! They hung out, laughed at their hounds 
(who were mud-covered within minutes), bought stuff, and generally refused 
to allow the terrible conditions to avert their real purpose -- to help the 
homeless hounds! Auntie Barb and Uncle Mike hawked basset crap like nobody's 
business. There were paw readings and sing-a-longs (we think Diane works on 
her lyrics all year long) and agility trials -- all in the rain and mud. 
Auntie Dawn and Uncle Rich worked like... well... forgive me... dogs... 
auctioning and taking money and moving stuff from here to there. Auntie 
Bonnie had amassed a serious motherload of auction stuff -- and there were 
some serious steals but some xtreme battles too. I met several first-time 
attendees who were completely undaunted. They were clearly mesmerized by the 
dedication of so many people who only wanted to help the hounds and have fun 
with fellow nut-cases.

Which brings me back to Liz Kielley. She's certifiably nuts -- and BROOD is 
exceptionally lucky to have her. She took the day in stride, adjusted the 
timetable, and kept things moving so people could get out safely, but not 
before emptying their wallets for the woofers.

The weather was unfortunate... but it was clear that a little rain wasn't 
going to dampen the spirits of those dedicated to helping bassets!!

Kudos to one and all involved!! I repeat: Basset people continue to amaze --  
and impress -- me!

Susan (slave to Toby and Daisy -- who hit the bathtub the moment they got 
home)