March 25, 2013
In Loving Memory of Hanna

March 7th, 2013
In Loving Memory of BenHer

4 The Hounds is very saddened to hear from the Dingmon family that their beloved BenHer has has passed on to The Bridge.

Our 16 1/2 year old BenHer has gone to the Bridge on March 7. Her best friend/brother, Ben, will greet her there with long ears blowing in the wind. Upon her adoption, BenHer became a happy house dog-- always warm, well fed and so very loved. She was a very dignified basset, her sisters and brothers always knew that she was the queen that ruled the house. She was determined to live her own 'Basset' way, always wanting to walk with the young dogs, even though she often had to be carried as she aged. She will be terribly missed. We will always love you Miss Her!

The Dingmon's--Mark and Dawn
Watson, Abby, and Halie

Rest in peace at The Bridge sweet BenHer.

March 2013
In Loving Memory of Amy

We sadly have to report that 4 The Hounds very own Amy has passed on to The Bridge.

She is now with her mom, Gracie, who passed on last April.

Amy was actually born at 4 The Hounds and was one of nine pups. All of her brothers and sisters went to new homes, as she did as well, but poor Amy wasn't as lucky. Unfortunately, she landed in an abusive home. She came back to us at 4 The Hounds and never left us.

Rest in peace at The Bridge our dear Amy.

March 1st, 2013
In Loving Memory of Gus

January 10th, 2013
In Loving Memory of Abby

August 2012
In Loving Memory of Zach

We are sad to report that our little buddy Zach has passed on to The Bridge.

Rest in peace at The Bridge sweet Zach.

April 11, 2012
In Loving Memory of Gracie

It is with tremendous sorrow and heavy hearts that 4 The Hounds announces the passing of our cherished friend Gracie today.

To her Mom, our own Adoption Coordinator, Gail Sutton, she was and will forever remain in her heart as "My Gracie."

Gracie was the apple of her Daddy's eye. He would sneak her into the kitchen every night after Mom fell asleep to have turkey. Gracie had fresh turkey breast in all her meals.

To all of the neighbors and friends of 4 The Hounds, she was "Our Gracie," and like her namesake, she was always a gracious lady.

She is now with her brother Ralphy who she has missed since the day he passed on to The Bridge in September of 2010.

Rest in peace at The Bridge our sweet angel Gracie.

November 26th, 2011
In Loving Memory of Margie

We sadly have to report that our dear Margie has passed on to The Bridge. Margie developed an infection after a surgery and passed on the morning of November, 26th from kidney/heart failure. She was a very shy girl when she first arrived at the loving home of her new adoptive family, but she was really making tremendous strides. She had quickly become quite the Daddy's girl.
She will be greatly missed by her wonderful and adoring Mom and Dad, Donna and David and also her adoptive sister Ellie and long time companion Mabel.

Rest in peace at The Bridge beloved Margie.

November 02, 2011
In Loving Memory of Missy

4 The Hounds is sad to report that we lost our sweet Missy today. Missy came into us in August of 2011 from an Oklahoma shelter. We never learned her full history but she certainly was full of love. Like all of the rescues we take in, we had hoped that this sweet girl would have a second chance at a loving forever home. Missy passed away in her sleep at some point during last night, but like all hounds, she was sure to eat all her dinner. She was not with us for very long but she left her paw print on our hearts and will be missed.

Rest in peace darling Missy.

October 2011
In Loving Memory of our Rocky

We sadly have to report that Rocky has passed on to The Bridge. He came to us several years ago from one of our rescue friendly vets in Oklahoma. His owner brought him in and said he could not walk. The vet kept asking him to put him down and let him see if he could walk. He refused and said just put him to sleep. The vet took him and called us. Rock Man could walk. After having him for a while we realized he suffered from seizures.
He lived for several years with his beloved Nancy.

Rest in peace Rock Man.

August 29, 2011
In Loving Memory of Toby

4 The Hounds is sad to announce that we lost Toby today. He was almost 12 years old.
Toby went to sleep in the loving arms of his mom, Amber.
He spent his last four years knowing that he was loved greatly by his family.

Rest in peace at The Bridge sweet Toby.

