The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals that had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….

We would like to honor your loved ones who have crossed the bridge by posting a memorial of them below. Please include a digital photo & a testament to your beloved hound with your submission to the Memorial Form.

Libby

Libby came to us as an adoptee from Tri-State eight years ago. She brought with her a gentleness, love and joy that only a sweet basset can bring. We miss her looks, nudges, wet kisses and tail wagging. Our grandsons said she is the “best dog in the whole world” and yes she was. We will always miss you, good girl.

Rogers Family

Lee Lee

Last night we lost our beloved 14 year old Basset Lee Lee passed away after the vet determined the tumor in her mouth would require major surgery, which due to her age and other health concerns she was not likely to survive. Lee Lee came to us after she was seized by the ASPCA and then handed over to Tri-State after being locked in a basement for 9 years of her life. Although she had a rough life, she brought so much joy into ours. Lee Lee was a fire-cracker, full of spunk and life. She never gave up despite all her medical issues. She would always get up to greet you no matter how sick she was, and not to mention to eat! She loveddddddd food and never let you forget it. We’ll miss our Lee Lee but we’re glad to have gotten the opportunity to give her the life she deserved in her final years. She will be missed by the entire family and neighborhood who have come to know her, as well as our three other dogs at home. We thank Tri-State for bringing Lee Lee into our lives and not giving up on the many senior bassets out there. Heaven has a new angel. R.I.P. Lee Lee 9/28/12

Blossom

Blossom came to us as a foster for Tri-State. I quickly decided she was in her forever home. She was the sweetest, happiest little fuzzy girl. She went to the bridge far too soon due to complications from Addison’s, just curled up in her bed and fell asleep and never woke. She will always be my little peapod. We miss her greatly.

The Mason pack

Sammy (aka Doodle)

I want to take a moment to thank Tri-State Basset for giving me the BEST little friend I ever had. When I got him 5 yrs ago never did I think he would have been so special to me. He helped us do EVERYTHING! Well today has been the worst day of my life. I found out he had a tumor that could not be operated on. I will miss you Sammy (aka Doodle). You are my special helper. I love you and hope you know it.

REST IN PEACE BUDDY.

Tim & Stacy Feltenberger

Jessica

On December 5, Jessica followed her life-long companion Alex over the Rainbow Bridge.

For the last eight and a half years Jessica had been a distinctive member of our family. You couldn’t exactly call her our “good” dog (that was Alex), but you could honestly say that she was the best and most loyal furry friend anyone could ever ask for. In her youth, Jessica would regularly be found atop our dining room table, seeking all food remnants left after a meal. For years she menaced our Princeton neighbors with her 5am wake up calls at the back fence, and she buried so many of our socks and underwear in the backyard that a contractor hired to dig out a new patio once said “If I had that much underwear in the yard I’d have none in my dresser.”

She was truly a charming hound!

Jessica spent the last year of her life living in NYC, making lasting impressions on all her neighbors — both man and beast! Jessica slowed down quite a bit in the past year, but she still loved a good belly rub, a long snuggle, and all the food that our two-year-old could toss her from his plate. A true food thief to the end, her final meal was a sandwich she found on the street the morning of her passing. Usually off limits, I let her go for it that day

And so marks the end of the era. Exactly one year to the date from when her life-long partner Alex passed.

If only we could keep our furry friends in our lives forever. There would be far fewer tears.

Rest in peace Jessica, I will miss you and your ridiculousness so very, very much. Aroooo.

The Laskas Family

Copper

It is with a heavy heart I am reporting that our beloved Basset Hound, Copper, passed away at 5:12 pm. on December 27, 2012. Born on September 3, 2003, Copper was only 9 and ¼ years old and he passed with all of the family at his side. Through Tri-state Basset Hound Rescue, Copper came into our family back on May 1,2004. Copper was a great dog that fit in with our family very well. We will always remember him for his hours of vigilance over the backyard from his position on top of the picnic table and his uncanny ability to sniff out the smallest morsel of food. Even on his last trip to the backyard, he couldn’t resist smelling the kitchen can when he passed by. We will miss him deeply and wish to thank Tri-State for bringing us together.

Myron, Kath, Dan and Alex Shegda

Holly

I would like to thank Tri-State Basset Hound Rescue for the best 6 years with my best friend Holly. I got her when she was 6 years old and she was a total surprise. She was the best dog I could have ever asked for. She loved her treats and love the doo dah parade every year. She was our best friend and we miss her every day. Not a day goes by that we do not think about her. We love you Holly.
Jack and Carolann Woolbert

Wally

In November, the day before Thanksgiving of 2002, we adopted an amazing 7 month old puppy from Tri State Basset Rescue named Wally. He and his shih-tzu brother loved each other for 10 1/2 incredible years. He was a playmate to my 3 kids and a good TV buddy. He loved a good belly rub and running around the yard, barking at the neighbors. He was handsome and regal and I will miss him more than words can say. Today, Wally crossed over the rainbow bridge. I will be forever grateful that he was part of our lives and I know one day we will see him again. Thank you, Wally, for your love, loyalty and companionship. You took a piece of my heart with you.

Felony & Malicious

Over three years ago, we adopted Felony and Malicious. It was the best thing we ever did! We were all very sad when Felony (top in photo) passed away this past August, but that gave us the opportunity to adopt a wonderful new girl, Daisy.
Wednesday 1/16, Malicious passed away and went to be with Felony again. Although he missed Felony, he was happy to have a younger girlfriend in Daisy. As he was headed to the vet for the last time, Daisy ran up to him and licked his face!
As we told our girls, Felony and Malicious will always be with us,but now it’s time to give another wonderful basset a new home, and Daisy a new friend.

It turns out this happened a lot quicker than expected, as Rowdy has already made his way north from Alabama and moved in with us. Daisy loves him!

Chris, Merle, Christina, Helena,and Daisy Schnee

Steven

I was not lucky enough to have STEVEN as a puppy ,but was blessed to have 11 years with him. Steven came to Tristate Basset Rescue as a stray around the age of 2. I think the love affair with my sister and he started on the ride home from New Jersey to Long Island. Steven was just like a child, and went to Aunt Ronnie, who of course always said, YES! There were times I would have to tell her, No. My sister lives downstairs from me and that was Steven’s mancave, paradise, eden, off limits to the other hounds in the house. When they came down he let them know, it was “get your biscuit and scram”. My sister was a pile of mush when it came to Steven, he pawed the door until she caved to let him in, so he could get up on that king sized bed, meant only for her and him. Even in his later years, when arthritis started settling in, you were not stopping him from going downstairs, he whined and whined until he broke you. Steven’s favorite time of year was winter; he made more snow angels than you could imagine. He loved to face the wind and let those massive ears fly in the breeze. Steven enjoyed playing with each hound that came into our home, but it was always known he was King and they did not forget that. When he ran is was like he was doing the bunny hop. He loved people,and belly rubs were always welcomed with his big hairy belly. He would drink his water and always go straight to the edges of my bed to wipe his face. I could go on and on, like everyone, all of us proud of our furkids.

Steven runs with our Fred, Columbo, Buster T Frecklefeet, Miss Shelby from Alabama and all of the beloved Bassets and wannabes that have left us too soon.

Cathy Larsen