History of WABR

Sammy adopted 2017

Jumpin Jack Flash

Oscar adopted 2017

Earl adopted 2017

HISTORY OF WABR

1988

After saving numerous dog and networking with other rescuers, Pat Benstine formed Spokane Basset Rescue (SBR) .

1996

Pat Benstine and Mary Charbonneau joined collaboration when Mary adopted her first rescued Basset.

1998

Spokane Basset Rescue became a 501(c)(3) non profit animal welfare organization recognized by the IRS and has remained in good standing ever since then. The first Basset Blast was hosted in Franklin Park, Spokane, Wa.

1999

Mary Charbonneau became responsible for WABR's Fund Raising & Community Outreach.

2000

Basset Blast location moved to Sullivan Park in the Spokane Valley. WABR website went live.

2002

Spokane Basset Rescue relocated to Pat's new home in industrial Hillyard.

2005

Spokane Basset Rescue changed its named to Washington Basset Rescue since the scope of the rescue's efforts had extended to states of Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Utah, Canada and any where there is a need that we can help with.

2010

WABR joined Facebook. We earned the PetCo Foundation Grant ($1,200).

2011

STCU "Who Do You Love" Facebook grant ($1,000). Judy Brown met Pat and began fostering for her.

2012

STCU "Who Do You Love" Facebook Grant - 1st Place ($1,500). Mary Charbonneau earned the The Inlander's Peirone Prize, For Making the Inland NW a Better Place (for volunteer work with our non profit- $1,000 donation to WABR. WABR earned the Larry H. Miller Downtown Toyota Community Giving Grant via Facebook ($10,000).

Pat Benstine had her first stroke. Mary Charbonneau, Mike Charbonneau, and Judy Brown become interim Directors of the non profit.

2013

WABR relocates to the Spokane Valley. Our non profit begins using an amazing network of local Foster Families to help transport, temperament test, train, and rehome our hounds. October 2013: Pat Benstine had her last stroke and crossed The Rescuer's Rainbow Bridge.