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

George II
(6/02 to 3/04)

George was euthanized in March 2004. This case was extremely painful for MBR and its Executive Director. George II is a perfect example of what owners who do not heed the advice of professionals can do to harm a dog. George II was young and headstrong with a very well developed case of food aggression towards other dogs. When no food was present, he was very playful and enjoyed the company of other dogs. Unfortunately, some people do not realize that dogs cannot discern between people food and dog food. Sometimes something as benign as a dirty kleenex can be considered food in a dog's mind. When dogs and their reactions are not handled appropriately, other animals or people can get injured. To make matters worse, rescue groups are over-full and under-staffed. They have to make painful decisions on whether to do remedial training on an animal based partially on time availability and where to house the dog during the training. The end result is usually not positive. This is George's case. George could have been saved.

Georgia
(6/99 to 2/03)

Georgia had a very rough beginning. For her first 3 years of life, she had been in a family that had "played" with her WITH a shock collar. This poor girl was scared of everything - being inside, floors, stairs, the color white, and more. Upon coming into MBR, Georgia was adopted by the Polhemus family (right). This wonderful and loving family worked with Georgia's fear issues - exhausting every avenue or therapy to try to help Georgia overcome being afraid. MBR can only commend and applaud the efforts the Polhemus' made to try to help Georgia. Sadly, in early August 02, Georgia began to fear-bite. No one will ever really know if her brain was slowly just "short circuiting" or if she was just "melting down" from being frightened so much over the years.

Goose
(5/99 to 2/04)

Gretzsky
(3/17/2006)

Till we meet again my friend, my partner. Love Always, Your family: Billie Jo, Morgan and Zack

Gus
(2/00 to 2/04)

My wife and I adopted a 2 yr old bloodhound from Dr. Cline in April of 2002. Gus was our first bloodhound and my wife's first pet. Unfortunately, Saturday February 7 2004 , we had a fire in our house, and despite the best efforts of all the rescue personnel on the scene, Alas, he finally did get to catch one of those ambulances which he loved so much, as he was taken to the hospital in full glory, sirens a-blazin. Gus succumbed to smoke inhalation. That silly dog was almost 4, we rescued him when he was almost two, and we got 20 of the funniest months we could ever had imagined out of him. He gets the last laugh, because my wife shed more tears for that dog than she ever could have imagined. He will be sorely missed, and will always be a "good boy!" I have also attached a picture of Gus that I hope you can keep for one of you "success stories." While it was a short "story," it was well worth the undertaking.

Hannah
(9/99 to 11/01)

Hannah was a 3 yr. old black/tan female who was turned in by her owner. MBR Director Sandi Singer-Adams fostered Hannah at her house. Hannah brought out every emotion we had. We cried when we saw how timid, scared, underweight and abused she had been. We laughed with joy the first time she played with the other dogs. Our hearts swelled with pride for her achievements when she stopped being quite so timid and would eagerly run to you for loving pets. We worried when she started erratically attacking the other dogs. We worried even more when it started increasing. Finally, we cried when we made the decision to euthanize her. Sandi held our little "Hannah Banana" in her arms as she crossed the Rainbow Bridge in November 2001.

Harley
(1999 to 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.

Henry J
(6/98 to 6/08)

Henry J was adopted by the Kraft family of Illinois in September 2003. This special boy will be a big help to his new mom and enjoy doing "farm" chores with his new dad. In return, he gets all the love and attention of an only dog!

Update: In the evening we finish up in the barn and take Henry J into his yard to play ball. Tonight Hen veered from the gate and made a beeline for an open field. He wasn't tracking, this was a break for open land (as if he didn't have enough of his own)! Thom was in hot pursuit but Henry made up his mind he'd rather go for a walk. Hen led Thom across the field, through yards, across a quiet road and back across, and into a neighbor's dog area. He let Thom get within 15 feet, then he was off again, probably laughing all the way. Thom finally caught him at the neighbors house, looking for 4-footed company. Thom put him in the back door of our house and we went around to the garage, where my wheelchair ramp is. Upon opening the big garage door, we saw Henry, who had "nosed" open the man-door to the garage and was ready for another adventure. This time Thom grabbed Henry before he got too far. Henry J may be a 6-year old, but I'd swear some days he's in his terrible two's. We know enough to not let him loose, but I think the big lug is getting faster. Hmmm, perhaps Thom's getting slower?

Update: It's with great sadness that we're writing to you today. We put Henry J down this week. A few weeks ago his bloodwork showed liver problems and despite a change in diet and addition of supplements, his condition deteriorated. We passed his total care into God's hand's on Thursday, June 26th.The big guy is now sniffing out rabbits and other stuff with his friends and family. We thank you and Patti for giving us the opportunity to love him. He was a friendly boy who took his job as watcher of the house and barn seriously. He even babysat the goats, as you see in the photo.We'll love him forever. He was wonderful.