May 02, 2011
In Loving Memory of Little Bit

Little Bit came from the Oklahoma 7, seven bassets whose owner died suddenly while the dogs were being boarded. Nancy, a 4 the Hounds foster mom drove to western OK to pick her up for me, and I drove to Tulsa in a blizzard to pick her up. She was my Valentines gift to myself. Little Bit spent most of her time on her back, rolling around begging for belly rubs! She loved her belly rubs! Little Bit always had a worried little cry she would let out, you know the way bassets talk, I would get her going til she would start howling and then all the dogs would join in - a hound dog symphony. Little Bit was a healthy old girl of 13 but as basset do had something happen to her back. After many medicines, vets and alternative therapies I sent her on to the bridge. She stopped eating and her spark was gone, as much as I wanted to keep her with me I let her fly free and released her from her pain. I miss you Bitty and love you always!

Rest in peace at The Bridge sweet Little Bit.

May 03, 2011
In Loving Memory of Lovey

We sadly have to report that Lovey went to the bridge today. Due to an unknown birth defect which was inoperable she peacefully passed away.
We at 4 The Hounds are happy that she was able to have the hands on, loving care by our president Gladys. She went to the bridge knowing that not all people are evil.

Lovey knew she was dearly loved and will be missed.

March 10, 2011
In Loving Memory of Max

It is with very broken hearts I write to you today to notify you and the 4 The Hounds Rescue that Max, our beloved hound, crossed The Rainbow Bridge this morning. He was recently diagnosed with inoperable osteosarcoma (bone cancer) with metastasis to his lungs. He was in a great deal of pain and, although extensive medication helped, his quality of life was gone. We made the very difficult decision to put him to rest and let him cross the bridge to a better place.
We would like to thank you all for bringing Max to our lives 8 1/2 years ago by rescuing him from the streets of Arkansas, treating his heartworms, & letting him choose us as his new parents. Although he had his challenges, he was a wonderful dog that just required a little extra love, time, and a chance. Thank you for helping/encouraging us last year to seek medications when Max was having difficulty accepting the changes children brought to our family. He was placed on Prozac and thrived on it! His poor behaviors disappeared & it allowed him to form a special bond with our boys that would not have been possible otherwise. Max lived a very happy & spoiled life with us and we have many, many special memories with him. Max lived to approximately 10 1/2 years old.

Rest in peace at The Bridge our dearest Max.

March 10, 2011
In Loving Memory of Amos

Our beloved Amos has passed on to The Bridge.

March 09, 2011
In Loving Memory of Tillie

Our beloved Tillie has passed on to The Bridge.

February, 2011
In Loving Memory of Ben

The name Ben has several meanings…he who is next…the blessed one…or the son of the right hand. In April of 2002 my wife and I decided that we wanted to expand our basset family. Our oldest basset hound Thunderbolt had just passed and we were both were crushed with her passing, but we also felt a need to adopt right away, because there were so many hounds in need! We contacted Gladys, and expressed our interest in a female basset that would get along well with another dog. Gladys recommended a male basset named Ben that had been recently turned over for adoption.
At first we were reluctant, because a female basset was our preference. But Gladys said that this dog was unique, and there was something really special about him, and that we should really consider him! We placed our trust in Gladys and agreed to adopt Ben without seeing his picture, I guess there was something special about his name, and it just seemed to be our destiny to adopt him!
I'll never forget the first time we saw Ben at the kennel in Reeds Springs, and he did not disappoint! And I'll never forget how Gladys introduced Ben to us. Gladys said…. Are you ready to meet Ben? He's a wild one!
As the door opened, out came the happiest dog on the planet, with maybe the longest ears that I had ever seen! I don't know what the Guinness World Book of records is for the longest hound ears are, but I think Ben deserved serious consideration for this honor!
Ben had the physical features of an AKC champion pure bred, but he also had the mild manner of the everyday common dog! I remember on that grey April spring day as we were driving back to Kansas City with our new adoptee, I couldn't but help having the feeling of a new beginning. While the trees were in bloom with a new beginning of life, Ben was beginning his new life thru a second chance in our home! But more important Ben was giving us a second chance at a new beginning as well!
Ben loved everyone, and everyone loved Ben, he was a crowd pleaser and he drew attention everywhere he went! Ben was a shadow dog, and he loved being with his people! Ben was polite, and would gently take treats from our hands! Ben had a special way of thanking us for his food before he ate, by rubbing the side of his face against us!
Ben was the first basset hound to graduate from our local Pet Smart Obedience Course. In his later years Ben developed some back problems, and he was successfully treated with acupuncture treatments, at a local holistic animal clinic, and his normal gait returned! Ben was the ultimate cooperative patient; therefore he became the clinic's official open house demo dog for acupuncture! Ben was a kind and gentle soul, he was truly one of a kind, and sunshine followed him where ever he went!

