In Memory 2005-2007
Copper (1/03 to 1/05)
Scanner (7/97 to 4/05)
Today is the fourteenth day I have awoken to such a sadness and emptiness in my heart. On Friday April 22, 2005, I had to unselfishly let my much beloved companion, friend, and confidante Scanner leave this breathing life to go forward to someplace where he awaits me. I only had Scanner for 7 months 17 days and 17hours give or take, but the lessons he taught me, and the love he gave me saved my life. Just indulge me and sit down, grab a tissue and read this short story about my time as Scanners rescue Mom. I rescued Scanner, a 9 year old retired police bloodhound from Midwest Bloodhound Rescue on Sept 5th 2004. I saw his picture on the site and immediately set my heart on bringing this dog back to Buffalo, NY from Illinois. I wanted to give him the kind of retirement he deserved after years of service to the community to which he served. After numerous calls and paperwork I set out on a road trip to pick him up and bring him home. The minute I saw him, I knew he had me. I can’t even start to tell you all the “Scanner” stories, from the road trip home (very smelly) to his first bath. Still not sure who bathed whom that first time in the tub. All the rules that applied to Rocky, his Rottweiler brother went out the window. Forget no couch, numerous pictures to prove that rule was first to go, to no dogs in the kitchen, and feet get dried in hallway before coming in. That lasted, until all the neighbors started inquiring of the strange sound bellowing from the hallway in my house. There was the mischievous Scanner. I went out and bought an old log cabin doghouse and we tore it apart to insulate it. Not two weeks later, he first went to the Rotties doghouse and ripped all his insulation out. Then proceeded to finish the demolition on his own log cabin the proceeding weeks. Its also baffles many that I have more pictures of Scanner then of my kids and grandkids. The stories could go on and on, ever catch me in person or on the internet and don’t want to hear Scanner stories, run fast in the other direction.
The hardest part of the story is the end. I saved his life and he in returned save mine with the very last breath he took. While holding his proud, regal droopy ole face as he left this breathing world I experience horrible chest pain, I assumed it was a broken heart. It wasn’t, Scanner’s leaving me brought on a heart attack. I spent my next four days in Cardiac Care Unit with what doctor diagnosed as a heart attack. The thing is, I am a very healthy 46 year old women with no indications of heart disease. Thank god Scanner’s leaving of this world brought me to not leave this world and try to change my life style. My new lifestyle is “Scanner’s style”. Take things slow, be patient, love everyone that stops to appreciate you and most of all when you can find a place to just STOP and rest, stop and rest. He lived most of his ending days looking for his next place to nap, now everyday I try to stop and take a break and appreciate everything I have. I hope his lessons will help me live a long life and retire with the grace and kindness that Scanner did.
We all love and miss you Scanner. There is not one hour of one day I don’t think of you,
Your loving Mom
Doofus was humanely euthanized on 5/25/05. This beautiful red boy had a bit of a Jekyl & Hyde personality. Once he acclimated to a home, he became extremely territorial - to the point of climbing fences, breaking through screens & (trying to) windows. Didn't matter what it was - person or animal. He was so dead set on getting to that item that he forgot who he did like, which made for a very potentially dangerous situation. Bloodhounds are not normally "territorial" dogs.
Fred II a/k/a Outpost's Frederick (5/01 to 6/05)
With teary eyes and a breaking heart, I held my dear Fred, as he crossed the Rainbow Bridge today. Born with a genetic deformity of his back legs, Fred would never claim the title of 'show dog' or 'mantrailer'. Fred didn't even stand tall or straight. However, the titles he still carries are much more important; My Man, best friend, loved family member, and just one big goofy boy! Thank you to Midwest Bloodhound Rescue for giving us our beautiful boy. Also, Thank You to Don Dean, Fred's foster Dad, who loved and cared for him. I know Fred quickly found his way into Mr. Dean's heart, as Fred did with everybody he met. Fred never knew he was challenged, he never complained, and never hesitated to attempt any task. He knew that sticking his whole head in the water bucket while drinking was fun, as was playing 'King of the Bale of Straw'. He also knew that a good belly rub was worth rolling over for and that life really did revolve around food. And my favorite, Fred knew the importance of good entertainment. At 8:45pm, when the train came thru town every night, Fred would give an outstanding ARrroooo performance for the neighborhood. No other has ever come close to matching his beautiful voice. For this, my neighbors are thankful. Fred ~ You may be gone, but will never be forgotten. I love you bunches my Fredapoozer.
