By Tim Hawk
What does it mean for something to last 25 years?
That time means different things to different people but for the Tri-State Basset Hound Rescue it means 25 years of organizing, planning and showcasing its main fundraiser, the BoardWaddle, in which approximately 500 hounds can walk to save more of their own.
“Every dollar this rescue takes in goes to the dogs,” said Valerie Mazzei, president of Tri-State.
And when the hounds’ little legs hit the pavement on Asbury Avenue in Ocean City this past Saturday, for the 1.68-mile walk, they took a big step towards another year of rescues.
The BoardWaddle is part of the city’s Doo Dah Parade which kicks off the Shore town’s season of special events.
Thousands of people lined the streets and boardwalk to watch the 36th annual parade that led off with Philadelphia Phillies great Mickey Morandini as the grand marshal and included various floats, the Woodland String Band, and the Original Hobo Band.
Last but not least were the basset hounds who left the Ocean City Tabernacle led by their grand marshal Flash. The 10-year-old hound came to the rescue after he was given up by his owners in Louisiana, and rode comfortably in a white convertible with his new humans Jay and Dean Lieberman.
Following right behind was the brigade of dogs, many who were dressed in costumes — one as a domino pizza box, another dressed as the devil — while others rode in elaborate floats or were pulled in decorated wagons.
Gigi, a 9-year-old basset hound, and her owner John Gouveia, of Little Falls, were dressed alike, sporting the colors of America from head to foot, or in Gigi’s case, paw.
“There’s something to be said about being among a bunch of like-minded people who are into their basset hounds as much as you are,” said Gouveia before the parade began. “It’s just a fun bunch of people to be around.”
As the dogs made their way through the city, people would hold out their hands for a chance to pet them and maybe get a quick sloppy kiss, and the hounds didn’t disappoint.
The love for basset hounds was evident on Saturday but actually started the day before during the Basset Olympics, held in Ocean City. Their athleticism was on full display during the 10-meter sprint, 15-meter hurdles, high jump and obstacle course.
The fastest time in the 10-meter sprint clocked in at 2.13 seconds and the highest jump, which started 6 inches, was 18 inches.
Their humans cheered every moment and showered them with hugs and kisses as they crossed the finish line, but the hound that received the most cheers was 7-year-old Emma Jean who competed in every game even though she is blind.
“We just came to have fun and I didn’t really think Emma would do as much as she did,” said her owner Linda Hotaling of Fultonville, New York, who was there with her husband Tom and their second basset, Ellie Mae.
Emma lost both her eyes to glaucoma, the first when she was only 3 years old, and this past October when she had surgery to remove her second eye.
She was most impressive while competing in the hurdles event, as she put her trust in her owner every step of the way. Walking slowly, Linda would tap on the hurdles, which were turned over boxed flower planters, and Emma would take the leap of faith all the way to the finish line.
“She had me in tears when she cleared the last hurdle,” Linda said.
With all the fun the weekend of activities brought to the Shore, there is a more serious side of the BoardWaddle, and that is raising money to rescue more basset hound and basset hound mixes.
Last year 298 dogs were saved.
“We take in about 30 percent of the funds we need to run a year,” explained Mazzei when talking about the two days of events, which also included a Pawction where people bid on basset-themed items.
She said all the money raised goes to the dogs and supports the costs of vetting, microchipping, transport fees and food for their foster families.
This past year Tri-State rescued its first dog on the Mexican border – Cruz, a stray that was in very bad condition and who is approximately 10 years old.
Mazzie explained that the rescue stepped in to secure Cruz and sent him to one of their foster homes in Beaumont, Texas, before being flown to New Jersey.
While in Texas it was discovered he had cancers growing, had chronic issues with his eyes and had surgery to remove his ear canals. He is now considered a hospice case, explained Mazzei, and is not available for adoption but is staying with a foster and is “still full of life, and he is beautiful and he is happy.”
“From the border of Mexico he’s now on the shores of New Jersey,” said Mazzei, noting that the rescue is registered in five states — New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Alabama and Mississippi — but will pull from other states as well.
“It’s a labor of love that goes into this,” said Mazzei.
The next big event for the rescue is “Barks at the Parx” where the hounds race on the horse track at Parx Casino in Belsalm, Pennsylvania, on June 10.
Registration is not yet open but 96 dogs will have the opportunity to let their ears fly in search for glory.
Photos by Tim Hawk
Tim Hawk has been a photojournalist for more than 30 years, covering South Jersey and the Jersey Shore. He is also an adjunct professor at Rowan University he teaches photojournalism.
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