MEMORIALS

It’s the greatest day for a pet owner - the day you bring your new friend home. Its the same feeling for a puppy or a rescue Basset. What a wonderful day.

And then the day comes that you have to let your friend go – the need to end his suffering arrives. It is, very simply, a horrible day. Then you decide that everyone needs to know what a great animal you had. That’s where you are now.

These are stories written from the heart. Read them with the joy expressed by the owners – they want you to know what a wonderful family member they have lost.

Memorial Form

Rusty

We miss you so much!!! The vet couldn't be there he cried and the office cried too. They all loved you so much. Even being blind, you still fought with love. We miss you, Rusty! We cry all of the time. I still do.

Sue Varvil

Zeppelin

I got Zeppelin (aka Mr. Boot/Snoop/Loopy) as a puppy when I was a junior in college. I had never owned a Basset before, but I have always loved their big, floppy ears. So, when I was working my bartending job that Sunday afternoon and saw in the local paper that there were Basset Hound puppies for sale, I made the decision that I was going to become the proud owner of a sweet Basset baby. My best friend and I drove to Illinois to pick out Zeppelin. It was love at first sight.
Zeppelin has been with me through every single major event in my adult life. He was with me when I graduated college, when I completed my master's degree, when I met and married my now husband and when we brought each of our children home from the hospital. When we brought our oldest son home from the hospital, I was a little nervous at first. It had always been just Zeppelin and me, so I wasn't sure how he would do with transitioning into the role of big brother. He was fantastic from the very first day. My boys loved Zeppelin so much. He was so great with them and even put up with their constant ear tugging and general roughhousing.
We had to make the heartbreaking decision to let Zep cross the rainbow bridge on December 23, 2021. He was almost 13 years old and his health was rapidly declining. I now carry his ashes with me in a necklace every single day. I cannot describe in words just how much I/we miss him. A piece of me is missing, but he had the best life and was so very loved. We miss you, Zeppelin. We will love you forever and ever.

Loudermilk Family

Ginger

My Ginger snap was pushing 17 years young when she crossed the bridge. Missing my girl as is her brother and partner in crime, Barney.

We miss you sweet girl.
Lori McAllister

Beauregard (Beau)

My family adopted Beau from GABR when I was 8, almost 15 years ago; I got to pick him out and I knew immediately he was the one! He was about 9 months old, but we weren’t sure since he was found as a stray with cherry eye and some other health problems.

We spent every moment together playing, training, and relaxing until I went to college at the University of Iowa. Every time I would come home to Chicago, he was always ready at the door wagging his tail. He was my best friend since the moment I picked him out in 3rd grade, all the way through 16th grade! He was with me through everything a kid goes through: band, breakups, prom, sports, going off to college, graduating college, etc.

His health quickly declined as a senior dog and we put him on pain medication. After it stopped working about a month in, we knew it was time. His joints were giving out and his body could no longer support everything he wanted to do with us. Beau was a goofy, energetic, and loving basset hound for all his 15 years of life. I can’t thank GABR enough for giving our family the joy of a lifetime all those years ago.

I love you forever, Beauregard!
Callie Dellinger

Nora

02-14-08 to 03-02-23

Fly high and strong with the angels in Heaven!

Mike & Emily Sevcik

Trixie

I adopted Trixie from GABR on December 1, 2012. She was 5. She came to me with a big red bow around her neck & her toenails painted red—my Christmas present! Trixie was was sweet and patient and she just “got” me. She was my perfect dog. All she asked for was to be loved and fed. She loved bye bye rides, walks, visiting with all her friends in the neighborhood, and a good belly rub. She was my best friend for 10 years. About a year ago she was diagnosed with heart failure & she left me very peacefully this morning at age 15 years, 4 months, & 4 days. My heart is broken. Trixie Pix, Delilah & I miss you, but I know we’ll be together again.

All our love,
Mama & Dee
Jan Nickels

Poppy

This was our sweet Poppy Jane. I rescued her from the animal control shelter here in Evansville. I think she was about 11 or 12 years old. She was a mess when she was turned over and had been abandoned in an apartment. I knew that I probably wouldn’t have her for very many years, but I put lots of money and time into her to give her the best (last years) life possible. We adopted her right before Christmas of 2020, and in January 2023 we found out she had cancer in her lungs. Her breathing became labored so we put her down two weeks ago, and she joined our other basset hound, L.T., in Heaven. The house is pretty empty without her. She was a fighter and she loved her mama (me). Always wanted to sit by me. Until we meet again…

Love you sweet girl!!!
Jocelyn Rawley

Rusty

My husband and I, Steve, adopted Rusty in September 2022. He needed a home and we were thrilled to have him join our pack of already 3 bassets, Dolly, Molly and Bruno. He fit right in! Rusty was so sweet and cuddly and would just melt into your lap. In the beginning he loved to walk our trails with us but soon he needed the wagon to be able to enjoy the smells and sights of the woods here in Northern Michigan. We only had six weeks with Rusty but they were the best six weeks ever. We felt so privileged to have known him even for that very short time that he was in our lives.