Kelly, Katie Scarlet, and The Brat Pack
Our dear friend succumbed to squamous cell carcinoma...to be done in by skin cancer seemed preposterous. He'll be forever remembered with a love so dear...Bo had been your guest on a few occasions as my husband and I headed off for vacation. He is survived by dear Rosie, nee Maggie V, who we adopted from MBR....Sadly - how horribly ironic - we sent Bo off to the bloodhound ranch on August 27, 2005; we adopted our dear Rosie on August 27, 2004. Thank you for looking after Bo with such love and with blessing us with Rosie. She was a piece of work to start off with - a lot of dedication toward reconditioning out of food, dog and human aggression. With much work and love, we've got the most cuddly, ticklish, hold-my-bone-for-me-will-ya, buddy friend. The cutest thing is that when you hug her, she snores! Love it!! But miss my Bo.
Gabriel (9/05 to 9/05)
On 9/10/05 while working (veterinary office), a lady brought in a kitten she’d found in her yard. As timing would have it, I had to stay focused on a trauma case so the receptionist wrapped him in a paper towel and I stuck him down my top to stay warm. After the trauma was stabilized, the vet and I discovered the kitten’s umbilical chord was still soft - probably a few hours old! His left rear leg was mangled and broken. We could only guess as to what happened but he was now in our care. It would have been easy to humanely euthanize him. The vet agreed to amputate the leg and stitch him up. I took him home and he suckled on the bottle and ate well. Sunday morning (9/11/05) the little kitten had survived the night and was crying to be fed and he ate with a healthy appetite hmmmm… he just might make it. The vet looked at him that morning and although he was doing well, kittens can thrive and then fade away quickly. All day “Gabriel” took his formula eagerly so I tucked him in his carrier that night feeling hopeful. Sadly Monday morning I woke to silence in the carrier. Gabriel had passed away sometime in the night. I held him for a few minutes rubbing my thumb across his little head. Feeling defeated, Gabriel was buried in the garden amongst the flowers. I comfort myself knowing he at least got to know the feeling of a full belly and a warm hand caressing his little body before he left this world. Please notice his white streaks that ran over his shoulders; I now realize they were angel wings waiting to carry him up to the Rainbow Bridge.
Jarrell Family of NC
Jessie was euthanized in early September 2005. She came to us later in her life with a long history of skin, eye & allergy issues, which, despite numerous attempts, MBR was unable to get fully under control. While she was with us, she also started developing hind leg issues (extreme wobbliness and instability). All of these issues made Jessie a very uncomfortable dog which resulted in Jessie being a pretty darn cranky dog, especially towards other dogs. The decision was made that Jessie did not have a good chance for recovery or to lead a mostly pain-free life. She went for her last car ride, tongue & goobers flopping in the wind.
We laid to rest our boy that could make the biggest frown turn into the biggest smile in an instance. He had dilated cardiomypathy (enlarged heart), spondylosis deformas (fused vertebrae in 2 areas in his back) and arthritis. We had to end his suffering, as it was at times so difficult for him to bear. He still had some good days, but the bad days took so much from him and everyone around him. He came to us as a dog that enjoyed the company of humans, but just not up close! He changed though; within a year he started cuddling and would actually let us sit on the same couch as him. It was a gradual process for him. Closer to the end he was a full fledge cuddlier. He slept with us every night, and unfortunately took up most of my room on the bed! It was well worth it though! He changed to be a boy that loved affection and to give affection. He was very smart and could figure out all ways to get treats, either by method he did himself or from us. He knew his big brown eyes could win over his family, but especially his Mom. It is hard just to write a little about him, because, though his time with us was too short, his impact was larger then imaginable. I couldn’t imagine life without him, he was meant to be part of our family. No matter who meet him, and for how long the encounter was, he will stay with them forever. His voice could carry for miles and many people thought he could say his own name “Bruuuuuce”. It was an unforgettable howl. He will be loved for eternity, and although gone and running and playing like he hasn’t been able to in a long time, he is with us, in our hearts. I can’t wait to meet again!
