As a breeder of Pharaoh Hounds, but also a long-time rescuer and dedicated dog lover, I fully believe rescue is everyone’s job.  

Over the busy 4th of July weekend, when I should have been hanging out with my boys, relaxing, getting home projects completed, and catching up on sleep after a busy work week of travel – I dropped everything to participate in the largest Pharaoh Hound rescue operation in the history of the Pharaoh Hound Club of America.  

Some background: I spent 10.5 years as the Director of Mile High Weimaraner Rescue, fostered over 400 Weims and Weim-wannabes during a 15-year period, and prior to that fostered kittens.  I’ve had a handful of Pharaoh Hound fosters over the years, and those don’t stay long since we have approved homes waiting in the wings to adopt the rare dog that needs a home.  

The rescue operation: 6 people descended upon the scene in the South, 5 of us breeders – all of us ready and willing to help.  We took in over 20 Pharaoh Hounds as part of the largest rescue operation in our history.  It is immaterial how this situation transpired, as ultimately we were able to help these dogs in need.  I flew in and drove back – a whopping 23 hours, straight through, with my precious cargo.  The majority of the rescue operation were puppies: 3 litters ranging from ages 5 weeks to 8 months; we also rescued 3 adults with 2 going back to their breeders, one of whom was on-site for the rescue.  It took us 3 hours to intake the dogs, assess their various medical needs, photograph them, and then decide where they were going.  Every person there took foster dogs, some dogs went to veterinary care immediately, others went to temporary foster homes.  Yes, it was difficult to witness, and emotionally exhausting, but in the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: “To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived that is to have succeeded.”

My thoughts: I was asked by another breeder, not in Pharaoh Hounds, why on earth would I help out when it wasn’t my problem.  I found that question odd – I have deep experience with rescue operations, and felt called to help.  I am on the Board of the Pharaoh Hound Club of America as well as an active member of the rescue committee.  I have the resources, time, and wherewithal to help.  And, moreover, a situation of this magnitude called for many hands on deck.  As breeders we could and should help.  It is our moral responsibility.   

Update on the foster pups: These four precious babies that I brought home are thriving.  One is already off to a foster-to-adopt home.  The other three will be leaving this weekend to their foster homes.  All of these dogs will need a lot of vetting, and they will all be spayed and neutered.  They are thriving and if anything it is a testament to their will to survive.        

As a breeder of Pharaoh Hounds, but also a long-time rescuer and dedicated dog lover, I fully believe rescue is everyone’s job.  

Over the busy 4th of July weekend, when I should have been hanging out with my boys, relaxing, getting home projects completed, and catching up on sleep after a busy work week of travel – I dropped everything to participate in the largest Pharaoh Hound rescue operation in the history of the Pharaoh Hound Club of America.  

Some background: I spent 10.5 years as the Director of Mile High Weimaraner Rescue, fostered over 400 Weims and Weim-wannabes during a 15-year period, and prior to that fostered kittens.  I’ve had a handful of Pharaoh Hound fosters over the years, and those don’t stay long since we have approved homes waiting in the wings to adopt the rare dog that needs a home.  

The rescue operation: 6 people descended upon the scene in the South, 5 of us breeders – all of us ready and willing to help.  We took in over 20 Pharaoh Hounds as part of the largest rescue operation in our history.  It is immaterial how this situation transpired, as ultimately we were able to help these dogs in need.  I flew in and drove back – a whopping 23 hours, straight through, with my precious cargo.  The majority of the rescue operation were puppies: 3 litters ranging from ages 5 weeks to 8 months; we also rescued 3 adults with 2 going back to their breeders, one of whom was on-site for the rescue.  It took us 3 hours to intake the dogs, assess their various medical needs, photograph them, and then decide where they were going.  Every person there took foster dogs, some dogs went to veterinary care immediately, others went to temporary foster homes.  Yes, it was difficult to witness, and emotionally exhausting, but in the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: “To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived that is to have succeeded.”

My thoughts: I was asked by another breeder, not in Pharaoh Hounds, why on earth would I help out when it wasn’t my problem.  I found that question odd – I have deep experience with rescue operations, and felt called to help.  I am on the Board of the Pharaoh Hound Club of America as well as an active member of the rescue committee.  I have the resources, time, and wherewithal to help.  And, moreover, a situation of this magnitude called for many hands on deck.  As breeders we could and should help.  It is our moral responsibility.   

Update on the foster pups: These four precious babies that I brought home are thriving.  One is already off to a foster-to-adopt home.  The other three will be leaving this weekend to their foster homes.  All of these dogs will need a lot of vetting, and they will all be spayed and neutered.  They are thriving and if anything it is a testament to their will to survive.