DAISY

Daisy and her littermate Max adopted me on June 28, 2003. Since they were seniors I knew their time with me could be limited. I was fortunate to have a little over 3 years with Daisy before she passed away August 29, 2006. She was sassy and sweet and is dearly missed by Max (he's been known to try to groom me now that Daisy's not available!) and me. The morning after we lost Daisy, Max went into congestive heart failure--I say his heart broke when Daisy died. He is holding his own with medication but I realize he'll be rejoining Daisy in the near future. Until then I'm sure he'll continue to bring me joy and laughter every day. I hope the donation made in Daisy's memory helps bring another family together.

BUBBA

This is my favorite photo of Bubba, taken just a week before he was called home by God. Bubba was around 15 years old and we lost him to congestive heart and kidney failure on November 27, 2006. He was a rescue from Memphis and we were honored and blessed to have this special boy in our lives for a little over 6 years.

Bubba was a good boy who loved to eat and hang out on the couch...a real couch 'tater. He loved carrots and ice cubes for treats. He loved to run through the yard and "chase" airplanes and thunder. He was so sweet and loved to give kisses and have his ears rubbed. The loss of Bubba is devastating but we know he is with God in Heaven and we will see him again some day. Bubba was so loved and cherished and we miss him desperately. We adopted "Nick" from DRNA in Bubba's honor because we knew Bubba would approve of us bringing another abused precious boy in need into our loving family. Nick reminds me of Bubba very much.

Thank you DRNA for all you have done for us.

WIth Love, Family of Bubba.

BART

October 19, 1993 - October 27, 2006

Our baby, best friend and soul mate left us on 27 October 2006 at 2:26 am. He was born a standard wirehair dachshund with wild boar coloring. We adopted him when he was 6 months old. It is difficult to put into words the joy that Bart brought to our family and anyone he came in contact with. He was a true character. He lived each day with such a zest and joy for life.

Bart never wasted one minute sleeping or napping when he could be playing with his ball, walking with his family or eating his favorite food in the entire world -- bagels. Around Page 2 and Eye Opener coffee shops, he was affectionately known as “the bagel hunter” along with his sister Braitsen. He talked to us all the time, either verbally or with his fuzzy tail. He loved to travel -- from Canada to Pennsylvania to Portland, Oregon to Monterey Bay California. He loved the mountains and the city. He participated in Agility and ran around the agility field with dust flying and ears flapping.

Bart was very thoughtful and he could strategize his way through situations in which the end result would be beneficial to him -- like tricking his dad out of the favorite spot on the sofa.

Bart is survived by his sibling Braitsen and his mom and dad, Beth Klucher Whitney and Ross Whitney. We are grieving for him now but we are very lucky that he was a cherished and loved member of our family.

NICHOLAS

I adopted Nicholas from DRNA in January of 2003. From the beginning he was the best and most beautiful dog that I had ever met. He was great with the kids, housetrained, love to play outdoors and roll in the grass on a beautiful summer day. He loved toys and treats. He loved everyone that came to visit at our house. He loved to go for walks and sleep afterwards. My favorite thing was how he followed me around the house from room to room. He would follow me everywhere and anyone that came over got such a kick out of it and thought it was funny, but it made me feel special. When he came to us, his estimated age was between 8 - 10 years old. My Nicky passed away yesterday on November 29, 2006 from a brain tumor. He got sick and declined rapidly. He passed away quietly in his bed. I was there with him, petting him and telling him how much I loved him. Nicky - You made quite an impact on my life - I will never forget you and will always love and miss you. You will always be in my heart and I hope you are still following me around the house.

PAMI

1991-11/06/2006

I was looking for a dog who will excercise with me. I saw this little dachshund at an adoption agency. I got her out of her cage, she will start running and jumping, full of energy! I said this is the one! later they told me that she had been abused and force to breed for 10yrs living in a little cage, she had some serious kidney problems eventhougth she won't let that stop her. She won my heart and I had her for another 5 years. She will go to the lake, park, everywhere full of life. She was my best dog ever and I'll always have her in my heart. Even in her worst moments she'll be kind and sweet. I am ready now to adopt another dachshund and again, start another adventure!!! love you always Pami!

