As you all know, two weeks back we lost Henry the Basset Hound. My sister, Henry’s Mom, was (actually is) beside herself with grief – you guys know what I’m talking about.

Nothing hits you like the loss of a pet that’s been by your side every day through EVERY THING, whether for a year or 11 – as in Henry the Peanut’s case.

So yesterday Ashly again accepted a foster from Ohio Basset Rescue in Columbus (and did some transport on the way!)

PLEASE WELCOME ROM the BASSET!

As far as we know, here are the details on “Romney:”

- He is about 4 or 5-years-old

- He was abused at some point as he totally cowers, puts his head down to the ground when a voice gets loud or when he hears a loud noise, and he has multiple gashes/scars; he also puts his back end down and drags when he feels scared (tail btwn legs, etc.)

- Took a dog warden in Dayton around 5 months to catch him; he was literally like Duffy on “Pit Bulls and Parolees”

- He weighs just 34 pounds right now – that’s how sick he is… don’t worry, we will fatten him up

- He LOVES Ashly, he loved me, and he loved my parents – so he is ABSOLUTELY a LAMB and will recover from all of the above

- He likes walks already, is good on a leash, is good with cats, and was cozying up to Franklin all day yesterday so he likes other dogs; we believe he will do BETTER with another dog actually and not alone

So welcome Rom with open arms as we have; and say a prayer for him & that Ash (et al) can turn him around like she did with Franklin, the former puppy mill stud Basset, who now runs the show at the Smith House… !

We love you Rom and you are forever safe and loved now Thank you Amy at Ohio Basset Rescue for doing what you do!

Yesterday our family’s beloved Basset Hound Henry, who just successfully finished the Eukanuba Challenge, had to cross the Rainbow Bridge – he had a huge tumor behind his liver – the size of a golf ball – that was cancerous and inoperable. He would not have made it long.

My sister Ashes (my personal sisters-only nickname for her), Henry’s forever Mu-ther (our family ‘animal word’ for mom), made the world’s hardest decision (or one of them) to put The Peanut down so he would not suffer any pain or discomfort. (He had already been throwing up blood that morning.)

* Ashes, like me with Theodore, had barely been over the passing of Tucky the Pittie mix three years ago. *

** Keep in mind this is at 7 am the morning after our mother had SERIOUS Rotator Cuff surgery; Mom was in the worst condition we both had EVER seen her in in our ENTIRE lives – we were already hysterical at one hospital Wednesday and practically inconsolable. (No one should have to see their mother cry or in that kind of pain.)

Henry in His Fave Chair - Graphic Courtesy Zoolatry

Anyhow, Ashes slept at our house with my Mom Weds night so my Dad could get some rest – she was up all night taking care of her, rubbing her feet, putting lip balm on her, getting her throat lozenges, moisturizing her face, getting water, and everything else you can think of that someone needs in the immediate PAIN after a surgery that serious. She’s naturally caring and giving like that – always worried about everyone else…

◊ Ashes returned home at 7 am Thursday am to find Henry in horrible condition – barely able to move. I had JUST SEEN HIM Wednesday myself while we were waiting for Mom to get into recovery — I chocked his slowness, labored breathing and odd behavior up to typical stubborn Peanut/Basset behavior and/or old age/tiredness/laziness – imagine the uselessness (and mis-education – yes that’s a word) I feel right now (but this is not about me).

Ashes is in horrible condition. I wish I knew how to help my sister. I cannot explain how awful it feels to not be able to do something.

She came over with Franklin, the rescue Basset she saved from Ohio Basset Rescue (thanks to Amy B., who saved him from a puppy mill in Ohio’s Amish Country – the WORST offender), all day yesterday and “Mr. Frank N Beans” wouldn’t leave her side.

He knew something was wrong…. like all animals do when something of this magnitude happens.

Peanut was one of the first animals I wrote about when I started ThoughtsFurPaws — I nicknamed him “Henry the Horrible” because he was comically stubborn, slow, LOUD and obstinate – similar to Marley, the proclaimed World’s Worst Dog!

You could not train it out of him – neither Cesar Milan nor Victoria Stilwell (spelling?) could have… ♥ ! And we loved him for it

Henry inspired me beyond words, and I have many a poem and short story about him that I will slowly share in a series over the next couple months.

