| Bailey |
 Bailey was rescued by Doreen for DRNA, in March of 2001. He was rescued from a bad situation where he was very much neglected. He had a companion dachshund that drowned before they could both be rescued, but luckily for me, Bailey survived. He's very leery of strangers, but once he decides you're okay he'll be the sweetest boy you'd ever want to see, as long as he gets his way! He loves to do nothing more than sit beside his human and get petted every now and then. He absolutely loves to go to bed and will bark excited when he realizes it's time to do that...of course, he sleeps in the human bed with me and his sister Gerti. I hadn't planned on getting another dog after losing my 18 1/2 year old dachshund in July 2001, but Gerti was lonely and started chewing things like a puppy when I wasn't home (she was 12 years old at the time!). So I started looking around and inquired about a couple of DRNA dogs who were already adopted. I was looking for a senior, 9 or 10 preferably. But then I read Bailey's story and how he needed a quiet home without a lot of coming and going, and thought that my house would be just the ticket for him. He was only 6 years old but had been through so much in his short life. And he had such a beautiful face that I fell completely in love with him when I saw his picture, reinforced when I met him in person even though he wouldn't let me near him for a few days. He even snapped at me a few times, but now he's my best buddy...although he can give me a little growl and a nip when I do something he doesn't like....like try to go to work in the mornings. But that's okay, he's found his forever home. |
| Sincerely, Karen, Bailey, and Gerti |
| Bailey S |
  Bailey Says:
Hello there! My name is Bailey, I’m a senior wiener from Michigan and I’ve had quite a story to my life! I don’t really remember much about my first couple of years, but after that time my first Mama was a young girl who loved me and cared for me for more than seven years. I thought I would always be there, but my Mama’s mother brought a new man into the house and he didn’t like me or want me around. After all my love and loyalty, he even wanted to send me to the pound! Luckily my Mama was loving and old enough by then to save me from that, and she took me away to stay with her away from the family. Mama still gave me plenty of love but it was hard for us because she had to be away most of the time trying to keep a roof over our heads, and I had to spend a lot of time in a crate because neighbors often weren’t friendly about dogs. Without much exercise I put on lots of weight and lost some of my fur, and so in the end my loving Mama, even though she hated to lose me, thought that the best thing she could do was to surrender me to DRNA so I could have a new home and a better new life. I was picked up by my kind foster-mama Lisa, and for a few months I stayed with her and her family, including three other dachsies! We all got on well, I lost most of my extra weight and started exercising a lot with my new friends in the lovely big gardens, and life started getting happier again with all the attention. Still, I did know that I was a guest and I wanted a home and companion who would be all my own in time. One of my foster-mama’s friends would visit quite often, he was called Piers and we got on very well - he always gave me lots of love and cuddles, and I was excited whenever he visited! Then I didn’t see him for a couple of months, but one day my foster-mama put me in the car and took me for a long, long drive. I was very patient in the car, and at the end of the journey, we came to a nice new apartment with plenty of grass and lots of interesting smells outside. Foster-mama took me to the door, and Piers opened it and welcomed us both – this was it, I had found my new Daddy! I settled in with Piers in Athens, Georgia quite quickly, and now I’m a very happy girl! The warm southern winters mean that I don’t have to worry about nasty snow on my belly when we walk outside, and I love exploring around here. Indoors I have my very own den, plus a choice of two or three beds in each room, doggy steps to help me get onto and off the sofas, plenty of toys - the freedom of the whole place, plus the very best food, lots of love and attention, and five or six walks every day with my Daddy, with a treat at the end of each walk too – wow, this is the life! Each day begins with Daddy taking me for a nice walk and then giving me breakfast, which is a fish and sweet potato meal that I love, and which includes a hard-working little capsule that’s helping my fur grow back. Then I get lots more fuss and affection, usually including belly-rubs, and I curl up on the sofa while my Daddy works at his computer. Sometimes Daddy has to go out for a couple of hours to work or get shopping, but I have all my toys to be amused with, my den, the beds, the freedom to roam about the place and the radio as company too. As soon as Daddy comes home I always get another walk, and I get that walk straight away every time, even if he only went out and crossed the road to post a letter, so I get plenty of walks every day, and each one ending with a baby carrot or fishy treat! It’s great! There are quite a few other dogs around here, and I like to have a few exchanges with them too while I’m out walking. There’s a big German Shepherd called Sherman in a neighboring block, and we have quite a barking rivalry when we see each other out and about – he might be ten times my size, but he doesn’t intimidate this dachsie! I always feel pleased with myself when I get the last woof disputing with Sherman, a little strut comes into my step on those occasions and my Daddy calls me “Napoleon Bailey-parte” which for some reason he finds funny. In the early evening I get my lovely dinner, and then after another walk and treat, I usually curl up with Daddy on the