After I read the information in Brad Marlow’s post on facebook, I had to request his permission to use the information for a blog post. And then I waded through the comments and my thoughts did a complete 180 in reference to how I would use or respond to the information. His post on facebook created quite a fire storm of passionate responses.
Brad Marlow is with Bradley Marlow.
July 17 at 6:36 PM
Why rescue hounds, especially Coonhounds? That’s a often asked and legitimate question for those not in the know.
For those not familiar, Coonhounds are one of America’s oldest breeds. Yet, they have the stigma of just being a working dog, not privileged enough to deserve a safe, loving home. For example, in some areas of the South, Coonhounds replace the Pit Bull as the most euthanized dog in shelters.
In South Carolina, Coonhounds are exempt from animal welfare laws. They can be kept without regard to the animal’s safety and well being.
Across the South, Coonhounds are seen as a tool used for hunting. For many when that tool can no longer perform, it’s shot, starved to death, dumped in the woods to fend for itself until the coyotes get them, and for the lucky ones that do make it to the shelters, it’s a crap shoot if they’ll even make it to the adoption floor. Coonhounds are truly the under dogs of rescue.
My Beaux, an 80lb, Tri Color American English Coonhound, was dumped in the Cherokee National Forrest in the middle of a cold TN Winter. It took AC almost two weeks to catch him. That could have easily been the end of the story but fortunately for me, the shelter manager saw much more than a failed hunter.
After 6 months in the shelter and a couple of failed adoptions, Beaux was posted with a plea for someone to rescue or adopt.
The story doesn’t end there but let’s just save that for another time. Beaux doesn’t work anymore, he’s too busy lounging in the sun, sleeping in my bed, and being my best friend.
Coonhounds aren’t for the faint of heart or shallow of character and a sense of humor is a definite must. However, if you’re patient enough, you’ll be rewarded with unconditional love.
Beautifully stated !! And I cannot praise coonhounds enough !! There are some passionate people out there that say a coonhound is being “mistreated” if made to stay in a house!! UHHHH I have photographic proof that is NOT true!!
Mom, you were awake already right ?????
UHHHH, Don’t know about anyone else but I am NOT seeing any signs of mistreatment here !!!
#hounddoghappy