ZIGI

"This is dedicated to the memory of Zigi Zigenbein, a brave little dachshund with a big heart.

Zigi was abandoned by her owner, who asked the dog pound to destroy Zigi. I always believed that Zigi chose me. While most of the dogs either barked compulsively or laid impassively at the back of the kennel, seemingly resigned to their fate, Zigi's eyes sparkled as she walked calmly to the front of the kennel and kissed my face through the bars. She had this calm, Zen-like quality that is difficult to explain, it was something to be experienced.

For eight years, Zigi was my best friend and constant companion. I was a first year medical student when she first presented with congestive heart failure. Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the Cardiology, ICU, and Emergency vets & students at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Hospital, Zigi and I had an additional four months together.

I still miss Zigi every day. I find myself looking for her sweet little face, sparkling eyes and wagging tail. Sometimes I think I hear her little feet gently padding across the floor. Sometimes I think I see her shadow, only to remember that she has left me for a better place.

I know that no one else will ever love me the way Zigi did. I never thought much about the hereafter until Zigi's death; now, I sincerely hope that there will be a day when she and I are "together again"; perhaps she is waiting for me at the Rainbow Bridge...

All of the blessings of the universe upon you, my dear Zigenbein. May your memory never be forgotten.

Love,
Mama

PENNY
Penny came to us from DRNA. Her previous owner, a single man, had passed away and his family was not able to take care of her. She was identified as a “premadonna”. I knew right then that she would fit into the family. We had had Penny for about two-weeks when we stopped by a national pet chain and took her in to buy her a new toy. Penny had other ideas. It was adoption day. She went to look at the other dogs, leading my wife over to them. She walked right up to “Gretchen”; a Beagle/Jack Russell mixed and sat down as if to say “I want her”. She wouldn’t move. So we rescued her at Penny’s request. She got a toy too. They were inseparable after that. Penny loved to ride in the car, although she would complain because she couldn’t ride up front in your lap. Penny slept on the floor, under her blanket beside the bed. That is until we had a big thunderstorm. She was frightened. So she was allowed to sleep in the bed that one time. She felt safe, relaxed, and slept the whole night by our feet. The one night turned into several years. Everyone in our neighborhood, especially the kids, loved her. And she loved the attention. Penny became ill with liver cancer. Her kidneys were failing. He didn’t give her long to live and said she was in pain. After a brief discussion, we knew we had to send her to the “Rainbow” where her original owner was waiting, as she wasn’t really ours. We just fostered her. But she is missed by us and we think ourselves as blessed as to have had her in our lives.

MAX (2005-2006)
In mid November of 2005 Max began his very short life in a central PA puppy mill. This particular miller feeds all of his dogs dried corn. After being weaned Max too was placed on a diet of dried corn. On February 2, 2006 at approximately 10 1/2 weeks Max along with some other dogs came into rescue. From February 4 through February 24, 2006 Max was to visit the vet four or five times where it was believed he suffered from a viral infection of his intestines. On Thursday February 23, 2006 it became very apparent that Max was suffering from an obstruction of the bowl - he had lost almost a pound in a little over three days. Late in the evening that Thursday Max was taken to the PET emergency facility where after a series of x-rays he was given pain medication and put on another round of antibiotics. Friday morning February 24, 2006 while the rest of his mill mates were being neutered Max underwent yet another exam where it was determined that while he would need surgery, he was a very poor candidate for surgery and probably would not survive it. He was quietly put to sleep. Max is now buried in our back yard - this little puppy may have been born in obscurity but in just a very short time he ingrained himself in our hearts where he will live on for the remainder of our lives.