We will miss you, Rusty!

Nancy & Steve Vannerson

Mollee

We adopted Mollee (formerly know as Keiko) from GABR in the Spring of 2008. She was our 2nd GABR dog. At a year old, she had given birth to 8 puppies! That was in January 2008. All puppies survived and were adopted. We took Miss Mollee. She always had to know where we were and would look for us until she found us. She was crazy for bananas and apples...we could never have a whole one of either to ourselves. She never met a stranger. Where ever we'd go she would make friends. She loved dressing up...we always bought her a special hat waddle weekend. She had been our constant companion until the 5th of this month. She stopped eating and stopped wagging her tail. The light in her eyes faded. She was a trooper to the very end. She will be forever be in hearts.

Love you Mollee and miss you terribly!
Allen & Mary Blank

Knuckles

On July 21st, we said goodbye to our sweet hound, Knuckles. As hard as it is to write this post, I just wanted this wonderful basset group to know about our boy. He was the sweetest, silliest, and most loving doggo. 13 years was just not long enough for this sweet pea to spend on Earth. We miss you deeply Knuckle-Bob… give Papa and Nana hound smooches. Until we see you again, sweet boy.

Harris Family

May (Mazie)

We adopted May (Mazie) from GABR in 2015 at the age of three. She made herself at home immediately and fit right in. She loved to go for rides and if she heard my keys jingle, the 'lets go for a ride' dance would begin. She always went everywhere with us, including six states on vacations. She struck terror into the hearts of any delivery person in uniform, and even chased a few off the porch, from inside the glass front door! More times than I can count, I was a victim of the 'ambush belly'. She would get ahead of me and plop down on her back to get her favorite thing on earth, a belly rub. She was truly "daddy's girl' and followed me everywhere to stay near. Quite unexpectedly her kidneys failed and we lost her on June 20th; gone too quickly and far too soon. I will always remember those belly rubs, and nights on the folded out couch where she could snuggle up to me as we slept. I could go on and on, but I will close by saying Mazie, you were the sweetest girl, a joy in our life, and we loved you very very much. You are missed more than I can say. I look forward to the day at the bridge when we meet again. God Bless you Sweetie.

Doug & Jan Cummins

Fred aka Noodle

I adopted Fred in March 2020 as a senior after his previous owner passed away. He was taken to a shelter in a nearby state where GABR stepped in to rescue him. When he came into my life, he was a timid boy with severe noise aversion, IBD, and mobility issues. Having worked in the veterinary field for a decade, I knew he was in the right hands to begin his road to recovery. He made so much progress that first year with a prescription diet, medications, and laser therapy, that he was able to experience the great outdoors and put his hound nose to work! He adored being outside, almost as much as being a couch potato. Together with his pitbull sister Ziva, we explored so many natural areas and even went on a camping excursion. The two of them were inseparable and the best of friends. However, time caught up to my sweet boy and I had to say goodbye in June 2022 when his old body just couldn't support him any longer. Words can not describe the heartache I feel over losing my best friend. But knowing he is now able to run happy and pain free in heaven with his golden retriever cousin Denali provides some comfort.

I will forever cherish our memories together and love you forever my sweet Noodle.

Jessalee Williams

Paul

We adopted Paul back in 2011 when he was 2 years old. He had been rescued from a terrible situation (the "2009 4th of July puppies") and was very shy and scared when he came into our home. Paul thrived quickly and he has always been the sweetest most gentle soul. Always joyful, following us around the house, and watching our every move. We lost Paul yesterday, very suddenly, due to an aggressive form of spleen cancer. He was wagging his tail until the very last second when he fell asleep peacefully in our arms. He was definitely a character who filled our life with endless joy and love. We are beyond heart-broken and he will always be in our hearts as the beautiful, loving, sweet, and gentle soul he was. Thank you for bringing Paul into our lives and offering us all the love he gave us. We are in tears writing this, but also so grateful for the 11 years he was a part of our family.

