My sweet Elvis (known as Penny at the time of her adoption in 2002) was laid to rest a few weeks ago. She was a tough little girl and fought a good fight, but I finally had to make the difficult decision to end her suffering from heart failure. My sons (5 and 3) stood with me, and we all told her how much we loved her as she peacefully went to sleep. We brought her home and had a small funeral for her. Although we pass by her grave every time we walk Reba (known as Brownie at the time of her adoption in 2006), I like to imagine her running and playing with all of her old friends again. Until we meet again, Elvis... The boys and I love you and miss you. <3

It is with an extremely sad heart that I share with you that Shelby crossed the Rainbow Bridge. She had not been feeling well the last several days and I was waiting for the Vet to open this morning so I could take her in to see Dr. John. Shelby licked John when he said good-bye to her and left for work. A few minutes later I went to check on her, and she was gone. She was in her favorite spot under our kitchen table.

We took in Shelby as a foster dog on my birthday last year (July 7). We finalized her adoption in December. This is the hard part about adopting senior dogs. We don't get to love on them for very long, but for the final year of her life, Shelby knew she was loved and that she finally had a home where she belonged.

My heart is so broken right now. The Lang family side of the Rainbow Bridge is getting too crowded. Thank you to everyone at TBSR who played a part in bringing Shelby into our lives. She was truly special and will be so very missed.

Sara

This past week we said goodbye to our beloved basset hound, Sammy, who brought an immeasurable amount of love and happiness to our family for almost 13 years. From the day she arrived to the day she left, her priorities remained the same; eating everything she could get her paws on and sleeping the days away beneath the sun. Although not rescued from Tristate, Sammy was a consistent attendee at the Basset Hound Olympics in Wantagh, NY.  Just 3 short months ago, she was awarded 3rd place in the Obstacle Course relay at 12 1/2 years of age, and even managed to snag the picture spot in the Newsday article covering the event!  The joy she brought to our home, family, neighbors and friends is irreplaceable, but something we will remember always. She was a constant companion to each of us, playing a specific role in everyone's life; from breakfast partner, to late night TV buddy and everything in between.  It is with heavy hearts that we report the loss of our favorite family member; all the while knowing she is with us always. We could not have asked for a better dog or a better 13 year journey with our SammyGirl! Now at rest and forever comfortable. We will love and miss you always, Monf!

Samantha
3/9/00 - 1/28/13

With love,
The LaRousse Family

I was not lucky enough to have STEVEN as a puppy ,but was blessed to have 11 years with him. Steven came to Tristate Basset Rescue as a stray around the age of 2. I think the love affair with my sister and he started on the ride home from New Jersey to Long Island. Steven was just like a child, and went to Aunt Ronnie, who of course always said, YES! There were times I would have to tell her, No. My sister lives downstairs from me and that was Steven's mancave, paradise, eden, off limits to the other hounds in the house. When they came down he let them know, it was "get your biscuit and scram". My sister was a pile of mush when it came to Steven, he pawed the door until she caved to let him in, so he could get up on that king sized bed, meant only for her and him. Even in his later years, when arthritis started settling in, you were not stopping him from going downstairs, he whined and whined until he broke you. Steven's favorite time of year was winter; he made more snow angels than you could imagine. He loved to face the wind and let those massive ears fly in the breeze. Steven enjoyed playing with each hound that came into our home, but it was always known he was King and they did not forget that. When he ran is was like he was doing the bunny hop. He loved people,and belly rubs were always welcomed with his big hairy belly. He would drink his water and always go straight to the edges of my bed to wipe his face. I could go on and on, like everyone, all of us proud of our furkids.

Steven runs with our Fred, Columbo, Buster T Frecklefeet, Miss Shelby from Alabama and all of the beloved Bassets and wannabes that have left us too soon.

Cathy Larsen

Over three years ago, we adopted Felony and Malicious. It was the best thing we ever did! We were all very sad when Felony (top in photo) passed away this past August, but that gave us the opportunity to adopt a wonderful new girl, Daisy.
Wednesday 1/16, Malicious passed away and went to be with Felony again. Although he missed Felony, he was happy to have a younger girlfriend in Daisy. As he was headed to the vet for the last time, Daisy ran up to him and licked his face!
As we told our girls, Felony and Malicious will always be with us,but now it's time to give another wonderful basset a new home, and Daisy a new friend.

It turns out this happened a lot quicker than expected, as Rowdy has already made his way north from Alabama and moved in with us. Daisy loves him!
 
Chris, Merle, Christina, Helena,and Daisy Schnee