I wanted to share Wilson's story with you and Daphneyland. I went to Daphneyland to adopt a Basset Hound in 2004. I found a male Basset Hound named Oscar, fell in love, and took him home. Oscar had some medical issues due to neglect, long story short.... he passed away from a blood clot after having a mass removed from his gum line. I was so heart-broken. I only had him for 6 short weeks.

I went back to Dawn at Daphneyland and wanted to adopt another Basset Hound, and I found "Sam." He was 1 year old. I re-named him Wilson and that was eight years ago. Wilson is the best dog ever, smart, sweet, kind, lovable, and funny.

Wilson eats very fast, and he waits for the other 2 dogs we have to leave and he jacks their food, sometimes he will bark so the other 2 dogs will run to the door thinking someone is there and then he eats their food, pretty smart thinking.

Wilson is a great watch dog, too. He has a deep mean bark, and protects his home and family. He always wants his tummy rubbed. He is great around all animals, dogs, cats, horses and rats.

William August 13, 2015

I have adopted 2 bassets from "The Acton Ranch." In addition I rescued an abused & sick Basset from the San Bernardino shelter. I had to pay $75.00 to allow this dog to be taken to my vet rather than wait 24 hours to be spayed. The vet in Rimforest said he should be put down because he had untreated pneumonia and would only live a few hours. I disagreed. I requested the appropriate medicine & shots, brought him home and called Dawn. He was skin & bones, injuries from being attacked, balls hanging on the ground, skin & bones. Dawn guided me through his care. After three months he finally barked. Three years later, alive, good health, & he loves everybody. Thank you!

You can choose Basset Hound Rescue as your charity on Amazon. Many years ago my mom was in the hospital. I was so upset and needed to escape the sadness. I drove to Acton and hung out with these sweet dogs. I stayed to watch the dogs come running down the hill after the shelter closed. What a joyful place to be for the dogs & the volunteers.

Their kindness to me helped me get through a difficult time. Again, thank you.

Alison Hollingsworth August 13, 2015

I am a huge supporter of Daphneyland! It is an innovative rescue and shelter for Basset Hounds and other dogs who have nowhere else to go. Hounds that are at risk at a high kill shelter because they are sick, old, injured, or need behavior modification, or nutritional support have a forever home at Daphneyland. If the right forever family comes along to adopt a hound, then the family has a lifetime of support and expertise in Dawn Smith.

Dawn provides a wealth of slobbery good information and advice if you just follow the Daphneyland Facebook blog. There is nothing that she, and the staff, and volunteers wouldn't do, no sacrifice that wouldn't be made to save the life of an otherwise forgotten hound.

I am an animal behaviorist with a PhD in Experimental Psychology: Animal Learning and am currently working towards certification by the Animal Behavior Society. I am also an award winning college professor who has brought field trips of students and colleagues to Daphneyland for an informational behind the scenes tour of the facilities. The kennels are always clean, the dogs are always happy, the food is nutritious, and everything else about this rescue gets an A+++ (and I am a tough grader)!

In my work as an applied animal behaviorist, I have seen my share of shelters and living conditions for dogs and if MY Basset Hounds had nowhere to go, I'd want them to go to Daphneyland.

The fees charged for adopters are very reasonable given that most dogs must be spayed/neutered, de-wormed, and given basic veterinary care upon intake. Several dogs come in as "train wrecks" that need extensive veterinary care, medications, and surgeries. Dogs that everyone thought were dead have been brought back to life at Daphneyland (e.g., Willie), crippled dogs can now walk again (e.g., Chumlee), all due to the support of the wonderful group of folks who devote much of their lives to the hounds.

Everyone who loves Basset Hounds should support Daphneyland!

Cari B. Cannon, Ph.D. August 13, 2015