MEET OUR FOUNDERS:

NTBHR was founded in September, 1984 by Harriet Richman and later joined by many other volunteers who worked together to help rescue the breed that they love, making NTBHR one of the oldest Basset Hound Rescues in the country.  Originally called "Harriet's Hounds" and later operating under a national organization called Basset Hound Cares by the AKC Breed Club, the Basset Hound Club of America. In 1997, the group became Incorporated in the State of Texas and was named North Texas Basset Hound Rescue, Inc.  The original Board of Directors consisted of three individuals who dedicated their time, energy and money to rescue basset hounds here in North Texas.  They are our Founders, and we are happy to carry on their work today.

 HARRIET RICHMAN

Harriet is a retired breeder of AKC Champion Basset Hounds, owner of Hobbit Hill Farm, a member of the Basset Hound Club of America, the Basset Hound Club of Greater Fort Worth and the Denton Kennel Club.  Her basset hound, Ch. Feenreich's Laid Back Jack, TD (bred by Penny Swan) is one of the basset hounds chosen to best represent the AKC standard for the breed.  It is his image that you will see on the AKC website when you read about the basset hound.

Harriet Richman began rescuing basset hounds in September of 1984 before Rescue was popular.  About 10 years ago, Harriet wrote down the history of our organization, and how it came to be NTBHR.  You may read the FULL HISTORY here. 

Prior to NTBHR's Incorporation, Harriet enlisted the help of the Fort Worth Club members to help rescue homeless basset hounds.  Together, they rescued hundreds of basset hounds, paying for their medical treatment out of their own pockets, and placing them in loving adoptive homes.   Harriet was the first President and Director on the NTBHR Board of Directors when they were incorporated in 1997.  She retired from the Board in 2005 after 21 years of Rescue.

You can find Harriet at our Annual Basset Hound Shuffle and Games every fall, giving the Obedience and Tracking Demonstrations, along with some of her fabulous championship hounds.

Harriet is pictured here with Macaroni, one of her titled basset hounds bred by Marge Cook from her stud dog, Cayenne.  This photo was taken after he got a leg in Utility.  As of Jan, 2014, Macaroni is still with her, he is 12 1/2 years old.

SHARON  & RICHARD NANCE

Sharon and Richard Nance are owners of BoBac Bassets in Abiquiu, NM.  Sharon was the original Director of Operations for NTBHR, joining the first Board of Directors with Harriet and Marge.  Besides overseeing the intake and adoptions, she was the initiator of the Basset Hound Shuffle and Games.  Richard was the first Treasurer, and is responsible for acquiring our Incorporation and attaining our 501(c)3 status with the IRS.  Together they launched the non-profit organization that we have today.

Sharon and Richard are members of Basset Hound Club of America, Basset Hound Club of Greater Fort Worth and several other basset hound clubs.  Sharon is past President of the Basset Hound Club of Greater Fort Worth.  Richard is past President and is currently Secretary of the Fort Worth club. Richard has served as Director, 1st VP and President of the Basset Hound Club of America (BHCA).  Richard is approved by the AKC to judge Basset Hounds, Bloodhounds and Junior Showmanship. Sharon is approved by the AKC to judge Basset Hounds. 

We are happy and proud to have their continued support since 1997.

MARGE COOK

  Sadly, we lost Marge on January 5, 2022.  Marge was one of the three original Directors on NTBHR’s first Board of Directors, serving as Fundraising Chair. She cheerfully sold our wares at all of the dog shows, encouraging folks to help the rescues. You might remember Marge from the Shuffle where she ran the Basset Store for many years.

Marge is the owner of Bugle Bay Bassets in Azle, TX and is a member of the Basset Hound Club of America, the Basset Hound Club of Greater Fort Worth, and Dal-Tex Basset Hound Club. Marge also teaches ring, obedience, and tracking classes.

"Our first Basset arrived in 1965 and we were smitten with this wonderful breed. Nancy Evans' Pandora became an UDT. Our journey through obedience and tracking taught me much about the breed. We've bred or owned 4 UD Bassets, numerous CD and CDX winners along with 106 champions. To date I've bred or owned 6 TDX and nearly 40 TD Bassets. I try to put a tracking title on every Bugle Bay dog. Jim and I were active in field trials for about 20 years. This journey through Bassets has been an exciting one. The Bassets have been great and the people we have met have been wonderful people."