Evi & Petros (& Fabio, his little brother)

Minerva

Minerva came into my life on Superbowl Sunday of 2016. She was the first dog that was "my own", but she belonged to so many hearts. She had a strong personality, willful, opinionated, spirited, endlessly loving....and often infuriating. Like anyone in our lives who is loved, she had many nicknames. First was Mini, because she was small. Next she was "Gypsy Rose" because she had a nomadic soul and snuck out the door and down the street at full speed whenever she had the chance. Then she was "Train Wreck" because she was so loud and barreled into people's lives. Finally, she was Donkey, because her greetings were so ecstatic, and well, so closely resembled a happy donkey. But to me she will always be "pretty girl". Her favorite things in life included boating, long hikes, couch surfing, digging in the garden, and bossing her cousin Stuart around (also a rescue basset)

Mini grew gray, a bit slower, and 8 PMs turned from her "zoomie hour" to her "grumpy time". She became more loving, more calm, and at peace in her home. Unfortunately Mini got a diagnosis of lung cancer with secondary pneumonia at the end of February 2022 with no treatment options. With pampering, and a gourmet diet we got 10 wonderful weeks with Mini before sending her over the rainbow bridge on April 9, 2022. Mini is survived by me her dad (Bill), her uncle Luke, and grandma Peggy. I don't think any of us have had such grief and we will miss Mini dearly. We are grateful that she was brought into our lives, and we are better for it.

Dad (Bill Hanifen), her uncle Luke, and grandma Peggy

Duncan

About 11 years ago, I felt compelled by some unknown force to adopt a basset hound. Thankfully destiny brought me to GABR where I was introduced to my ray of sunshine. His given name was Artie (named after the band leader Artie Shaw). After racing through the requisite paperwork and fee, I scooped up my little companion and renamed him Duncan. I didn't know at the time that my little Duncan would go everywhere with me and save my life more times than I could ever count.

Sadly, My little boy had to be put down last Friday, March 11, 2022. It was unexpected and terribly heartbreaking. I cannot stress nor are there enough words in any language to accurately describe mine and my wife's grief. We are inconsolable.

Duncan was a true angel. Sent for me at a time when I was at my lowest. He was able to lift me up through his unconditional love. I honestly don't know where I would have been without him, nor do I know where to go now that he's gone.

I am thankful to God that he put my little man in my path so I could share such love in the short amount of time that we had together.

God Bless Duncan, I will love you forever.

Patrick Biederer

Charlie

Charlie Westerberg (May 30, 2009 - December 9, 2021)

We adopted Charlie from GABR back in June of 2013 in Rockford, IL about three months after our first basset Reggie (also a GABR basset hound) passed away. He was four years old when we adopted him and he gave us 8 1/2 years of love, laughter, and loyalty. He was an awesome dog who was very much an "alpha" and very stubborn, but we loved him for it. He was a great fit with our growing family as our oldest son was only one year old when we adopted him. Charlie was there when we brought our other three children were born and was always excited to have a new human brother and sister when they came. Charlie loved car rides, sleeping on his numerous beds, "barking us to the fridge" for food, counter surfing, hiding his toys in the house, being a boss, sitting and sleeping on the front and back porch, walks and runs across the field, and always had room for more Food and Snacks. Unfortunately his health started to fail in the Fall of 2021 and Charlie crossed the rainbow bridge on December 9, 2021 at 12 1/2 years old. He will always have a special place in our hearts and will always be thankful for him "adopting us". RIP Charlie - we love you dude.

Jim, Melissa, Bryce, Ayva, Emery, and Roy Westerberg

Lady "Maggie" Mae Waddlesworth Campbell

07/07/2007 - 11/17/2021

Our girl was adopted on February 7, 2008 from GABR. She was a wonderful addition to our family. She is at peace and will be missed.

Rod & Shelley Campbell

Moose

Sweet Moose passed onto the next life on October 1st, 2021. I adopted him from GABR in March 2020, after my Linus passed away. Moose provided me with comfort and light again. I fell in love with him fast and hard, and I know he loved me just as much. He loved chasing rabbits in his backyard and walks through the neighborhood. He was my shadow, and he will always be remembered as a blessing. I'll always be grateful to GABR for sharing him with me.

Jennie Ebbing

Zoey

I adopted my precious basset, Zoey, from GABR the weekend before things shut down for the pandemic. So I was able to be with her every day due to working at home. She was my best friend, sharing and receiving so much love. She was 12 when I brought her home, and 14 when she passed away two weeks ago (8/31/21). She was my third senior basset and I am anxiously waiting to find a new one to bring home. Thank you to foster mom, Kym, and all the people at GABR that connect people with basset hounds

Annie Murphy

Lukas

He made us laugh. He pulled table clothes and kitchen towels off whenever he could. He brightened our lives so much. If close is good, then closer is better was his motto. He had a congenital eye issue. He loved the eye vet and was happy every time to see her. He was in love with our friend Amy who owns a doggy day care. When he went there, he only wanted to hang out with her. After a year we brought home a second GABR dog Obi. To Lukas, Obi was his dog. They played and played and played. Lukas had the funniest basset sit. He loved his bone-y. He loved his toys-especially the lime green, pink and purple soft rope. He had a couple of health challenges including losing an eye and developing a large renal cyst that had to be drained periodically. But Lukas kept his promise and lived a very long time. He was 15 years old. We thanked him every day for being our dog. Lukas was and is a VERY GOOD DOG.

