It may seem like the Dark Ages, but 1996 was a Renaissance for neglected basset hounds. In November of that year, a concerned group of basset lovers gathered at the home of Melinda and Dick Brown. The purpose was to create a responsible and responsive rescue organization to serve the needs of dogs in the Virginias, Maryland, DC, Delaware, and parts of Pennsylvania.

Besides Dick and Melinda, that first meeting was attended by Harry and Mary Lou Chipman, Pat Lecates, Diane Morgan, Judy Trenck, Rodica Stoicoiu, John Warner and Dick Weber. Other early members were June Gravitte, Joan Portner, Lorraine Donahue, and Sue Lockhart. Lorraine, Harry and Mary Lou have passed on, and some other early members have gone on to other things, but several of the very first members are still hard at work with BROOD! Our first President was Melinda Brown, Vice President Rodica Stoicoiu, Treasurer Dick Weber, and Secretary Diane Morgan.

The first BROOD Ramble event was held in 1998 and has been held annually since. The Ramble is BROOD's major annual gathering and fundraising event and draws hundreds of humans and hounds, now held in September of each year with a different theme. The annual BROOD membership picnic is usually held in July.

Since our beginning BROOD has cared for and adopted out over 3,100 dogs with injured bodies, damaged spirits, or broken hearts. Some have been abused, some neglected, others left behind when owners moved or passed away. All needed our help desperately. Our dogs will always come first. We are unstinting in our care for our droopy eared, short-legged canine clients, helping them find at last the home they deserve.

BROOD welcomes new member and volunteers who share our passion for helping the helpless and finding room (somewhere, somehow) for every dog in need. Please join us as we continue our ongoing rescue work!