sofa. Sometimes I’ll sit on his lap, at other times I like to survey my territory from the top of the sofa, and then I’ll come and give loving kisses to Daddy’s head while he watches TV! At the end of the evening I get a final walk, another load of loving belly-rubs, and then prepare to sleep besides Daddy in my special snuggle-tails bed. It’s a wonderful life I lead now, and Daddy says it will get even better, as he wants to buy a place with more green space outside, a doggy door and a fenced-in yard, all just so that I can come and go whenever and however I like! I went to the vet recently too, and I’m now at perfect weight, with my fur growing back and the teeth of a dog half my age, so I’m feeling marvelous! I gratefully remember all the love and kindness I had from Mama and foster-mama to get me this far despite the troubles, and now my life and future is loving and happy with Daddy in my forever home. Thank you all! Piers Says: Before Bailey, I hadn’t had a pet since my childhood; I’d wanted to, but until I won some security in my academic work it wouldn’t have been fair, as I didn’t want to risk letting down a companion animal if I had to move address at short notice. In addition, I’d always thought that I’d probably choose either a bigger dog or a cat, since my family had a Labrador and several cats when I was a kid. But that was before my friendship with Lisa brought me into the orbit of DRNA and the wonderful world of dachsies! Meeting Lisa’s dogs I soon realized just how special a dachshund can be, and once Bailey and I met up – well, she frisked around, then looked up at me with those amazing expressive eyes, and my fate was sealed. How could anyone not love this wonderful, funny, lively, expressive adorable little dog? It was a stroke of luck that I had just won a more secure post in Georgia, and so I was at last able to provide some security for a pet, so once my move down was settled, Lisa brought Bailey here to join me. Since that time, my life has been hugely enriched, and I wonder how I could ever have been happy without a pet. It’s marvelous for me to come home and be greeted by such a wildly enthusiastic, tail-wagging bundle of affection, as it is to wake up in the morning and see this beautiful but slightly comic canine figure gazing up expectantly at me as the day begins! Bailey is an astonishingly appealing and loving dog, still full of affection, playfulness, trust and zest for life after all she went through; I was warned at the start that she needed some of her own space and might not be very demonstrative, which would be quite understandable, but as she has adjusted to me she has become more and more affectionate! She’s a wonderfully loving and loyal companion who has brightened my life immeasurably, and I feel hugely grateful to everyone responsible for saving her. Thank you DRNA for all your fine work, and for allowing me to adopt this wonderful dog! |
| Sincerely, Piers and Bailey |
| contributed February 2009 |
| Bandit |
 Here is Bandit a few days after he arrived at my home for foster care. He looked and smelled horrible. His body was covered with scabs and raw spots from the demodectic mange. Despite his unattractiveness, he had a heart that just wanted to be loved.
The first time I saw Bandit, he had just been brought home from the vet. He had a cast on one foot, virtually no hair, full of mange, and extremely thin. His foster home told us he had been found on the roadside in West Virginia. When I tried to pet the poor dog his skin was so rough from mange that I had to look for a spot to pet. He also had a severe case of separation anxiety. I spend a lot of time at his foster home and fell in love with this pitiful little puppy. After about three weeks, most of the mange was gone, the cast was off and he was looking quite healthy. I had to take him home. That was almost three months ago. He no longer suffers from separation anxiety. We took him to the park and had a lady tell us that his coat felt like velvet. He is very muscular and well nourished. The change is unbelievable. He has brought a lot of joy to our home and taken over our hearts. |
| -written by Bandit's new mommy, Amy |
| Bandit's Progress |
 Bandit UPDATE!
It has been over two years since Bandit's amazing surgery and he is doing great! He continues to act younger as time goes on, even though he must be about 15 by now. His family expanded last July when he got a little brother- a black and tan dapple doxie. Bandit's spirits have really lifted since he has a partner and a scapegoat. Bandit sometimes thinks he's two, too! While they'll chase each other all over the house after a good walk, most of the time Bandit just enjoys watching his brother play with the toys.
In another amazing feat, Bandit swallowed a sock about a year ago. It went all the way through him, much to everyone's surprise! It was a full sized men's athletic sock. How he got it all the way down his throat, we'll never know. He's definitely a survivor though. Here is a picture of Bandit on vacation in Colorado last summer. He likes to camp and hike, even though his mother has to carry him around if the climb is taller than a stair. If it gets too late by the campfire, he insists on going to bed and climbs right in the tent. He's also been able to fly across country to Arizona twice for Christmas. Bandit's my little pal and I love him dearly. He loves his dog life. May it continue on this level for many more years... Updated February 2007 Bandit before surgery... 
When Bandit moved in last summer, it was understood we'd have to work a little on his pudgy little body. The doctor said he was about 4 or 5 pounds overweight. Being the ripe old age of 12, it was going to be a bit of a task. We started our diet, stuck to our walking schedule, and that tummy just wasn't getting smaller. I'd had him for 3 months, and it was as if he was getting fatter!