Briane Simpson
Jake was laid to rest shortly before Thanksgiving, 2005. His is a very sad, but too common story - bought from a backyard breeder by the wrong type of home, not neutered early enough or taught proper manners early enough, sent to rescue, adopted into a home by rescue, adoptive home decided to retire and travel so they returned him to rescue, rescue discovers that adoptive home did not teach him proper manners either. All within 3 years. It messes a dog up. We thought we had found the perfect home to work with Jake and finally teach him proper manners and Jake decided to blow it. Plain and simple, short and sweet, sad and disgusting.
Virgil came to us in the fall of 2003 with a history of medical issues - bad hip, anal glands that needed expressing once a week (ICK!), ear problems, joint pain...but gosh darn that dog! We couldn't help but love him because he was such a doofus. We had to let good ol' Virg cross the Rainbow Bridge this morning. About 3 months ago he started having seizures, and they progressively got worse. After his last seizure (last night) he became very aggressive and tried to bite his dad. Well, with a newborn on his way home for the first time today, we couldn't risk Virgil and the baby going at it. Dad held him in his arms as he fell asleep - sleep well, buddy! No more pain and no more suffering for you. We know he didn't want to be mean. We know he was a loving boy to the end. And we'll certainly miss our big dumb dog! He was as loyal as any dog could be - stubborn, but loyal. He loved going for walks, rides and laying on every bed in the house. Always there to greet you at the door, and always there to slobber on the kitchen table as you ate. But he did go out in style - lots bacon, eggs, and sausage for the appetizer and 2 bacon, egg & cheese biscuits from McDonalds! We love you, Virg. See you on the other side.
Pince Family
I am writing to let you know that our Nadine died this morning. I want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for giving us the opportunity to raise Nadine. She was the best dog we have ever had. It was our privilege to have had the last 3 years with her. We just wished it could have been longer. You do a wonderful thing for these dogs. We just wanted to say thank you.
Sincerely, The Smith Family
Gretzsky (3/17/2006)
Till we meet again my friend, my partner. Love Always, Your family: Billie Jo, Morgan and Zack
Everette loved to eat all the things he shouldn't. We learned quickly to watch him with both his toys and our children's toys. Last April Everette had to have surgery to remove the end of our hose from his intestines. We then quit keeping our hose in the backyard. The end of this February, a few months after our move to South Dakota, Everette had to have another surgery to remove three golf ball size rocks from his intestines. Not thinking there was anyway he would do that again, he did. Our veterinarian told us that there was no way to do another surgery because not only had he not healed all the way yet, but his intestines couldn't recover from the amount of scar tissue another surgery would make. So, it was with buckets of tears we had to say goodbye to our friend, son, and brother.
Caress Family
Louie
We got Louie on Valentines Day in 1998, when he was 1 year old, from a person who tried raising him in an apartment. He was a gentle giant that everyone loved. Unfortunatley, on the day before he died, we had a brush fire at our farm and when I was hauling water to the fire, Louie came out of the woods and tried being next to me while I was in the truck and I hit him without knowing. A fireman saw the accident, but didn't say anything for 15 minutes or so until the fire was under control. He and 3 other fireman lifted Louie on a blanket into my truck so he could be transported to the vet. Any kind of positive recovery was minimal at best. We had already decided that if he wasn't able to live a quality life, we would let him go. We spent some time with him, petting him and talking to him. His eyes told us that everything was OK and he loved us. We laid him to rest in his favorite, stinky old comforter and bed on the farm where we live. He was a handsome, loving friend that I will miss all the rest of the days of my life. I love my buddy, Louie.
Thank you for this website.
Jake II (9/98 to 5/06)
He had started having trouble with his hips a few months earlier. We had started giving treatment for his hip problem but they were unsuccessful. It was one of the hardest things we have ever had to do. We all miss him so much. Jake had a good life once we adopted him. He was spoiled rotten and sharp as a tack. It was hard at first but he was a terrific dog. He left behind his best friend Rockett (another bloodhound) who is lost with out him. He loved to chase squirrels. As a matter of fact he broke our squirrel feeder trying to get to one. He was a giant lap dog, affectionate, sweet, and loved to eat. He would sit in the living room waiting for his treats after dinner and made sure that Rockett didn't get more than he did. He is and always will be deeply missed.
