ABC's Drool Fest 2012

To contact us Click HERE
 Saturday, October 6th
11am - 3pm
Warming Hut Pavilion
Saratoga State ParkJoin ABC and the Basset Hounds at the beautiful Saratoga State Park for Drool Fest.

Drool Fest will include raffles, a silent auction, memorial balloon launch, games, music by DJ John Morrison, and the largest selection of Slobber Shoppe merchandise ever!
Registration is $20 per car load if registered by October 5, $25 per car load at the door!  Pre-Register for the event here.

'Stormin' Norman's Amazing Transformation into Theodore

To contact us Click HERE



'Stormin' Norman's After Picture - what a handsome guy he is now!

In June of this year, ABC Basset Hound Rescue was notified about 6 Basset Hounds at the Humane Society of Cedar Creek in Tool, Texas. Four of them were found running loose and the other 2 were  turned over to the police department by the owners. These were obvious breeding dogs and all were  in bad shape, horribly underweight, suffering from flea dermatitis and worms, dental problems, and most were heartworm positive.  Still, they were very happy for human contact and attention, and greeted everyone with smiles and wagging tails.  (You just have to love Basset Hounds!)



Norman at the E-Vet with Shelly Gordon

Norman's journey was perhaps harder than most - he had an infected neuter site and was rushed into emergency surgery at 2AM on the night of his arrival in NY.   Surgery was risky due to the fact that Norman was heartworm positive and severely malnourished. Shelly Gordon accompanied poor Norman to the ABC E-vets who removed his infected scrotum, cleaned and scraped his teeth, gave him a bath and deworming medicines.  He did well through surgery and thanks to the awesome work of ABC and a wonderful foster home and Mom, Misty, he is now fully recovered. 

'Stormin' Norman rides into a bright new future!

As the perfect 'happy ending' to Norman's transformation he was adopted into the wonderful forever home of Toni Caiazzo and her family.  Congratulations and thanks for giving Norman a home of his own.  Toni posted on FB that they had changed his name to Theodore.  Toni posted, "His name when we adopted him was Norman...but my very first basset was named Norman, and we wanted him to have his own unique identity in my basset clan. So we named him Theodore...Theo for short! He is my sweet boy...we just love him!!! Thank you ABC Basset Hound Rescue of NY - you are angels on this earth!!!" 

The name Theodore seems to suit him perfectly and it's fitting he has a beautiful new name for a wonderful new life.  Way to go Theo!  Congratulations and take good care of your folks!

Thank you to Toni for sharing these wonderful pics of how beautiful Theo looks now.  He is such a handsome boy and it sounds like he has grown into a wonderful family member and companion.


Norman's Before Picture



Shelly with Norman during his recovery

From Toni Caiazzo, Theo's new forever Mom:
"I wanted to let you know that Norman aka Theo is up to 61.8 pounds! And he steals hearts wherever he goes - the photographer loved him, and the vet just adored him! He is such a talker too - really funny! He's da bomb - please let the group know for me, thanks!"

Theo Now!
Thanks to Erinn O' Donnell-Aloi at A Fresh Focus Photography for Theo's wonderful Now pictures - very beautiful photos!

As Laura Johnson noted we've all heard the 'rescue critics' ask why rescue?  There are so many pets that go unaided - you will never change the overall picture.  Well, here's the answer - Norman, and his fellow rescues' lives are changed and saved.  And, of course, the love and companionship they give to their families is simply priceless.

Merry Christmas from Spanky

To contact us Click HERE

Spanky is sending warmest wishes for a wonderful Holiday to all of his friends and family at ABC.  Thanks to ABC's rescue and support he is happy and, finally, well adjusted to his insulin regime.  It is truly a blessing to see him doing well and enjoying every single day.

Spanky visited with Santa Paws and asked him to bring all of the homeless hounds and kitties a home for Christmas, and, just a small request for himself...a rib roast!

Spanky asks that you consider an end of year donation to ABCBHR to help homeless Bassets like him.  We need your support to help pay the approx $35,000 in vet bills we accrue annually to care for these Bassets.  Your support will give these dogs another chance to be loved.  Spanky is so greatful that ABC angels were there to rescue him from a shelter and almost certain death and then to find him the perfect forever home where he has a loving new Mom and Dad and many new friends.

You can support ABC through a donation or by becoming a virtual foster home or Angel for ABC.  Shop the Slobber Shoppe for wonderful and unique gifts and hound related items where all proceeds go to rehome homeless Bassets.  Dogs like Spanky are forever grateful for your generous support!
 Thank you and Happy Holidays!

ABC's 2012 Rescued Alumni

To contact us Click HERE

Daisy's 1st Christmas in NY!  She had a howling good time.