Hogan
(3/99 to 4/05)

Hogan was adopted by his foster mom of Ohio in August 2001. He and his bloodhound sister bonded so fabulously that they decided to make it permanent. Now, if he could just get rid of that evil lawn mower monster....

Homer
(3/01 to 8/04)

Homer was adopted by the Miller family of Illinois. He joins big brother Emmett, another bloodhound, and two 2-legged siblings. Emmett wasn't sure if he liked Homer at first but now thinks he is great fun to play with. His new 2-leggers are also great to cuddle with.

Update 10/03: Homer is doing well. He still has skin problems so he's not the prettiest dog around. We have him on vitamins to help his skin. He is a good dog and is very happy.

Homer II
(2/01 to 8/04)

Homer was adopted by the Myers family of Illinois. This spunky red boy joins little brother, Clyde, another adopted bloodhound.

Update 4/04: Thought I would drop a line and let you know how things are going. Homer is terrific. He fit right in here from the first minute. He and Clyde get along so well that I could not separate them, I had to adopt Homer! They play great, no aggression, and he is a great watch dog. He is teaching Clyde when to bark and I am teaching them both when not to! He likes everyone that comes over and everyone likes him. The neighborhood kids are here all the time to visit and Homer is great with them. He has earned a spot here and I love him. I still can not believe that someone could give up such a beautiful animal and fantastic companion. Oh well one mans trash is another's treasure. He sleeps on the floor in the kitchen, can't get too far from the food you know! He and Mr. Friday still don't see eye to eye but that cat and dog thing goes back a long long way! Homer has a great place for life and deserves it, he truly is like an old shoe, comfortable, warm and always ready when you need him!

Update: Homer was struck and killed by a vehicle in July 2004

Hope
(6/02 to 5/08)

Hope was adopted by Miss Singer of Illinois. Hope came to MBR right before Christmas 2003 along with her 10 five day old babies. Miss Singer has helped take care of Hope and her babies ever since then. She didn't think her parents (Hope's foster parents) would let her adopt Hope but Miss Singer's sincerity, hard work and diligence towards Hope, as well as Hope's feelings towards Miss Singer, convinced them that this was a great match.

Update: Hope crossed the rainbow bridge today 5-31-08. She would have been 6 in June. She had been suffering from bone cancer and she passed at 10:03am west coast time. Everyone please pray that Hope has a great time chasing bunnies and eating all the milkbones she wants with her puppies that passed away in 2004.

Jack Benni
(8/03 to 4/04)

Jake
(1/97 to 6/06)

Jake was adopted by the Petty family of Illinois in April 2001. Jake's companions are a cocker spaniel and chow/shepard mix. Jake was slated for euthanasia for biting after being mis-fostered and placed badly by an all-breed rescue group. It was discovered that Jake was extensively infected with hook worms and terribly underweight. Under the Petty's loving care, Jake is happy and healthy, with absolutely no signs of aggression.

Update 9/03: Jake is a great dog that everyone loves. He has gotten overweight but his family is working on that. He is doing wonderfully.

Update 6/06: Jake passed away due to old age.

Jake II
(9/98 to 5/06)

Jake II was adopted by the Adams family of Oklahoma in January 2004. Jake II's original adoptive home moved to Oklahoma and then realized that he would not be able to properly care for him. Enter the Adams family, who promptly fell in love with this sweet boy! Its a success story of a different sort but still a wonderful success for Jake II!

Update: 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.

Jake III
(5/02 to 11/05)

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.

Jake IV

Jake was adopted by the Hurlburt family of Wisconsin in February 2004. He joins big bloodhound sister, Ruby, to play with, an older lab that will not be happy that there is another one, and two 2-legged sisters to love on.

Update: Hey ladies hope everything is going well?  Nope didn't fall off the face of the earth just haven't been on the computer. Things are very well here.  This is one of the latest pics. of the Hurlburt hounds.  Dumb and Dumber, we haven't figured out which is which.  Jake is definately a mans dog.  He listens to Bill so much better to him than me, go figure. Wondering if Rescue needs any supplies or just $$$$$$$$$$$ let me know because christmas is right around the corner. Ruby she's almost perfect. Jake doesn't have a clue to what he is. Cody his old bones take a minute to warm up but he still puts the smack down on the youngens. Hope everyone has a Wonderful Thanksgiving

Jasmine's Babies
(8/02 to 8/02)

In August 02, a pregnant female was turned into MBR. At nearly full term, Jasmine weighed only 70 pounds. She was flea/tick ridden and so unhealthy - beyond words. In less than 12 hours of being at her foster home, a litter of 12 puppies were born. Eight of these pups were stillborn, and 4 survived the birth. Baby #1 died soon after birth and these three Shining Stars made it only a few short days, even with the heroic efforts of 2 MBR Directors and 2 area veterinarians.

