What are you doing for the next 10 to 15 years?
This may seem like a silly question, but it's the first thing you should ask yourself when you are considering bringing home a dog.

Let's face it our animal shelters and rescue organizations are overloaded with unwanted pets. Many of these pets were acquired with the best intentions, but with a change in lifestyle, or other occurrence, pets become disposable and unwanted. Pets can provide you and your family with more unconditional love than you can imagine. But, please remember that acquiring a new pet is a lifetime commitment and should not be taken lightly.

BBR volunteers strive to place bassets in homes where their needs will be met. We work with all prospective adopters to research characteristics of available bassets and match them to an appropriate setting and lifestyle. Phone interviews, home visits and reference checks are required before adoption decisions are made. There are several things to consider before adding a new member to your family.

Is your family ready for a pet?
All family members should agree to adopt a pet. Never get a pet to satisfy a begging child. While children can help with the care of pets, parents should be prepared to take-on all pet care duties. Children do not always keep the promises they make when they first set eyes on a new pet.

Do you want an adult dog or puppy?
The amount of time that you will need to spend training your new dog depends greatly on its age and past experiences. A puppy will need to be house trained and given the opportunity to relieve itself at least every four hours. Puppies will go through a teething phase, which can mean chewing! Adult dogs may be well trained and well mannered while others have been given little training and exhibit undesirable behaviors. No matter their age, all dogs require consistent training to maintain good behavior.

How much time do you spend away from home?
When dogs are left alone for long periods of time (more than 8 to 10 hours) they may display frustration behaviors like barking, digging, chewing and relieving themselves in the house. In addition, if you are frequently away overnight, it will be necessary to have someone care for your pet. Dogs, even bassets, need regular exercise. Will you have time in your schedule for a nightly walk or game of tug or fetch?

Do you have small children or grandchildren?
Are they old enough to interact with a dog responsibly without hurting themselves or the dog? Children need to be taught how to behave around pets just as pets need to learn how to behave around children. Don't expect either to come naturally. A small childs game of pulling a dogs tail could result in the dog snapping or worse.

Is your budget ready for a dog?
Remember that the average life span of a dog can be 10-15 years. Your pet will need regular veterinary care, not to mention veterinary attention for any unforeseen problems or emergencies, a nutritious pet food, toys, a crate and other miscellaneous supplies. All this can add up.

What changes will time bring?
There is an old saying that the only constant in life is change. At some point, you and your family are bound to be affected by a change in job, location, family size and perhaps all three! How will this affect your pet? If you are required to move, will you be able to take your pet with you? Are you willing to consider your pet in the relocation process? What if you or another family member becomes allergic to your pet? Do you plan to have children? Do you plan to have more than one pet? What if your pet is afflicted with a debilitating disease? How will you provide for your pet under these circumstances? Unfortunately, many of the pets in shelters and rescue groups today are there because their pervious owners did not consider these possibilities. Please, before you make your decision, think about it seriously so you pet does not become a statistic once again.