On Halloween, Bandit developed an upset stomach. I knew something wasn't right and we spent the next day at the emergency room. Turns out, Bandit's pudgy tummy was a growth, not fat. Xrays revealed a large mass the size of a fist taking over his abdomen. In a miniature dachshund, that is huge! It was so big that it was pushing on his little stomach, causing him to feel sick. No one knew why it got there, just that it had probably developed in a very short period of time (like 3 weeks) and it was still growing fast. It became clear that soon it would take him. The doctors gave me three options. First, to do nothing and let things run their course. Second, put him down. Third, operate in the hopes that it was not cancerous. I visited two doctors getting all the details. They didn't know if he would even make it through the surgery, being an older fellow and all. There was little optimism. They wouldn't even tell me a percentage likelihood of success- probably because it was less than 10%. I cried and cried. Bandit spent that night glued to my side, still in pain and softly moaning with each breath. I thought it wasn't fair, why us? He was perfect, we were happy. We had just found each other, and now he may be leaving. He kept me up all night long, fraught with worry. I hated to see him in pain. I thought, "How can I let this little angel continue to suffer? How could I not give him a chance?" I knew my decision was made. The next day, Bandit went in for surgery. I kissed him goodbye, fully prepared to be picking up a box of ashes later that afternoon. But Bandit is a miracle dog. Those big brown eyes were telling me he wasn't ready to leave me yet. He knew he'd just found his perfect forever home. He wanted to fight for it. And he did. The surgery went off with out a hitch. Bandit after surgery! The growth was not cancer, but a hematoma that grew fast on his spline. The whole thing was removed- at a weight of almost 3 pounds! The doctor expects him to live for many more years now with no related problems. Whew! 
Meantime, Bandit's shaved belly is fuzzy again and his scar is healed over completely. He is quite svelt in his skinny new frame. He bolts around the house with the spunk of a 5 year old. He likes to take longer walks now, half of which he'd be running if I let him. He is such a happy little guy - truly a new dog - like he was a contestant on "The Swan." He is the hit of the neighborhood and loves to say hi to everyone he sees with a wag of the tail and kiss on the hand. Everyone wants to know his story and I love telling them he's from Dachshund Rescue and he's a truly a little miracle. Bandit came to my doorstep at just the right time. I'm not sure who's luckier - him or me. We've come to love each other so very much- we'd do anything for each other and we have. I wish everyone could have such a life improvement by rescuing a dachshund. The love of these dogs is truly the best thing in the whole world. Thanks DRNA! |
| Yvette Ziegler Baltimore, Maryland |
| contributed December 2004 |
| Barkley |
 My name is Barkley and I was adopted two years ago by the Smith's when they lost a beloved doxie Dudley. I provided lots of love to them and Dudley's playmate Maggie. Maggie and I both were promised a vacation of a lifetime to Yellowstone National Park. I am sorry to say Maggie became sick in the Spring and left us for the Rainbow Bridge. In July I headed to Yellowstone with the Smith's and I was the star. My mom even called me a chic magnet since all the young women would come up to me and my dad and make over me.
I know for a fact that my Mom and Dad really appreciate all that DRNA does for doxies and what that has meant to them. Please keep up the good work. My mom told everyone she met about the organization and she kept showing me off. |
| Thanks DRNA, Barkley
P.S. I think I do look pretty good considering I will be 11 years old in the fall. well nourished. The change is unbelievable. He has brought a lot of joy to our home and taken over our hearts. |
| contributed September 2004 |
| Baxter |
| Baxter
I have seen your section of the DRNA website called happy tails and I wanted to share my story!! I adopted Baxter from the DRNA in August of 2005 and I must say it has been the best decision of my life. This little guy has become a part of my life that I can't imagine not having.
I am a now 30 year old single gay man living with HIV. So I started looking for a pup a couple of months before this and immediately fell in love the moment I saw that adorable pic on the DRNA website. I sent the email and shortly after was contacted by Pat, Baxter's foster mom. She told me the story of this sad little boy and I was hooked. Baxter came from a puppy mill where he was purchased by a nice lady who brought him to the DRNA where he was taken in and evaluated to be malnourished, and his skin wasnt in that great of condition either. Not to mention this poor guy had been abused while in the mill. All of that changed for him the moment he was brought to Pat and changed even more the day I picked Baxter up in the Atlanta airport. A friend of Pat's had brought Baxter down as a Carry On on her flight back into town. When I met my little guy, I instantly fell in love. How could anyone have ever hurt this precious little angel? The first few weeks were very quiet. Baxter wasnt very social at all nor was he very vocal. That has all changed! This little guy greets me at the door with a few barks and runs in circles as I get ready to take him outside. He runs around like crazy sometimes while I am at the computer and he LOVES to play and run around on the bed. His favorite thing to do is run to the edge of the bed towards me then turn around and turn a circle while throwing his self up against the pillow and flopping down on the bed with a grunt and then a playful bark at me. When he isnt cutting up all he wants is to sit in my lap while I am at the computer. As a matter of fact that is where he is right now. And when it is time for bed, right by my side is where he stays ALL night long. I couldnt ask for a better best friend in my life. He certainly has been the only one to put a smile on my face when all seems like it is going wrong. He has definitely come a long way since that little boy I met in the airport and I wouldnt trade the world for him. (or his occasional accidents!!) Thanks a million paws!! Baxter and I both send our best wishes for your continued successes! |
| contributed October 2007 |
| Bean |
 Hello, my name is Janet Chase and April 29, 2009 my now fiance, Keith and myself adopted Archie from Kathie and Dan Cannell.
