Zoe Elizabeth Heller, the Basset Hound

Well I can't believe it has been a year! One year ago today, we brought Zoe home from the Ventura animal shelter. That would have been her last day, instead here she is, happy and healthy, a year later!

I have to tell you it was the smartest way to go if you want a dog. She was housebroken, and well trained. She did not chew on the furniture. She did not bark or whine all hours of the night. In fact, being a Basset Hound, she is about as close to the cartoon image of a dog you can imagine!

Don't get me wrong, I think we were exceptionally fortunate to find such a wonderful friend waiting for us. Most dogs will need an adjustment period moving into a new home. Although she was a great dog from the start, we are still seeing Zoe's personality blossom as she realizes she is no longer going to be hit or punished for everything she does. But getting a dog from a rescue can really help reduce the trauma on you, the dog and your favorite shoes. There are rescues for all types of breeds. We were watching the Shelter for hounds for the Basset Hound Rescue of Southern California when Zoe popped up.

You can see more pictures of Zoe here and you can read about her antics on her site and in the Newsletter of the BHRSC.

• Ventura Shelter
  This is where we found the hound!
• Basset Hound Rescue of Southern California
  The rescue where I volunteer, A good place to find dogs that have been tested in a more natural environment than a shelter. Many of their dogs are in foster homes and they can tell you a lot more about what you would be getting into with any particular dog.
• PetFinder.com
  Bassets not your breed? Not in Southern CA? This is the best place to find a rescue, and even a specific dog, near you!