2012 was a wonderful year for the homeless hounds that ABC took in.  Sommer Slavin and Andrea Beabes worked tirelessly as ABC's intake and foster coordinators to rescue 116 hounds into foster homes and ABC held five very successful adoption events.  Sommer is now stepping down from this position and we would just like to say congratulations to both ladies on a job well done!  We all know how challenging this job is and how hard they both worked.  Coordinating all those out of state transports was a huge endeavor and very successful.  Sommer put together this great album of dogs rescued in 2012 Sommer Slavin's 2012 Rescued Photo Album.  This album is truly a testament to the commitment and passion of ABC's volunteers and the special dogs ABC has rescued, hard work in such a tough economic year.  The hounds, along with all of us, thank you.
We would like to welcome our new Intake Coordinator, John Morrison.  John acted as DJ at Drool Fest in Albany in October.  John's wife, Theresa, is ABC's Volunteer Coordinator.  Thank you John for taking over this important position and we wish you great success in 2013!

Many thanks also to everyone that worked so hard to help ABC transport, place, and adopt out these wonderful dogs!  These lucky Bassets will truly have a wonderful New Year due to all of your hard work.

We wish everyone a very Happy New Year!

Lucky says, "Wow, these are all for me and Daisy!"

One Year Later

To contact us Click HERE

One Year Later....by  Theresa Morrison
“The Texas Five” sounds like a gang right out of an old timewestern movie, but for ABC Basset Rescue it means something entirely different.One year ago today, five basset hounds from Texas arrived in Buffalo, NY. Alarge “breeder” in Texas had gotten ill and 31 basset hounds needed new homesimmediately. ABC took on the task of getting five of these dogs from Texas toNew York.
It was a long trip to be made by volunteers during a busyholiday season, but Amarilla, Abilene, Dallas, Houston and Austin (plus, Jollywho bummed a ride from Ohio) arrived safe and sound at Camp Bow Wow inTonawanda, NY. The Buffalo News and Channel 4 ran stories of these dogs journeyand arrival. Everyone in ABC and people from all over the country were watchingand waiting for these five bassets to arrive safe and sound.
All five dogs were under weight, skiddish, flea infested andjust out of spay/neuter surgeries (not to mention eye surgery for Austin).  These hounds had never left their cages andit was unlikely that they had ever been inside an actual house. We tend to notthink about the basics in life for ourselves…those things we take for granted,but I believe it is the same for our dogs. Every single thing was a newexperience for these guys: car rides, stairs, going outside to go to thebathroom, a couch to sleep on, a human around to take care of them all thetime, a healthy/consistent diet, treats, toys, walking on a leash, room to roam,cold WNY weather and most importantly trust.
The stories of each of these hounds are so amazing thatI want to share them with as many people as possible. The common thread iseach story is patience, love and the most devotion I have ever seen in anysituation.   Abilene-Abbie and her brother,Bodi (another ABC rescue), enjoying her favorite pastime…sitting in the windowsunning herself.
Abilene is such a formal name, so it seems everyone justcalls her Abbie these day. Her mom, Dee, told me that the first month was themost challenging. Abbie would sit on the futon all day while Dee was at workand would just wait. She wouldn’t interact with the 3 other bassets in thehouse either. She wouldn’t eat, drink or go out to the bathroom withoutcoaxing. After that first month Abbie’s new sister, Gracie, pulled her out ofher shell little by little every day. Gracie taught her to eat but only iftheir bowls were next to each other. That evolved into Abbie eating with therest of her siblings and gaining some much needed weight (up to 45 lbs as ofnow). She has learned to use a doggie door, chases outside with Gracie and tugof war inside. Abbie has made friends with Dee’s neighbor and runs outside whenshe gets home for her treats. She has come a long way since last year, but isstill taking baby steps to accept men in her life and to socialize with otherdogs and people outside of her immediate family.
Today, Abbie gets to sleep in a warm bed with her mommy,follow her all around the house and play with her siblings. Nothing could bebetter!!
Dallas-

Dallas…skinny, scared but happy to be adopted.


Dallas under the tree…the best gift a family could everget!!
Although, Dallas could be assumed to be a boys name thisDallas is defiantly a lady. Over the last year, Dallas has become very attachedto her human siblings. Her mom, Ashley, has told me that she is best friendswith their 4 year old daughter. She also follows her mom around like a shadow.She also seems to be doing fine with the most recent snowfall. Of course, shehas help from her brothers who go out into the snow and make a path for her.
Houston-A quote from Houston's mom: "Merry Christmas, Houston...you have given us more joy this year than we could ever repay."










