Howllo fellow hound and soon to love a hound name Kooter lovers:

Once upon a time there was a hound named Kooter. Today was not one of his finest days, but I tried to make it better and I am hoping we can find this boy a new home.

I was just turning on the computers this morning, sipping a nice cup of joe when the phone rings.

“This is Cathy, can I help you?”

“Cathy, this Terri the Animal Control Officer.”

I know what this call is about without an explanation. I love Terri, she is our county AC officer and she lets me know all things basset related. ((((((((Terri)))))))))))

“Cathy, I just picked up a 6 year old, tri-colored, neutered male basset hound who is an O.R.”

O.R. – that means owner relinquished in the biz.

“Ah huh?” I mumbled knowing how this day was going to turn out, or so I thought.

“Yeah, the lady is elderly and in bad health.”

OK the conversation goes on for a few more minutes and I get more and more details. The elderly lady said that Kooter was grouchy and sometimes growled at her and other dogs of family members. She just did not have the energy to deal with Kooter any longer. She was crushed and was crying but she had no where else to turn. She asked Terri what would happen to Kooter and Terri had to be honest and tell her about the owner relinquishment protocol at the pound. That protocol is that O.R.s can be euthanized on the day they are relinquished. Terri told her that she would try to help Kooter out. She had a few ideas.

Terri loads Kooter into the van and drives off looking back through the rear view mirror. You know what she sees. That is when I got the call. I ask if I can call the lady and find out more details about his health and let her know that I will work on Kooter’s case and see what we can do. Terri and I both agree that a call from me will ease her mind somewhat. I call the house, no answer. I call again, no answer. I call back – leave a detailed message, thinking maybe she is so bereaved that she can’t talk.

So, now what? My plans for the day have just changed. I have to go take pictures of Kooter for everyone and try to get this ball rolling for him. I do not think for a minute this dog is aggresive or mean. I just think there is a lot of stress in his life right now.

I decide to get ready to drive to the pound which is about 20 minutes from my home. I have a pile of stuff in the basement to take to them that I have been gathering and I can drop that off as well. The reason I mention this is because you might want to do the same for you area pound. They love old towel, blankets, and anything you can think of. I took some paper products, trash bags, and even one of Emma’s old dreaded cones. (YUCK)!

About 15 minutes pass and Terri calls me back.

“Cathy, did you talk to her yet?”

“No, I left a message.”

“Well, let me update you. She is being rushed to the Hospital with what might be a massive heart attack.”

What? OMG! NO, NO, NO….. How utterly horrible. I knew in my heart that it had to be related.

Now here I am frantic over this elderly woman that I have no idea who she is. You do what cha gotta do, so I drove to the hospital. I had to tell this lady that I was going to try and find Kooter a home and ease her mind. Second best maybe I could talk to a family member.

I got in line to sign in at reception. When it got to be my turn, I looked at the lady and said, “This will be the strangest check in you have ever had, I am guessing.”

She seemed a bit frightened, but when I started spilling my guts she checked her computer and told me that the elderly lady was indeed in the ER and she would see if the family member would come out and talk to me. Sigh………

The daughter came out to see me and we hugged and cried and she told me that it was not a heart attack but a seizure. The elderly lady does have that disorder and is on medication but has not had one for over a year.

Her Mom was very stressed out and distraught about Kooter and having to give him up. She had bilateral knee replacements and other health issues that simply out road her ability to care for Kooter. There are also more issues that are private and I will not go into them.

The daughter said that she would put her Mom’s mind at ease, when she became alert, and let her know what is going on with my efforts to find Kooter a new home. I asked the daughter to tell her Mom that I was going to the pound to visit him, walk him, give him some treats, and take pictures for my website.

Well…….here is our boy, Mr. Kooter himself.

Here he is in his holding tank. What a sweet boy. I had no problem with him whatsoever. No growls, just loving jumps and licks. Terri said the same thing. He was a perfect gentleman. I grabbed a leash and hooked him right up. Off we went for a long walk.

I had to take a picture from this view point. There is nothing cuter than a butt shot! LOL! Also Kooter walks excellent on a leash. Never pulling and going just where I wanted him to. Every time I stopped to take his picture, he came right up to me and gave me kisses.

His tail was tightly down for most of the walk. He was very confused and sad. I could see it in his eyes. Pounds are very loud places and can be very frightening for any dog. I have to tell you however, I am lucky to work with such a wonderful pound. I love them. They really do a great job and the facility is spotless. Kudos to them.

Kooter has a lovely shiny coat. He is a beautiful hound that weighs about 45 pounds. He loves to be pet and told how handsome he is. He has very dreamy eyes.

After this picture, I told ole Koots to get ready for his close up. I had a lot of folks that would be helping him out in this strange and uncertain world….and then he saw a cat! LOL

So, can anyone help us? I need to get Kooter out of the pound and into a rescue. I know for a fact that Bluegrass cannot take him, without even asking.

Kooter is up to date on his shots and is HW free. He is good to go for long walks and make someone very happy. This guy is a treasure. A real Joy to the World.

Thank you for reading this and re-living our morning. I know for a fact that Kooter appreciates any thing any one can do to give him a second chance.

More about Kooter later…..Cat, Chaps and Emma

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