I would like to share a Happy Tail from his point of view. "Hi everyone my name is Mr. Archibald Bean. I was Archie when my humans adopted me. I'm Archibald when I do bad potties on the carpet, and I'm "Bean" all the time! When I first went to my forever home, I knew it was the place for me. From day one, I knew where all the toys were kept. That same night, I established that I do, in fact, sleep in the big bed. I now have my own pillow and stuffed animal to sleep with right between mommy and daddy. My human mommy and daddy think I'm hilarious and they love giving me attention every waking moment. They also love all the kisses I give them. I've learned so much since living with my humans. I know a whole bunch of tricks where I can spin and roll over and dance. I also know how to ring a bell when I want to go for a walk. When I come in from my walk, I know just where my treats are kept and I wait patiently. I've even learned to LOVE baths. I wasn't sure about water at first, but at just the right temperature, who could resist the spa treatment??? My favorite things about my forever home, besides mommy and daddy, are all my toys, my water bowl is always filled, there are SO many blankets for me to cuddle in, and now I have my very own steps to get up on the big bed. And even though I really dislike cats (I dislike that they run away when I chase them!), I think they have the right idea. So I love curling up on the windowsill with my blue blanket. I love car rides too! About twice a month I travel with my humans to the grandparents houses! Have you ever heard of grandparents? They are the best. All 4 of them love and adore me and cuddle with me and take me out to play in the yard...and I 2 more sets of toys at their houses! I love visiting. Now my mommy and daddy are going to be married and I'm hoping someday for a house with our own yard and maybe some Doxie friends, I love friends! Thank you to the DRNA for taking such good care of me and helping me find my forever home. They promise me all the love in the world." |
| Sincerely, Janet and Keith, Lancaster, PA |
| contributed February 2010 |
| Beanzie and Brandy |
|
As the oldest, I, Beanzie, get to do the talking. Mama eyed us on the web for several months (She didn’t think she could handle five dogs haha). When she came to see our foster dad, Ed Gurka, to pick up two other dogs for someone, love at first sight was confirmed and we just went right on home with her. My girlfriend Brandie is five years younger than me so she keeps me on the move when we’re playing. She acts like we’re still 2. My favorite activity is snuggling on or in our burrow bed.
We’re wonderful nurses. Mom sprained her ankle and spent a lot of time on the sofa (wonderful to have her home and not at work.) We took good care of her. Of course our other friends have to horn in too. Here’s Sammi on the back of the sofa, and Cindy trying to see if she can get on the ankle. I’m Daddy’s little boy and love to spend hours curled up on his chest watching TV. Naturally everyone curls up together in the big bed at night, under covers, on covers, on a pillow or wherever they can. You’ve heard of a three-dog night? There’s a four dog night in our bed. Mom and Dad say thank you, DRNA, for all you do. Susan, Bill, Beanzie, Brandie, Sammi, and Cindy Spurgeon And our visiting fireman, Nicholas (have to work on Mom to make him part of the family.) |
| contributed April 2007 |
| Bella |
 It has been a week since Bella came to live with us. We could not have asked for a better fit. After losing our dear Macana in December so suddenly and expectedly we were so empty inside. Our other doxie Sachi who was Macana's sister and littermate was very lost and sad. Kim Washburn did a wonderful job of finding us a dog to fit Sachi's needs. The two have taken to each other very quickly. It is almost as if Macana played a part in bringing Bella to us. Bella has several of the same behaviors as Macana.
She and Sachi are often found cuddled together and playing together. It is a perfect match. Thanks also to Ron and his wife for bringing Bella to us. The DRNA has been a wonderful organization to work with. Thank-you,Thank-you,Thank-you. |
| Sincerely, Bridget and Rhonda |
| contributed January 2007 |
| Belle |
|
Hi, my name is Belle and I have a very happy tail! I was a special needs dachshund because I was born deaf and blind. I made it to Arkansas where I found my foster Mom, Jo Beth. She is a great foster mom but I knew I could not stay with her forever. My happy tail gets better though. One day my new Mom saw me on the DRNA website and fell in love with me (who couldn’t love this face?). Jo Beth brought me to their house and I knew this is where I wanted to stay. I have a big back yard that I sniff my way around and lots of brothers and sisters to play with. My favorite sister I play with is a big black lab. I guess since I can’t see her I don’t know how big she really is. I am very happy in my new home and I will be living happily ever after.
Thanks for reading my story! Belle |
| contributed August 2007 |
| Big Red Max |
 We contacted Patti in North Carolina the 23rd of June about Max. Max is 13 years old and huge! He had been in foster care a long time because he can bite and is a little quirky in his ways. We decided that if we adopted, we wanted an older dog. It took some effort on foster mom Patti's part but we got our home visit done and were approved. Next came the huge task of getting Max from North Carolina to Missouri! Poor Patti worked so hard and got him within 3 hours of us. It was horribly hot when we picked him up the 24th of July. Everyone was tired, hot and ready for a nap. This week has been a big adjustment for us all. Our black and tan 4 month doxie adores her brother. Max keeps her in line! One booming bark is all it takes when she gets to pushy. She always comes running to mom when that happens. LOL!!!! Max loves a nice walk and a good roll every morning. He can be goofy and it is a hoot when 32 pounds of doxie is bouncing up and down! He loves his dad and insists on his bed being close to dad's side of the big bed. We are all still adjusting and settling in with one another but it is worth it. Give us a little more time and it will be all worked out. It feels as if our little family is complete!
