42 Saber Tails Spring 2017

Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Club of America

I

n 2014, Susie Heinhold contacted Sandy Bustin, the 

PBGVCA’s Rescue Southeastern regional director, to 

inquire about the possibility of rescuing a PBGV.  Sandy 

explained that not too many PBGVs come into rescue, 

but that she would keep Susie in mind if one became 

available in the future.  Susie remembers: “At the time, we 

were very content with the two wonderful dogs we had, 

and I knew the chance of adopting a PBGV through res-

cue was not very likely.  So, I put my hopes of a PBGV on 

the back burner.”  

S

usie was already very familiar with the Basset Hound 

breed, and her curiosity about the PBGV grew over 

time, and she eventually met one in person.  The family 

had moved into a new neighborhood and met Madison, 

a middle-aged PBGV with personality plus.  At the same 

time, her daughter met Max, a PBGV who makes regular 

visits to her middle school in Mount Pleasant.  Susie did 

some research, and realized there were not many breed-

ers near Charleston, and knew from talking with Sandy 

that the likelihood of ever finding one that needed to be 

Forever Home

Stories From Rescue

Written by Joan Mann

rehomed was very slim.”

S

usie said, “The story of how we came to adopt Coco began 

a year and a half ago, but the desire to own a PBGV be-

gan long before that.  Before I even knew what a Petit Basset 

Griffon Vendeen was, I was the proud owner of many Basset 

Hounds.  When my husband and I married in 1999, it was 

a two for one deal;” I joined him with my beloved and or-

nery Basset Hound, Hanna.  Two daughters and a few years 

later, we became a regular foster family to many homeless 

hounds through Carolina Basset Hound Rescue (CBHR).  

Hanna did not mind the various shapes and sizes of all the 

low riders to stay with us.  We eventually “foster-failed” and 

adopted Clementine, who was a senior hound with a heart 

of gold.  We grew so fond of the Basset personality, but af-

ter Hanna and Clementine passed away, we somehow talked 

ourselves into the newly popular non-shedding breeds.  We 

are currently the proud owners of a senior Golden Doodle 

named Henry and a Cockapoo, Cooper.   Henry is trained as 

a Pet Therapy dog, and makes regular visits to a downtown 

Charleston hospital.  Cooper had a rough start in life, but 

has blossomed into the 

most loyal pet anyone 

could ask for.  Despite the 

fact that Henry and Coo-

per do not shed, and are 

well behaved and loved 

by everyone, I could not 

help feel that something 

was missing.  I realized 

that they were so obedi-

ent and willing to please 

that there was no “Bas-

setude!”  There was also 

no snoring, garbage eat-

ing, or clown-like antics!  

Although I love Henry 

and Cooper, I knew in my 

heart that I would return 

to owning Basset Hounds, 

Coco

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