Founded in December 2022, Flights For Frank is a rescue initiative dedicated to helping basset hounds escape dangerous conditions in China and find loving forever homes in the United States.

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In China, basset hounds are illegal to own as pets and are included on the government’s banned breed list. Because of this, any basset hound found can be seized and destroyed at any time. Despite these restrictions, irresponsible backyard breeding continues, and many of these dogs end up abandoned, sold on the black market, or sold to be slaughtered in the dog meat trade.

While some U.S.-based rescues occasionally sponsor dogs from overseas, international rescue is both costly and complex. With so many urgent needs here at home, most organizations simply don’t have the capacity to take on these cases—leaving countless hounds without a path to safety.

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That’s where Flights For Frank comes in.

In partnership with Hope For China Dog Rescue and their dedicated network of local rescuers, we step in when a basset hound is found in need. From there, we rally the global basset community to raise funds for medical care, travel costs, and import paperwork—handling every step of their journey until they’re safely placed in a loving U.S. home.

As of 2025, Flights For Frank has proudly guided 11 basset hounds on their rescue journey. Our mission continues—because every hound deserves their flight home.

Up next, we are hoping to fly Bebe, a pint-sized, one-year-old basset hound with a mighty spirit. She was rescued from an illegal breeder in northern China, where she was found weak and struggling with a severe respiratory infection. Thanks to the care of our incredible rescue partners, Bebe has made an inspiring recovery. We are told she lights up when she sees humans and clearly has so much love to give.

This little fighter has since been spayed (thanks to donations), vaccinated, and is preparing for the next big step — her flight to the U.S. The total cost of Bebe’s journey is approximately $4,000, covering cargo and customs fees, required boarding upon arrival at LAX, and ground transportation in China.

We’re hoping to bring Bebe home before the harsh winter sets in in China. While she is currently under the care of a local rescuer, food and medicine are scarce, and she needs out ASAP. Every donation — no matter the size — helps make that possible.

We are also working to help Winifred, Wednesday, and Sally — three brave female Basset Hounds with a spooky-season spirit and names inspired by strong, iconic Halloween heroines. The trio was found together on a meat truck in Northern China on September 2. Thanks to one kind local man, they were safely pulled from that tragic fate.

Wednesday and Winifred (most likely sisters) are two-year-old black bassets — a rare and striking sight. Their expressive faces even hint at a possible Shar Pei mix, though it’s hard to know for sure. Sally, a beautiful black and white girl, is estimated to be about 3 years old. Sadly, a fourth Basset found with them did not survive long enough to receive the medical care and vaccines they desperately needed.

Winifred, Wednesday, and Sally are now safe at the same rescue base as Bebe, but resources are scarce — the dogs get just one meal a day and spend most of their time outdoors. The caretaker does his best, but they desperately need a chance at a better life.

If you’d like to support Bebe, Winifred, Wednesday and Sally's journeys, or are interested in fostering or adopting once they land, please reach out directly.

A note from our founder:

​I founded Flights For Frank after the passing of my beloved basset hound, Frank, in 2022. He was a very special soul who was originally rescued from a meat truck outside Beijing. His rescue was an incredible international effort made possible through Furry Tales Beijing, Hope For China Dog Rescue, and The Beagle Freedom Project’s Dogs In The Dark Initiative.

Frank was pure joy. He was goofy, spunky, and full of life. Losing him so suddenly in 2022 was devastating, but I knew his story couldn’t end there. Frank was one of the few lucky hounds who made it out of China and into a life filled with love. I felt called to help give that same chance to others like him, and that’s how Flights For Frank was born.

My love for basset hounds started long before Frank. I grew up with one as a kid, later adopted another named Cletus, and today I’m the proud dog mom to Ford and Barney—who was actually one of our Flights For Frank rescues that I was supposed to be fostering… but he never left.

Frank’s spirit continues to inspire everything we do. Every flight, every rescue, every wagging tail is a tribute to him. To everyone who has supported this mission, shared our stories, donated, or simply fallen in love with these hounds—thank you. You are helping keep Frank’s legacy alive and giving so many more bassets the chance to live the life they could have only dreamed of.      -Ashley Joy Parker