Dixie was euthanized in May 2006. Her story is a very sad one. Dixie was a happy, mostly well-mannered girl that was either abused by people or beat up by other dogs. Most of the time, she was perfectly fine, unless there was another female dog around. Her aggression towards them grew to the point that she became very dangerous towards other dogs and people if they got caught in the crossfire. After working with Dixie for several months and one failed adoption, MBR made the very painful decision to lay Dixie to rest. We feel awful but this is the icky side of rescue work.
(12/01 to 7/06)
Brothers Norton & Beauregard were adopted 1/05 - one by the adult daughter, the other by her mom. Both passed away within a day of each other. Norton bloated, torsed and passed away. Beauregard broke his collar and ran away. The family think he was searching for Norton. Unfortunately, Beauregard was struck & killed by a car before the family could catch him.
Bruno, a bloodhound/mastiff cross, passed away the beginning of July 2006. He came to MBR from Fila Rescue. Someone thought he was a Fila but the rescue knew he wasn't - he was just too friendly. So, MBR took him in and was never the same again. This boy was just in love with life. He liked baths and dancing to hip hop music. He behaved himself at dinner but would have drool from mouth to floor. He stayed in his yard until he decided that it was time for his monthly "meet & greet the neighbors" visit. He didn't like a standard crate so he destroyed it - from the inside. His family put up an outdoor kennel in their garage, complete with fake grass & a couch. Bruno's new condo suited him just fine. Bruno did not like cats (except as an occasional snack) until a little black orphaned kitty came along and thought he was "mama". He won an Ugliest Dog contest. Over the years MBR, his foster family and his adoptive family were kept entertained with his antics and his joy. He will be sorely missed by one and all.
Buddy
He was our first Bloodhound, but he won't be our last. We got him as a pup from a backyard breeder, not being rescue savvy back then. He was the funniest, smartest, dumbest, crankiest, loveable dog and I will never ever forget him. I foster Goldens, and he was the best Sheriff, any foster dog out of line shaped right up when Buddy hit town. He never met a dog he didn't like, never started a fight, and his snoring made the walls of the house move in and out. Some people didn't like coming over because of him, they aren't welcome anymore. Some call it slobber, I call it art. He was pretty good up until the afternoon of April 2, he was crying and he couldn't walk. Seeing pale gums and eyes, I knew we were in trouble. Rushed to emergency, ultrasound showed spots (tumors) on his spleen and liver that most likely were bursting and bleeding, we had no options, and tearfully whispered goodbye, and made him promise to wait for us. Sorely missed by Mom and Dad, and brothers Ely, Oscar, Copper, Otto, and Smokey.
Our Edie was named for my friend, Edith, who died in April of 2006 at the tender age of 92. Edie crossed the Rainbow Bridge on August 28th, 2006. When she came to our home, she was docile and the queen of couch potatoes. When she came to us, she had already been through a heart worm treatment, and a blood test showed a year later showed heart worms again, so she was treated again. It was difficult procedure for her, but she hardly complained. Recently, we discovered that her kidneys were shutting down. I wonder if she had kidney problems all of her life. I wonder if she ever felt well? She was very docile, sweet, quiet, and I wonder if she ever knew what it was like to feel good!?! Last Monday, I spoke quietly to Edie, I thanked her for her love and loyalty, however brief. She was only 5 years old. We took our final trip to Dr. Banker. We miss Edie. She snored, and Ivan misses that at night. She gave kisses, and I miss those. I like to think that Edie and Edith are together now, and Edith is getting to know her namesake better. I am quite sure that God is pleased with those two girls and the lives they led in this life. They were both affectionate, loving, stubborn, independent, willful girls who have left large holes in our lives and hearts. They both experience freedom from pain and illness now and how wonderful that is!!
The Mounts Family
Maggie (1997-2006)
Maggie at two months old you stole my heart...and now just 8 days after your 9th birthday my heart is breaking. I loved you with every ounce of my being....you silly girl. I will never forget all the times you made me laugh...nor will I ever stop loving you. I know I had to let you cross the Rainbow Bridge and now you are chasing rocks and swimming your big ole hound dog heart out...running with all your friends and Baying...My Buttercup...
