The beginning

Daily life with over 60 rescued basset hounds, living the Dream of rescue and helping hounds through abuse, neglect, despair and health issues has certainly been an adventure.  Many have asked me to write a book, to share more stories or to blog.  I've decided to start with the blogging.  I have zero idea where this adventure may take us, so I'll post the first post with the back ground of Daphneyland - and move forward as the wind may take me.

 

My Princess - Cocshall  ATB 10-2-02

Barnaby Devil Dog - my constant companion ATB 4-15-07

I am from 4 generations of Basset Hound People.  That does not mean we all have long ears, although I am more likely to remember a name of a human if they DO have long ears.  The most common question I get is "Why Basset Hounds?" and the answer is: I speak their language. Bassets have always been in my family, and despite their clownish behavior, adorable looks and constant food fetish - they are not for every dog lover.

In 1999 while working with the City of Glendale as the rescue representative on a giant basset hound float for the Rose Parade, it became apparent that the current rescue methods to rehome Basset Hounds was not working well.  A group of us joined together and began working with the concept of pack socialization and rehab.  Basset Hounds were originally bred to live together with up to 100 other hounds, think independently yet socialize well.  The Basset's that found their way into shelters and abuse situations were not "Well Bred" basset hounds - they were backyard and puppy mill bred bassets who had not been properly socialized in their early formation.  The concept of a rehabilitation center where we could work hands on with our own hounds, introduce them to pack management and socialize them before adopting them out was "The Dream". We worked very hard towards that reality.

On July 20, 2002 the dream became a reality when a 5 acre ranch located in Acton, CA was dedicated as "Daphneyland" - and the first hound moved in.  For any of you rescuers that think you want acres to live on with your current rescued dogs, let me assure you. It is more work than you ever thought possible.  It's also more rewarding than you had ever hoped.  "Living the Dream" is not for everyone.  A week after our grand opening, we moved 10 rescue hounds from a boarding kennel to Daphneyland.  I remember sitting down and crying at the end of that day.  POOP! So much POOP!  I called my mother and was sobbing over the difficulties of the day.  I have the world's best Mother.  She listened and then said "Dreams are not supposed to come easy, they require work and dedication - you will find your routines, volunteers will come and help - it will get easier".  Mom was right.  It did get easier in some aspects.

Every day at Daphneyland is a new adventure. Going on 12 years living with the Hounds certainly has proven to my friends and loved ones that I truly have "Gone to the Dogs".  There is never a day where I fail to learn something. I suspect I will be sharing laughs, heartaches and smiles.