Rest in peace at The Bridge our dearest Ben.

December 26th, 2010
In Loving Memory of Lucy

Lucy was rescued from a backyard breeder in July 2010. When she first came to her new home she was covered in fleas and ticks, suffering from irleacha (tick born disease) and was 15 pounds underweight. Over the next few months she seemed to be improving as she put on weight and started to get some of her fur back.
She was spoiled rotten, sleeping in a warm, personal bed, eating good food, getting taken to tracking events so she could use the skill she was born with and loved on by an entire family constantly.
It came to end all too quickly for Lucy after she started to go downhill again without any understanding. She was taken to the vet only to learn that after given a 2nd chance at a good life, she had cancer.
She will be dearly missed by Lindsey and her family.

Rest in peace at The Bridge dear Lucy.

December 2010
In Loving Memory of Rufus

Rufus wasn't with us for a long time - but long enough to make a HUGE imprint on our lives. Everyone almost gave up on him in the beginning because he was a special needs boy, but Linda and Ken heroically stuck by him through all of it. What short existence he had with us - let me assure you - was fabulous! He was loved and will be dearly missed.

September 27, 2010
In Loving Memory of Ralphy

It is with swollen eyes and very heavy hearts that we announce that our very own Ralphy went to the bridge today.
He would have been 11 in two days. Ralph was one of the happy success stories that 4 The Hounds is so extremely proud of. He was fortunate enough after a very rough start in life to end up in the loving home of our hard working and generous Adoption Coordinator, Gail Sutton. We know a part of her heart died today along with him.
He was so full of love and was wagging his tail to the end.

Rest in peace at The Bridge our sweet soul Ralphy.

September 10, 2010
In Loving Memory of Caddie

Caddie had lived in a home with four children all under the age of five. They had no time for Caddie and she was not happy in their home. They took her to the shelter and the shelter called us. We had her for a short time. She was adopted to a lovely woman whose husband was in the military. She wanted a companion. All was great till the husband came home. He was a wife abuser. Caddie tried to protect her Mom and the husband backed down but said she had to go. The wife got rid of the wrong family member. Caddie came back to us and we said, as the song goes, "Enough Is Enough!" She was a permanent resident of 4 The Hounds.

Thank you Christian and Marianne Strole for your financial support of Caddie over the years!

Rest in peace at The Bridge dear, sweet Caddie.

August 02, 2010
In Loving Memory of Petunia

We are all saddended to hear about the loss of Petunia. You were loved and adored, precious girl.
Rest in peace at The Bridge beautiful Petunia.

July 10, 2010
In Loving Memory of Farfel

His time was short in our lives but he is forever in our hearts. Farfel was a rough and tumble old soul. He loved galloping through the field at the end of his walks, cuddling up with Ben the cat, and he would snap like an alligator to get a biscuit from your hand. He was nearly blind so he barked a lot to make sure someone was always near either getting a bark or a pat on the head in return. Farfel brought joy and smiles to our lives everyday with his basset goofiness. Cancer accelerated his trip to The Bridge. I held him in my arms as I sent him on ahead. I miss him everyday but know he is romping with the other houndies and howling his Arrrooooo! Fly free sweet boy!

July 29, 2010
In Loving Memory of Sarah

Our beloved Sarah has passed on to The Bridge.

July 23, 2010
In Loving Memory of Cookie

We are all saddended to hear about the loss of our dear girl Cookie.
Rest in peace at The Bridge sweet Cookie.

June 29, 2010
In Loving Memory of Annabelle

4 The Hounds is saddended to hear about the loss of Annabelle.
Miss Annabelle is now residing at the Rainbow Bridge. Fly free, sweet girl. We miss you.

May 11, 2010
In Loving Memory of Ike

Sweet Ike was pulled from the Oklahoma City shelter in very rough shape. He was emaciated and had advanced heartworm disease. We tried our best to pull him through, but in the end he was too sick. For a while, he seemed to perk up, but it was determined that the heartworms had penetrated his liver, and he was failing. The decision was made to send him to The Bridge. He passed quietly with Martha's loving arms around him. We love you sweet boy....your time with us was far too short and we did not find you in time to help you get better.
Rest peacefully and we will see you again at a better and happier time.