My Maggie......My Baby Girl
Ann, Maggie's Forever Mama
Jasper was adopted to a family in Kentucky. Everything seemed to be going well until a week later when we received a phone call that they were bringing Jasper back the next day. Not much explanation was given. We were told that, while enroute to MBR, they stopped to get gas at a truckstop in Kentucky. When he went to let Jasper out to potty, Jasper bolted out of the back and took off. Jasper was never seen or heard from again and is presumed dead. We're sorry buddy, you didn't deserve this.
Leroy had gastric torrsion in March of 2006 and almost exactly one year later Leroy had it happen again. Back to the vet. We got there in time and the surgery was a success, or so we thought. I left the clinic at about two in the morning, I recieved a horrible phone call the next morning telling me that sometime during the night he had gone to sleep and didn't wake up. It has been a terrible loss for us as a family. He was smelly, messy, got into everything, drooled all over my bed and we LOVED every bit of him.
Tunison Family
We inheritied Bill when we bought our house from his previous owners. We very quickly fell in love with Bill, it wasn't hard. He was so sweet and loving. He was a howler, especially when we would come home after being gone a little while. We miss his howl so much. We miss his slobbery kisses, we miss everything about him. He was approximately 11 years old. One morning, my husband accidently ran him over with his pickup truck. Bill didn't see or hear too well and didn't get up in time. My husband didn't know he was under it. He lasted 3 days - 3 days of pain and suffering. Due to his age, size (about 150 lbs) and already arthritic conditions, the success of healing was slim to none. We chose to put him out of his suffering and sent him Home to God. Hardest thing I have every done, but I had to be by his side when he passed. I held him in my arms while he slipped away. Rest in Piece, Billy Boy. We miss you and love you so very much.
Bill & Vyki Sumrow
Cadie was purchased for the expressed intent to "have puppies and make money". After one litter, the family realized it isn't as easy as it seems. So, Cadie came to MBR. She was a sweet 3 year old girl that got along well with everyone. Her abdomen seemed a little enlarged and MBR was concerned that she was pregnant again. During her spay operation, the vets discovered that Cadie had a belly full of cancer.
Banjo lasted longer than anyone anticipated and was pretty much his normal self up until the end. I told him to let me know when it was time and he did. When he was first diagnosed in the beginning of April, we spoiled the dickens out of him - car trips, extra treats, walks, etc. Banjo took full advantage and started doing the naughtiest things - right in front of us. When busted, he'd give us a look like "what are you gonna do.......kill me?". We adopted Mr. Banjo-Joe almost 4 years ago (he came in from a shelter in Colorado ) after we lost our beloved female bloodhound, Lucy. He fit perfectly. Banjo was a quiet presence in our household and with the other rescues. He was the alpha male but never abused his privileges. He would discipline other dogs, but only when necessary and in quickest, loudest and most effective manner I have ever witnessed. The ladies (spayed and intact, 2 and 4 legged) LOVED Banjo (he was neutered). We'd take him to a show and the ladies would literally come out to the aisle, sit and wait for him to come by.
Banjo was mostly known & loved for his quirks. He'd sit (mostly on the couch) and just give you this look. Can't explain it....you just had to experience it. Until the day he died, we had to block him out of the kitchen at night or else he'd get in the garbage - never during the day....only at night. Bathrooms required constant blocking. He did not like to get his nose wet when drinking water - he would rest it up on the far side of the bucket and then dip his tongue down. Some treats he liked, others he didn't.... he had very particular tastes. He had a lovely, deep baritone howl that was rarely heard unless he heard an ambulance siren.
Sandi & John (Singer-Adams) Executive Director MBR
It has been almost 3 weeks now since we had to put Sammy down. I can only now sit down and write this for him. We loved him so much and will miss him terribly. We got Sammy when he was three years old from MBR and we loved him from the moment we saw him. Sammy loved to sing, walk and find things. He was an excellent finder. We worked with the local sheriff at getting him used to his awesome nose and he did so without hesitation. Sammy loved to go for car rides, sit on the couch with my husband and get his ears rubbed. He tolerated the puppy (another bloodhound from MBR) for extended periods of time. Something or someone in Sammy's past did him an extreme disservice which made him possessive-aggressive. He became too dangerous and, rather than risk more bites resulting in stitches or life in a crate for extended periods of time, which would only make him more aggressive, the decision was made to put him down. It was one of the worst days of our lives. RIP Sammy, we love you and miss you and always will.