Terri Noftsger and Cindy Huff

Olivia

Olivia was such a sweet girl! She was always by my side. She walked in the Guardian Angel waddle parade every year since she was 5 months old. Olivia developed pancreatic trouble last year and was very sick. On July 10 2020 I had to make the hardest decision to let my best friend go so she wouldn’t suffer anymore. It was so hard to say goodbye. Especially since I couldn’t be there with her when she crossed over the rainbow bridge, because of the Covid restrictions! I miss her everyday! Until we meet again my friend!

Deborah Morris

Reba Jane

Our sweet Reba Jane crossed over the rainbow bridge Sunday morning. she blessed our life's for over 9 years.
Her and her litter mates were found at 4 weeks old by a river in MO sick, cold and hungry. Sr. Dog Rescue took them in and found homes for all. We were so blessed to get (Mimi) Reba.
She became my service dog, she loved people, kids, other animals. She adopted a kitten that she found. She loved going to GABR things to see all her friends. She was a totally remarkable girl. Our hearts are breaking and will be for awhile. We love you so much Reba you will always be apart of us forever. Till we see you again my sweet girl.
All our love Daddy and Mom
Terry & Jonna Butler

Homer

We adopted Homer from GABR, 10 years ago, when he was almost 3. He had the most soulful eyes but he also had the most distinguished face. He was born with a crooked nose, crooked jaw and messed up teeth. He was our misfit, who always made a mess eating and drinking because he had to do it from the side of his mouth. After surviving mass cell cancer 4yrs. ago, Lymphoma ultimately took him from us on May 8 2021. Run free Bubba until we meet again!

Eric& Mary Ellen Miron

Sally

I lost my beloved Sally at the beginning of April
Incredibly, I adopted her from GABR back in July of 2006 when she was a year and a half old and she made it all the way until this past April to 16 1/4 years old, which is a very old basset hound indeed.
Sally was the first dog I got as an adult - joined the next day by Stan (also a GABR rescue, who we lost in 2015), and then Tucker a few years later (yes, a third basset hound). Sally was clearly in charge. The boys would occasionally try to mouth off or say they were in charge, but it was all her. Despite being 60% of their size.
We had to drive all the way to Indiana to pick her up, and she decided within the first few days that she was going to be my dog and was basically inseparable since. I'm fortunate enough to work from home, so I was lucky enough to have her with me all day every day. And I miss her terribly.
I'm going to really miss how she'd demand to hop up in my lap and take a nap in the afternoon. Or her guarding the house against all threats - real or imaginary (mostly imaginary). Or that she was always at the door wagging her tail and bouncing around when we got home.
She was just the bestest little basset hound.

Jim Thomason

Dakota Heinrich

August 2014 we fostered her only until the Waddle, when she became my daughter-in-law. She bossed all other dogs around her, marked her territories, loved hiking all day with my son (with cool weather only), barked at large farm animals, enjoyed licking puppuccino, and napped through thunderstorm. After being diagnosed with terminal cancer, she wouldn't quit walking. On February 19, 2021 she followed my first basset Momo to the Bridge. We miss you so much!

T. Hyatt Nakanishi

Tessa

Tessa. Simply the sweetest gentle basset you could ever have been blessed to be part of your family. Always in our heart. Until we meet again at the rainbow bridge… one big kiss on the nose. OX

Tricia Latva

Harry

Adopted April 5, 2020, died December 20, 2020.
Harry brought much love and entertainment into our Covid quarantine. His time with us was too short, he is missed.

Peggy Fagen

FLASH

Flash was the perfect basset for a first-time owner. He was sweet, patient, tolerant, and had a genuine sense of whimsy; he taught me the difference between 'bad' behavior and basset 'nortiness'. He went to the Bridge much too young and is still loved and missed.

Robert Lewis

Dixie

Dixie crossed the "Rainbow Bridge" this morning December 20, 2020. Rescued by Guardian Angel six and one half years ago. Dixie was the sweetest girl we could have ever imagined and was very loving. Never one to miss a good belly rub or pat on the head. All Dixie ever wanted was to be loved, and she was and is. Dixie will never be forgotten. Run free little girl...

Stephen Beatty

JACK

Jack was an amazing boy who was sent to me one month after my Dad passed away, from that day forward he was always by my side. Jack was always there for me, through some of my hardest days and always knew how to put a smile on my face with his love and affection. His personality was one in it's own.
Jack will be forever missed by his Mom and brother Guinness. My wonderful boy crossed the rainbow bridge on December 11, 2020. He will forever be my Guardian Angel.

Brandy Babarskas

HENRY

We lost our beautiful boy March 7th 2018 due to age and health issues. Thank you GABR for blessing us with this beautiful boy. He brought much love, joy, and happiness to our lives. He will be forever missed

Michael & Cathy Mansfield