Austin-Austin enjoying a toy on “his” couch.
Of the five hounds that arrived from Texas, it seems thatAustin had the roughest time adjusting to his new life. He was terrified of hisnew family and surroundings. His mom, Tracey, told me that he wouldn’t sleep ifthey were around and when they tried to approach him he would lose bowel andbladder control. They had to pick him up and carry him everywhere. Going out tothe bathroom was a challenge….getting him to go out and then back in was justtoo much for poor Austin. Not to mention eating his dog food on a regularbasis. Tracey has made homemade soup to mix with his food, so that he hasgained 10 lbs over the last 7 months. Only after he got out of his collar oneday and was chased down, did things start to change for Austin and his newfamily. He started to play with his basset sister, Caley, even if the humanswere in the room. Then he started to play with them too. He barked for thefirst time even. Then in August, after the family moved, he learned that thecouch was the place for him. He jumps up to greet his mom and even howls whenthe family leaves. He has learned that tummy rubs are free and will flip overto get them.
Austin has come a very long way since last year, but stillneeds time to not be terrified of strangers and be able to go out into theworld without fear. 


Every day we read news articles about horrific thingshappening in the world around us. Today, I was very pleased and excited toshare a happy story with you. Five basset hounds, find five happy homes and areway better off then when they entered this world.
A lot went into rescuing “The Texas Five”, as does rescuingevery basset that ABC takes in and finds a forever home for. Volunteers are aprecious few. They are amazing people who give up their time, their homes and alot of their energy for these hounds. ABC couldn’t survive without a group ofpeople who want to help…no matter what. Becoming a volunteer is easy and whatyou get in return are stories like this one…pictures of happy, healthy houndsin homes that cherish them.
ABC Basset Rescue would not be able to do the things they dowithout donations. A transport, vet visit and other things to help these dogsfind homes are not free. We are a non-for-profit organization, so donations arethe only thing that keeps us doing these amazing things. In the last couple ofweeks, ABC rolled out its VIP program and a monthly donation to help the houndsonly has to be a small amount out of your pocket. It’s even tax deductible.
Personally, without seeing the Buffalo news article on “TheTexas Five”, I would never have found my Cooper at the adoption event that washeld a couple of weeks later. I also would never have decided to foster andbecome a volunteer for ABC. Since January, John and I have adopted three bassetsand fostered six hounds. John even jumped in the ring as ABC’s new intakecoordinator. All because of five homeless hounds and an organization who doeswhat ever it takes to find good homes for homeless bassets.
It is funny to think that one event last January couldchange so many lives, but in my world, basset hounds make interesting thingshappen every day.

ABC's 2012 Rescued Alumni

To contact us Click HERE

Daisy's 1st Christmas in NY!  She had a howling good time.

2012 was a wonderful year for the homeless hounds that ABC took in.  Sommer Slavin and Andrea Beabes worked tirelessly as ABC's intake and foster coordinators to rescue 116 hounds into foster homes and ABC held five very successful adoption events.  Sommer is now stepping down from this position and we would just like to say congratulations to both ladies on a job well done!  We all know how challenging this job is and how hard they both worked.  Coordinating all those out of state transports was a huge endeavor and very successful.  Sommer put together this great album of dogs rescued in 2012 Sommer Slavin's 2012 Rescued Photo Album.  This album is truly a testament to the commitment and passion of ABC's volunteers and the special dogs ABC has rescued, hard work in such a tough economic year.  The hounds, along with all of us, thank you.
We would like to welcome our new Intake Coordinator, John Morrison.  John acted as DJ at Drool Fest in Albany in October.  John's wife, Theresa, is ABC's Volunteer Coordinator.  Thank you John for taking over this important position and we wish you great success in 2013!

Many thanks also to everyone that worked so hard to help ABC transport, place, and adopt out these wonderful dogs!  These lucky Bassets will truly have a wonderful New Year due to all of your hard work.

We wish everyone a very Happy New Year!

Lucky says, "Wow, these are all for me and Daisy!"

Drinks 'n Jewelry Tonight In Westport: Sounds Great to Me!

To contact us Click HERE

A friend of mine has a jewelry company and is having an event tonight in Westport for GUYS to shop. So, send your dude, and use the ONE FREE DRINK as a hook to get him in the door! The company is called Lula Belle and there is a wide variety of jewelry styles. You can take a peek at the offerings online. My friend is incredibly charming, so I know this event will be great fun, and if she's not there, one of her sisters who runs the company with her is sure to be there. The charm gene runs in their family, so check out this event if you're in the mood to get out tonight. Um, also, BBQ? Yum.

Here is the info for tonight's event:

http://www.bobbyqsrestaurant.com">Bobby Q's in Westport - MENS NIGHT
Lula belle wants your men! Send them out with their male friends and let them shop for the ladies in time for the Holidays!
Buy One - Get One Free Drinks from 5:00 - 10:00pm

Bobby Q's
42 Main St
Westport, CT 06880

New Canaan Nature Center Winter Farmer's Market

To contact us Click HERE

One of my favorite cooking blogs, the locally-run Full Plate Blog, posted on her Facebook page that the New Canaan Nature Center will be having a Winter Farmer's Market on Tuesdays from 12-3. The first one is February 7, and I totally have it on my calendar!

