…from the January, 1901 edition
Sunday went well here at the D&G Cross Basset Hound Spa and Hotel. Some housework got done, lots of yummy lasagna was eaten and plenty of lounging about was done. Daisy and I did go on a 1.5 mile hike, and in the evening, we all walked down the street to the park so The Girls could roll in the grass, sniff around and explore. A pretty good Sunday, as these things go.
Our taxes are done and E-filed, so that annual pain in the ass is done with.
Today is vet visit day for Winker and doctor visit day for Grace. For me, it’s worky worky. For Daisy, it’s a Home Alone Day.
The Dociverse Blog 
I’m finally curious enough to ask since you write so often about them…
Where did you get your basset hounds from. A breeder? a shelter?
And…why basset hounds as opposed to any other breed of dog?
::B::
We adopted Daisy from the Sacramento City Animal Shelter (the same place that we had adopted Roscoe from years earlier) and Winker from the Yolo County ASPCA at a pet adoption day.
As to why Bassets, well, I’ve always liked them and their personality and energy level suit our lifestyle. When it’s time to play, they’re ready…when it’s time for a walk, they’re off and waddling…and when it’s time to kick back and relax, they chill out.
Bassets are also very friendly to people, other dogs, cats, etc. They love kids and are very mild tempered dogs. They have few health problems, too.
Of course, they are pitiful guard dogs:)
Boy, that was a fast response!
We’re thinking about getting a dog, since our 4.5 year old keeps asking (and is wearing us out) and with my wife not going back to work for another year, this summer we may finally get one. Our family used to have an Irish setter years ago (amiable and earnest but dopey), and one sister has a Malamute (huge and friendly), another a border collie (friendly, high energy), and my wife’s sister has a St. Bernard (drools and farts).
I’m not certain what kind of dog we would get for our suburban neighborhood. Nothing too big or too high maintenance. Our girl loves Golden Retrievers, and her favourite stuffed doggy is a black Labradour Retriever (named Rebus). Myself, I’m thinking of something along the lines of a beagle myself (something smaller yet smart and good with kids).
I’m also not certain where we would get one from. Our gaming friend who is a vet strongly recommends a breeder. I’m leaning to that, while my wife is leaning to a Shelter or the local SPCA (she’s a softie).
::B::
First off, I agree 100% with your wife. adopting from a shelter or a breed specific rescue, saves a life. And it’s gonna be hundreds of dollars cheaper.
As to the breed of dog, you need to consider carefully all the factors of your lifestyle. You also need to read up on the various dog breeds and their personalities. The same things that make Basset Hounds such sweet tempered and tolerant dogs (the fact that they were bred as pack hunting animals) makes it a very bad idea to have just one. They get lonely and bored while everyone is at work. This can lead to unwanted behavior. Having another dog they can play with is a good idea.
Many dogs are good with kids, including most of the hounds, most of the hunting dogs (retrievers, spaniels, etc) and many other breeds.
And yes, your Girl-O is probably at a good age for you to get a dog.