♥ ♥ Henry:

Your family will love and cherish you and our blessed memories of your “hilarities” forever. We will always think of you when we see a Hound of any type. You adopted your Mother as much as she adopted you and you will never know how much you gave to her — or how much you enriched all of our lives. I feel at ease knowing you were greeted at the Bridge by your older brother – Ashly’s Tux – plus our family’s Nickodemus and Gibson and my Theodore…. all of whom have passed from cancer.

♥ We also know that all of our pet friends in the blogosphere who have lost a beloved animal to cancer OR ANYTHING are greeting you, sniffing around, letting you follow your nose as you always did, romping and playing, doing your famous squawk, and jumping around like you are 1-year-old again, probably stepping on your own ears like you did on your first few walks (remember — Ashes carried you halfway through Long Beach because you got tired and kept stepping on your ears!) ♥

Henry our “Perpendicular Peanut,” our Rebellious Basset, our first family Hound who started a forever tradition –

♥ ♥ we will forever miss you and can’t wait to see you again ♥ ♥

Ash, my sister in blood and water, love and friendship, and in every other way possible:

I LOVE YOU ALWAYS AND FOREVER, AND WILL DO ANYTHING –

- I WILL MOVE THE HEAVENS, GO TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH, OR REACH UP AND GRAB THE MOON AND STARS -

“You want the moon? Just say the word and I’ll throw a lasso around it and pull it down”

TO HELP YOU THROUGH THIS HARDEST OF TIMES IN YOUR LIFE…

Thank you so so much to all the kind folks at Eukanuba and Dogtime Media who were able to get Franklin and Henry into the 28-Day Challenge, first of all…

Second, we knew going in that Proctor and Gamble Pet Care Division has an awesome reputation – our kittehs eat only IAMS wet and dry food and eat health treats too.

However… we are eternally grateful because we have seen such an amazing change in the exterior and the temperament of both our precious pooches, Franklin and Henry, with the Eukanuba formulas they are on. Eukanuba asked me to, in 100 words or less, to sum up the best part. Here’s my word-for-word answer:

100 words or less is tough for me, but here goes… Franklin and Henry were never just “good” dogs; they have always been extraordinary. Their health, on the other hand, WAS NOT.

However, as of now:

-          Franklin and Henry are going “number two” three times a day — regularly

-          Their coats are super-shiny

-          Their breath is fresher

-          Their teeth are cleaner

-          They have adapted so well to the food that they eat slower and enjoy it!

Considering they are seriously picky eaters and that Bassets are inherent with problems when not bred right (and that Frank is a former puppy mill stud), this is all fantastic news.

Are you planning to feed your dog Eukanuba moving forward?

Franklin the Former Puppy Mill Stud Dog

Yes, they absolutely love it!!! We can’t imagine going back at this point…

What was the best part of the Challenge?

The best part of the Challenge has been over the last two weeks… oh yeah – also the change in their breath and their coats! These two things are just so obvious that even neighbors (when on walks) and people/friends at dog parks have asked us what’s changed!

We said “Eukanuba” and have been answered in shock with SO MANY “NO WAYS!!” that it’s remarkable!! People just can’t believe a food (what I now call a SUPER FOOD for dogs) like Eukanuba’s Custom Care Joint Formula or Eukanuba Senior Maintenance Formula, which Franklin and Henry are getting respectively, can have so much of an effect! It’s like humans eating kale and almonds and avocado and mangoes or something!!! A little of this helps that part and a bit of that helps this part!! LOL! Do you know what I mean? They are getting EVERYTHING they need in one food – vitamins, minerals, supplements, and special ingredients that help their little bodies prepare for life better.

We also really love the Eukanuba 28-Day Challenge Facebook page the organization put up to document everyone else’s experiences! It’s fun to see pictures and read stories like ours!

 What did you learn about your dog from the Challenge?

We learned that they can actually eat slowly and enjoy their good; that they are smarter than they know; that they are bright-eyed and bushy-tailed no matter what time of day it is, and that they are the most extraordinary dogs and most well-loved animals in the ‘hood ♥ ♥

Would you recommend feeding Eukanuba to others?

♥ ♥ ABSO-FRIGGIN-LUTELY!!!!!!!!!!Any day of any week, any breed of any age. It’s our super power poodle food. (We call all dogs poodles in this family…)

And as the Hounds would say, “Baarrrrugala….!”