From the New Canaan Nature Center website:

Beginning Tuesday, February 7 the New Canaan Nature Center will host a winter farmer's market on Tuesdays from Noon to 3:00pm. The market is open to the public and will feature winter produce, dairy, meat, baked goods and other sundries from a number of Connecticut based vendors. Expected vendors include Riverbank Farm, Gazy Bros Farm, Goatboy Soaps, Butterfield Farm, Smyth's Trinity Farm, Mamacat's Tea, Raus Coffee, Whistle Stop Bakery and Connecticutly Grown Hot Sauce. Come for lunch - homemade soup and sandwiches from Walter Stewart's Market!

The Winter Farmer's Market, a joint partnership between the Nature Center and New Canaan Farmer's Market, will be held as a pilot program for the month of February and will possibly be extended throughout the spring and to Saturday mornings.

Last Dog Days at Tod's Point

To contact us Click HERE

I was marveling at the 20-30 dogs that stretched as far as the eye could see down the 300 yards of beach at Greenwich (also called Tod's) Point today. Then I remembered that after March 31 no dogs (or non-beach pass holders) are allowed. I have to say, all of the dogs, most of whom were off-leash, were incredibly well-behaved. It was enough to make even a dog-neutral person like me feel fondness toward them, sort of like how the Grinch's heart grows bigger at the end of the movie. One dog did bump my leg and get it a little wet, but that's nothing compared to that dog who put muddy paw prints on my butt at Mianus River Park. Or that other one who jumped all over me and got me dirty at Mianus later that same day. Anyway, what an incredible beach/park Tod's is. I'm sure it's going to be packed tomorrow, Saturday March 31!

Advocate Photo Blog Making News! Darien Girls' Lacrosse Coach Suspended

To contact us Click HERE

I am constantly talking about how awesome the Advocate's photoblog In Sight is.  I don't mean to be repetitive, but there's an interesting discussion happening right now about the photos that Bob Luckey posted of the Darien girls' lacrosse coach grabbing her goalie's helmet and appearing to shove her backwards. The discussion at In Sight gets into pressures of high school sports, parents' expectations... it's something anyone who's been through school, or who has kids, can relate to. Go take a look!  

I don't know anything about the coach or her team, but I do think:- It's great to open a dialogue about how we expect our kids to be treated.  I think that's what Bob Luckey meant to do, and I commend him.  - I would not want any adult to put their hands on my kid like that, even if they were on a high-pressure, high-performing team.  - Adults who work with children have a responsibility to hold themselves, each day and each minute, to the highest behavior standards they can manage.- Everyone makes mistakes, and mistakes vary in degrees of seriousness.  - A pattern of mistakes is a problem.   
I just saw in the paper (how ironic that I'm calling it a "paper" and I read it online) that the coach is suspended for the rest of the season but can return in 2013.  Wow.  
I don't know if that would have happened if the photos hadn't been published.  That might upset some people, but I think it was definitely right to publish the photos.  The school system investigated, and this is what they decided.  I think they were lucky to have gotten the chance to make sure their students are treated in an appropriate way.  I think it's great they are giving the coach a second chance, too.  That seems very fair. 
What's interesting is that the incident took place on Friday May 25 and the photos weren't posted until Wednesday May 30. I wonder if there was hesitation over the publication, or if, like me, the photobloggers are usually too busy to sit down and blog!   

'Stormin' Norman's Amazing Transformation into Theodore

To contact us Click HERE



'Stormin' Norman's After Picture - what a handsome guy he is now!

In June of this year, ABC Basset Hound Rescue was notified about 6 Basset Hounds at the Humane Society of Cedar Creek in Tool, Texas. Four of them were found running loose and the other 2 were  turned over to the police department by the owners. These were obvious breeding dogs and all were  in bad shape, horribly underweight, suffering from flea dermatitis and worms, dental problems, and most were heartworm positive.  Still, they were very happy for human contact and attention, and greeted everyone with smiles and wagging tails.  (You just have to love Basset Hounds!)



Norman at the E-Vet with Shelly Gordon

Norman's journey was perhaps harder than most - he had an infected neuter site and was rushed into emergency surgery at 2AM on the night of his arrival in NY.   Surgery was risky due to the fact that Norman was heartworm positive and severely malnourished. Shelly Gordon accompanied poor Norman to the ABC E-vets who removed his infected scrotum, cleaned and scraped his teeth, gave him a bath and deworming medicines.  He did well through surgery and thanks to the awesome work of ABC and a wonderful foster home and Mom, Misty, he is now fully recovered. 

'Stormin' Norman rides into a bright new future!

