Basset Hound Rescue Of Southern California

Our Mission

Basset Hound Rescue of Southern California’s Mission is rescue of Basset Hounds at risk of euthanasia or homelessness. Our organization rescued it’s first Basset in August of 1996. We received our non-profit status in January of 1998. As an all volunteer organization, funds raised are due to the herculean efforts of the BHRSC volunteer network. Over 95% of the funding generously donated to BHRSC is used for providing health care or boarding of homeless hounds. BHRSC is a virtual organization with no offices or facilities. The cost of rescuing and re-homing a hound. The intake of homeless and abandoned hounds has dramatically escalated as the economy has faltered. Most hounds are rescued from euthanizing shelters. BHRSC also accepts dogs surrendered by their owners. Dogs which for a variety of reasons, are no longer able to be cared for by their families. All dogs are seen by a vet on intake for a health status check. All vets routinely providing care to BHRSC hounds offer highly discounted services. Our rescue efforts include required medical care and housing of hounds while awaiting placement with permanent adoptive families.BHRSC Rescue profile. Our typical rescue profile is an older hound, usually a senior, in need of basic medical care, including vaccinations and a routine vet check to determine health issues. All too often, dental care is required due to years of limited or no dental care. BHRSC also rescues hounds with acute medical needs that are surrendered by their families or placed in shelters due to the cost of the hound’s health care. Once the hound’s immediate medical need is met, any needed vaccinations and basic care or surgery is provided by veterinarians. Once the hound is deemed healthy, the hound’s photos, a video and their profile are posted on BHRSC’s web site indicating they are available for adoption. When feasible, a dog is placed in a foster home while waiting for permanent placement. Our foster network, while growing, is unable to keep pace with the demand of homeless dogs, forcing hounds into boarding facilities. Boarding facilities, although discounted to BHRSC, are costly. They are safe but not an optimal environment for a dog that has just experienced the stress of losing their home, their family and in a number of cases suffered an injury or an illness and attempting to recuperate. Occasionally BHRSC takes ownership of a dog that is terminally ill or determined by a vet to have a very poor prognosis. If the difficult decision of euthanizing the dog is made, BHRSC covers the costs and makes every attempt to provide the hound with a special last meal. A hamburger or chicken dinner has been the last meal had by a terminally ill hound lovingly provided by a BHRSC volunteer. The volunteer also makes every attempt to stay with the hound until the dog departs this life.