This is your weekly PUPDATE on the Eukanuba 28-Day Challenge for Henry and Franklin, the famous Lakewood Basset Hounds!

Sorry the pupdate is late but Mom was out of town!

Peanu "Undercover Brother" after a LONG dog park night!

See our previous Eukanuba 28-Day Challenge posts here!

We cannot believe the FOURTH WEEK changes we are seeing on our Basset Hounds, which are known for being inherently ornery, bossy, lazy and driven by their noses…

They have lost or gained weight where necessary; they actually enjoy their mealtimes now, and they have benefited in other ways individually in totally unexplainable ways.

So due to serious time restraints, here is the Q/A we were sent:

What physical changes are you noticing the most?

Activity level for sure – they are up and ready in the morning and evening after dinner to go to Lakewood Dog Park (which is having a Super Bowl Fundraiser Dog Pawty) and cause a ruckus! Franklin just will not be quiet or calm down until we go to the park or for a long walk; it’s so obvious that he feels younger. It’s difficult to explain when you aren’t seeing it first-hand, which is why I am going to tell anyone reading this to try the Eukanuba 28-Day Challenge next time it’s offered!

We’re also noticing that they aren’t shedding as much, but when they do, we notice it’s silky fur and easy to brush right off… Their coats are so shiny now that our friend at Lakewood Dog Park asked what kind of shampoo we use! We I shocked him when we said it’s not the shampoo, it’s the food!

Is your dog still enthusiastic about the food?

Oh yeah: they enjoy every bit of kibble.

Henry has actually slowed down so he tastes and enjoys the kibble – he doesn’t just inhale it! This is what we WANTED!

Have you seen any changes in your dog’s weight (maintained weight, shed a few pounds)?

♥ Henry has lost three pounds total — perfect! Franklin has gained four – PERFECT ♥

What has surprised you the most about your dog on Eukanuba?

We had never expected THAT ONE FOOD CAN DO SO SO MUCH for our dogs. What really has surprised us the most is their personalities — they are seriously – HAPPIER DOGS overall — due to this food.

And we think it’s because Henry and Franklin’s senior and joint issues, respectively, have changed.

So thank you Eukanuba and we will be back in a few days with the wrap-up!

So the Basset Hounds (aka, the “Bass-sais,” or “Bass – saze,” like they’re French or something, lol), have shown amazing improvement in so many areas

since they started Eukanuba’s 28-Day Challenge just a bit over 3 weeks ago…

(First post here, second post with updates here…)

*** Certain areas of progress are uncanny in a fantastic way, absolutely remarkable.***

So I put together answers to some Q’s that were asked for you all to peruse so you could read about what we’re seeing first-hand over here….

1. YES – we are noticing major physical changes to the dogs… AND improved muscle tone!

Oh my gosh – Henry lost two pounds and Franklin gained 1.8– which is EXACTLY what needed to happen (according to the vet’s weight the last time they went in for a check-up (early December))!! Hoorah!

Peanut after one of his newfound LONG walks on Eukanuba!

Franklin’s muscles are actually showing more now; before this he was a bit weak – mostly from the puppy mill background and from him spending 4.5 years crouching, sitting, stooping and not moving EVER inside an Amish Puppy Mill cage. Even though it’s been almost exactly three years since he’s been saved and we’ve worked with him regularly by walking, exercising and playing with him, it’s very difficult to develop muscle tissue in his damaged hind legs correctly because his joints have permanent damage and he suffered stunted growth.

This Eukanuba Healthy Joints Formula has so many healthy supplements in such great levels. We think the animal-based proteins are seriously contributing to the muscle build-up, particularly in Frank’s back legs, because in order to build muscle you need to have healthy joints first, right? (That’s what we read anyways….)

2. The dogs are both more active and have NOTICEABLE added energy on runs/walks…

They are both more active THEN EVER – I mean, Henry is back to being a lean Basset machine on a leash… He leads the brigade, pulling and yanking and squawking (he always has felt the need to announce his presence) while we walk down the street; Franklin is RIGHT on his tail… He was, for a while there, lollygagging quite a bit. Sometimes Frank-N-Beans would even sit and stop (literally) on the sidewalk… For a while he didn’t know what a walk was, and then, oftentimes, once he knew, he didn’t want to go… then we realized he needed a harness as he despises the control and discomfort (and probably painful memories of) neck-leashes…

Anyhow, when he held up the group (there were 2 foster Bassets and 2 permanent at that time, so we walked them in twos, sometimes threes depending on who had extra calories to burn or poops to take) Henry would shoot  Franklin dirty glares if he held up the brigade by stopping (SO funny…)!

