December 13, 2011  

 

                I just wanted to let you know what a wonderful addition to our family Buddy has been. I’d always wanted a basset hound but somehow it never happened. There on your website was a picture of Buddy. I showed it to my children and that, as the saying goes, was all she wrote.

                Maybe all bassets are special. Maybe we were just lucky Buddy came into our lives when we needed him most. We picked Buddy up on a Saturday. That Monday, sadly, my father passed away. It was the first time my children, both of whom are commonly called “special needs” have experienced the death of a family member. It was particularly hard on my son. He and Grandpa always had a singular relationship. As hard as such a thing is to get through for a “normal” person, it would have been doubly so for Jacob. I’m not sure how we would have done it were it not for Buddy, but Buddy was there for him and made the difference. I will never forget the sight of my son, full of grief, burying his face in Buddy’s coat and sobbing, and the unbelievable tenderness with which this wonderful hound responded. He was so gentle and patient with Jacob. I don’t know how Buddy understood what was happening, but understood he definitely did. He provided solace and companionship not only to my son, but to all of us just when we needed it the most.

                Buddy follows Jacob everywhere. When Jacob leaves for school in the morning, Buddy is there to say goodbye. When Jacob comes home, Buddy is there waiting for him. The joy on both their faces at this daily reunion is a pleasure to behold. In fact, the only one who ever gets kisses from Buddy is Jacob. Buddy’s tag lists Jacob as owner, something my son is immeasurably proud of, but the fact is, there is no owner in this relationship, there are only best friends.

                Our most heartfelt thanks to your wonderful organization and particularly the Van Skivers, Buddy’s foster family, for all that you do for these special dogs.

 

Sincerely,

 

Guy L.