Jasper II
(10/04 to 2/07)

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.

Jed II a/k/a Goobie
(10/98 to 5/06)

Jed was adopted by the Sekerak family of Ohio in December 2002. He joins an older 4-legged sister to play with. His new family has had bloodhounds previously so they should be well prepared to deal with the reason for his nickname (lots a goobers!!!).

Update 12-03: He is wonderful. Had some jaw/dental problems but they were taken care of. He is a super dog - very tolerant. Foster home did an excellent job evaluating him.

Update: I just found out your mailing address. I need to write this e-mail quick before the Sekeraks come home. First thank you, for saving me and finding me these real softies. The Sekeraks took me to the vet. She fixed my teeth and checked my ears. Mr. Sekerak takes me to the one of three parks every day rain, shine, or snow for an hour plus walk. I have talked him into taking for another half hour in the evening around the neighborhood. He even picks up after me. I have a great partner in Shadow, an 11-year-old black mixed breed APL rescue. She lost her friend Abel, another bloodhound, after eight years together. We are now like Mutt and Jeff. We run around in their fenced backyard playing. barking, and chasing the numerous squirrels who dare venture into our territory. We had one treed the other day. Shadow just missed catching the squirrel when it ran. She run faster than me. We rule the house. They give us plenty of rawhides to chew. Shadow and I keep stealing each other rawhides and hiding them from each other. The rawhides are scattered all over the house so it is not hard to find one. Plus two squares every day. I made a real score near Halloween. I was able to eat some of the candy bundles in the front room. I had a real sugar high, but ..boy...that candy tasted great. I always check around the house now to see if I can find more candy. Having a great nose does have its advantages. Janet & Ronnie gives us extra treats if we sit and lie down. How easy can it be?????? Well, Have a happy holidays.. I heard them taking about buy a Mercedes for me, so I guess I will have to be good for a couple of weeks until Santa comes.. Well, I am off to watch the Pet Channel and lay on the couch until they come home. They plan to send you Xmas photos, so if I have a big smile on my toothless face you will know everything is JUST FINE..... I just found out your mailing address. I need to write this e-mail quick before the Sekeraks come home.

Jed III
(3/97 to 3/03)

Jed was peacefully laid to rest in March after a long battle with severe Acral Lick Dermatitis. His original family had battled the problem for a year before the financial drain and frustration led them to surrendering Jed to MBR. Jed was a wonderful, sweet, good-natured gentleman whose only fault was he would not leave his legs and paws alone. So, after 5 different vets and the failure of behavioral modification and countless prescription and homeopathic medicines, we made the painful decision to end his suffering and help him cross the final bridge.

Jessie
(8/00 to 9/05)

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.

Joy
(7/00 to 8/04)

Justice
(2/01 to 12/03)

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

LeRoy
(5/03 to 4/07)

Lil' Lucy
(11/00 to 6/05)

Lucy was adopted by the Thouvenot family of Crane, Missouri. She has a whole farm of animals to play with but her favorite will probably be the 1 yr. old lab and the 2-legged siblings. Before she came to her new home, the 2-legged kids were taking dibs on who's bed Lil'Lu got to sleep in, so she should quite enjoy herself!UPDATED 9/03: Lil'Lu is doing very well and enjoys hanging out on the farm. She is outside a lot and likes to go rabbit hunting with the other dogs.

Update 9/03: Lucy is doing GREAT, she loves the kids, has become very protective of the baby, and plays almost all day long with something on the farm. She likes to ride in the Model A Ford truck with Sean and Joe, run with the boys on the 4 wheelers & follows Sean on the tractor. She is a great addition to our family. She has even taken up treeing squirrels and coons with Sean's coonhounds.

Update 6/05: Lucy has passed away. Arthritis had set in and she wouldn't eat. Her buddy, a beagle, died recently and it seemed like she just gave up.

Lima Bean
(6/04 to 7/04)

Supposedly this is an 8 week old dacshund puppy. She was seized from a puppymill bust where the owner received 121 criminal counts for his actions. The judge dismissed all of the counts except for 1. Just think, there are more little Lima Beans in Kentucky right now thanks to that judge.

Lou a/k/a Lulu
(9/95 to 10/07)

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.