Not anymore…. These two are rearing to go at least twice a day now, and they are wrestling around with each other in the house all the time!! It’s like they’re little balls of entropy like a couple of new kittens or something!

In general, too, though, they are both more active.

Frank resting up with Grace after an energetic long walk on Eukanuba!

They are playing with each other more and Henry has taken up playing with toys like a sassy-pants again instead of tiring out after 3 minutes.

3. They both have had significant changes in appearance: 

Coat, eyes, ears and teeth are much shinier and cleaner, respectively, since starting and always eating Eukanuba. (Check out the pix of Henry’s clean ears to the right…!)

We have really noticed their teeth being cleaner, too, and it also seems their breath isn’t as bad for some odd reason.

Perhaps the best part of all of this testing, no matter how odd this seems, is that Henry HAS SOLID POOP EVERY DAY consistently.

And Frank has a consistent timing/pattern or pooping now. IT’S AMAZING!

♥ ♥ So stay tuned for the final (fourth) week next week of the Eukanuba 28-Day Challenge! We can’t wait to see the final, final results and share them ♥ ♥

So on we march toward the end of the 28-day Eukanuba Challenge... and Franklin the Puppy Mill Rescue and Henry the Horrible (aka “The Rebellious Basset“) are JUST LOVING it… (check out the first week’s post here please!)

Between:

- the delicious taste of this new-found food

- the delights of how it’s making them feel on the inside, and

- the wonderful effects it’s showing on their outsides

we can’t be happier with Eukanuba’s Senior Formula and Joint Formula, which Henry and Franklin are getting respectively!

We have noticed that both dogs’ appearance seems to be slightly changing in that their coats are definitely shinier. Another plus (although not appearance-related)? Their breath seems to be less stinky!!

Seriously—already!

WE ♥ EUKANUBA!

We noticed an increase in play drive and energy already as well. I mean, we’ve DEFINITELY seen a change in both of these guys, who generally reserved much of the day for napping (Hounds are lazy by nature).  They are usually very excited to go for walks but slow down towards the end.

** This week they have both stayed three steps ahead the whole time, and for Basset Hounds, that’s saying a lot!! 

We’re also encouraged that both boys have been reacting in a positive way towards the food; they’re excited to eat it and are finishing every single little lick, bite, piece and crumb.

Horrible Henry Sniffing Around, Trying to Bust Into the Food Bags!

I think the biggest thing, however, that we’ve noticed is the same as last week… Frank has INHERENTLY been sketchy about eating in the past, we believe and have been told that’s due to his up-bringing in a puppy mill.  Most of the time you have to sit with him while he eats or coax him with little treats in the food and a few pats while he’s chewing – you definitely can’t leave the floor – you have to sit next to him ’til he’s finished.

*** ♥♥ Since the switch to Eukanuba Franklin has started and finished every meal on his own. ♥♥ ***

THIS IS HUGE!!!

Stay tuned for Week Three of the Eukanuba Challenge next Wednesday!

And thanks, Eukanuba! Henry and Frank already feel better!

Last week, Henry and Franklin started the renowned Eukanuba 28-Day Challenge; Henry is on Senior Formula and Franklin on Joint Formula.

Here is their initial post.

Here are some basic Q and A I wanted to show my readers that the generous folks at Eukanuba asked…

What was your first impression of the new packaging of the Eukanuba food?

The packaging was nothing that was out of the ordinary. I was pleased that it explained in bold big letters what type of food it was and had pointed out the positives of that specific formula. I like the bright colors of the bags, too – makes it stand out among others I think, as does the large dog picture! As a marketing professional (though not familiar with “shelf marketing”), the colors, fonts, and pictures combine to make an intriguing yet not confusing or overwhelming package.

What do you think of the ingredients of the Eukanuba formula that you received?

