[Dailydrool] basset owner heartache--looking for new companion

[Heidi I Sarver]

Dear Friends,

I have been scanning more than anything these days--so busy I don't  
know which way is up lately.  Quick update:  all is well (for once) in  
the Delaware world of Buford and Della.   Tons of drool to all in need  
and snooters to everyone.

My vet called today asking if I knew of 1) a good reputable basset  
breeder  in Delaware or the surrounding nearby area, and/or 2) any  
basset puppies needing homes.  Of course you're all thinking "How come  
the vet doesn't know of basset breeders in the area?"  Answer: they do  
but wanted to make sure there weren't other options out there for the  
situation they called about.  Here it is:

A client of there's just lost his basset.  Her name was Duchess--- 
quite possibly a drooler but I do not know for sure.  Duchess was  
13-13.5 when she went to the bridge not all that long ago (perhaps  
only a week or two--I'm not completely sure).  The owner is not  
handling it well at all.  Duchess was much like Buford:  a medical  
nightmare her whole life.  Her owner gave her everything--all the care  
she needed up until the very end.  Again, much like what I have done  
for Buford all these years.

So, in the hopes of helping the owner, who has expressed deep and  
sincere interest, desire, hope, etc., on finding another basset, my  
vet called me to see if I knew of anything--an effort to exhaust all  
possibilities.  I actually thought it was a brilliant move on my vet's  
part!

I mentioned Tri-State and Brood of course--but I don't have the time  
to do the research nor the inquiries.....I'm pathetic I know, but this  
football season at UD has me hopping and it's all I can do to take  
care of the pups and my mother right now.  I mentioned the breeder  
where I got Della from.....she's a runt (those few of you who have met  
her know this--it's clear the minute you see her) but her disposition  
is wonderful.  But of course, rescue is truly the best way for this  
man to go so I'm hoping with the vet's assistance they can get him to  
move in that direction.

He would prefer a puppy (who wouldn't?!) but I'm willing to bet that  
he would open his arms and home to any basset in need.

I will push Tri-State and Brood again tomorrow morning--but if anyone  
can offer any additional suggestions, etc., I have little doubt he  
would be most appreciative.  I got Buford by accident 10.5 years ago  
(pseudo-rescue from a woman who didn't want him any longer...he was 7  
months old!) and Della....well I thought I would try JUST ONCE a puppy  
from a breeder to see what it was like not to have any previous  
"baggage."  I have learned it doesn't matter---they're bassets no  
matter what and baggage or no baggage they are, well, bassets with  
full agendas!  My point:  I'm not involved enough with the rescue  
world (I wish I had the time!) to help him more than this.

Sorry for such a long email....just thought the more info, the better  
as he is not new to being owned by a basset--not after 13.5 years with  
Duchess and a medical file on her bigger than Buford.  My vet said he  
was as devoted if not more to Duchess than I am to Buford---and they  
know I would give my own life up for my boy so that's saying something!

---heidi, buford, della and guinness the cat