Newsletter Archive

ON THE NOSE NEWS

2024

  • On the Nose NEWS!

    December 2024

    SBR Finishes 2024 Strong!

    As 2024 draws to a close, we are so grateful for our supporters and volunteers who have kept us right on track! In the final quarter to date, we've brought in 15 bassets and 12 dogs have been adopted by their forever families. Even with no additional intakes or adoptions, our 2024 totals look to be right around our 5-year averages of 85 intakes and 73 adoptions per year. The chart below breaks out intake and adoptions over the past five years.

    That's the result of countless volunteer hours spent on initial intake interviews, reviewing foster and adoption applications, conducting home visits, coordinating transports, and overseeing medical care. It's also the result of hard work on community outreach and some extremely successful fundraising efforts - most notably the annual Waddle and Auction. None of this would be possible without our team of volunteers and supporters. We hope everyone involved knows how much their generosity on behalf of our beloved bassets - both in terms of time and money - is appreciated!

    As of December 18, 33 dogs are in foster care with SBR; 14 are forever fosters and 19 are awaiting medical clearance. In 2023, our average cost per dog in foster care was $1,600...and that cost isn't decreasing in 2024! SBR was delighted to raise over $11,000 in two successful fundraising efforts in early December (stories below), but that amount doesn't even cover the cost of Rossco's medical odyssey, described below. And Rossco is just ONE of the 82 dogs we brought in during 2024!

    That's why we hope you'll keep SBR in mind for your year-end giving. Our goal is to rescue, rehabilitate, and find a forever home for any basset hound in Florida who needs us. Your support makes it possible for us to continue giving bassets a second chance to live as they were intended – as someone’s best friend.

    In June, we received an emergency call to our hotline from a distraught owner. One of her dogs had bitten her young basset, and the owner could not afford the necessary surgery. The vet suggested she contact SBR for help.

    Over the weekend, we arranged for Rossco to be returned to the vet where he'd initially been seen. In consultation with SBR's medical coordinator, the original vet determined they did not have the in-house capability to do the necessary surgery.

    Our medical coordinator drove to pick up Rossco and deliver him to UF Gainesville College of Veterinary Medicine which had the requisite staff, equipment and skills to do what turned out to be an extremely complex surgery.

    Rossco had a fractured tibia, fibula, and numerous small crushed bones in his ankle. His surgery took two hours and involved the insertion of an elaborate external brace held in place with metal pins through his leg.

    At the completion of his initial surgery and several day hospital stay, Rossco headed home to his SBR foster-to-adopt family. They provided the soft landing and love he needed to make it through a recuperation that lasted several months.

    Over the summer, Rossco returned to UF and his medical team numerous times to adjust the brace, fight off infection, and assess progress. Finally, in August, the brace was removed and he was cleared for aquatic rehab.

    In September, Rossco was the featured guest of honor at SBR's annual auction. His adoption was finalized the minute he was medically cleared, and he is loving life with his basset sister and human family.

    SBR knew when we got the initial call that Rossco's care was going to be expensive. As it turned out, Rossco's journey back to health cost over $12,000.

    We didn't hesitate to say yes when the call came for help - and we never do. Being able to take on cases like Rossco is only possible because of our dedicated supporters. We hope you will include SBR in your year-end giving plans so we can continue to say yes to any FL basset hound in need!

    DONATE TODAY!

    Giving Tuesday - We Met Our Match!

    We are delighted to report that 50 donors contributed $3,352 on Giving Tuesday 2024, allowing SBR to unlock a $2,000 match from an additional generous donor! Our total of $5,352 was up 6% from last year's Giving Tuesday receipts - always nice to be heading in the right direction! Many thanks to all who contributed; your support makes it possible for SBR to cover extraordinary medical expenses like Rossco's, and also less costly, but nonetheless critical, care such as heartworm treatments, spaying and neutering, and dental work. THANK YOU!

    Debbie's Dawgs Supports SBR

    SBR was delighted to be chosen as the featured rescue in December by Debbie's Dawgs. Debbie's Dawgs is a wonderful group formed to honor the memory of Debbie Winchester. Debbie loved bassets, and senior bassets had a special place in her heart. When Debbie went into hospice care in 2014 after fighting esophageal cancer, a group of her friends decided to carry on her mission to assist senior bassets in rescue and formed Debbie's Dawgs.

    Debbie's Dawgs operates primarily on Facebook and throughout the first week of December, SBR's senior hounds were featured with profiles and pictures. On "$5 Friday", donors were asked to give up their latte or other daily treat and donate $5 to SBR. On top of that, Debbie's Dawgs ran an on-line auction of holiday-themed basset goodies from Dec. 6-8. Supporters bid on over 40 items and there were lots of happy winners.

    SBR was the happiest winner of all, receiving a total of $5,735 from Debbie's Dawgs! We could not be more appreciative of the support from generous basset lovers across the country. A special shout-out to Donna Lindy who works tirelessly to keep Debbie's Dawgs up, running, and supporting senior bassets across the country!

    MAKE YOUR YEAR-END DONATION NOW!

    SUNCOASTBASSETRESCUE.ORG

  • On the Nose NEWS!

    November 2024

    SBR Intakes Increase in 3rd Quarter; Adoptions Steady

    SBR's intake rate saw a big bump in the third quarter of 2024, due in large part to the ten bassets we took in as part of our new partnership with Utah Friends of Basset Hounds. We brought in a total of 30 dogs in the third quarter, on top of 19 dogs in first quarter, and 19 in the second.

    Adoptions have also remained consistent, with 26 dogs being adopted out in the first quarter, 21 in the second, and 19 in the third. Six have been adopted out through October in the fourth quarter. At the end of October, 27 dogs were in foster care with SBR; 14 are forever fosters and 13 are awaiting medical clearance. Pictures of some of our third quarter adoptees are below! 