Henry with his new Eukanuba

Franklin is a former puppy mill stud and spent the first 5 years of his life in a cage in Holmes County, Ohio. This did untold damage to his joints, bones, muscle tissue, etc., particularly in his legs since the Basset by nature has such teeny legs, but Frank has especially taut joints. The Custom Care Healthy Joints Formula was what I chose for Franklin. The ingredients were the reason I chose it… The vet said we could supplement him with Glucosamine and Chondroitin, but also recommended finding a food with L-Carnitine, which helps to burn fat properly and will help Frank achieve the ideal weight, in turn, helping him maintain joint health. He is getting better and better with more exercise, but even the vet recommended a special Joint food/formula before the Challenge started to help his little legs support his behemoth Basset body!

Was there something specific that appealed to you about the Eukanuba formula that you selected for your dog?

Well, I wanted to get a senior formula for Henry because he is over 10 and is very quickly showing signs of aging. He has significantly slowed down, become even more ornery, and whinier, more needy, and definitely takes his dear old time doing absolutely anything! He has bad breath, is slow moving, has lots of tummy trouble, and bad skin problems.

I’m hoping the protein, fat, vitamins and minerals in the senior formula will enhance his appearance (skin and coat) with the private OmegaCoat® formula, which has premium levels of Omega 6 and 3 fatty acids to promote skin and coat health. We also want the food to help him have less upset tummy issues; I was turned on by the other Eukanuba “secret ingredient,” (that’s what I told Henry it was), the “FOS.” According to the site, almost 70% of your dog’s immune system is found in the digestive tract. Also, since it has “an exclusive formulation of fiber with beet pulp…” and this FOS, we hope he has less diarrhea – let’s just say it. We want solid poops, more often and more consistently. Eukanuba Senior foods also contain antioxidants so Henry will get sick less often, we hope… Antioxidants help maintain their immune system.

Also, the senior formula is what I’m hoping will help Henry the Horrible’s HORRIBLY bad breath. The smart folks at Eukanuba put “DentaDefense” in the food – which is clinically proven to reduce tartar in 28 days!!

What did you think of the food (texture, appearance, smell) when you first poured it into your dog’s bowl?

Intriguing, enticing, flavorful (for them): they literally DOVE into the bowl and have so looked forward to every meal this week!! I know it felt different than other foods we’ve used – it was more moist, almost like it was dipped in liquid flavoring or something…

How did your dog react the first time you fed him the Eukanuba food?

They were so happy, they wanted to eat more.  Franklin is usually quite reserved while eating – he started to wag his tail and eat at the same time, which is a first for him…

They both proceeded to totally wolf it down, which is weird for Franklin, who is an historically slow and picky eater. Henry guarded his food and licked it multiple times before gulping it down. Franklin took his time, cherishing each little bite, grabbing no more than 6 or 7 pieces of kibble at once so he could enjoy it as much as possible.  They totally savored the flavors…

They were instantly turned on.

♥ In the Smith house, we are looking forward to Week Two… thank you, Eukanuba! ♥

So my favorite Basset Hounds in the world, Franklin the puppy mill rescue many of you have read about (read here and here), and Henry, the ornery, senior, speckled Basset Hound, who I sometimes refer to as Henry the Horrible, and who my sister calls the “Speckled Hen” because of the adorable spots all over his under-belly, will be taking the amazing Eukanuba 28-Day Challenge thanks to the oh-so-generous folks at (P&G Pet Care and) Eukanuba.

— We are setting off with Senior Formula (for Henry) and Joint Formula (for Franklin). —

Franklin Lauding Eukanuba, His New Fave...!

These sweet and rambunctious boys have gone from one food to another in recent times as the economy slowed and funds for premium food has slowly diminished. Most of the time they were eating Noutrish, which they did like, or another “over-the-counter” good food.

However, we have always wanted to try out Eukanuba…

When we heard about the Challenge, we thought it would be great to see if we could actually see a visible change in them (like so many past participants purport…), in their coats, their eyes, their movement, their energy and/or something else tangible. After all, the 28-Day Challenge has a seriously good reputation.

** Henry in particular is aging quite quickly (he is 10) and is getting more irritable and a hell of a lot slower as he goes. We’re hoping the Senior Formula can help – well welcome it with open arms.

** And for Franklin, he has joint issues because he sat in a cage at a puppy mill in Holmes County, Ohio, (aka “Puppy Mill Country, Ohio”) for the first 4.5 years of his life…

So let’s try this out!

You guys will read my first week’s review NEXT Wednesday.

The feeding of Eukanuba starts today; and yes, I am a bit behind the other Challengers as we had some issues here at home.