April 27, 2010
In Loving Memory of Peggy Lou

Our beloved Peggy Lou has passed on to The Bridge.

July 2, 2009
In Loving Memory of Buford

4 The Hounds is saddended to hear about the loss of sweet Buford. His mom Julie was beside him when he passed. He was the best of basset boys and will be sorely missed by his family. The Bridge has another sweet spirit residing in the 4 The Hounds section. Rest easy, sweet boy. You are much loved.

August 21, 2008
In Loving Memory of Bing

4 The Hounds has lost one of its' sweetest spirits. Our sweet Bing made his journey to The Bridge last week. His sweet heart finally could not take the burden of congestive heart failure, and Gladys made the tough decision to send him on ahead. He was a wonderful companion who overcame a horrible early life to bring joy to Gladys' heart. We will never forget the way he chased the little lizards in her back yard! Rest easy, sweet boy. We will love you forever.

December 2007
In Loving Memory of Betty

Poor sweet Betty has gone to The Bridge. She was extremely ill when her foster mom pulled her out of the shelter, and she has lost her battle with ehrlichia. Rest in peace sweet girl. We will miss you.

October 4, 2007
In Loving Memory of Wilbur

It is with great sadness that 4 The Hounds has learned of the passing to The Bridge of Wilbur. His Mom Elaine wrote us to tell us that he developed Lymphoma and his health declined quickly. His human family loved him deeply and will miss him a great deal. Wait faithfully at The Bridge for your loved ones, sweet boy. We will all miss you.

May 10, 2007
In Loving Memory of Hooch

4 The Hounds is grieved by the passing of our beloved Hooch. He developed pancreatic cancer, which led to a hypoglycemic condition. As Gladys watched him fail day by day, she knew she had to help him move from this life to The Bridge. The kennel is not the same without him, but we know he is running healthy and free at The Bridge.
You are never far from our thoughts, big boy.

April 3, 2007
In Loving Memory of Tulip

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Gladys' beloved Tulip.
Cancer claimed her life, but the memory of her love and affection will never fade.
Rest easy at The Bridge, dear friend.

March 17, 2007
In Loving Memory of Jack

Sweet boy, you were only with us for a short time, but your passing has left a hole in our hearts. Some dogs come along, touch our lives, then swiftly leave. 4 The Hounds is blessed to have had you with us, if only for an instant. We miss you greatly, but know that you are running free and healthy at The Bridge.

Winter 2003
In Loving Memory of Mikey

With Deepest Regret, we announce the passing of our beloved Mikey, our most special boy who served us well as a constant reminder of why we do rescue.

Mikey succumbed to age and related health issues, but passed away in loving arms knowing he was loved, adored, and even revered as one of the finest and best boys we'll ever know. Words cannot now nor will they ever express our sorrow at the loss of Mike.

Mike, thank you for spending your final years teaching us to be the best we can be, and for your unflagging faithfulness and devotion to us and to all who loved you.

August 4, 2004
In Loving Memory of Blossom

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our old "curmudgeon," Blossom, who succumbed to old age on August 4, 2004. Because of her neurological and orthopedic limitations, we decided that she would remain with us and so she did for the last two years of her life. She ruled the kennel and the play yard and watched carefully over the young ones as they played, and never failed to keep them in line! Every morning she would greet Gladys with a single, "ROOF!" and we knew all was right with the world.

Blossom came to us from a shelter in Oklahoma and was one of the very first rescues we took in. She was about 10-12 years old at the time, incontinent, could barely walk without collapsing, and Doc advised us to do the kind thing and send her to The Bridge. Gladys refused... she saw a spark in those beautiful dark eyes that asked for a chance and sure enough, with time, and Gladys' loving care, Blossom recovered to become the lovely old lady that was hiding inside her frail little body. Also in time, she was able to regain control of her functions and was no longer incontinent. Blossom was at least 14 years old when she went to The Bridge, and lived the last years of her life in comfort knowing she was loved and cherished. The kennel was suddenly silent on that day in August and we miss her ever so much.

In Loving Memory of Our Pretty Lady

It is with great sadness that I tell you that "Our Pretty Lady" went to The Bridge today at the kennel with Gladys. She was a dear old girl and passed away at the kennel in her sleep.

In Loving Memory of Roscoe and Chester

It is with great sadness that I tell you "Our Roscoe and Our Chester" have gone to The Bridge.

