The Howlidays are Coming!

To contact us Click HERE

 The Howlidays are almost here! Looking for that perfect gift for those special hound lovers?  Avoid the crowds and do all your holiday shopping at
 The Slobber Shoppe!View all items at Shop the Slobber Shoppe
The Slobber Shoppe has 350+ basset hound items, many are exclusive to ABC, so you will NOT find them anywhere else! Spanky loves to see Slobber Shoppe gourmet biscuits under the Christmas tree!

ALL proceeds from The Slobber Shoppe go to helping New York's unwanted and homeless basset hounds.  All orders are shipped within 48 hours to ensure holiday delivery. Items are shipped USPS or Fed Ex Ground. Shop for your basset's Mom, Dad, Grandparents, your basset friend, vet, groomer, co-worker, and mail carrier.  There is something for everyone...even the bassets!  Order a gift for yourself - you deserve it!

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!   

Christmas Letters

To contact us Click HERE
I wish I was more creative and could write a decent Christmas letter. I always enjoy making fun of reading them.  I've tried to write one but it sounds lame. Do I write what we've been up to this year? Do I leave out my sisters stint in Jail or dad's cancer? How fa la la la la is that kind of news? Not so jolly.

I even thought of writing it about another family...I could pick a TV Family...or how about the housewives of Atlanta,NY, NJ, OC, etc...yeah I didn't think anyone would want to read about that either...



I could have my dogs write it..now that would be interesting. We should leave it to Dexter...Scout isn't all that bright and I'm afraid we would not understand his spelling. Dakota would turn it into a wish list of things she wants and DJ would get distracted and eat the pencil.


I've searched the internet for christmas letters and found some very good ones. Do you think anyone would notice if I just used one of them? I would change the signature line of course...

Source: vintagexmascards.com via Denise on Pinterest

'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!   

'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 Theo now.  He is such a handsome boy and it sounds like he has grown into a 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!   

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.

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!   

"Why I Hate People" a Road Warrior's Perspective

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Meagan and Jed

Meagan Downing accompanied Laura Johnson on the trip to TN to rescue the 6 TX Basset Hounds that landed in NY last weekend.  She adopted 'Jumbo' Jed this year from ABC (looks like Jed has found the perfect forever home!)

Jumbo Jed

Following are Meagan's reflections on her recent road trip to TN to rescue the TX 6.  A most awesome blog post.  Thank you Meagan for allowing us to post!  I'm sure it speaks for lots of us.