I am writing to let you know that our buddy Roscoe has passed away. He just turned 4. He somehow suddenly became very ill and was diagnosed with Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia. He had actually crashed and needed an emergency blood transfusion. We all fought very hard to suppress the disease. he spent about 5 days in the emergency clinic, had a few more transfusions and spent the next few weeks back and forth to vets. He took an unbelievable amount of drugs each day, some not so willingly - but they got there nonetheless. He had some good days and had us all very hopeful. But unfortunately, after a month, we lost the battle. Saturday morning he walked over under a beautiful bush, laid down and died. We loved the hell out of him. He achieved a TD and TDX and certainly would have made Champion with one more trial. I honestly was waiting to enter him for, if he passed, he would have to retire from training with the club. I had so much fun tracking with him - I did not want it to end. We will dearly miss him. Boy, is it quiet.
Barbara & Mike Larsen
Bill & Marianne were proudly owned by Bailey since they adopted her in 2002.
Harley (1999-9/07)
We adopted Belle and Elvis about 1 month ago. They have both come around and adjusted well. Thank you. Last nite we went to chuch, everyone was taking turns reading the Bible. They started thurs reading cover to cover. We read from 6:00 to 8:00 . Went to dinner and came home. When we got home the dogs were verry upset. We could'nt find our black lab Harley. We finaly found him in a room he never goes into hiding behind a bed. He was as limp as a noodle. We pulled him out and all he could do was look at us. We rushed him to the emergency vet. They told us that a tumer had burst. They tried to find someone who could do a surgery $3,000 to $6,000 But said the possibilities of him surviving were not good. We tried to find your phone # from information but could'nt. My sisters called around and were told the same not a good chance for survival. We ended up having him put to sleep. I'm heartbroken. He was the best friend I had for the last 8 years. I thank GOD for the furry friends he allows us to have. I'm thankfull for the time I was allowed with him. I wanted to be selfish and keep him around,but they said he was in bad shape. I try to remind myself he's running the fields of Heaven now. He's in the best place he can be. I see elvis coming around teh corner and think it's Harley. I'm enjoying giving Elvis more lovin now. It's so hard to Love pets and loose them, but if you dont try you wont have the opportunity to experience the love they can give you.
The past 12 years has been riddled with Lulu stories...even the first day that I got her was eventful....humor just followed the dog!
It was about 11 years 11 months ago. It was the Friday after Thanksgiving. My Boyfriend, Sam and I drove out to Southeast Indiana to "look" at bloodhound puppies. In anticipation of puppies, we were so excited the whole drive. Neither of us had ever seen a live bloodhound and we were on the verge of maybe owning one! To add to the excitement of the drive, we witnessed a whole town gathering to what appeared to be a festive celebration. Thinking that the state of Indiana isn't that bad after-all; we were corrected later in our thinking when we found out from Lou's breeders that it was actually a Clan Rally.
