Meet the winner of the Invitation Oxford Pet Cover Contest.
Alex Blackburn developed a love of basset hounds years before she had her own. Her grandmother had bassets, as did the owner of The Barn, a now-closed feed and seed business in Oxford.
“The basset’s name at The Barn was Tater, and I just loved him,” Blackburn said. “They are just kind animals, and also the dopiest and cutest.”
Oxford native Blackburn and her Alabama-raised husband Zack, have Dolly the basset hound; Livy, a 15-year-old terrier mix; and until last year, another basset named Waylon.
When 3-year-old Dolly was recently named winner of the 2024 pet contest, the Blackburns were joyfully surprised.
“I told Zack there were so many entries of so many beautiful dogs and we shouldn’t get our hopes up,” Alex said. “Then Dolly was a finalist, and we were so excited when she won.”
The Blackburns have no children and consider their pups their kids. And like most proud parents, they admit their bias.
The Pontotoc-born Dolly was the last of her litter left, and the Blackburns got lucky.
“Zack believes she is perfect,” Alex said. “She loves food and snuggles. She loves to go on walks. After her walks, she goes to the bedroom on her own and naps. She loves to howl and chase birds.”
Dolly and Livy are good friends. In fact, Dolly has never really met anyone — pet or person — she doesn’t like.
“Oh, my gosh,” Alex said. “Dolly gets along with everyone. We think Dolly is why Livy has lived so long. She is definitely a big Daddy’s girl — Zack is her person.”
Basset hounds are often described as “slow and plodding.” Dolly is an exception.
“Dolly is the most athletic basset hound in the world,” Alex said. “She is so fast. Yes, we are biased. But she really is perfect.”
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