As the perfect 'happy ending' to Norman's transformation he was adopted into the wonderful forever home of Toni Caiazzo and her family.  Congratulations and thanks for giving Norman a home of his own.  Toni posted on FB that they had changed his name to Theodore.  Toni posted, "His name when we adopted him was Norman...but my very first basset was named Norman, and we wanted him to have his own unique identity in my basset clan. So we named him Theodore...Theo for short! He is my sweet boy...we just love him!!! Thank you ABC Basset Hound Rescue of NY - you are angels on this earth!!!" 

The name Theodore seems to suit him perfectly and it's fitting he has a beautiful new name for a wonderful new life.  Way to go Theo!  Congratulations and take good care of your folks!

Thank you to Toni for sharing these wonderful pics of how beautiful Theo looks now.  He is such a handsome boy and it sounds like he has grown into a wonderful family member and companion.


Norman's Before Picture



Shelly with Norman during his recovery

From Toni Caiazzo, Theo's new forever Mom:
"I wanted to let you know that Norman aka Theo is up to 61.8 pounds! And he steals hearts wherever he goes - the photographer loved him, and the vet just adored him! He is such a talker too - really funny! He's da bomb - please let the group know for me, thanks!"

Theo Now!
Thanks to Erinn O' Donnell-Aloi at A Fresh Focus Photography for Theo's wonderful Now pictures - very beautiful photos!

As Laura Johnson noted we've all heard the 'rescue critics' ask why rescue?  There are so many pets that go unaided - you will never change the overall picture.  Well, here's the answer - Norman, and his fellow rescues' lives are changed and saved.  And, of course, the love and companionship they give to their families is simply priceless.

Drinks 'n Jewelry Tonight In Westport: Sounds Great to Me!

To contact us Click HERE

A friend of mine has a jewelry company and is having an event tonight in Westport for GUYS to shop. So, send your dude, and use the ONE FREE DRINK as a hook to get him in the door! The company is called Lula Belle and there is a wide variety of jewelry styles. You can take a peek at the offerings online. My friend is incredibly charming, so I know this event will be great fun, and if she's not there, one of her sisters who runs the company with her is sure to be there. The charm gene runs in their family, so check out this event if you're in the mood to get out tonight. Um, also, BBQ? Yum.

Here is the info for tonight's event:

http://www.bobbyqsrestaurant.com">Bobby Q's in Westport - MENS NIGHT
Lula belle wants your men! Send them out with their male friends and let them shop for the ladies in time for the Holidays!
Buy One - Get One Free Drinks from 5:00 - 10:00pm

Bobby Q's
42 Main St
Westport, CT 06880

New Canaan Nature Center Winter Farmer's Market

To contact us Click HERE

One of my favorite cooking blogs, the locally-run Full Plate Blog, posted on her Facebook page that the New Canaan Nature Center will be having a Winter Farmer's Market on Tuesdays from 12-3. The first one is February 7, and I totally have it on my calendar!

From the New Canaan Nature Center website:

Beginning Tuesday, February 7 the New Canaan Nature Center will host a winter farmer's market on Tuesdays from Noon to 3:00pm. The market is open to the public and will feature winter produce, dairy, meat, baked goods and other sundries from a number of Connecticut based vendors. Expected vendors include Riverbank Farm, Gazy Bros Farm, Goatboy Soaps, Butterfield Farm, Smyth's Trinity Farm, Mamacat's Tea, Raus Coffee, Whistle Stop Bakery and Connecticutly Grown Hot Sauce. Come for lunch - homemade soup and sandwiches from Walter Stewart's Market!

The Winter Farmer's Market, a joint partnership between the Nature Center and New Canaan Farmer's Market, will be held as a pilot program for the month of February and will possibly be extended throughout the spring and to Saturday mornings.

Last Dog Days at Tod's Point

To contact us Click HERE

I was marveling at the 20-30 dogs that stretched as far as the eye could see down the 300 yards of beach at Greenwich (also called Tod's) Point today. Then I remembered that after March 31 no dogs (or non-beach pass holders) are allowed. I have to say, all of the dogs, most of whom were off-leash, were incredibly well-behaved. It was enough to make even a dog-neutral person like me feel fondness toward them, sort of like how the Grinch's heart grows bigger at the end of the movie. One dog did bump my leg and get it a little wet, but that's nothing compared to that dog who put muddy paw prints on my butt at Mianus River Park. Or that other one who jumped all over me and got me dirty at Mianus later that same day. Anyway, what an incredible beach/park Tod's is. I'm sure it's going to be packed tomorrow, Saturday March 31!