RUDY (1955-1966)
My mother is 88 now, approaching her 89th birthday in May. She is the widow of a Navy Veteran. I was their only human child. As a Navy family, we moved frequently. In Philadelphia, where we moved in the Fall of 1954, we were going to get a Dachshund -- probably a miniature. We'd adopted an older Standard Dachsie years before -- Shultzie -- who was no longer with us. We made an expedition, as a family, to the home of a breeder who had advertised in the paper. There we met a herd of Dachshunds.. several herds really... The puppies for sale were in an x-pen in one room... the rest of their dogs were family pets and no one was caged. The first to spot us was a very eager little black and tan girl.. jumping up on the pen, begging for kisses. But the puppy who came home with us was a very small, red male who sat quietly at the back of the pen watching us with big, soft eyes. Everything about Rudy was exceptional. In those days, we didn't know about brushing their teeth and as a result, Rudy had lost many teeth by the time he was 10 and we were living in Rhode Island, where Dad retired finally. He had journied with us to Michigan, and to Newfoundland ... when he shared out "exciting" crossing of the straits on the first icebreaker of the spring to go over. We were also snowbound on a train at the top of Newfoundland when an avalanche blocked the tracks. In Newfoundland, living on the Argentia Naval Air Station, Rudy took long walks to the beach and was an excellent and intelligent companion. When we had to come back to the states, finally settling in North Kingstown, RI, he was still with us. People used to think we had a big dog -- when the mail man arrived, he barked like a much larger dog. There were never any housebreaking or behavior issues. Rudy loved his ball, loved his walks and loved his family. When we had company my mother could say simply "bed Rudy" and he would tuck into his little bed under the kitchen Island. Sadly, at a mere 11 years of age, Rudy's teeth were so bad and his fear of going to the vets so extreme, that we had to put him to sleep. Today, I am sure that his health would have been much better and his life much longer... but he has been a continuing presence for my Mom ever since. He is buried in an oaken coffin that my father built him in the back corner of their garden. Mom, still in her own house, firmly believes that Rudy lived to be 22 ... I don't disillusion her. He has never left her side or her heart over all these years.
~Carla Neubert Benoist

OSCAR
Oscar, May you finally find the peace and happiness that you so richly deserve. You came into our home, and into our hearts, and in there you will always be. May the sun always warm your back, a hand always rub your belly, and your bed always be cozy. Sleep peacefully Osey. Love Always, Mom and Dad.

MAX BRADY I am making a donation in memory of my in-laws beloved dachshund, Max Brady. He just passed in the loving arms of his mother July 2. He had cancer and was given 2 days to 2 weeks. He was 14 years old and lived a long and happy life.

FIONA the warrior princess was one of the first DRNA rescues. She was found at the city dump in Ironton Ohio with one of her puppies. She came to my house to have a few comfortable months before she died, but someone forget to tell her and she lived with me for 8 years. She was an escape artist par excellence and cheated death more times than I can count. Fiona brought joy to many people and she loved keeping foster dogs in line. She helped mother 2 litters of foster pups and taught me it was just as important to lay in the sun as it was to hunt for moles and squirrels. Fiona the warrior princess headed off to the Bridge May 2005. (and I bet she has already figured out her escape route)
~Kay, companion of Fiona

WEEZER (1995-2005)

A very special doxie who truly loved life. Weezer showed the world being a cart dog was an ok thing. Even though he was only with me for two years it seems like a life time and was not enough. Weezer's favorite joy was shredding his toys. I do not know who wrote this poem but it touches my soul about my "Weezie".

MY GOODBYE TO WEEZER

My knees are weak and my eyes are teary.
My heart, it aches, and my soul is weary.
My hands, once strong, have lost their grip.
And my spirit, once whole, is tattered and ripped.

So stop all the clocks and cover the sun.
The goodness in life is over and done.
And stop all the smiles, and feeling of glee.
It’s simple nothing good can ever be.

No joy can reside in a heart so broken.
No smile can come from kind words spoken.
They will be no flowers in spring or winter’s day snow.
Four seasons of loneliness is all that I'll know.

Weezie You are gone?

But the sun rose today, and the winds they blew,
And the Earth still turned even without you.
But how? It makes no sense, you see.
Without you, nothing good ever will be.

