Hounded by an obsession

Before you even reach the front door of Gary and Patti Greene's home, there's plenty of evidence that the couple love basset hounds.

There are the signs affixed to the garage, one that reads "Basset Hound Lane" and another that warns visitors the hounds can reach the fence in 2.8 seconds (Can you? it asks). There's the wreath hanging on the door with miniature basset figurines sitting among flowers.

As soon as you knock on the door, the dogs perch in the window howling and watching for who might arrive.

Once inside, the signs of basset "obsession," as Gary called it, are everywhere. Pictures, light-switch covers, drawings, posters, figurines and, of course, the three long-eared hounds.

Downstairs in Gary's office, the pictures and sketches of their pets, both current and former, color the walls.

"My son once commented that I have all these pictures of the dogs and only one of him," Gary said, pointing out the one picture of his 33-year old son, Gregg, that peeks out from behind four other pictures of the hounds on his work station.

This kind of basset love befits the couple who started Woodinville's Basset Bash and Brigade 23 years ago. What was once a gathering of about 30 dogs has grown over the years into an event drawing more than 300 hounds from across the nation. This year's event takes place Saturday.

The dogs come together to waddle in the All Fools' Day Parade, part of the annual Celebrate Woodinville festival.

This year, the 13th anniversary of the city's incorporation, attendees can participate in a community art show, City Hall open house, a crafts show and a children's activity and resource fair.

"This festival has a unique identity," said Marie Stake, spokeswoman for the city of Woodinville. "I don't know of any other community that does five separate events on one day."

The Greenes' dogs — George, Grrtrude and Watson — participate in the parade but don't wear costumes or compete in events to avoid accusations of "nepotism," the Greenes said.

Grrtrude, sister of Watson and son of George, is allowed to enter one contest — the most freckles competition — because they feel no one can accuse them of nepotism for something natural. She has won the past two years she competed, but as Gary put it, "There is some stiff competition out there."

During the Basset Bash, hounds compete for prizes in a variety of categories including longest ears, best trick, best howl, funniest name and costume. At the end, king and queen hounds are crowned.

People who have bassets "are weird," Gary said with a laugh. "Even people who don't have dogs just come to enjoy people making fools out of themselves."

Kayla Webley: 206-464-2391 or kwebley@seattletimes.com