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| Sincerely, Michelle, Jack and Merrie Jo Perkins |
| contributed July 2005 |
| Biscuit |
 Hello everyone!! Biscuit here!! I have found my forever family!!! I must say, they all are pretty smitten with me.... My new mom says I am SPOILED rotten. I am not sure what that means, all I know is that I get kisses every time she says that to me. I have 5 doxie brothers (well one is my boyfriend) and 1 doxie sister. I have a few bigger brother and sisters but I am all about my doxie siblings. I was not really healthy until I met my foster mom Lois. Once Momma Lois figured things out, she let me go live with my forever mom. I have not been sick one time since I have been in my new home! I take my meds, eat a half of a chicken each day, bask in the sunshine, keep watch of the big bed (it's all mine!) so life is good. I have gained one WHOLE pound and that is GREAT news!! My mom is very thankful for the DRNA and we both just wanted to say thanks!! If it wasn't for the DRNA, I wouldn't be where I am right now.
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| Sincerely, Debbie Peck |
| contributed March 2009 |
| Blue |
| I finally got my mom to sit still long enough to write my story to share with everyone... We are always on the go. I first moved to South Philly in October of 06. There is not a lot of grass, but it always sells good: Cheese steaks and pasta sauce. I really liked my new home, and new friends but I was no too sure about visitors. I'm a very protective boy and bark at everyone who comes in.
One of my favorite things is to go and visit my friend Casey. Casey is a Jack Russell who lives with my mom's parents in the country. We have a really good time together running around in the grass and chasing each other. I don't even mind car rides anymore, as long as I get to go with mom. I hate being left home. Recently we moved right across the street from a big park! There are always new dogs to meet, and we have new roommates who love taking me for walks and bring me home surprises like treats and squeaky toys. The best part of my new house is that I have conned my mom into thinking I can't get down the stairs, and she carries me now..(sucker). Let's see how long I can keep this up.. |
| contributed October 2007 |
| Bo |
 Bo was found as a stray and turned into a shelter. He was trembling with fear, infested with fleas, most of his hair was missing and he appeared to be blind. He could easily have been put down but thanks to DRNA, he was rescued and given a second chance at life. Bo blossomed in his foster home and just waited for his new forever home. Then some bad news came, he had cancer. Fortunately, a wonderful couple adopted Bo as a sanctuary dog. His new family says that Bo's coat continues to grow and is getting thicker. Bo will go to the groomer for the first time in March. He seems to be getting more active as each day goes by. He has taken a fond liking to the cat's toys and takes them from her all the time. As for his cancer, right now, he seems to be cancer free following his surgery. Bo is a true rescue story.
Thank you to all the wonderful families (like Bo's) that take a chance on a dog that may not be "perfect." |
| contributed March 2007 |
| Bogart |
 We (Justin and I) adopted Bogart (formerly Badger) on May 28, 2005. From the moment we saw his profile on the DRNA website…it was love at first site! Here is our story.
I had moved to Indianapolis 6 months prior and left my family, including my four legged pound puppy sister Marley, and friends behind. I missed them greatly! I was equally loved by Justin’s parents and 2 bassets Annie and Harley (with a 3rd basset every few months…as his mom is a foster mom) as my other family. We bought a house and decided to adopt a doxie. We began the long search for the perfect match. I began by asking friends of the family that owned doxies or owned a rescued pooch all the questions we could think of and then searched the web for doxie rescue groups. I saw a variety of doxies on OTHER sites that would seemed to fit well with Justin and I, but none willing to come to Indiana for home visits …until I found DRNA. I checked the DRNA site everyday for new doxies and one day saw Bogart. Justin and I immediately put in our application for him! Kim Washburn, DRNA rep from Indianapolis, contacted me a few days later and talked with me a while about Bogart and to get a feel for me. She was very honest about Bogart and the fact that she had many applications for him already, but wanted to visit our home anyway. Our visit was great and meeting Bogart for the first time was like meeting an old friend after many years apart. He fit right in! Kim also brought her friend and DRNA new-bee Chris (a very talented trainer) and both gave us very good tips that we use everyday! I felt very comfortable with her and could see how passionate she is about doxie rescue. Justin and I were excited, but knew that it would be a waiting game to see if we were his new parents. Kim kept in touch and was clear that she would only place Bogart with the forever home that was right for Bogart. Which we both appreciated! I cannot say enough about Kim. She and her husband unselfishly give their time and money to doxies that are in need. She is truly our fairy god-mother! We got the call from Kim that we were the best match for Bogart and a few days later he was home! Forever! She brought Bogart, with all of his essentials, and gave us the best vitamin and food for him. Kim visits us, when she has time, and helps us out with all of our questions. She has an open invitation to our home and forever visits with Bogart. Without her…we would have not found the sweet little man! Bogart is fitting in better than expected. He loves to play fetch, but is learning that he has to bring it back to us in order for the game to continue! We have had the normal “accidents” in the house here and there, but the crate has helped solve those problems! He is sooo happy to see us come home or go on a ride in my tricycle’s basket! (It’s the cutest thing you have ever seen!!) Bogart loves car rides, his toys, baths, long walks and saying “hey” to other pooch friends in the neighborhood. He is the most stylish pooch on the block with fun collars, t-shirts, coats and sweaters! Which he loves! He is very smart and creative in his everyday life! He loves the doggie bakery and snuggling with us in bed in the morning. He is the truly heaven sent! If you are wondering how he came into his new name…we wanted to stick with a “B” name (for training purposes) and I stumbled upon Bogart. He is very handsome like Humphrey Bogart (shiny smooth black and tan) and loves to “bogart” (slang for keeping something all to ones self) toys! Again, many “thanks” to DRNA and Kim Washburn! We will forever support your organization! Words cannot describe the joy they brought to our family! |
| Anne Bosse & Justin Holden Indianapolis, IN |
| contributed March 2007 |
| Bosco |
 After a long wait and many miles, Bosco arrived at our home in Milwaukee, WI on March 25, 2005. Bosco was originally brought into the Humane Society in South Carolina, where one special worker recognized that he needed extra help. She called Jane Bird of DRNA to make sure Bosco found himself a loving and encouraging forever home.
