Hank
Hank was our first Basset and found us through the GGBR. We adopted him through the pound in Emeryville, CA. Boy it was rough going in the beginning as Hank, then a one year old, butted heads with me over some rules to live by in our family. We won't mention what it was out of respect…and it was so long ago. But we pulled out of it and made a family with my wife Norie. > > We figure Hank was around 1 years young when he adopted us, so that means we spent the next 11.5 years together. Hank never saw the inside of a kennel. Which means I haven't been anywhere farther than I can drive or that doesn't allow dogs/pets for vacation. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. It just means that we spent all of our time together as a family and never parted. > > Hank began each day getting out our bed…usually between us, under the covers, on one of our pillows. Right side up, diagonal, or upside down, you never knew what end you were going to see when you opened your eyes in the morning. But one of us was usually spooning and cuddling him as he purred and pushed into it. When he was done with the necessary, he would get a cookie and hop onto the couch for a nap while we tried to wake up with some coffee. Around 8:00am, Hank would get his breakfast. I won't get into specifics right here, but his meals were hand prepared by me and tailored after what a wolf might eat. Hank would have a similar meal, but always different in the evening. Between meals, each day was different. There would be walks, treats, trips, time at home, some work, drives, naps, playing, friends houses, and on and on. And more of the same after dinner and between crawling into bed with us at the end of the day. This was one of his favorite times. We'd go outside for our last "potty" and then go inside to the kitchen for a treat…usually a piece of meat. Then he'd run off to bed, either jump up when he was younger or look to me for help when he was older. As soon as his feet hit the sheets, he would turn and look up with the most anticipation in his eyes for that one last little bit of food…which of course I had in my hands or mouth and ready for him. Then it was head on the pillow, covers, and spooning with Norie as the lights went off. He loved ending the day as much as he loved starting the day…always looking for the next adventure. > > We adopted Walter through the LVBR when Hank was around 4 years old. Walter passed a little over 2 years ago. I'm so glad that Hank got to spend about 6 years of his life having a brother…another dog in the family. Having two really brings personality traits out of each dog that you would never see just having one in the house. Walter has been waiting at the bridge for you Hank... > > I'm proud to say that Hank always ate the best, had the most attention and love, never wanted for anything that couldn't be given, always had something to look forward to with each new day, had the best care and husbandry, the best medical attention, and his best interests at the heart of every decision I've ever made during his whole life. He has been with us since we got married 12 years ago and has been our child plain and simple. > > I'm so thankful for GGBR and the work that is done there for these dogs. We found Hank and Hank found us through the rescue. I can't even imagine how different our lives would have been without GGBR and Hank…and I don't want to. We had some great times and met a lot of friends being members these past 12 years…and we plan to continue through the rest of our lives. > > Thanks, > Joe and Norie.

Sebastian
With heavy hearts Sebastian left us and has gone to the Rainbow Bridge on August 20, 2013. We are very sad and heart broken as Sebastian, aka "Papa", was a big part of our family who brought laughter in our home every day. We called him Papa,but he responded to Sebastian as well, as he had the mannerisms of an old man and he is funny to watch. Sebastian came to us on January 15, 2010 along with another basset named Walter. My husband and Sebastian bonded right away and they took the journey to Kansas together this past January 2013, where we now live. Sebastian was so easy going that he made us know right away he was home and he belonged to us. He led the pack and that's without a doubt. He rallied the gang (Walter, Nikko, and Gary) when it was time for snacks, breakfast and dinner. He had an internal clock so precised that I didn't need an alarm clock as he made sure we were all up at 6am every day. We had our routine each day and night just the way he liked it and he made sure of it :) He is resting now and making his way to the Rainbow Bridge to see his fellow bassets, we have no doubt. We are missing Sebastian so much and I know Walter is too since they have been together since day one. Walter kept smelling Papa's blanket the last couple of days and no one has slept in his bed since. Sebastian was a great dog and our home will never be the same but we know life must go on and that we will all see each other again. My husband misses him dearly, we all do. Time heals all wounds and each day will get easier but Sebastian will never be forgotten in our home. We Love You Papa You Will Always Be in our Hearts and We'll See You Soon. In the meantime have fun at the Rainbow Bridge with your friends!!!

