RETIRING HOUNDS
At Howlin Hounds, our dogs are more than part of a program, they’re part of our family. Each one deserves love, time, attention, and purpose.
While we’d love to keep every Basset who’s ever touched our hearts, the reality is that holding on to every dog would eventually stretch our ability to give them all the time, love, and attention that they truly deserve. That’s something we’re never willing to compromise on.
Some dogs simply thrive better in a home with fewer dogs, more one-on-one time, or a quieter environment. In other cases, health testing results or other factors lead us to retire a dog from breeding - whether they’ve had puppies or never been bred at all. Then there are times, when it's the family who’s ready. Many families choose to skip the puppy stage and welcome an adult companion who’s already familiar with home life.
Our dogs are raised in a family setting - not in outdoor kennels or a barn. Our Hounds are familiar with everyday household life, from children and vacuums to dinnertime routines and couch snuggles. We completely understand and support those choices and we love helping make those matches.
When we choose to place an adult, it’s not because we’re letting them go, it’s because we love them enough to give them more. Every placement is thoughtful, intentional, and filled with the hope that they’ll continue their journey in a home where they can shine as someone’s everything. And yes - we stay in touch with our retired dogs. In fact, we stay in touch with all of our dogs, whether placed as a puppy or an adult. Our door is always open, day or night, because our commitment doesn’t end when they leave - it just continues from a little farther away.
Bella
Journey
Bella
Bella – The Matriarch of Our Program
Bella is the heart of our pack and the matriarch of our program. This black-and-white beauty is one of the sweetest Bassets you’ll ever meet, exuding grace in everything she does. She loves trips to the lake with our family and playing with our children, and she is always eager for adventure. A natural caretaker, Bella has spent her years gently “mothering” not only her own puppies, but also our other hounds and younger pups. She has given so much to our family and program, and we cherish her deeply.
Now retired, Bella will live out her life right here with us—loved, honored, and spoiled as she so deserves. She is our queen, and her pawprints will forever be on the heart of Howlin Hounds.
Dani
Journey
Bella
Dani, our striking red-and-white beauty with her signature lace-ear, brought so much joy, love and growth to our program. Over the years, she had three beautiful litters, each one blessing the lives of many families in our extended Howlin’ family. Her gentle nature, devotion, and charm left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Now retired, Dani is living her best life as a beloved companion in her new forever home. She shares her days with an older basset and two dachshunds, continuing to bring warmth and joy wherever she goes. We are deeply thankful for all Dani contributed to our program and for the love she now shares with her new family. She will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Journey
Journey
Journey
Journey has always lived up to her name. She walked through so many seasons of our life with love, patience, and typical Basset Hound shenanigans with our family. When it came time to let her start a new chapter, we knew it had to be something special. She stepped into her new home after they suddenly lost their previous Basset unexpectedly. Journey had some hearts to mend, and boy, she didn’t disappoint. She is loving her new family. She is loved and adored by her best bud, Bentley! The bond they’ve already built is something beautiful. Journey has also fallen in love with the family’s youngest baby, and we know she’ll walk through life right beside her, just like she did with our own kids. She stepped into their lives with the same steady love she gave us - and somehow, it feels like she was always meant to end up right there with them.