In Loving Memory of Xavier

If you are fortunate, in your lifetime you will meet a dog as kind and faithful as Xavier. Though the world was not kind to him, he responded with love, trust and affection for all those he encountered. Xavier, you will be sorely missed.

BHRA's "Seniors Helping Seniors" Program

This is the article that appeared in the Birmingham News today regarding our new "Seniors for Seniors" program. Click on the article to read all about it.

Wally Kimbro to the Rainbow Bridge

We received word today that one of our hounds has gone to the Bridge. He was adopted back in 2004 by the Kimbro family. This is what they had to say about their sweet boy:
"We adopted Wally from BHRA back in 2004. He brought us years of happiness and we loved him very much. Yesterday 1/23/10 we had to make the dreaded decision to put him to sleep and end his suffering before it became to much for him. His full name was Walter Russell Kimbro, Wally for short. He was fostered by Eunice and Stretch Cleeland before coming to us for his forever home. Everybody loved Wally, wherever we took him he melted hearts. Our hearts will forever be changed because of him. Thank you very much for all that your organization does for these beautiful creatures :) He was loved by many, but gave his family forever memories to cherish.

Mitch, Caedy, Kaley, Jaecy and his canine brothers Noah and Tommy Kimbro :)

Please visit our Rainbow Bridge Memorial page on our website at www.bhra.org to see tributes to some wonderful hounds we have lost over the years.

Our First Adoption Day of 2010

We had a wonderful adoption day today at the PetSmart in Alabaster, Alabama! Several of our new Fosters came with their hounds - Chrissie, Carley and Liddy who are being fostered by the Patzkowky's, Squyres and Scott families respectively. Hounds in attendance also were Sadie, Neva, Mack,and Lulu. The group attracted a lot of attention and interest. Thanks to everyone who came out and participated!

Bo Jacob Mitchell Flores, King of the Bassets

Here is a great story about one of the very first hounds BHRA found a home for...he was actually number 26! This is the story as recounted by founding BHRA Trustee Eunice Cleeland:

"I will never forget Christmas Eve, 1999 when Stretch and I loaded the truck very early and headed for Meridian, MS where we finished the first leg of the journey for Bo, a precious all-black-and-white basset who was adopted by Ricardo and Jackie Flores, as Jackie's Christmas gift. His destination was Dallas, TX and he made it around 11PM - just in time for Christmas. We met a motor home in the parking lot of K-mart in Meridian where they warmly welcomed Bo and made a nice comfy spot for him. The Flores family finally moved to California where they became involved in rescue. Bo was about 5 years old at the time he was adotped 10 years ago. We will never forget that Christmas Eve. "

Here is an update on Bo from his devoted food slave, Jackie:

"I can't believe it has been 10 years since we got Bo. My how things have changed. Bo is doing great and still rules the house. I didn't think it was possible for him to be more spoiled but he definately is. He has a bed in every room and eats whenever he wants. He jumps around and barks when he is hungry or wants treats. Right now he thinks he is a hobbit and eats 4 meals a day with treats thrown in often. This maintains his weight at a steady 52 pounds. He still has a spring in his step and trots around the house. Of course he spends about 20 hours sleeping and just trots from bed to bed.Ricardo and I have decided that he wags his tail more than any other dog that we have ever had. He brings joy to our lives daily. We can't thank you enough for taking a chance with us all those years ago. Just looking at him makes me smile. Even when he is being naughty I can't get mad at him. I try but he just wags his tail at me and I end up smiling. So spoiled…so loved!!!"

A Christmas Note from the Lee Family

Wilbur & Orville participated in the Santa Paws Walk today! It’s a fund raiser for TREATS (an org. promoting free spay/neuter) The photo shoot was hilarious – the antlers kept falling off & they kept looking at Santa instead at the camera. The photographer was really quick however, & got a couple of cute ones. This one is my favorite, even if Wilbur’s antlers fell off! We want to make it into a Christmas card. Ron was bribing them with treats!

Don’t let the roses fool you, it was very cold this morning.

Update on Miles (aka Jo Jo)

Hi! I just wanted to send a quick E-mail to update you on Miles, who I adopted from BHRA recently. I have had him for only a few short months, but he has become the most wonderful addition to our family! We had a recent tragedy. My boxer mix, Remy, unexpectedly passed away. Having Miles was a huge blessing during and since Remy's passing. He has kept me and my basset mix, Libby, great company, and he has really come into his own. He was skittish and shy when I first met him. I learned from his foster what difficult circumstances he was rescued from. It was so apparent that, being a smaller dog, he relied on his pack-mates and keeping a low profile for survival. As he learned to trust me and to feel secure in his surroundings, he has blossomed into a true character! A charmer, for certain. He makes me laugh with his antics, and he and Libby get along famously. We still take a long hike every day, though Remy's company is still deeply missed, and Miles and Libby are both very true to their hound bloodlines. Both on the hunt for every chipmunk that crosses their path. But both are so loyal that they never stray far from my side. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know, and thank you for what you do. If everyone would just give a rescue dog a chance, they would know what true companionship looks like. These dogs seem to know when they've got it made and respond in kind.

Thanks!

Karen Douglass