[Dailydrool] The search has begun...

[Onslow Basset]

As many of you may recall, we sent our beloved Onslow to the bridge almost three months ago now. For the past few weeks, we have begun the search for a new Basset Hound to share our life. We are in contact with a couple of great breeders from whom we are learning a lot -- and are hopefully on a waiting list! Despite our sympathy for rescue hounds (and they do tug on our hearts!), we'd like our next hound to be a puppy or very young dog. Because we lost Onslow at not even 9 years old, we'd like to have as much time as possible with our next fella. Of course there are no guarantees - we certainly understand that. 

But we are very open to suggestions and more education!  Share with us the protocols of searching for and adopting a dog from breeders. What are the perhaps unwritten "dos" and "don'ts" we may not be aware of?  What should we be looking for in a breeder, in a pup? We are located in southwest Ohio - please recommend breeders who are within say a day's drive. We have been using the Basset Hound Club of America member breeders list as well as looking at the kennels associated with various champions in the dog show listings - but personal recommendation is always the best! 

Feel free to reply here to the Drool for all to enjoy and discussion- or if you prefer, email us privately. Thanks in advance for all your advice!

Sue & Brian Stevens
(still missing Onslow mightily!)