Anyhow, we are stoked — we’ve heard such great things about the Challenge already and can’t wait to let you know what we uncover! Keep posted – we’ll check in again a week from today!

♥Jaime, Frank, Henry and Ashly Smith♥

Pet Community Joins Together To Raise Awareness About Pet Adoption:  Organizer Petside.com To Feature Event Hub at www.Petside.com/PetNet2011

Today, Wednesday, November 16, Petside.com, the A-list online destination for pet owners & pet enthusiasts, is dedicating its 4th Annual Pet ‘Net Event to pet adoption awareness. To drive awareness of adoption and its positive effects, the day-long 2011 Pet ‘Net Adoption Event will feature a hub page of related content from a consortium of the web’s top pet-focused bloggers and a social media donation campaign in partnership with Iams^© that will make it easier than ever to support local shelters and pets in need.

“Adoption is a cause near and dear to Petside’s heart,” said Wendy Toth, Editor of Petside.com. “We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to revisit our inaugural topic and dedicate this year’s event to pet adoption, giving it the attention it so desperately deserves.” Since 2008, Petside.com has gathered over 50 pet-centric bloggers to highlight important issues like safety and family with its annual Pet ‘Net Event. Today’s event will draw awareness to pet adoption with the following features:

♦Hub Page – READ AND LEARN about shelter adoption on Petside.com’s comprehensive one-page hub (www.Petside.com/PetNet2011). With links to the web’s top pet blogs/websites, visitors can easily navigate from site to site & read articles on topics ranging from the benefits of adopting a senior pet to personal stories of strength.

♦Blogger Competition – VOTE for your favorite Pet ‘Net article with a new voting tool on the hub page.  The blogger who garners the most votes will receive a $500 donation from Petside to the shelter of their choice!

♦Social Media Campaign – SHARE AND DONATE with Pet ‘Net’s interactive social media campaign.  To show pet lovers that there are many ways to support local shelters, Iams^© Home 4 The Holidays and their Bags 4 Bowls initiative will donate 25 bowls of food to local shelters for every mention of the Pet ‘Net hashtag (#iheartshelterpets) and @IAMS handle on Twitter.  Users can also “Like” Petside’s Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/Petside) for an additional donation of 25 bowls and share a personal adoption experience on Petside’s wall for a chance to be featured on Petfinder.com as a Happy Tail story!

Want to help? Want to donate? DO IT FOR THE  HOMELESS PETS THAT NEED IT MOST!

————————————————–

I’m honored to again be a part of Petside.com’s Annual Pet Net Event – a day in which we pet bloggers come together to call attention to those fur-kids we all so adore, admire and appreciate.

Pet adoption is a highly under reported “tail” in today’s tech-savvy world of “pet purchase” or “obtainment…” So many people turn to the Internet to look for a breeder instead of turning to the Internet to look at Petfinder.com or a breed rescue. So many people are STILL so uneducated about the woes of homeless pets, the outstanding and heartbreaking euthanasia rates, and other classic tales of the homeless pet “trade…”

♥Anyways, the story I’m going to tell you is about adoption of a puppy mill dog and his rescue. I believe adoption and rescue go hand-in-hand; you simply cannot have one without the other. And you may just have heard tidbits about this tale in years past on ThoughtsFurPaws – it’s about Franklin – the rescue Basset Hound. And I’m going to warn you right now that this is a lengthy post because I want you to hear every single detail of one puppy mill dog’s struggle from an abusive, hellish environment to rescue, redemption and rehabilitation.♥

My sister decided back in 2009 she and her boyfriend were going to foster Bassets, as she has always loved the breed – ever since the day an old boyfriend gifted her with a baby Basset in 2000 – his name is Henry. (I have nicknamed him Henry the Horrible because he is always getting into trouble and NEVER listens – typical stubborn Hound!)

I, as a pet blogger and rescue advocate (plus as a writer and frequent donor/volunteer to/for animal welfare organizations) made the drive to Columbus with her and Matt – the boyfriend (at the time!). We first met Franklin at Ohio Basset Rescue – Ohio’s biggest and only breed rescue for these precious, droopy-eared darlings.