But it does, it is, and will always be so.
Life carries on even after you go.
And I don't know how and I don't know why.
But one day I'll wake and I finally won't cry.

And the sadness I feel so deep and so true.
Will be smothered with love and fond memories of you.
I believe in Heaven, and should I go to that place.
I know the first thing I'll see will be my little dog’s face.

I Love You Weezer,
Mom

Minnie, you're the reason...

Minnie, you're the reason I became so endeared to the Dachshund Breed.  We all fell in love with you from the moment we met you. Pappy had to have a dachshund like you, then he got another one. Uncle Jack then had to have one.  You had us all totally smitten.

You became my constant companion, my true friend.  You're the reason we adopted "Jessie and Ellie".  You're the reason I became involved in Dachshund Rescue.  A few more dachsies have been added to the family, but you're still our number one girl, our firstborn.

I don't know why God took you from us so soon, but we can't question His judgment.  I guess He needed another angel like you.

You're the reason that I'll continue to rescue Dachshunds and each one will be in your name.  Minnie we love you and miss you deeply.  Always remember, that you're the reason.

Deeply missed...1995-2003

Mr. Duncan's last wish before his passing was to help dachshunds with back problems that would otherwise have no choice but to be put down.  His own dachshund went down and he opted to have surgery.  His dachshund was his friend and his companion.

DRNA wishes to thank Mr. Duncan's family for the donation made on his behalf and we hope that Al would be pleased to know that already his contribution is making a difference in the lives of several disabled dachshunds currently within our organization.

Thank you, Mr. Duncan, for your dedication and devotion to our beloved breed.

Hershey, red mini, born October 2,1980, passed away of old age on November 30, 1999, at the age of 19 years.

Hershey was my best friend for 19 years. I miss him dearly and think of him daily. Hershey loved to lie in the sunshine and snuggle under the covers. His favorite food was spaghetti and his favorite desert was ice-cream. Hershey loved to play tug-of-war with an old pair of my panty hose tied into many knots. He tolerated bathing but would rather bite than take any kind of medicine. I was bitten more than once but still loved him thru it all, as he loved me thru my good and bad times.

Hershey, I promise we'll be together once more someday. I know you'll be waiting for me at rainbow bridge.

Love,
Mom

Thank you, Vickie Sue Bakan, for your dedication and devotion to our beloved breed.

He was born with a birth defect that caused his front feet to have deformed toes. Because of this, he walked with a slight limp (although it never stopped him in his pursuit of neighborhood cats, nor did it impede his ability to catch mice). He soon figured out that if he was not getting all the attention he wanted, he could exaggerate his limp and get lots of sympathy that way.

He was also a gentlemen, one of the few dachshunds I've met that wouldn't snatch a treat out of your fingers. He would take it gently and eat it politely. If he didn't like what you were giving him though, he wouldn't be rude and turn his nose up. He would simply take the snack and hide it behind the couch. I found a pile of dog biscuits that he didn't care for back there once.

He was a wonderful dog, and I still miss him. Thanks for preserving His memory in such a wonderful way.

"Owned and Loved by Mary Janes"

In honor of Woodie (1992 - 2006)

Some times in the world of rescue a senior dog crosses our path and leaves an everlasting mark. Woodie was only a part of my life for six short weeks.

Yolanda

THE BEST PLACE TO BURY A DOG

There is one best place to bury a dog.
If you bury him in this spot, he will
come to you when you call -
come to you over the grim, dim frontier
of death, and down the well-remembered
path, and to your side again.
And though you call a dozen living
dogs to heel, they shall not growl at
him, nor resent his coming,
for he belongs there.
People may scoff at you, who see
no lightest blade of grass bent by his
footfall, who hear no whimper, people
who may never really have had a dog.
Smile at them, for you shall know
something that is hidden from them,
and which is well worth the knowing.
The one best place to bury a good
dog is in the heart of his master

Unknown

SQUIRT (2002?-2006)
A young DRNA foster, paralyzed from his waist down, Squirt never had the opportunity to go to a forever home. He was fun loving young boy and in his mind he had no limitations. He favorite joy in life was rolling in and out of the flower bed. He is now playing at the Rainbow Bridge in the flowers.