By Meagan Michele Downing

Ihate people.
Iam often chastised for using the word ‘hate’ but I actually meanit since my definition of people seems to be vastly different fromwhat seems to be socially acceptable.  It encompasses those who arebigots, racists, who conform to what society says they should be rather thanwhat they really are, and those who are mean to children as well asanimals.  By the time I reached the oh so tender age of twenty three,I managed to swath myself in hypothetical armor to protect myselffrom my fellow homosapiens.
Ihave always been awkward.
Thatkid who could read by the age of six and spent most of her highschool years writing rather than worrying about makeup and boys.
Humansmake me wary.
Iam convinced cats are one day going to attempt to enslave the humanrace.  Keyword is attempt since they’d be foiled by a laser pointer.  I, for one, may welcome Overlord Mittens until the laser pointertechnology is perfected.
DogsI love.
Adog will never judge you for twenty minute rants that start out aboutthe socio-political climate but somehow end up about how the Topsaround the corner stops carrying salt water taffy once the leavesstart to fall.  A dog will lay next to you while you’re sick andjust want to main line OJ while watching movies from the 1990s.Without arguing about who’s the better actor in What’sEating Gilbert Grape?Depp or DiCaprio.  To quote George RR Martin: “A hound will die foryou, but never lie to you.  And he'll look you straight in the face.”(AClash of Kings: A Song of Ice and Fire.) Loyalty and love they give willingly.
Iwent on the Tennessee basset transport.  It wasn’t until we reacheda rest stop in Pennsylvania that first sadness and then rage took over.  Most ofthe mission had been devoted to getting there, retrieving the dogs,and returning to New York.  At this rest stop we took just a littletime to play with them.  I saw ribs, bad skin, infection, andparasites.  At the same time I saw a pack of dogs that were simplyoverjoyed that they were in the sun with soft grass under their pawswith strange humans.  Rather than cringing away or snapping theywanted to give kisses and play.  In that moment I was their wholeworld.  Never mind the fact they only knew me for under twenty fourhours.
Animalabuse is the face we see most often.  In posts on Facebook and thoseawful Sarah McLachlancommercials with the depressing song that invokes tears andpractically assaults your heart strings. Not that it’s a bad thing. I expected the dogs would probably snap at me or avoid touchcompletely. Animal neglect is far worse since it demeans the animaland it can be assumed they were probably never loved.
Iam familiar with anger.  I run on it and stress very well, but sadnesscripples me.  I convinced myself a long time ago that sadness meansyou are weak.  Instead of showing it, I learned to hide behind a mask so itcould not be exploited.  To never let them see you cry.  I hated that this made me feel sad to the point where I could not put the mask back on.  Ihated that it made me feel weak.  I hated that there were people outthere who could do this to creatures who only wanted love - who wouldprobably still look up and wag their tails for their negligentmasters because they loved them.  I hated myself just a little for notbeing able to snap back from the sadness in order to function.
ButI loved their spirit.
Whilethey frolicked in the sun I saw their new lives beginning.  Remusliving among books with a lovely basset sister.  Holly and Yahtzeeliving out their golden years on soft beds with humans that loved tospoil them and didn’t care if they moved slower or needed specialattention.  Seymour with a kid that would hold him tight in the darkto ward off imagined bogeymen.  Norman living in a house with a bigback yard to snuffle and occasionally bark at the mail man becausethat’s how he rolls. And Camilla getting a “Princess” beforeher name since she is so sweet and will enthrall any human sheadopts.  I know these are inaccurate fantasies, but I also know thatABC will place them in homes where they’ll be loved and cared for.
Bythe time we returned to New York and I got back to my apartment Inever wanted to go on another transport.  I marched from our parkedcar, up the porch stairs in a black mood and wondered why I would putmyself through something so emotionally exhausting.  Then I got intomy apartment.
Jedbarked when he saw me while he tried to head butt his way out of hiscrate.  I’d been gone forever to him and now I’d returned.  Nevermind that Scott had been home to spoil him.  Never mind that it hadn’tbeen forever but two days.  I opened the crate and instantly Jedstarted to hop then run circles around me.  I knelt down to greet himproperly but ended up on my back with a face covered in drool.  Hespent the night on the floor next to my side of the bed instead of onhis couch.  Sunday I couldn’t move around the apartment withouttripping over him or having a fuzzy head on my thigh while I read,wrote, and watched movies.  When we went for walks he put himselfbetween me and anything he perceived as a threat.  I joked with Scottabout how Jed thought his arch nemesis, the black lab across thestreet, kidnapped me and now it was up to Super Jed to not let ithappen again. With his power of the Sonic Headbutt he would shadowhis Mommy even if shadowing included almost tripping her in thekitchen.
Scottasked me if Jed’s costume would need a cape.  After a few momentsquoting various movies and comic books I realized I frequently createscenarios where my dog is a superhero, and that wouldn’t be possibleif he’d never been on a transport to New York.
Onmy first transport I met the people who’d brought Jed the finalleg.  I spent time tracking down his story and his files.  I emailedthe woman at the shelter where his journey started and she was simplydelighted at the fact he’d been adopted.  I thought of when hewalked up to me at Laura’s house as if to say “You’re myhuman.”  I realized he’d come a long way but his progress wouldn’thave been possible without someone devoting their time and energy tobring him to New York - eventually to me.  They were surprised whenI thanked them for taking the time and they just shrugged.  They’ddone it because it was the right thing to do.
Afterreflecting over this I knew I’d go on another transport.  Probablyto Tennessee and maybe I’d deliver a rehabilitated basset to theirforever home.  I will endure the heart break even though I know theending will be a happy one.  I will drag myself up my porch stairs,cursing people and myself.
Iwill open the door and be reminded of why I do it.
Ido it because maybe one day I can stop hating people because I seeeveryone at ABC coming together from different walks of life to savethese dogs.  Together they shoulder the heart break when it descendslike a storm.
Ido it because maybe it can be argued philosophically that a dog withPTSD saved my soul while making me a better human in the process.
Ido it because I want someone out there to create memories like myown.
Ido it because of Jed.
Ido it out of love.
Sothe end of the story will be a happy one.

Scott, Jed and Meagan

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!

ABC's Drool Fest 2012

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 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.

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.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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!