It is a breed-specific agency that helps find homes for homeless/stray/abused/ abandoned Basset Hounds. We visit shelters to see if they have any Basset Hounds that have been turned in and may be on "death row." We accept dogs that people can no longer keep for whatever reason. We work with local agencies to remove Basset Hounds from abusive situations (yes, there are some sick people out there!).
Why does the rescue need money?
Every dog is seen by a veterinarian. Vet care is very expensive. One dog might only cost the regular fee for a vet evaluation and shots. Another dog may need major surgery or medical treatment, which can cost thousands of dollars. Although Tri-State Basset Hound Rescue charges a fee to adopt the dog, most of the time the rescue has paid more money to the vet than it collects from the adoption fee. Also, since foster homes are at a severe shortage, Tri-State is forced to pay to keep some of the dogs that are available for adoption in a commercial kennel.
The Basset Hound is immediately checked out by a veterinarian. It is tested for heartworm, given vaccinations, is spayed or neutered, and treated for any injury or sickness it may have. The hound will then be placed in a foster home for evaluation as to temperament, house training, whether it is good with other pets and/or kids, aggression, etc. The dog will live with the foster family until a forever home is found. This may only take a week, or it may take much longer, especially if the dog is a senior or has special needs. Meanwhile, Tri-State continues to pay for vet fees, vaccinations, monthly heartworm prevention, etc.�
Once the hound is brought back to peak health and evaluated, Tri-State then tries to find a home for it. Once a home is found, volunteers visit the home to make sure that it will be a suitable environment. If the prospective owners meet the criteria, the dog is then turned over to the new owners. Tri-State volunteers are also available to offer support and training tips to the new family. If for whatever reason the new owners cannot keep the dog, they can return it to Tri-State.�
Tri-State Basset Hound Rescue League serves New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. In 2004, Tri-State rescued over 275 Basset Hounds! Visit them on the web at www.tristatebassets.org