In honor of Sassy (1997 - 2007)

The Queen of my Heart, I shall always love you

... Grieve not,
nor speak of me with tears,
but laugh and talk of me
as if I were beside you...
I loved you so --
'twas Heaven here with you.

Isla Paschal Richardson

April

April came to us as a senior dog and stayed with us for the next 10 years. We got her when she was 8-10 years old. April led a full and happy life along with her other brothers and sisters. We lost April due to old age and a tumor 2 years ago. We were proud to have her as our buddy.

Fonzie

We adopted our first dachshund (Beatrice) from DRNA in 2003 and worked with Jane B in 2005 to adopt a senior dachshund named Fonzie. We're sending you this message to let you know that our dear sweet dog Fonzie passed away at noon on Saturday. He was in Rick's arms, which is where he wanted to be. As many of you know, he was a senior rescue that had been thrown away and he was persistent about being with us (a velcro doggie). He taught us a great deal about our own capacity for patience, unconditional love and humor.

We thought it would help the healing process to make a little film in his honor. You can view it at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=237O-V-v7Y4

Flora Dora

My name is Flora Dora, and although I may not be of your world any longer, I have ingratiated myself into the hearts of everyone I've come in contact with. I want to give thanks to my original owner, Cordelia, who loved me a lot as well as extend my undying gratitude to Liz and Jerry who rescued me and nurturted me and enabled me to get ready for my forever home with my new mommy and daddy. I may have only enjoyed a year at my forever home, but what a year it was! I learned to walk on a leash, run with my brother, Jake and my sister, Ty, and boy did I enjoy my rides in the big truck. I was spoiled rotten and quite frankly, I deserved it. I will remember you all with great love, and I can't wait to see you so that I can love you all over again.

With much love, affection, and gratitude,
Flora Dora DeCosta

KeKe

Oscar (1992 – 2007)

Oscar was a little guy with a big heart and bark who was very loyal to his family. Never fully realizing he was a dog and not a human, Osc loved being involved in everything going on in our house and like to be picked up so he could see what was going on. From chasing birds in the yard to stealing food from the table, his mischievous nature sometimes got him into trouble but his cuteness always got him out of it. Oscar was very protective of our family and was a great watchdog despite his tiny stature. He definitely didn’t act like he only weighed 8 pounds, especially when it came to eating! Meatballs, potato chips, Cheerios and coffee were among his favorites.

Osc loved to curl up with us on the couch and always showed affection; he could sense when you needed some cheering up. He loved to be the center of attention and would get jealous when our mom hugged us. Osc was such a happy little dog, he would wag his tail so hard his butt shook when you greeted him and clapped your hands. We’ll always remember running around like crazy in the kitchen with him when he came in from the yard after eating some “magic mushrooms.”

Oscar was part of so many chapters of our lives and gave us many happy memories. We’ll keep him in our hearts forever. We’ll miss you little man, but know you’re with Pop sunning your tummy in the sun and enjoying endless supplies of meatballs. We love you Oscy.

Love,
Lauren & Jillian

Rosie Q, beloved pet of Heath and Susie Donation made in memory of Rosie - thank you!

Franco

Franco came from Kansas and was given up by a man who had several pets he had to find homes for because he had to go into assisted living. He found homes for all but Franco. Maybe because Franco was 17 years old or maybe because he was deaf, but no one could possibly know what a sweet, sweet dog he was until being blessed with the chance to live with him. Even at 18, he was still sitting up pretty. Franco passed March 20, 2007 from congestive heart failure. His foster mom in Oklahoma adopted and adored him until the very end.

Lucy

Lucy was found wandering the streets of Tulsa, OK. A vet guessed her to be somewhere between 15 & 17 years of age. She wasn't well, had the typical ailments of an elderly dachshund. The most famous thing about Lucy was that she "talked" all the time, and she sounded just like a walrus when she did. She was such a delight and so funny to listen to. She passed on March 2, 2006, from complications of congestive heart failure.