Buster Brown
Buster, who was surrendered to Golden Gate Basset Rescue in February, 2013 by a grieving widower whose wife recently died sadly has now passed away too. On June 7, 2013, he suffered a sudden paralysis that could not be treated and his new adoptive owner, in consultation with her veterinarian and GGBR, made the wrenching decision to set him free to find the rainbow bridge. In his short time with GGBR Buster won the hearts of the volunteers who transported and fostered him. Our hearts go out to his adopted mom who just welcomed him into her home in May. Buster was known for his sweet happy smile, his obsessive love for stuffed animals, his long handsome coat and bushy tail, his loving nature and his bulldozer sized frame. He was a mighty, gentle-giant among bassets and will be much missed.

Jackie
Jackie came to us from a shelter in Salinas on Thanksgiving weekend, 2009. She was 11 years old and had a three-inch-long pendulous tumor under her tail. An 11-year-old dog with an unsightly tumor sounded right up our alley, so sure enough, she landed at our house. Before the tumor could be removed and much needed dental extractions could be performed, Jackie also needed to recover from pneumonia! Jackie was a lovely dog, very sweet and gentle, and with the softest coat ever! Anyone who ever petted her remarked on how soft she was. Jackie immediately got along perfectly with our other senior dogs, Kirby and Gus. In June, 2010, Jackie had to have one of her eyes removed because of painful glaucoma. She recovered from the surgery and did fine with just one eye. Jackie attended Spring Fling, 2010, the 2010 Fourth of July Waddle in Novato, where she stood in for Queen Alice, who was unable to be there, and went camping at Lake Del Valle the week after the Waddle with some of the other GGBR members and dogs. When Gus and Kirby died in June and August, 2010, respectively, Jackie easily accepted newcomers, 7-year-old Billy in August and 10-year-old Riley in October. Jackie underwent acupuncture and prolotherapy treatment in August and September to try to slow down the progression of lameness due to arthritis. Jackie died suddenly of bloat and torsion on March 27, 2011. Jackie was laid to rest with our other departed dogs in our little cemetery in Mt Aukum. We miss our soft, sweet girl. Mark and Fran Madden, Billy and Riley. March 27, 2011.

Vegas
Dear Friends, Vegas is gone. Our beloved 15 year-old Basset Hound has passed on to join his sisters, Sporaticus and Dancer, and all of his furry friends in the next life. As many of you know, Vegas' health had been irreversibly deteriorating over the past year. During the past 5 - 6 months, he developed pulmonary edema, arrhythmia, and severe kidney problems. When he passed today, he was 34 pounds - down from the robust 60 pound Basset that we rescued almost eight years ago from the Fremont Animal Shelter. Lately, in the past two months, his back legs were giving out on him and most times we had to carry him in and out of the house for bathroom visits. His front legs were also giving out on him and on several occasions in the last week, we had to hold him up so he could eat. Eating was also a problem, too. He would go for several days without eating anything. In spite of all these physical problems, Vegas' heart, even at the very end, was filled with so much love and kindness for all who were with him or who touched his life. Many of you might remember Vegas when he was a rambunctious and fun loving dog. In his early years with us, he loved to play catch with his yellow ball in the backyard. He savored his round-the-neighborhood walks. He even could sing "Mandy" when assisted by Darlene. He loved carrying around his toys in his mouth - especially his blue dinosaur and green snake. When we would come home from our trips, he'd get so excited and run throughout the house. When Darlene was stricken with breast cancer, he would lie down next to her bed and not move from her side. His tail was always in motion. He always had a greeting for the other dogs in the neighborhood. He was in love with his girlfriend - Sadie across the street - until and even after she passed on from cancer. He was a wonderfully loving and sensitive dog. He was loyal and protective. He was joyful and playful. He was a tremendously important part of our family. Vegas loved people and us in so many special ways. He will forever live in our hearts. We will miss him terribly and our home will be empty without him. To all of you who helped care for him, who asked about him, and who were there when Darlene and/or I needed support, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You helped make Vegas' life special and for that we are eternally grateful. Before he left this earthly existence, he wanted us to pass along some messages. He actually told us last night while he was laying in his special posteur-pedic bed. Here is Vegas' message: "To the wonderful folks at the Golden Gate Basset