The birth of Droopy Basset Hound Rescue of Western PA was solely inspired by two very special basset hounds named Droopy Guadalupe Reese and Leroy Brown. In honor of both of these dogs, we started assisting other basset hound rescues doing as much as we could, transporting, until we purchased a house, and began rescuing bassets on our own, here in the Western PA area in the summer of 1999. And at that time, only one other foster home was providing assistance to the homeless hounds. Since then we have rescued many basset hounds and progressed along with a few more valuable assistance with foster folks and volunteers. We have successfully completed a HOWLOWEEN parade/basset BONEFIRE, that will repeat annually, as well as our first fund-raiser/funday to assist and continue our efforts in saving the WPA bassets in need, "SLOBBERFEST", which will also repeat annually in the summer. We have been involved in various types of media, getting exposure and awareness about education in basset rescue, and hopefully recruiting volunteers or donators along the way. However, our truest original inspiration will always revert back to these two. I hope you enjoy their stories. Thanks Droopy and Leroy for all of the memories and inspiration you provided!

Leroy, our first rescued basset that was abandoned on the road, was our first senior or adult dog that we took in spring of 96, way before we knew about rescue. He taught us that you don't need a puppy to experience all of the joy and love a basset can offer. He really turned us on to the fact that an "old dog CAN learn new tricks" as he adapted to our environment quite well. Leroy didn't require much, and wasn't excessively needy. He loved HIS space, but often times reinforced us that he was appreciative by giving us his lovins' on occasion. He taught Droopy a thing or two and was a wonderful wisdomly companion for Droopy, which helped in Droopy's maturation. Droopy taught him things as well, they were bad habits, but ones that make them so unique in who they are. It is why we love them, I guess! The opposition attribute is just a multi-faceted challenge these bassets provide, and just like people they have their moods. :) Droopy and Leroy have provided us with such a purposeful inspiration-HELPING OTHER BASSETS WHO NEED IT! And although we started out spending any left over money on the dogs care in this rescue, it was a sacrifice, but it has prospered just enough now for us to take care of the basics for our local dogs. And if the rescue extends and continues to prosper, that we will continue our efforts in saving and placing this breed statewide or even nationwide. But if this rescue continues to stay small and within the local area, with limited resources, or back to our own funds, then so be it. It isn't about the number of dogs we save, it isn't about how much money we can raise, and it isn't about looking good or politics, simply a commitment and loyalty to the basset hounds, who we want to reciprocate to for all of their unconditional love and compassion they emulate. Leroy was only with us for 1-1/2 years after surcoming to Cusion's disease. Although that was not near enough time to spend with him, it never is, he provided us with so much knowledge and compassion for the needy, adult basset hound regardless of age or condition. We miss you Lee, but we know you are proud of this rescue! Thanks for coming into our lives son! 7/97


Our first basset hound, Droopy Guadalupe Reese born 5-18-94, was our first dog, (well we say SON) that we purchased 2 months after getting married. He came from a breeder in south western PA, and at the time, we didn't know much about the breed, other than how adorable they were, or so we heard they were. I guess everyone starts somewhere, but hopefully future folks will have assistance from rescue resources, such as ours (BASSET INFO), or will take the time to research and learn as much as they can about the breed of their choice prior to purchasing. Anyway, Droopy was a longer haired basset, and appeared to be the biggest from his litter of four. I remember his siblings were all males, and the runt had long hair as well. The other two were standard coats. I originally favored one of the standards, but was told that he was already spoken for, and that Droopy and the runt were the only ones remaining. There could have been some truth to this story, or a tactic the breeder risked using to ensure her LONG-HAIRED puppies were bought too!!!??? Droopy was giving me the most attention, eye contact, barking, wanting to play, etc. and I did take a liking to him. I had many questions for the breeder, as I was very naive about bassets, so I had hoped the breeder could teach me and help me in making my decision. I remember only hearing positives about the basset hound, nothing about maintenance on the ears, eyes, back, manipulation, opposition, counter cruisin' :) etc. I had asked about the longer hair and was told that it would probably shed off, as he aged! :O Needless to say, that was a myth! Choosing Droopy as our first PUPPY REESE, I paid and signed forms for the breeder and was on my way home. I loved him with or without the education anyway. Oh, but the real cringer...... he was a day shy of being six weeks old!!!! I guess that was why his mom followed me to my car, and wanted to jump in with me! Harley, his mom was so sweet, and was obviously trying to tell us humans, that it just wasn't time!!!!!! But the breeder reassured me that it was time. I have tears forming as I write this, because of what I know now, and just thinking of Harley and Droopy and how unfair for them to part with each other prematurely!!! A reputable breeder and an educated buyer would not do this!!! Gosh, I would never want to be that ignorant in choosing my puppy again. But I believe things happen for a reason, and again, this all ends up GOOD, because I told you, he is ½ of the inspiration of Droopy Basset Rescue. Okay, I'll fast forward a bit here and get to the good part. Droopy has been the love of our life, because he was our first dog together. And although I know that he had some behavior issues that possibly wouldn't have existed had he been with his birthmom longer, we all perservered and love was enough to lead us through. We never realized how much love we could have for our four-legged son, and knew we wanted to expand. For the longest time, we thought breeding him was the answer, but thank goodness we got a computer around the birth of that idea. From that point on, was where the true education and resources about basset hounds and EVERYTHING and ANYTHING you wanted to know was available. On the internet, we began reading more about the basset breed, and found what we had never heard of until then BASSET HOUND RESCUE!!!!! Michigan Basset Hound Rescue was the first rescue we had heard of, and when we read and learned more about what they did, we were hooked from that point on, to become involved in some level, esp. after realizing there was a need in the first place. We took Droopy to MBR's fun fall n' games and met a local WPA basset owner who we got together with in hopes of starting a rescue here in the WPA area. When the formality never got off the ground, Sean and I were determined to rescue bassets on our home, even if we only save a few a year. It was about quality from the start, not quantity, and still is. Although, we'll never let a local basset in need fall through the cracks regardless of funds or not enough fosters. We always manage to find a way!!


And the rest is HIStory! I say HIS Story because it has been God who has anointed the work we are doing in saving these bassets. He has made it all possible by working through us. This is our testimony and history of how Droopy Basset Hound Rescue of WPA got started. We encourage you to support our rescue efforts with your time in fostering, transporting, fundraising, running for office, planning, advertising, educating, or making a donation to the hounds health care, or sending a care package of treats or needs for the fostered bassets while in rescue. It is one of the best kind of giving out there!!! We are very blessed and rewarded through this dogs who provide humble, unconditional love for just the bare essentials.

I hope you have learned a lot more about us and how/why Droopy Basset Hound Rescue of WPA exists. Please feel free to contact us for any questions or information you may like to have on the breed or rescue. And of course volunteers and donations are always appreciated. Thank you!