Upon arrival we were given directions to call when we were close, as the family was celebrating their In-law Thanksgiving dinner at a nearby relative's house. We called and waited, first in the car, but then the intrigue of nearby puppies lured us out to explore. This might be a good time to mention Lou's grandfather Hank. Hank was the prize Bloodhound of the group and he was allowed to roam the property on a very long chain. It was all 130+ pounds of Hank that greeted us when we pulled up. He was enormous! As we explored the property, out of the reach of Hank, we saw and HEARD the kennels off in the distance and we saw the pen holding the cutest puppies in the back of the house. As we were cooing at the pups, the bays of the hounds suddenly became different. That is when we saw the hounds rushing at us. Instinct took over and we bolted, both barely making it the car before 2 bloodhounds propped themselves on the car. They barked at us, mostly at Sam, before they took off into the corn fields. Five minutes later, one came back and instead of approaching us, he went straight for Hank. Immediately both dogs were up on their hind legs battling, snarling, youth vs wisdom. As scary as it was, it was an amazing sight. Luckily, a victor was not crowned because the family returned in time to break them up. It turned out that the two hounds that escaped were the parents of Lou (Indy and Tom). The family was puzzled because they had no idea what would cause them to break out of the kennel. We weren't about to fess up to our walk around the property! They brought us into their home along with all of the puppies. It was an A-Frame house complete with an upstairs balcony overlooking the Living Room(I had a Fisher Price People house just like as a kid). The whole time we were playing with the pups, Hank and his drool were looking down from the balcony above. Indy was sitting next to me, watching her pups play. I used the bathroom at one point only to discover the toilet covered in bloody drool from Hank who used it after the fight. I laugh at this now, but I didn't clean it up myself; I made the mother clean it up before I used the facilities. (Today, I wouldn't think twice about cleaning up drool off of a toilet!) Lou was nick-named Cry Baby by the kids. They had to dig her out from the back of the couch where she was stuck so that we could look at her. I don't remember what made us choose her, but I will say that her nickname did fit her well over the years and she has gotten herself stuck in many places.
I remember my boyfriend trying to negotiate the price, they laughed at us and said that you didn't drive all this way to just "look" at
puppies on Thanksgiving weekend. Price was firm, we gladly paid it.
Well my boyfriend gladly paid it. The rest is history....Here are a few of my favorite pictures....those that are the most
Lou. Anyone that knows me well enough, knows how much I adored Lou.
This has been devastating. I thought that I had been prepared for this, but I know now that nothing can prepare you for something like this. I also now realize how noisy Lou was with the shuffling of her
feet, the snoring, the talking. The silence just really sucks!
The temporary absence of drool does not. I hope my Lou story brought a smile to your face. Please know that it helped me to write about it.
We finally had to say good-bye to our sweet and gentle Zeus. He’d been through a lot in his life, going from home to home after a divorce. But he eventually came back to us where he belonged, and where he obviously was enjoying life too much to leave. We bought him a companion, a chocolate lab puppy, and when households were merged, an Akita was added to the mix. Our Akita became top dog, despite Zeus’s size and age, because he was so mellow, he didn’t care. Then, because we are softies for sad stories, we added our first bloodhound to the mix. Marley came from an abusive home, so it was a big adjustment having him around. It still is. Zeus, once again, didn’t care if he fell farther down the line. But he changed, too—for the better. He was nine back then, but began acting like a puppy sometimes, running in the yard and playing. We almost lost Zeus last winter. It was then we started wondering what would happen if he died at home? How would we get a 185-lb dog out of the house? But whatever he had was cured by medicine. Our concerns were postponed. Soon after that, we were introduced to the Midwest Bloodhound Rescue, and all our lives changed again. After all, how could we resist that sweet black Blab puppy, one of 17 in Malina’s litter? So we drove out to pick up O’Malley (now Raven). Bringing her home put life into Zeus again. We were amazed at his energy at his age—almost eleven. After all, most mastiffs rarely live past nine. And here was Zeus, celebrating his 11th birthday. But he began to slow down. He was having trouble standing, and trouble going up and down the stairs to the yard. Unfortunately, we couldn’t move to make his life easier. So we watched him struggle, sometimes surprised at his swiftness. It was the Tuesday before Thanksgiving when he laid down after breakfast and couldn’t get up again. We fed him laying down, brought him water, hopeful that he would be better the next day. He wasn’t. And we knew that we couldn’t carry him outside every time he needed to go. So we did what was best for him, taking him to the vet.
Our sweet, lazy lump, who followed me everywhere (he didn’t like being alone), is probably running again after crossing Rainbow Bridge. He was too happy here to leave, but I’m sure he’s much happier where he is. His ornament has a place of honor on the Christmas tree this year.
Michelle & Steve Prima
I can't find the email, but I sent one earlier this year, summer sometime, about how well Chief is doing w/ us. I have bad news. About a month ago, we took Chief to the vet because he had really swollen glands in his neck. The dr. said all his lymph nodes were swollen, and recommended us to a specialist. Just recently, the specialist confirmed an advanced stage of cancer, and Chief died yesterday. Just wanting to keep you informed. Why is it that I have a home that completely caters to these hounds, and they always seem to die sooooo young?
