Author: dogsadmin

I’ve had my basset for around 4 months now, and he barks very loudly when demanding he gets fed or when he’s really excited his dad is home. I have seen that bassets howl instead, and my dad constantly asks if I’m going to “teach” him to do so. I wasn’t sure if that was something I could do, want to do, or if something he learns on his own?

When did your basset start howling if they ever did? What triggers this?

Kindly allow me to process this immense grief that I’m feeling at the moment.

Earlier today, our family made the most difficult decision of letting our boy rest. He was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy last year, and ear cancer and a tumor on his heart just a few months ago. He was doing relatively okay with the meds his vet gave him and even survived an emergency condition that needed a quick procedure. He was truly a fighter: A big baby at heart but when it came to these medical conditions, he would really muster up all his strength to get through them. His health however was quickly declining over the past days and when he refused to eat all the food he used to love, that was when I knew it was almost time. He used to have such a voracious appetite in spite of also being already partially blind and deaf. His nose never failed.

He was my brother. He had been there for several milestones in our lives. Before we would even get home he would know when we were nearby. He would wait patiently for us by the gate. He never bit anyone. He was always gentle and kind to every soul he met. He loved scratches and cuddles. He would cry the deepest howls whenever we, especially my mom would leave him for work or church– howls that echoed across the street much to the amusement of our neighbors. He was as stubborn as can be like a true basset hound. Tell him one thing and he does the other or does not do anything at all. But one look with those eyes and all is definitely forgiven.

He loved his family, of that I’m certain. He was as clingy as can be and until the very end, he fought to stay with us but his body could no longer take it.

The house is now so quiet and empty without him. I feel that a part of me has died as well. He would have turned 14 in 4 months. I really pray that he is now at peace and that he will still be with us in one way or another. He will forever be our baby, my soul dog, my brother.

For those who have lost their basset hounds, how did you deal with this pain? Thank you to everyone who took the time to read this.