Advocate Photo Blog Making News! Darien Girls' Lacrosse Coach Suspended

To contact us Click HERE

I am constantly talking about how awesome the Advocate's photoblog In Sight is.  I don't mean to be repetitive, but there's an interesting discussion happening right now about the photos that Bob Luckey posted of the Darien girls' lacrosse coach grabbing her goalie's helmet and appearing to shove her backwards. The discussion at In Sight gets into pressures of high school sports, parents' expectations... it's something anyone who's been through school, or who has kids, can relate to. Go take a look!  

I don't know anything about the coach or her team, but I do think:- It's great to open a dialogue about how we expect our kids to be treated.  I think that's what Bob Luckey meant to do, and I commend him.  - I would not want any adult to put their hands on my kid like that, even if they were on a high-pressure, high-performing team.  - Adults who work with children have a responsibility to hold themselves, each day and each minute, to the highest behavior standards they can manage.- Everyone makes mistakes, and mistakes vary in degrees of seriousness.  - A pattern of mistakes is a problem.   
I just saw in the paper (how ironic that I'm calling it a "paper" and I read it online) that the coach is suspended for the rest of the season but can return in 2013.  Wow.  
I don't know if that would have happened if the photos hadn't been published.  That might upset some people, but I think it was definitely right to publish the photos.  The school system investigated, and this is what they decided.  I think they were lucky to have gotten the chance to make sure their students are treated in an appropriate way.  I think it's great they are giving the coach a second chance, too.  That seems very fair. 
What's interesting is that the incident took place on Friday May 25 and the photos weren't posted until Wednesday May 30. I wonder if there was hesitation over the publication, or if, like me, the photobloggers are usually too busy to sit down and blog!   

Drinks 'n Jewelry Tonight In Westport: Sounds Great to Me!

To contact us Click HERE

A friend of mine has a jewelry company and is having an event tonight in Westport for GUYS to shop. So, send your dude, and use the ONE FREE DRINK as a hook to get him in the door! The company is called Lula Belle and there is a wide variety of jewelry styles. You can take a peek at the offerings online. My friend is incredibly charming, so I know this event will be great fun, and if she's not there, one of her sisters who runs the company with her is sure to be there. The charm gene runs in their family, so check out this event if you're in the mood to get out tonight. Um, also, BBQ? Yum.

Here is the info for tonight's event:

http://www.bobbyqsrestaurant.com">Bobby Q's in Westport - MENS NIGHT
Lula belle wants your men! Send them out with their male friends and let them shop for the ladies in time for the Holidays!
Buy One - Get One Free Drinks from 5:00 - 10:00pm

Bobby Q's
42 Main St
Westport, CT 06880

New Canaan Nature Center Winter Farmer's Market

To contact us Click HERE

One of my favorite cooking blogs, the locally-run Full Plate Blog, posted on her Facebook page that the New Canaan Nature Center will be having a Winter Farmer's Market on Tuesdays from 12-3. The first one is February 7, and I totally have it on my calendar!

From the New Canaan Nature Center website:

Beginning Tuesday, February 7 the New Canaan Nature Center will host a winter farmer's market on Tuesdays from Noon to 3:00pm. The market is open to the public and will feature winter produce, dairy, meat, baked goods and other sundries from a number of Connecticut based vendors. Expected vendors include Riverbank Farm, Gazy Bros Farm, Goatboy Soaps, Butterfield Farm, Smyth's Trinity Farm, Mamacat's Tea, Raus Coffee, Whistle Stop Bakery and Connecticutly Grown Hot Sauce. Come for lunch - homemade soup and sandwiches from Walter Stewart's Market!

The Winter Farmer's Market, a joint partnership between the Nature Center and New Canaan Farmer's Market, will be held as a pilot program for the month of February and will possibly be extended throughout the spring and to Saturday mornings.

Last Dog Days at Tod's Point

To contact us Click HERE

I was marveling at the 20-30 dogs that stretched as far as the eye could see down the 300 yards of beach at Greenwich (also called Tod's) Point today. Then I remembered that after March 31 no dogs (or non-beach pass holders) are allowed. I have to say, all of the dogs, most of whom were off-leash, were incredibly well-behaved. It was enough to make even a dog-neutral person like me feel fondness toward them, sort of like how the Grinch's heart grows bigger at the end of the movie. One dog did bump my leg and get it a little wet, but that's nothing compared to that dog who put muddy paw prints on my butt at Mianus River Park. Or that other one who jumped all over me and got me dirty at Mianus later that same day. Anyway, what an incredible beach/park Tod's is. I'm sure it's going to be packed tomorrow, Saturday March 31!

Advocate Photo Blog Making News! Darien Girls' Lacrosse Coach Suspended

To contact us Click HERE

I am constantly talking about how awesome the Advocate's photoblog In Sight is.  I don't mean to be repetitive, but there's an interesting discussion happening right now about the photos that Bob Luckey posted of the Darien girls' lacrosse coach grabbing her goalie's helmet and appearing to shove her backwards. The discussion at In Sight gets into pressures of high school sports, parents' expectations... it's something anyone who's been through school, or who has kids, can relate to. Go take a look!  

