Yes, the family was split. C.A.R.E. transported the mom and 4 girls.. and then a couple of weeks later, the dad and brother show up at the same high kill shelter in Oklahoma City. Washington Basset Rescue accepted all of them into their program.
The following story was sent to me by John Britting in Kansas who was instrumental in getting all of the beautiful bassets into rescue.
Sunday (31 Oct 2010), the family woke up and realized they were together again, in a house.It took my breath away. They spent the day kissing on each other, following each other around, checking on each other, curled up and napped together.They are all so sweet and gentle.Individually they are different, but side by side you see the wonderful similarity - especially in their eye, gentle and loving ways.
WISDOM AND LOVE
HOPE, CHARITY AND GOODWILL
Having just taken in 3 un-neutered boys, who were very interest in the sisters, I would watch in amazement.If one of the other males approached a sister more amorously than the girls desired, Goodwill, the brother, would go stand between his sister and the interloper - protecting his sister.If advances continued Wisdom, Dad, would come over and give a low growl "leave my daughter alone".I watched in amazement.
DAD WISDOM & MOM LOVE
Out in the yard, when I am scooping or working, and all the bassets lay around and soak up the sun all over the yard.But the family is in a little pod all next to each other, with some body part touching one of the others.
Love (Mom) and Wisdom (Dad) sleep together, watch each other.I cannot separate them; they have to be placed as a pair.They have been through so much I just cannot split them up.I think the kids will be OK as long as they go with a family with another basset or loving dog.
These kids are all so sweet I cannot believe they were ever abused, and in fact someone must have loved them at one time.I cannot understand why the owners just moved leaving then to fend for themselves. Hope is the most confident, always ready for loving. At first Charity would come, with a waggin tail, but a little submissive. When I am loving and petting them all, Goodwill snuggles up behind me pasted against me.
Everyone one of them loves attention, will snuggle right up against you for as much loving as you can give.Wisdom comes and stands by you, giving you the grateful look and enjoying as much petting as you want to give.He watches his family.
Love, (Mom), now that they are settled in, has decided that everyone should start playing, she runs around gives play bows to the kids, doing the "let's play" pawing.She has gotten Goodwill and Hope doing the Basset 500, and roll and tumble play.Charity was the thinnest, every day as she feels better, she is slowly joining in the play for a short time. Love is also the most outspoken about treats for her family.She thinks treats are marvelous, and one is not sufficient.I've explained to her they all need good nutritious food, and she tries to explain to me, "Treats are also Excellent".
I cannot thank you enough for your prayers, transport help and donations for this family.They ARE very special, and each one of this sweet darling family is so grateful.
I know I have used sweet and gentle, over and over, but that is this family.
UPDATE 12/5/2010
Maurice is about 3 weeks post surgery now. His broken leg is doing well, but unfortunately, his hip will not stay in place. He will be scheduled to an FHO surgery, where the head of the femur is removed. This should be good for him, and he will be up in a short time, All vets consulted feel that this is the best course of action and everyone is looking for positive results. We are still in great need to help cover Maurice's expenses. Thanks so much for your great support.
Colorado Animal Rescue Express (C.A.R.E.) is a 501(C)3 Public Charity
