How much would you give to save your pet? What about someone else’s? Oregon Basset Hound Rescue (OBHR) sees no difference between the two. Founded in 1999, OBHR is supported by volunteers who help rehome around sixty basset hounds a year. These volunteers help find foster or adoptive families and are guided by a few dedicated board members.
A Desperate Call
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| Sadie at home |
The organization was Diana Zwicker’s last resort when she turned to them in 2006 to help her basset, Sadie. At one year old Sadie was diagnosed with an adrenal disorder, known commonly as Addison’s disease, in 2004. Addison’s affects the production of steroid hormones and can lead to crises if not closely monitored and medicated. Zwicker and Sadie received more tough news when they learned she also suffered from hypothyroidism. “You have to keep an eye on it all the time; notice their ups and downs,” Zwicker says about Sadie’s care which costs approximately $150 each month.
As the economy began to turn down, Sadie’s medical bills began piling up and Zwicker could no longer afford to keep her healthy. When OBHR learned of the situation they immediately placed Sadie in their foster program and began paying for her medicine. Unfortunately, this problem is not uncommon. Nancy Vanis, board member of OBHR, reports “bassets are prone to Addison’s... they are known to be hit by it.” Sadie has had a great response to both treatments. At one point she tipped the scales at 71 pounds, but as soon as her thyroid was regulated Zwicker was able to slim her down to 48. She gets two pills a day, exactly 12 hours apart with each of her meals.
Sadie's Future With Addison's
If an owner doesn’t understand the disease and how regimented the medicine has to be it can be deadly for the dog. OBHR tried to adopt Sadie out to a new home which was looking for a companion for their male basset. Within one week Sadie was experiencing Addison’s related complications because her adopted family didn’t stay on top of the situation.
So for now Sadie, 9 years old, stays with her owner who knows her every mood and is adamant about her medicine. OBHR still pays to keep the medicine cabinets full and Sadie healthy and happy. They hope to one day find a donor to cover the remainder of her bills, but until then they do as much as they can.
Help OBHR Help Hounds
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| A limboing basset at the Games 2011 |
Fundraisers like the Oregon Basset Hound Games (pictured), a yearly event showcasing the best bassets have to offer, and adoption fees make up the majority of funds for OBHR. Most of the dogs they receive are relinquished by their owners because they didn’t understand the breed or don’t have time for the dog. Others they pull out of shelters which are so overcrowded, many dogs are euthanized simply because there is no room.
If you would like to help please visit their website, www.oregonbassethoundrescue.com, for more information.
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