I don't know anything about the coach or her team, but I do think:- It's great to open a dialogue about how we expect our kids to be treated.  I think that's what Bob Luckey meant to do, and I commend him.  - I would not want any adult to put their hands on my kid like that, even if they were on a high-pressure, high-performing team.  - Adults who work with children have a responsibility to hold themselves, each day and each minute, to the highest behavior standards they can manage.- Everyone makes mistakes, and mistakes vary in degrees of seriousness.  - A pattern of mistakes is a problem.   
I just saw in the paper (how ironic that I'm calling it a "paper" and I read it online) that the coach is suspended for the rest of the season but can return in 2013.  Wow.  
I don't know if that would have happened if the photos hadn't been published.  That might upset some people, but I think it was definitely right to publish the photos.  The school system investigated, and this is what they decided.  I think they were lucky to have gotten the chance to make sure their students are treated in an appropriate way.  I think it's great they are giving the coach a second chance, too.  That seems very fair. 
What's interesting is that the incident took place on Friday May 25 and the photos weren't posted until Wednesday May 30. I wonder if there was hesitation over the publication, or if, like me, the photobloggers are usually too busy to sit down and blog!   

IPSY DEC BAG

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Last month I signed up on http://www.ipsy.com/ to get a glam bag every month. It is $10 a month and each month you get a make up bag (as seen in the picture above) with make up in it.

This months bag included: Mai Couture Highlighter Paper.
                                          Mirabella Prime for Face and Eyes
                                          Be a Bombshell Hot Mess Lip Gloss
                                          Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Eye Pencil
                                          NYX Ultra Pearl Eye Shadow

This is my second month of getting the bag and I love it. I'm not a huge make up person but I do usually wear the basics (eye liner, lip gloss, blush) I had no make up on before my bag came today, the photo above was taken after I tried everything in the bag. :)

The lipgloss looked like it would be really red but it was kind of sheer..this is two coats on me and it's still more of a blush color than red.

I LOVE the urban decay eye pencil...it did glide right on ...just need a little mascara.
The Mirabella Prime was a clear liquid that felt like powder when I put it on my face. It's a primer to use as a base for any mirabella foundation. I used it on it's own before I put my highlighter paper on. I found it on the mirabella website for $29, same size as what came in my bag.

I was super impressed with the Mai Couture highlighter paper. You tear a sheet out of the booklet and lightly press and sweep along your cheek bones and any other areas of your body that you want highlighted. I have no other blush on and it looks very natural but gave me some color.

The NYX loose eye powder brushed on very smoothly almost like a liquid. I love the color.

I am not being paid for this review , just sharing because I found IPSY by seeing it on a friends blog and I'm so happy that I did...it's like a present to yourself every month!

Little Oliver's Dream for Home Comes True!

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Oliver!

Congratulations to Oliver and his new forever family.  Thank you Amanda and Andrew for making this little boy's dreams come true! 

Sweet little Oliver has been in foster care since January 11th.  He is two years old and was thankfully rescued from a kill shelter in Virginia on his very last day.  Thank you ABC for saving this sweet boy's life and to his foster family for giving Oliver the temporary home he so desperately needed!

Handsome Oliver finds home and family!

Oliver is described as a real character with a beautiful bay voice and his intake writeup describes him as a real 'thinker'.   Amanda, Oliver's new Mom, said he is very well behaved and the very BEST DOG EVER!   Upon arriving at his new home, his new family introduced him to the ferrets and bunnies in the household and Oliver was afraid of the baby bunny!  I'm sure Oliver would say that's not 'fear' just absolute respect for his new brothers and sisters.  He was not too afraid though, he was wagging his tail the whole time.  Although his new Mom and Dad bought him a brand new doggie bed Oliver has already taken to sleeping in their bed, a true Basset Hound personality.  Another match made in heaven by ABC Adoption Coordinator, Laura Johnson.

We know you will take really good care of your new family Oliver and congratulations on finding that very special forever home.  Don't forget to post pictures of the handsome Oliver and his new home life - we will add them to the blog post.  We pray you have many happy years with Oliver!

Update from Annie and Dexter's Family

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Annie and Dexter Riding in Style

Newlywed couple, Anne and Jimmy Himes sent us a wonderful update and pictures of Annie and Dexter in their new home.  What a great way to start a life together - giving a bonded pair of Basset Hounds a forever home and family!  Many thanks especially for allowing these two to remain together - they are so devoted to one another.  It is so good to hear they are doing great in their new home and filling your lives with love and laughter! 

Following is Anne and Jimmy's letter to Adoption Coordinator, Laura Johnson:

"We wanted to get in touch to let you both know that Annie and Dexter are doing really well here. They fit so well in our family, I don't know what we did without them. 

