Can you afford a pet?

The average cost of owning a dog is $700 to $3000 per year. Annual exams, vaccinations, heartworm prevention, flea prevention, dogfood, all costs money. Even if your dog is very healthy, there are expenses to consider. And, if your dog gets sick, medical costs can accumulate quickly. Pet insurance is a viable option these days, and there are credit cards just for veterinary expenses, like CareCredit.

Do you have room in your home and life for a pet?
Pets require attention and care. They need exercise, mental stimulation, affection, and companionship. They also shed on your furniture sometimes or pee on your rugs. You have to be prepared for accidents and adjustments to your routine. In return, a dog will give you unconditional love and loyalty, and hopefully many years of friendship. The exchange is well worth it.

Why are you adopting?
Does your child want a dog? We are ok with that, but you must be the primary caregiver, and probably will be for the rest of his or her life. Keep in mind that you are providing a home for an unwanted animal, not only to provide a playmate for your child, or a companion for another pet, but to give that dog a safe haven from here on out.

Do you like basset hounds?
Please read our meet the breed information. We think they are lovable and wonderful and full of character, but most of us already have two of three in our homes. You have to know if a basset is right for you.

What is your dog ownership philosophy?
We don’t really believe in the concept of “outside” dogs. Our dogs live indoors as part of our families. Of course we allow them outside into fenced yards, or dogparks, or for walks, but we do not leave them chained outside, or leave them 24/7 in outdoor pens. That is not our idea of how companion animals should be treated. If you are getting a dog to act as a burglar alarm in your yard, please don’t. They are living creatures, worthy of respect and affection and caring. We will not adopt to people who plan to keep their dogs outside, or who currently have dogs living outside all the time.

Our Policy and Commitment
We take bassets from shelters in TN, eastern AR, and northern MS area when they are in danger of being put-down due to over crowding or cannot be properly cared for by the shelter. When we have room, we also will take bassets from owners who can no longer care for them due to adversity on a case-by-case basis.
We prefer to adopt our rescues in TN, eastern AR, and northern MS.
All bassets are spayed or neutered, current on all shots, and on heart worm preventative prior to being adopted.
If a basset has heart worms when rescued we have it treated if feasible.
We will advise you of any known health issues.
We attempt to identify any socialization issues and correct them. We will advise you of any that are uncorrected.
We will not take or allow to be adopted a known biter.
(Nibbling or mouthing is not biting)
We may recommend you do not adopt the basset you apply for if we feel it would not be suitable for your environment.
We start or complete house training, if necessary and time permits. You will need to do some house training in your new environment.
If at any time you decide you cannot keep your adopted dog, the dog must be returned to Belly Rubs, and your adoption fee will be returned if it is within 14 days of when you took possession of the dog.
We will come and check your home to identify any issues known to affect bassets. Poor fencing, unsecured swimming pools, and lots of stairs are the most common.
We will provide advice to help you correct any issues that come up after you adopt a basset from us