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<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Almost 14 years ago, Houston/Harris County Basset Rescue picked up a 27 lb., 7-8 month old black tri puppy from the Beaumont, TX, shelter.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We told that he had less than 2 hours before he would be euthanized.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He had severe heartworms and every other kind of worm that a dog can have, and was emaciated.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Reports are that he was purchased and continuously locked in a crate.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He almost died going through heartworm treatment.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> I was thrilled to have </SPAN>“Cowboy” be my second foster.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Having been in a crate all of his life, he wanted no parts of staying in one at my house – even if it was only while I was at work.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He ate the end out of my loveseat at least 3 times.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I finally just threw it away.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Even though he was a most stubborn and infuriating puppy, he melted my heart.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>My first basset, Jack, was about 7 yrs. old at the time, and I wanted another dog to keep us company.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Cowboy was the first of several times I was doomed to be a “Foster Failure”!<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Cowboy grew to be a great buddy to all.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He welcomed many, many subsequent fosters into his home.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Having been under-nourished as a puppy, he made me laugh as he guarded the food bowls.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He never attacked; just growled to let the others know that they were not invited to share HIS food.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>He was a great ambassador for Basset Rescue.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He won several contests at various Lone Star Basset Hound Rescue Moseys and picnics and helped raise money for other rescued Bassets.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He even traveled to attend a Droopy Basset Hound Rescue picnic in Pennsylvania. <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Over the years, Cowboy lost most of his sight and all of his hearing, yet remained a great older brother to Beauregard (ATB), Misty (ATB), Bruce, and my Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Whopper.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>In the last few months Cowboy had developed congestive heart failure, and about a week ago, lost the use of his back legs.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He was telling me that it was time to let him go.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I was able to spend some quality time with him before I helped him to the Rainbow Bridge at 11:30 AM on Saturday, March 4, 2012.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>It is very difficult not to hear his “Melodic Arhoos” when the water bowl was empty or when something was in his way.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It doesn’t seem right to only fill 2 food bowls at feeding time.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I hope that he was welcomed at the Big Basset Buffet at the Bridge.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>God knows how he loved to eat!<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Please give your furry companions a big hug and always remember how much they add to your life.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I know Cowboy did – that’s why he left such a huge hole in my heart when he left….</FONT></FONT></P>
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<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Debbie<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P></FONT></FONT></FONT></BODY>