Franklin unwillingly came around the corner with his tail between his legs, nose down to the ground, uncertain look in his deep brown eyes. He was pretty much attached to the side of Amy Barnes, the wonderful woman who helps run OBR. Frank was scared to leave her side or look up. We brought Henry along for moral support, figuring Frank might respond better to another dog than to an unfamiliar human. He slowly came around and sniffed us. We stayed in that OBR housing building for an hour before making it outside; we let Frank keep sniffing us and Henry, who was being very gentle the whole time. After HOURS of this, it was time to go, and after getting as much info as possible about Frank, Amy released Frank into Ashly’s foster care.

Amy told us OBR obtained Frank because “a family turned him over.” An Amish family. Most puppy mill owners have their own heartless reasons for getting rid of the studs or females that I won’t get into; regardless, it’s apparent to us now that it was fate that Frank survived and that Ashly decided to start fostering when she did.

Amy and the vets that treated him were able to figure that Frank was born at and lived for his first four or so years at a puppy mill in Amish Country, in Holmes County, Ohio. He was a stud dog. That means he was the “go-to” male; he was used and abused repeatedly to churn out litter after unhealthy litter of Basset Hounds. He was forced – sometimes physically, sometimes even with substances – as well as were the females who carried his litters – to produce puppies. That’s all he was good for. He was forced into mating as many times as possible.

Frank spent this time having no human contact except to be thrown, pushed, forced or otherwise pressed into mating. He lived behind a wire cage that he could barely move in. He was given only enough food and water to eke by most weeks. No one ever pet him, talked to him, scratched his ears, housebroke him, gave him a bone or a treat, or did anything remotely close to an act resembling love. It’s immediately apparent to any rescuer that he was repeatedly bred as his “man parts” were so abused and over-used that they, to this day, hang to the ground, missing it by about two centimeters… (not to be graphic, but it’s true)

Thank God we got to OBR when we did. We took him as soon as Amy gave the okay.

A Demure Franklin at First...

Frank sat on Ashly’s lap in the backseat of the SUV the ENTIRE drive home from Columbus to Cleveland, a 3-hour drive. It took forever to get him in the car. He shook like a leaf. He jerked every time one of us moved or turned or did anything.

When we got home, he wouldn’t walk up the driveway, much less go in the front door. I don’t think he knew what a house was. (OBR had a bigger facility where he was kept.) It was a horrible struggle. We didn’t want to scare him, but he would not budge from the edge of the driveway. He sniffed all around, still with his tail between his legs. After an hours-long struggle in the snow in 22-degree temps, we finally ushered him inside.

That was a whole new experience. He followed Ashly everywhere she went.

When he realized what the doggie door was and that he could go outside, we couldn’t get him to stay in. Ashly and Matt would sit outside for hours while he hid himself behind a picnic table or the shrubs.

After months of coaxing and gentle confrontation, Frank started to come around. We had to hand-feed him every morning and night. If you made even the smallest move during feeding time, he ran and hid, tail between legs. And he wouldn’t come back for more. The first time I gave him a bone – he ran outside and hoarded it until he was done — six hours later!! He refused to have a treat, cookie or anything special in front of his adopted brother. He was afraid it would get taken or that he was being teased with it. It was heart-breaking…:(

Famous Franklin on Halloween 2010 as Elmo

It would be a year before he acted like a regular dog, but despite that, he still has his moments. No one can yell or raise their voice around him, and you definitely cannot make unpredictable or fast-paced movements around him.

Franklin, despite his horrible beginnings, has become a champion rescue model. He is the most popular dog in the neighborhood along with his Basset brother, Henry. They take walks together and every child on the street wants to stop and pet them. Frank loves children. He wags his entire body while getting stroked from ear to end.

Franklin transformed over a period of two years from a fragile, afraid, abused and confused animal into a loving, giving, LOUD and hilarious gift that is cherished every day by all who know him.

We don’t know if he remembers the abuse and neglect he suffered at the hands and heartless beings at that God-forsaken puppy mill. I personally think he does, and that’s what has made him into the friendly, giving, kissy-face, “barrugala,” dog that he is today.

That reminds me, the first time he barked — he scared the crap out of himself. He didn’t do it again for 6 months! But now, thanks to help from his squawking brother Henry the Horrible, Frank has realized that using his howl and Basset-typical “bark-baruuugala” sound, which is a belly-howl that lasts for minutes and can pierce ears, can get him all the attention he wants!