We recently signed them up for the off leash dog parks in Monroe County, and they have really been loving the new park at Ellison. Dexter loves to meet other dogs, and although sometimes Annie gets a little scared of the other dogs, and of new people, she is learning to socialize there. She isn't velcro'd to our side the whole time there, and has actually gone up to people on her own. Everyone tells her how beautiful she is and how handsome her brother is. :) After several days of going to the park in a row, we didn't go to the dog park today, and Annie sat right by my car this evening, refusing to go for a walk--I think she was hoping to go meet some more friends. 

Looks like Annie plans to drive herself to the dog park!

Although we can't wait to have a fenced in yard at home, we are waiting until we can purchase the empty lot next to our house (city lots are so small). In the meantime, one of the great things about having these two, is going for walks all the time, and getting to meet the neighbors. We didn't know how many other dog owners (and dog lovers) we lived near, but it's great! The hounds recently got to meet two beagles who live nearby. They seemed especially excited to meet other hounds. As Kevin had mentioned, Annie and Dex weren't used to walking on leashes, but they're doing well with them. We have a harness for Dexter, and that certainly makes it easier to walk with him.

And at home, they are just awesome. We have two constant snugglers, who even love us after we give them a bath (oh the indignity of being plopped in the tub). They were waking us up very early in the morning (3:30 was too early), until we moved their dog bed into our room. Now they sleep in, and sometimes have to be lured out of bed in the morning for breakfast. Dexter gives Annie so many sweet kisses, and we are lucky enough to get some to. He seems to think it's his job to take care of us now.

Annie and Dex at play in their new home.

They're very good at the house during the day, but it's quite hard to leave them to go to work in the morning. We tell them that we have to so we can afford the 'biscuit budget.'  One day, Jimmy took them to visit me at work. In one of the attached pictures, you can see that Annie was ready to get to work herself!

Annie hard at work

They are just so fantastic! We can't believe anyone would give them up, but are soooo grateful that ABC rescued them, that Kevin fostered them, that Laura coordinated the adoption, and that they came to us. We hope to see you at some ABC events in the future."By Anne and Jimmy HimesThanks so much to Anne and Jimmy for sharing this story and pictures with us.  Take good care of your new humans Annie and Dex - you've found a pair of really wonderful humans!  This proves the point that two Bassets are double the joy!  ABC still has two pairs of bonded Basset Hounds looking for their forever home.  Check out their descriptions and pictures on the ABC website.  If you are considering adopting Scarlett and Snickers or Wynne and Cherry fill out an ABC Adoption Application here.

Cherry and Wynne

Laura and Scott Johnson were originally fostering Cherry and Wynne and they now have moved on to Chris Brothers' home for further socialization.  Laura said they were getting "too
comfortable" ...hmm, sounds like foster Mom and Pop were getting too comfortable too.  About Cherry and Wynne Laura says, "Contrary to popular belief, a bonded pair is not more work or too much to handle. Especially not these guys! They keep each other company, and entertained. And since they are smaller than the average basset hound, it really is like having only one, with double the personality!"

Scarlett and Snickers still searching for that perfect forever home.

Find Your New Best Friend at ABC's Adoption Event

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Wynne

Cherry

ABC will be holding an Adoption Event on Sunday, August 12 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Camp Bow Wow, Henrietta, NY.  Camp Bow Wow is located at 85 Mushroom Blvd., Rochester, NY.  Find the loves of your life and adopt one (or two) of ABC's wonderful Basset Hounds.  There is no home too small for a Basset, the only place they take up a lot of room is in your heart.  Wynne and Cherry will be there - a wonderful bonded pair of sisters who will bring love and joy to any home.  View the list of available Bassets at ABC's web page NY Basset.org. 

Camp Bow Wow's newsletter has an excellent write-up on the coming event at Camp Bow Wow to Foster Basset Hounds.  Kudos to Camp Bow Wow's staff for volunteering their time to introduce these hounds to their new forever families!

In addition to the Bassets listed on the available section of the website, ABC has teamed up with some of our Southern rescue friends to transport homeless Bassets North to find forever homes.  Right now volunteers are needed to help transport several dogs from Raleigh, NC to Maryville, TN this weekend. Carolina Basset Rescue is trying to move some of the dogs coming up for the event to temporary kenneling in TN until the ABC transport arrives to drive them to the August 12th event.  A volunteer has stepped up to kennel them for free so they will be ready for their travel North to new lives.  If you can help transport these wonderful guys to TN please contact Carolina Basset Rescue ava.whalen@hotmail.com or contact ABC's intake coordinator Sommer Slavin at SommerSlavin@hotmail.com.

If you think you see the next love of your life here or on our website please be sure to fill out an adoption application prior to the event at www.nybasset.org!