    Greatest Waddle Ever Coming to Town!

    Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, hounds and houndettes - step right up for a day of fun, laughter, and basset hounds galore...

    Suncoast Basset Rescue proudly presents

    CIRQUE DU BASSET

    a circus-themed basset hound rescue event, where our lovable long-eared performers are ready to steal your hearts!

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    BINGO Date: Friday 6:30-8:30pm, February 21, 2025

    Location: Howard Johnson by Wyndham, 3951 Northwest Blitchton Road, Ocala, FL 34475

    __________________________________

    WADDLE Date: Saturday 9am-3pm, February 22, 2025

    Location: Greater Ocala Dog Club Grounds, 10205 NW Gainesville Road, Ocala, FL 34482

    __________________________________

    Get ready for a fun-filled day packed with circus-themed games, exciting performances, and a parade of the most adorable basset hounds you’ve ever seen! Whether you're looking to adopt, donate, or simply enjoy the festivities, there’s something for everyone - and every dollar raised goes towards our mission of giving these lovable dogs the second chance they deserve.

     Event Highlights:

    • Circus Games – Enjoy fun performances by our furry friends and some surprise guests.

    • Costume Contest - Start thinking "circus" now!

    • Family Fun – Carnival games, tattoos, and more activities for the whole family.

    • Raffles – Amazing prizes, with all proceeds supporting our rescue efforts.

    • Shopping – Check out the Big Top Basset Shop for lots of basset-themed goodies and SBR merch!

    • Food Truck - Pepere Joe's - new this year! Also, stop by SBR's Carousel Concessions for baked goodies, snacks & drinks.

    • Adoption & Forever Foster Central - Learn about the hounds in need of loving, forever homes.

    • Rainbow Bridge Memorial - Honor the hounds that passed in 2024.

    • Crowning of Waddle King & Queen – Celebrate passing of the crowns to our 2025 King & Queen!

    • Basset Hound Parade – Led by the newly-crowned King & Queen, ALL our low-riders get to strut their stuff under the big top!

    Bookmark www.suncoastbassetrescue.org/waddle-2025 for up-to-date info!

    Reserve Your Hotel Room Today

    We have a NEW hotel this year (no longer at The Equus Inn). This is where the Friday night BINGO will take place.

    Howard Johnson by Wyndham

    3951 Northwest Blitchton Road, Ocala, FL 34475

    Click here to book your room at a REDUCED rate! Book early - when they're all booked, they're gone! You can also call to book: (352) 629-7021

    Alternatively, feel free to book at another location if you prefer.

    Waddle King & Queen Contest

    A highlight of the Waddle is the King & Queen Contest. NOW is the time to get involved, either by nominating your dog, or by supporting other candidates! Read on....

    King & Queen of the Waddle - a quick primer!

    Who choses who's in the running? You do! Any basset or basset mix can run for King or Queen of the Waddle. They don't have to be SBR alumni - we welcome bassets from near or far! You just need a short paragraph describing your dog and their royal qualifications and a photo.

    • How does it work? Every "vote" for a candidate costs $1 - the King & Queen candidates with the most votes (money raised) win!

    • How do I raise money? Share your post on social media, run bake sales, wash cars, mow lawns, pester friends and family - your imagination and perseverance are the only limits. It's all for a great cause! People can either donate directly on the webpage or you can collect donations and submit them to our treasurer for credit to your candidate.

    • How do I vote for candidates? Go on-line and vote early and often for the candidates of your choice!

    • What's the money used for? Every dollar raised goes to make sure SBR has the resources to rescue and care for FL bassets in need. SBE is an all-volunteer organization and our funds are used primarily for medical care, both at initial intake and also ongoing care for our Forever Foster dogs.

    Be a Waddle Sponsor

    The Waddle is one of Suncoast Basset Rescue’s main annual fundraising events. It draws approximately 175 basset lovers and their hounds from across Florida and is widely publicized on social media, including Facebook & Instagram and on SBR’s website, as well as in this monthly email newsletter which reaches over 4,000 households. Sponsors at any level help underwrite the cost of the event so that 100% of the proceeds can go towards funding medical care for rescued hounds.

    There are 4 sponsorship levels:

    AERIALIST - $2,500

    ACROBAT - $1,000

    MAGICIAN - $500

    JUGGLER - $250

    Each level comes with differing benefits & recognition, including special SBR merch, logo/name on back of Waddle t-shirt, publicity across SBR media platforms. All sponsors will be recognized on a banner at the event! Click here to find out more and become a sponsor today! 

    Get Involved - Fun Jobs Large & Small

    Although the Waddle theme is circus, there's more than magic involved in pulling together this event! We need lots of volunteers to help with everything from soliciting sponsors, collecting items for raffle baskets and registration bags, staffing day-of events & booths, etc. We welcome experienced and new volunteers - it's a great way to meet fellow basset-lovers and be a part of a wonderful event.

    Our first organizing call is Friday, Nov. 22, 12:00-12:30pm EST:

    Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86875597792?pwd=WJmbbO0jw0WtWJ0C0bBsYO4k80OURR.1&from=addon

    Meeting ID: 868 7559 7792 

    Passcode: 977181

    If you can't make the Friday call, just email co-chairs Sara Lamason and Alysa Emden who will make sure you get all necessary info!

    SBR Auction - Early Holiday Success!

    SBR's amazing "Christmas in September" auction offered attendees many wonderful chances to support the hounds and get a little early holiday shopping - for themselves and others! 100 folks attended in person, while 104 more participated remotely. The event netted over $36,000, critical funds that will enable SBR to continue to offer medical and other care to FL bassets in need. Huge thanks to Kathy & Gary Oles and their team of dedicated volunteers who made it all possible!