During the past 6 months, Bosco's strength and love for life has enabled him to beat many illnesses such as heartworms, whipworms, hookworms, ear infection, allergic reaction, and a heart murmur. Due to stress, Bosco was also missing most of the hair on his ears and tail and was underweight. We are so happy to say that his hair has all grown back and he is at a healthy weight. He is such a handsome 5 year old boy! Bosco has an amazing personality and is eager to gain the love of everyone around him. He has brought so much joy and laughter to our lives. We can hardly remember what life was like before Bosco became a part of our family. Thank you to DRNA and all of the wonderful people who helped bring Bosco home! |
| Sincerely, Tessa, Jon, and Bosco Milwaukee, WI |
| contributed September 2005 |
| Brandi and Denver |
 The Stewart Family of Georgia has adopted two dachshunds from DRNA. Denver joined the Stewarts on January 26, 2002, and on May 25, 2002 they added Brandi to the family. The Stewarts love their dachshunds and say Denver and Brandi act like natural brother and sister!
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| Brandy |
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| Kynne and Steven |
| contributed July 2010 |
| Brandy Jo |
 I adopted Brandy Jo from Missouri two years ago. People kept saying not to adopt a dog because of my work. They said I would never be able to take care of her. Well, that is not the case as Brandy comes almost everywhere with me. She is officially getting training on the red carpet to be a Puparazzi. When I interview my celebrity subjects she is right there meeting the stars and the media is so enamored of my Brandy that 3 years ago was taken with her mom Snoopy to a vet becaus ethey were no longer needed as breeder dogs. Well Snoopy died due to bloating. I knew I had to adopt Brandy after reading her bio as I was once close to my mother who died of colon cancer 4 years ago. Since getting Brandy my life has changed. We have changed the lives of children and the elderly many who we have met by happenstance out in the mall or on the streets. Two months ago I dreamt of Snoopy and my mother together, and I saw the happiest smile on my mother's face with this white light. It was as if she was saying she and Snoopy had a hand in getting Brandy to me in NJ thousands of miles away from Missouri where she was first rescued. I knew I did the right thing, saving a life. But in fact it was my rescue dog Brandy Jo that saved me. She has brought me so much joy and happiness and comfort.
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| contributed February 2009 |
| Brownie |
 Hi, my name is Brownie. Before I talk about my forever home I need to tell you about my foster Mom. She rescued me from a shelter and let me live with her. She nursed me back to health, and loved me for almost a year. I’m not sure why I stayed with her for that long…look at my picture, I’m adorable who wouldn’t love me? Anyway, one nice fall day last year, foster mom told me that she had a young lady who wanted me to come live with her. I was so happy. I waited patiently for a few weeks while my new Mom bought our house and got ready for me. I just couldn’t wait to be a Kentucky boy! Once I arrived to my forever home, I realized how lucky I was. You see, it’s just me and my new Mom so she has a lot of time for me. Did I mention that she spoils me? I get the best of everything! Since Mom is so good to me, I have decided to straighten up and be a good boy. I guess I wasn’t always the best dog. It took me a few days to realize that Mom loves me and won’t ever let me go. Now that I have a great home and two other dogs just like me to visit at Grandma’s house I am just as happy as can be. Thanks to every one who helped get me to my new home. And, a big thanks to my foster Mom Joyce, she was the best. But don’t tell my new Mom that!
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| contributed March 2006 |
| Buddy |
 Here are pictures of Buddy when he first came from the shelter.