Franklin is the most loving dog I have met. He will unconditionally give and give, follow you and follow you, and absolutely insists on sitting ON TOP of you on the couch or bed… not NEXT to you — ON TOP of you. It’s adorable and you can never push him away.

I have said before that animals that come from hard beginnings have a special way about them.

They have seen humans at their worst. They have seen and felt the worst fear, the most horrible sense of abandonment, the worst type of loneliness.

And then they are saved. Something — or someone — intervenes.

That’s why we all need to support groups and organizations that rescue animals. It’s groups like Ohio Basset Rescue, the Helen Woodward Animal Center, BODA, and the smaller, local groups who take in these animals.

Franklin lives a blissful life these days. But he still has challenges. You cannot make a quick move around him; you cannot suddenly stand up after you put his kibble down — you must sit down on the floor until he finishes. And he requires a bit of extra attention – but of course, NO ONE in the family has ANY problem with that!

♥This Year’s Event to Shine a Light on Pet Adoption!

♥ On November 16, 2011, Petside.com, the premier site for pet owners and pet enthusiasts, will host its 4^th Annual Pet ‘Net Event to

raise awareness of pet adoption.

Check out my 2010 Pet Net post here, my 2009 0ne here, and the first one in 2008 here... to read ALL past blog posts for Petside.com Pet ‘Net Events, click here!

I’ve been a part of this esteemed group since the first year! I have great respect and admiration for not only the folks over at Petside.com, but also for my fellow Pet Net bloggers. I’ve been lucky enough to write beside and in partnership with such beloved and leading bloggers as Caroline G. of Romeo the Cat. We’ve written about pet safety, pet rescue and more. This year we’re going back to our roots and posting about pet adoption… we all know this is a topic that cannot be publicized, featured on TV, written about, talked about, or blogged about enough:)

But this year’s event is bigger than ever, and features:

- a comprehensive hub page of adoption-related articles from the web’s very best pet-bloggers

- a social media donation campaign to engage the pet community at large

- a blogger competition with the winner receiving a $500 donation from Petside to the shelter of their choice

♥ Petside.com’s Pet ‘Net Event maintains its commitment to educate people and honor the pets who love them. While revisiting its inaugural topic from 2008, The 2011 Pet ‘Net Adoption Event marks the first in a partnership with IAMS on a social media donation campaign.

♥♥♥ Calls to action on Twitter this year will yield food donations as part of Iams Home 4 the Holidays Bags 4 Bowls initiative. For all information related to the social media donation campaign, please visit www.Petside.com/PetNetDonations. IAMS has been holding Home for the Holidays for decades and has made such a huge imprint on the issues of homeless animal populations, shelter donations, food donations and more. The program is championed by Helen Woodward Animal Center President, Mike Arms, my personal hero.

♥ Petside.com is ranked among the top 5 Pet Websites & offers unique editorial features, expert Q&A’s, tools and how-to videos. And, they are a great resource for all types of information on all types of animals. Petside.com carefully and personally (or corporate-ly??? lol) chooses the bloggers who represent their quest to inform the animal-loving public about related issues, and thus, participate in each yearly event, so please be sure to stop by and check it out next Wednesday

Don’t forget:

Franklin Smith, from Ohio Basset Rescue, survived appalling conditions at a puppy mill before his rescue.

WHEN:       Wednesday, November 16, 2011                    

WHERE:      http://ThoughtsFurPaws.com and www.Petside.com/PetNet2011

Next Wednesday when I post, I will give you a list of the other bloggers involved! 

And…. just as a little teaser, on my blog, you will be hearing a very special adoption story — and an adoption angle not often taken. I will be telling, at length, the story of Franklin Smith, the rescue Basset Hound who is a former puppy mill stud. My sister and I (and her man at the time) drove three hours to go visit him & ended up taking him home after he got along with our other Basset, Henry the Horrible.(You gotta’ click on that link and read about Henry– he is a devil dog, counter-surfer, howler, squawker dog!)

Franklin went from surviving day to day in a hellish cage not even big enough for him to stand in — to living in my sister’s free, fun and fabulous, no-rules home environment where he is wholly loved and absolutely cherished…for the first year-and-a-half I was the dog-sitter, coming about twice a week spending about 5 hours a night.

Franklin, though so happy that you would think he actually forgot his atrocious beginnings (!!), still faces a long road, and big bumps (for sure) and debilitating detours may still remain…

STAY TUNED…