If you frequent this blog space and/or my Insta, then you’ve probably noticed that I’m completely dog obsessed. Check out my pups Insta @PowderHoundsTelluride they love to show off their antics over there. We just up’ed our pup count to five canines. Moose, Bo, Pippin & Indy welcome their new brother Gustavia. “Gustav” is named after my favorite island port town & the capital of St. Barths. Gustav is such a precious boy and the greatest gift to our family.
I grew up with dogs in the home, they were always my best friends, wagging their tails supporting me through everything. In my family we had one dog at a time and I dotted on them. I always tried to be their number one, but my Dad as the main caretaker caught their attention the most. It was my goal to one day have a dog family to call my own, I wanted to be the pack leader when I grew up.
Rescue Mama
I started rescuing hounds 6 years ago and our canine family has certainly grown! The Moose (hound mix) was my first, Bo came next American English Coonhound), then Indy (German Shorthair Pointer, he came with my boyfriend Sean) then Pippin (American English Coonhound) and now sweet little Gustavia (Bluetick Coonhound) Spending my formative years on the East Coast, growing up on Long Island you didn’t really see hounds…ever. As soon as The Moose entered my life I knew I’d be a hound mama forever.
Coonhounds
The vast majority of these sweet, kind dogs are mostly born & bred by hunters in the southern states. Sadly many of these dogs end up being abandoned in the woods, let go to fend for themselves. Coonhounds typically aren’t bred as beloved pets, just for hunting accessories. Sadly, many get lost on the hunt or aren’t wanted for one reason or another . The reality is, Coonhounds make the most amazing, loving family pets. I’ve made it my job to love on as many as I possibly can and I will continue to do so. If you love cuddles then these dogs are exactly what dreams are made of. They love to curl up & press against you any chance they get.
They are very active dogs so having lots of space for them to run is very important. Coonhounds are sport dogs and they must have plenty of exercise in order to behave in the home. Coonies are very smart but also quite strong headed and stubborn. They will listen to directions if prompted with food, otherwise they might just role their hound dog eyes & disobey.
Second Chance & Carolina Coonhound Rescue
I rescued Moose and Bo from our local mountain rescue Second Chance. They were my introduction to hounds and now I’m hooked! My search for more rescue hounds had me stumble upon the Carolina Coonhound Rescue. They are located in Charleston, SC. I watch their Insta daily and seriously I want to adopt every sweet dog they post! They take such great care of the dogs and are very careful about finding them loving forever homes. I picked up Pippin from them in Charleston 2 years ago and my new baby Gustavia as well. It’s a 60 hour road trip from Telluride to get them in SC and I’m so grateful I have made the time to make the trek. Gustav is my first puppy (4 months) and it is such a treat to have this little guy as a baby. The others I rescued at 1 and two years old.
I feel so blessed to have the room, patience and excitement (lots of energy!) to have all of these pups. They offer so much more then companionship, it’s the deepest love ever! XO
Thank you for sharing the backstory of your beautiful fur family! Gustav is going to love his new life in Telluride!
It’s been a wonderful journey with my babies! Gustav very is a very comfortable, happy little guy. Brought him to town today & he made lots of new friends.
He is adorable! I love all of your furbabies. He looks like he will will fit in perfectly. Can’t wait for the fall/winter adventures you all go on. <3
Thank you Dawn! Everyone is trying to figure out the new pecking order, but the big doggies are loving their new baby.It will be so exciting to see Gustavia in the snow for the first time!
I enjoyed reading your blog. My bluetik is Dasiee, she is 7 years old. She looks like your Bo. Wish I could send you a picture. Your dogs are beautiful and look so friendly. I tell Dasiee she is acting like a “cat” sometimes when she wants to go her own way. She loves sleeping in my bed. Goes ever everywhere with me in my car. They are loyal and protective. Write again soon. Thank you Sherry
Sherry, I love reading this about your sweet Dasiee. Coonhounds are the absolute best! I wish I could take all four of mine with me wherever I go, they are my everything. XO
Hi Sherry! I love that Dasiee looks like my Bo Bo! Message me a photo of her on Instagram @marlameridith I would LOVE to see your precious baby!
We have a 13 month old Bluetick Coon Hound we’ve been trying to find a good home for!
Hi! Where are you located? Can you please email me a photo & description? marla@marlameridith.com Thanks so much!!
Omg he’s is to cute. He looks just like my mom’s dog. But her dog is a beagle bluetick coonhound mix and he is the sweetest little cuddle bug.
Loved reading this. I am new to hounds and still lots to learn. So I’m researching and looking for any information to help us both..
My hound is a unintended rescue and I was looking for another home for him. I say “was” because he has my heart now so we can’t part. But Jim Dandy is a big handful, almost bigger than me! I never knew that Hounds could be so affectionate and charming. He is also one if the most intelligent dogs I’ve ever had.
I look forward to reading more about your family.
Hi! I am so happy to hear that you rescued sweet Jim Dandy!! Seriously, I fall in love with very hound I see, they truly are the most special breed. Like you said….sooooo affectionate & they just want to love & be loved on. When it comes to the outdoors, hounds are go dogs with tons of energy & always prefer to follow their nose. E-collars can be very helpful if you want to go without a leash. My pups need to run like the wind a few times a day otherwise they go stir crazy! Best of luck with your sweet boy. It is good to learn everything you can about this special breed. xx
2 years ago I rescued a redbone coonhound mixed with boxer and he is the sweetest boy. I have ever had always up for lovens and Cuddles.
They are the biggest lovers! I’m so happy that you rescued your sweet boy. Wishing you all the best 🙂 MM