Ruby

Enjoy looking at the world with two beautiful eyes, precious Ruby. You found peace at last and shared a bed with Lucy and the next day you were gone. We love you and will see you at the Bridge.

Gertruida Marie (1999-2007)

I guess I took Gert for granted because I could not believe how heart broken I have been since she died. Gert was not very obedient or well trained but a comical and very vocal dog. I mean she didn’t just bark but made all sorts of grunts, snorts and whines. She was a very friendly and affectionate dog and loved everybody. I will never forget her as long as I live. Fairwell Gertie I hope you are in a better place. Sol and Mary

Hank

Hank was our first Dachshund to adopt. Hank was blind but no one would ever have known it, he took each day and lived it to the fullest. Hank will always hold a special place in our hearts. I hope you are in a better place and have lots of animals to destuff and remove the squeaker out of. Mommy and Daddy will miss you, and know that even though we have adopted another dog, you are irreplacable. Rest in peace Hankie baby..

Eeyore

Eeyore came into our lives as fast as he left us. In the four short months that he roamed our home, Eeyore (named for the Winnie-the-Pooh character) changed our lives. His foster mom Yolanda asked me to come meet him before finalizing the adoption. I walked into her home and saw this pathetic and sad little dog lying on his bed. He barely raised his head for me, but I already knew that I was going to take him and love him.

The first week was tough. Eeyore had bad arthritis, and wouldn't eat or pee. He had a significant head tilt (we referred to him as "lopsided") and would often stumble. At his first vet visit with us, it was determined that he had arthritis, rotten teeth, vertigo, and bladder stones. After a good teeth cleaning and daily arthritis medicine, he was feeling much better. His new food was also helping his bladder stone problem. Once he started eating, we learned that he was the pickiest dog ever! He would only eat at certain times and in certain places of the house!

Eeyore was definitely a large alpha male in his heyday (and the longest dachshund we had ever seen). He was a solid 25 lbs at 16 years old, and he looked skinny! He would walk up to the other animals in the house and push them around with his nose. He tried to chase the cats when he first moved in, but quickly realized that, at his age, he was out-matched.

Eeyore may have been hard of both sight and hearing, but he still loved life. His favorite thing to do was to sit out in the front yard at dusk and roll in the grass. He loved ear scratches, playing in piles of blankets, and being held like a baby. He would lie next to my husband as he was studying (he was a first year law student, so this happened quite often). He was the slowest dog alive when on a leash, but take him off his leash and he hopped like a rabbit. This is one of our favorite things that he did, and he always looked back at you to see if you were following him.

It was obvious to us that Eeyore never really knew how to be a dog and therefore, we never took the little things for granted with him. He wouldn't get into your lap or beg for attention. He wasn't full of energy or easy to care for, but he had the most beautiful expressive eyes that could tell you everything. He was grateful for a soft bed, ear scratches, and treats (which he always took so gently). He did lick both me and my husband, once each. He wagged his tail one time when we played tug of war, and always gave a little wag when I would take him out on cooler mornings. He wasn't the quintessential perfect dog, but he was the perfect dog to us.

We lost Eeyore too soon. His last morning started with our usual routine. He had his morning walk, got a treat and an ear scratch and then settled back into his bed. Within an hour-and-half, he had a stroke. We looked into his eyes and knew that it was time to let him go.

We knew going into his adoption that we would not have him for years and years, but we were hoping for more than four months. We look back on our experience as one of the best and most rewarding of our lives. We will rescue again in the future, for Eeyore and because of him. He was that amazing.

Alastor

Dear Alastor,

You taught us so much in the short 2 ½ years we were lucky enough to be your humans. In particular you showed us it's possible to overcome a profound disability and be extremely happy.

Say, "hi" to Oliver, Thornton, Farmey and the Bean for us. We'll see you again some day.

We love you, Buddy!
Mommy and Daddy