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<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>I have to agree with Dawn (Happy Hound Pet
Services) right down the line.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Growing up I had a hound of unknown origin and a
beagle. Two of the absolute smartest dogs I have ever known. Eight
years ago this August 3rd I got Jake. I had been warned that bassets were
different so I was going to teach Jake to conform like other dogs. Well, it took
him about 6 months to teach me a thing or two (and he was just a puppy and me an
adult) and he has constantly amazed me ever since with his intelligence. He went
everywhere with me. I keep a mileage log for tax purposes and I figure he
has logged in over 70,000 in his life and I have his front seat built
up so he can see out and he doesn't miss a thing. I would see him
looking at something and tell him what it was and repeat it every time we saw it
again. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Since then we have adopted one foster failure, Maxx
to keep Jake company and Myrtle came along a six months later and adopted us.
Since their arrival they go everywhere too. Jake founded Ozark Mountain
Basset Rescue so we do a lot of driving and traveling for the cause and Maxx and
Myrtle are just as intelligent. Actually Myrtle is top of the class. She
absolutely amazes me with the things she gets around to showing me she knows and
understands. All three have a vocabulary that is hard to believe even for
me.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Now if you want them to do tricks forget it. The
smarter the more stubborn. Like Dawn said we have never had a fight or
even growl argument here. If one wants something he/she will just distract the
other two and get what they want. Everything from a toy, bone or their place
next to daddy. They amaze me but most people just watching them would
think them dumb. I think that is sad but I have also discovered we aren't
going to change the world's opinion over night. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>In our dealing with intakes, some 400 over time,
they are just like people, some are just smarter than others and I have seen
basset hounds dumber than a box of rocks but they were still totally loveable
and cute.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Phil, Jake, Maxx & Myrtle</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>We have learned him everything's he
knows</FONT></DIV>
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