Louie

Lucy
(1997-2003)

Our beloved bloodhound, Lucy, passed away this morning. She had been nursing a torn leg muscle for the past few weeks. Yesterday morning she was doing just fine and by late that evening, we rushed her to the emergency vet where we discovered that she had a raging infection. Her temperature was 107.5 - a new record high for this vet on a live patient. But, that was our Lucy - she did things in her time and in her unique manner. She passed over the Rainbow Bridge around 5am. We adopted Lucy from Southeast Bloodhound Rescue about 2-1/2 years ago. Thanks in large part to Lucy, she helped us on the path to starting Midwest Bloodhound Rescue. Because of Lucy, we have met wonderful people across the country and had the honor of helping hundreds of bloodhounds. Her legacy lives on every day through Midwest Bloodhound Rescue, Lucy's Haven Candles and, hopefully in the future, Lucy's Haven Boarding Kennels. Her passing has left a huge void in our family but we feel forever blessed for having known her. John and Sandi (Singer) Adams

Lucy II
(1/00-5/09)

Lucy II was adopted by the Eichhorn family of Missouri in March 2003. This sweet lady will enjoy playing with her new 4-legged Golden Retriever brother and her 2-legged brother and sister. Not sure what she thinks of her new kitty cousins yet!

Update 10/03: Lucy II is doing great. She's a rare dog and loves the family.

I am saddened to announce the passing of my beloved Lucy. She was my best friend, my constant companion, my side kick. Lucy brought so much love and joy to our family and we are forever changed by her place in our lives. Lucy came to live with us in April of 2003 through Midwest Bloodhound Rescue. I will never forget the day we brought her home to our all ready crowded family of 3 cats and 1 Golden Retriever. She immediately fit in with us and our other dog, but chose not to get along with our cats, so we improvised and managed a system of separation: cats downstairs, dogs upstairs. Not knowing Lucy’s prior history, or the abuse she must have faced before being rescued, we struggled with her already formed habits and behavior. Our hope was that at 3 years of age, she could learn to forget her past and grow to love us and accept a home with no fear. The first year was a huge challenge between medical and behavioral problems. Lucy was a very aggressive and protective dog that had to be put away to a bedroom anytime we had a visitor or someone came to the door. Through patience and care, we slowly were able to introduce her to our friends and family. There were many night I laid in bed wondering if I was making the right decision to keep a dog that was so aggressive. She had twice bitten my son’s friends as they entered our home. Yet, in my heart I knew the fault lied within us for not following through with our gradual introduction. Looking back at her behavior, it became evident that she sensed fear. If someone new came to the door or someone who was afraid, she became aggressive. So sticking to a regimented plan and never allowing her around small children, her behavior became predictable. I have read many of the sad stories in the “In Memory” section of the Midwest Bloodhound Rescue website of owners choosing to have their dogs put to sleep due to aggressive behavior and I swore I would do everything in my power to not let this happen because of past abuse in her life.  Our patience and care eventually paid off. She became the center of our family, our protector, our joy. My Golden Retriever adored her and the two became as one; eating, sleeping, playing, swimming, grooming, always together. Three months ago, I found blood in Lucy’s water bowl. Looking in her mouth, I discovered a mass attached to the inner gum of her mouth. After surgery to remove the mass and a biopsy, I was told Lucy had a radical form of oral cancer called Canine Oral Melanoma.  We were referred to an Oncologist who took chest x-rays only to find out the cancer had already spread to her lungs. I write this in the hope of maybe saving one life to this disease. Please check the inside of your dog’s mouth regularly and if you see any unusually growth or mass, make an appointment with your Vet immediately. (See also this great website: www.petcancervaccine.com /us_home.shtml). Lucy was given 4 to 5 months to live. We were devastated.  I began treating her holistically and she seemed to be doing wonderful. I will never know how she died or why so sudden, but I know in my heart she choice to go quickly and quietly, as if not to cause us any pain.  Saturday morning she simply rang the bell that hung on our back door to let us know when they needed to go out and do their business. I watched her as she made her normal path around the yard. I went back in the house for just a moment and looked back to find her lying in the grass. I called to her and when she didn’t come running, I knew. She had just peacefully lay down and passed. I am full of so many emotions as I write this, because I would give anything to have one more day with her, see her perfect face with water bowl drenched ears or watch her swim with my daughter and son at the lake. My Golden Retriever has been carrying around her ball in his mouth since she passed. I believe he is as heartbroken as we are. For those reading this and for all the other beautiful Bloodhounds on this page whose lives have ended too soon, please know that rescue animals are special. They need someone to love them and give them a chance. Don’t give up on them because of past behavior. Try with all your heart to break the cycle of aggressiveness through behavioral techniques, attention and above all, unconditional love. We were blessed to spend over 6 years with our Lucy. The endless memories she has bestowed on our family will be with us always. Each night I light a candle in her honor. Rest in peace my friend, my girl my “Poo Poo!”

Luke II
(7/00 to 7/03)

Luke was a 3 yr. old male bloodhound who came to MBR after being found as a stray. Initially he did very well. He was very friendly, active and had a lovely bass howl. Because of his basic instincts as an unneutered male, he buddied up with another neutered male and decided to become his "protector". He would not let anyone or anything else come near this dog without becoming aggressive. Unfortunately, his foster mom got too close to the other dog and Luke bit her several times.