[Dailydrool] breeding bassets

[saraberry at aol.com]

Thank you for your great questions, Susan.

I think that the most significant thing we can do to stop irresponsible breeding is to have a print out like the one that Sandi sent to the list available to share with people who inquire about basset hounds.  To add contact information for the local rescue group and for the Basset Hound Club of America information is important.

If everyone can be educated as to what to look for in a responsible breeder or rescue and how to be a responsible dog owner, then we will stop this problem soon without added legislation, so that groups such as the HSUS can stop spending all their money focused on legislation and start caring for the animals in need.   

Most people who are going to want a basset are going to approach one of us at some point.  Even the person from across the street who pets your dog when you pass may at some stage ask about acquiring a basset.  We need to be ready with information to hand to them or a card or something so that we can help to steer them in a healthy direction before they even look at an Internet site that will ship to them, or go to meet a puppy in a parking lot.  All of us would take the puppy in the parking lot.  How could we not?  It is what we do.  But we have to stop the influx of money to irruptable or poorly educated sources so that they are not making money on dogs being sold.  

Many rescues do events at fairs where they pass out information.  We need to do this at dog parks, on our walks, on the Internet, anywhere where we find people who might one day be interested in getting another or a new dog.  Even other breeds need this same information.  We need to be visible in the schools and with local kids teaching them how to care for a dog and what that entails.

I believe that all show people should rescue.  Not all can.  But most support their local rescue group in some fashion.

I also believe that all rescue people should care for a responsibly bred basset at some point and do dog sports, conformation. agility, obedience, hunt test, field trial or tracking with that dog to see what a healthy, well adjusted basset can accomplish and learn how to support one in those efforts.  It is not easy but well worth it.  Not that many rescues can't do this as well, because many excel.  Especially in agility.  They may only jump 8 - 12 inches, but they fly through the air and love every minute of it!  To have a dog like this would hook you up with a knowledgeable responsible breeder and help to bridge the gap so that there is no more us vs. them.  I say the exact same thing to the responsible breeder/show people I know.  Hook up with a local rescue person!

We are all in this together***  Thank you all for loving your dogs today so much!

Sara*
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