Rescue group... thank you so much for pointing my Mom and Dad to the Fremont Animal Shelter eight years ago so they could rescue me and bring me home. Also, thanks for the wonderful work you do for all of my brother and sister Basset Hounds. You are great!" " To Jamie, Kristi, Richelle, and Kegan - thank you for the hundreds of walks and for taking care of me every day. You shared so many secrets and terrific moments of your lives while we were out exploring the neighborhood. Thank you for the relaxing massages with the electric brush and for the hours you spent petting me while I was in my bed. Thanks for all of your love and tenderness." "To Clare - who made my final three months so peaceful and special every day, thank you so much for your love... your strength... your patience... and your kindness. You were so great and every visit with you was special. Thank you for helping me in and out of the house and for the hours you spent petting and stroking me. You have a huge heart." "To Joyce - my buddy and house sitter. I love you so much. Thank you for staying with me every time Mom and Dad went away. I will treasure the evenings and weekends we had together. You slept with me. You talked to me. You held my food bowl for me. You played with me (when I was younger). You loved me in so many different ways. You are such a warm and sensitive human being and I hope I brought some love into your life. I will miss you more than you know." "To Rudi - thanks so much for coming in and taking care of me when the regular folks couldn't make it. You are a very kind and loving person." "To Dr. Dave - thank you so much for taking such good care of me all these years. You are a fantastic vet and an even more fantastic person. Thank you for taking the growth off of my ear on Super Bowl Sunday two years ago and for wrapping my head up like a mummy. Thank you so much for making my life so special. Thank you for helping Mom and Dad through this very difficult time. And, thank you from the bottom of my heart for easing me into the next life with gentleness and kindness. You are one-of-a kind and I will always hold dear your kindness and compassion." "To Grandma and Grandpa in Cleveland - I am really sorry I didn't get to spend more time with you. Your visits to California were always special. Thank you for caring about me so much and for your love and tenderness. Grandma, thanks for washing my face whenever you visited - you are such a kind and beautiful person. And, most importantly, thank you for bringing my Mom into this world. She is and always shall be the love of my life and my soul mate." "To Abigail Adams Gardner - ok, you're in charge now. You need to make sure that Mom and Dad get plenty of sleep, great food, and lots of love. I'll be watching... "To all of the folks and associates at Mom's work - thank you for asking Mom every day about my health and my happiness. You have been there for Mom whenever she needed a shoulder to cry on or when she just needed someone to talk with. I am very grateful for the kindness and friendship you have given my Mom - she is too." "To all of Dad's friends and colleagues - thank you for your support... your empathy... and your wonderful friendship. He would tell me every time one of you would ask about me and then he would say how all of you are so special. Many thanks go out to Stewart - Dad needed help and support and you were there for him. Please know that I will be playing with Chipper this afternoon." "Last of all, my heart and my soul go out to Mom and Dad. You saved me eight years ago and you gave me so much love and kindness. You are the best parents a dog could ever ask for. My life has been so enriched by your love and tenderness. Mom, thank you so much for taking a nap with me every night... thank you for all the special meals... the walks... the talks... the love you gave me. I don't think a dog could ever ask for a more kind, gentle, sensitive, generous, and loving Mother. Dad, thank you for taking such good care of me, especially these last nine months. Thank you for carrying me in and out of the house... for holding the food bowl every night for me... for the eleven pills a day that you had to give me by hand... for our walks... our talks... our nights watching the West Wing and Sports Night. You are the best doggy Dad in the world." "To All of you... thank you for every ounce of love and kindness you've given me over the past eight years. I love you all and I will always be grateful you came into my life." Vegas wanted me to make sure that all of you know how important you were to him. He was the most loving and gentle dog in the world. We will miss him terribly, but we will carry his spirit and his love in our hearts forever. Both of us would like to thank you all for being a part of our lives and for giving Vegas so much love, tenderness, compassion, and gentleness over these past eight years. We are so grateful to you all. All the best, Ed & Darlene Gardner