Buddy, a 4 year old black and tan smooth dachshund, was found as a stray. The local SPCA contacted DRNA rescuer, Jane Lantz, to see if Dachshund Rescue could help this boy. He was covered with fleas, flea dirt, open sores, ear mites, had intestinal worms and tested positive for heartworms. His ears were all torn and tattered and he was missing a long strip of hair down his spine. Buddy Now (below)! Through donations, Buddy was treated for heartworms and brought back to good health by Jane Lantz in North Carolina. Through the miracle of the internet and email, Buddy's new owner followed his progress until he was ready to be adopted. The Dachshund Underground Railroad provided his free transportation from NC to his new home in RH. He now lives happily ever after in Rhode Island with his adopter, Judith, and Kokomo and Gina, his furbrother and fursister.  |
| Jane Lantz, Treasurer Dachshund Rescue of North America, Inc |
| Buddy (Bud) |
My name is Buddy,or Bud. I'm also known as "the Budster", "Mr. Terrific", "Mr. Sweetness", "Mr. BareNaked", and a whole, big bunch of other terms of endearment that Mum and Dad are always lavishing on me. I'm here to tell you about a mega-happy ending! This is no ordinary ending. Believe me! Until you live with a couple of eccentric artists -- one a peri-menopausal, over-emotional painter and writer and the other a crazed British auto enthusiast -- you never know what will happen from day to day. One minute, I'm cruisin' in a 1954 Austin-Healey 100-4 with Dad, my ears just a-blowin' in the wind to the roar of a four-cylinder engine, and the next minute, I'm posing for a photograph for the one-hundredth time or doing a watercolour with Mum. Or, I might be working on my novel, a collection of long and short "tails". But, it wasn't always like this. Not until May 19, 2002. Let me wheel back in time a little.
First off, let me tell you: I'm told that I'm a handsome fellow, unassuming and reserved, but downright handsome. My first six years were spent with my original human family. They loved me, but theirs was more a "surface" kind of love. They liked having a handsome stud around the yard. Until... It was a hot day in October 2001, and I was just sucking in those hot Georgian rays when I noticed a big, white cat strutting his stuff across the street. He was one of those real arrogant rascals. Chest out, tail high, you know what I mean. Being the curious, inquisitive kind of fellow that I am, I took off to investigate. Darned, if in all my excitement, I forgot to look both ways. This isn't intended to be a sad "tail", however, so let me simply say that I met Mr. Michelin. Not the nicest guy. Definitely, a more intimate introduction than any canine cares to have with rubber. There weren't any blood and guts, but I had to drag myself home because my back legs weren't working. I don't remember if the driver ever stopped; I didn't waste any time looking. I was out of there! Once I got home, my humans brought me into the house. They assumed that I had strained myself and didn't bother taking me to the doctor. However, I was one hurting trooper: an extruded disc at the T13-L1 vertebrae -- paralysis. Of course, my ability to do "my business" was greatly impaired, and I couldn't help but leave Mr. Poop & Mr. Pee in the most inappropriate location: inside the house. My humans didn't like that. Actually, they hated it. From being a praised family member, I was demoted to an object of scorn. After a month, I was dropped off at a local shelter. I know my humans felt bad. In fact, it still hurts that they couldn't look me in the eye, and they didn't bother saying goodbye. As I said before, this is a happy tail, so I'm going to leave that part behind. The woman at the shelter was a nice lady, but the place had this darned thing called a thirty-day policy. Let me tell you, I don’t claim to know much about these thirty-day affairs, but something about that one made me pretty nervous, especially on day twenty-nine. Being the unassuming, sweet, one-gentle-lick kind of fellow that I am, the shelter lady kept extending my stay. At three months she finally put out a PDS (Put Down Soon -- real soon, twenty-four hours) bulletin. Put that tissue away, folks! You've got to hold on for a really good part. Thank God, on February 22, 2002, the watchful eye of my savior, Susie Yates-Clark from Dachshund Rescue of North America (DRNA), was scanning overtime. Mommy Susie tries never to miss an at-risk dachshund. Anyhow, before I knew it, I was in North Carolina in a home that was called my foster home. I arrived there late at night with a bunch of other "rescue troopers". I was so exhausted from my close calls that I bunked down and barely made a sound. Because of all the commotion and the late hour, Mommy Susie and Daddy Dean quickly saw to all our needs and then went to bed. The next morning, I felt rested and started working my magic on the two of them. I had some good feelings that I was out of harm's way, plus I knew that my charm (reserved and unassuming) was irresistible. Don’t mean to be an arrogant fellow, just an accurate one. Before I knew it, I had the two of them wrapped around my baby toenail. They were crazy about me. (What isn't there to be crazy about a guy like me!) I went to the doctor. I got my teeth cleaned. Actually, I had a full overhaul. Only one thing I still don't like the idea of -- the folks at the veterinary's office sneaked and took my testicles off while I was sleeping. Imagine the nerve! After a couple weeks, a suspicious package arrived in the mail. Inside was the oddest-looking contraption that I ever laid eyes upon. Two wheels, a harness -- lots of metal. I sniffed it, not sure whether I liked it or not. When Mommy Susie gave me a joyful look and said, "Buddy, this is a special gift for you!" I wasn't sure what to make of the situation. But, before I could fathom "it" was going to live with us and, without doubt it was mine, Mommy Susie and Daddy Dean put my back legs into a set of stirrups. The next thing I knew, I was standing on all four for the first time since the rubber encounter, almost six months earlier. I didn't want to express my disapproval, being the good-natured sort of guy that I am, because Mommy Susie and Daddy Dean looked so pleased as they beheld me fastened in the thing. "Go, Buddy!" they encouraged me. I didn't move. Mommy Susie, clever soul, rolled my favorite ball (a fluorescent buddy ball), and I "put the medal to the metal!" At that point, life