June 27, 2006
In Loving Memory of Sissy Dumpling

Sissy Dumpling was about 11 or 12 years old and has been with us for 3+ years. She came to us from a puppy mill where she didn't have the best of care, and eventually lost both of her eyes due to glaucoma. Unless you looked at her face you would never knew she didn't have eyes. Sissy Dumpling was an angel and so thankful for everything Gladys did for her. If a dog could smile it was Sissy Dumpling. We at 4 The Hounds were blessed to have been a part of her life.

Sissy Dumpling we will miss you. Rest in peace Sweet Baby.

January 23, 2006
In Loving Memory of Jeffrey Dean

We were informed today by his mom Angie, that Jeffrey Dean has gone to The Bridge. Angie told us, "He was my comfort, he was my joy, he will be ever so missed." We'll miss your precious boy too, Angie. We are so very sorry.

January 19, 2006
In Loving Memory of Nellie Jo

August 3, 2005
In Loving Memory of Snooper

We sadly announce the loss of one of our own. Gladys' Snooper went to The Bridge after living his last 8 years with Gladys. He was approximately 16 years old. Snoops was rescued from a life of terrible abuse and neglect, and won Gladys' heart the moment she first saw him. He adored her as she did him, and we all miss him terribly. We are greatful that Gladys was able to give him a life of love and comfort after having known nothing but abuse.

July 2005
In Loving Memory of Samantha

Paul and Mindy once again have lost a precious girl. Samantha went peacefully to The Bridge in her sleep this past summer and like her family, we miss her too. Samantha was one of those truly beautful girls, inside as well as out. Samantha's companion, Katie Bug, preceded her, August, 2002.

July 7, 2005
In Loving Memory of Baily

Our precious Baily passed away . He had many health issues and his mom, Jamie loved him so much that she wanted him for her boy, in spite of them. We are so greatful to her for giving him a loving, caring home, and we grieve with her in the loss of her sweet Bailey.

June 26, 2005
In Loving Memory of Norman

Norman's dad, Jamie, has let us know that his precious boy went to The Bridge at the age of 6. He was his dad's best buddy and companion for almost 3 years and led a happy, fun loving life. Norman, you were such a good boy... we're so sorry to lose you so soon. We will miss you, Precious Boy.

March 7, 2003
In Loving Memory of Rowdy

Our sweet, darling Rowdy went to The Bridge today. He started having Grand Mal seizures one after the other and Gladys did the kind thing for him. She let him go to The Bridge when Doc said he felt like a brain tumor was at the root.

We will miss you, Darling Boy.

August 30, 2002
In Loving Memory of Katie Bug

Katie Bug... our beautiful old lady, went to The Bridge tonight. She was rescued from a shelter where she was brought in nearly starved to death. Paul and Mindy took one look at her picture and knew they had to foster her. They adopted her the first week she was in their home, and pampered her like a queen, complete with monthly beauty appointments and manicures! Katie lived a life of love and comfort and passed on knowing how much she was adored.

August 2002
In Loving Memory of Duke

It is with terrible sadness that we announce that Duke, 4 the Hounds' first rescued basset, went to The Bridge in August, 2002. Our condolences go out to his family who miss him terribly.

Duke was rescued from a life of being tied to a dog house by a chain and as we found out later, lived with a bullet in his leg. He went on to live with Tara and her boys in a wonderful home where he had a huge yard and other houndies to play with and was adored by all. He will be missed very much.

In Loving Memory of Winnie

We regretfully announce the passing of our darling Winnie, from lung cancer. She came to us from the shelter in Oklahoma City and was morbidly obese at the time. She began losing weight on her diet and her waiting adoptive family was anxiously looking forward to the day she could be spayed and come "home" to them.

Winnie developed breathing difficulties and while she was at Doc's, she slipped peacefully away from us. Winnie has gone to The Bridge where someday she'll be able to finally go home to her loving family.

December 26, 2001
In Loving Memory of Hope

On December 23, 2001, we rescued Hope from the Oklahoma City, OK shelter. Hope was such a sad little thing... she was found running as a stray on the streets, nearly starved to death and barely able to walk. We brought her home and loved her, gave her a soft, warm bed, a healthy diet, and lots of belly rubs. Hope even had her own stocking filled with toys and goodies on Christmas morning.

On the morning of the 26th, she was having difficulty breathing, so a trip to the vet was in order. The hard decision was made to send her gently from loving arms to The Bridge...