really changed for me. I could play, chase my foster siblings, and have one heck of a good time! I quickly found Mommy Susie to be quite the canny soul. She and her best friend made these special suits for me to wear around the house during the day and to sleep in at night. They're fancy outfits that keep Mr. Poop and Mr. Pee from getting all over the place. I have regular ones and fancy ones. Ralph Lauren would turn green with envy if he saw one! In late March came an e-mail: a lady up in Maine inquiring about me. I'm considered one of those tough placements because of "my problem". Heck, the way I look at it, there's a lot of folks out there that missed out on sharing life with one darned fine dachshund. It took this lady about a month of e-mailing to decide whether she could commit herself to caring for me. She asked Mommy Susie a ton of questions, some downright personal, like "How much bowel and bladder function does he have?" I never asked that about her! Since then I've learned that she has bouts with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), but I don't love her any less. It took the lady a while to get her husband to agree to add another dachshund to the household, but once she did, she e-mailed Mommy Susie, saying, "Gerry & I would like to adopt Buddy.'" I felt bad for Mommy Susie and Daddy Dean because I knew that as much as those words were happy ones; they were some of the hardest words for them to read. You see, the three of us (Mommy Susie, Daddy Dean, and me) were doing some serious snuggling, overtime! Why, I was getting along fine with my foster siblings (canine and feline). Imagine me sleeping on a throw rug with two kitties. I was making everyone really proud of me. I took first place in the crawl competition at a Pitt County Humane Society event. I received a gift certificate from a pet store. Everything was going splendid, so I couldn't imagine why Mommy Susie was working to find me this thing she kept calling a Forever Home. (Turns out that I’m forever home in her heart, but that's another story -- for my novel, perhaps.) Anyhow, Mommy Susie handled my adoption. I asked to see what my new parents looked like; Mommy Susie got photographs. I asked to see my future siblings; Mommy Susie got more photographs. By the beginning of May, my new home had been inspected by a DRNA volunteer. My new doctor had been contacted. Mommy Susie was working hard to get everything in place for me, even though she truly didn't want to let me go. Before I knew it, I was on my way to Maine. On May 19, 2002, I was in the arms of my other mother, Mum. Hold it, folks! I think this tail may be getting a little long, so let me fast forward to my one-year anniversary. On May 19, 2003, I wrote a special letter to Mommy Susie and Daddy Dean. I'd like to share it because it's all about my mega-happy ending. It's a special tribute to the folks who saved my life. - Dear Mommy Susie and Daddy Dean, It's me, Buddy, your beautiful wonderdog who moved to Maine one year ago today. I do like to pay myself compliments; guess I'm a bit less unassuming on this special day. I can't believe that one year has passed since you made all those arrangements with Mum and Dad to send me to my forever home, a happy, loving, and safe Haven, I might add. If I must admit, it took me a good couple months to settle in here, and I couldn't quite grasp why I had to go, but hindsight is always clearer, as Mum reminds me, and I came to understand that the two of you are guardian angels and saviors, so you must help many of us to find forever homes. I am grateful that you made such a sacrifice on behalf of us spirited creatures because I know it must have been one of the hardest things to do: to let me go. That decision, however, has made two human creatures, Mum and Dad, two of the happiest people in the whole wide world. They think that I am wonderful, and they worship the ground I wheel across. Thanks for being two of the very best people in the world. Today is absolutely beautiful (except even warmer), like the day Mum picked me up in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, at the Market Basket supermarket. I still recall how she kept saying what a big, beautiful head I had. I wasn't sure she actually liked the size of my head, but I was worn out, so I just tried to look my sweetest. On the way home, Mum talked to me most of the time, telling me about my sissies. She warned me that a big, white cat lived in my new home and that I had to behave myself around him, since he had seniority. The first thing Mum did when she pulled in the yard was to drive down to Dad's shop. That's where I met my Dad. The first words out of Mum's mouth were, "Isn't he cute, Honey?" Dad agreed, patted my head, and being the "wheels" kind of guy that he is, he said, "Nice rig, Bud!" When I started up the hill to the back of the house, Dad said, "He can really haul ass in that thing." Right then, I knew that I liked Dad because he was in such admiration of me, in spite of you-know-what. Once I got up to the house, Mum and Dad introduced me to my siblings, outside, one at a time. First, Hattie-Jean, then Suzy Cue, then Lucy May. When I laid eyes on Lucy May, I felt the earth move under my feet. She's so sweet... and beautiful, I might add. Then, I got to go inside and see my new home and meet the cat, Boom-Boom. It took the two of us awhile to warm up to each other, but now all five of us kids sleep together. It didn't take me long to figure out that Mum and Dad were eccentric, to say the least. Between their drawings and paintings, their choice in books, and Mum's writing, I realized that they were not ordinary creatures. Soon, I felt privileged to be in their hearts. If they had been ordinary, I knew that I wouldn't be loved and adored the way they dote over me. It also didn't take me long to realize that Mum was a peri-menopausal workaholic, but that has only made me love her more. Dad's a lot more laid back. He likes to relax on the deck with a stout in the evening, and when Mum isn't looking, he might let me lick a tiny bit of foam off his finger. If Mum catches him, she gets mad, but Dad is pretty clever with this "under the table stuff". Not only that, one lick of foam a month isn't a big deal; plus, I like it. I am of German descent, after all! Although one very happy year has passed, it hasn't been without some difficulties. The major one: that white stuff called snow. I feel that winter in Maine is a horrendous event, even though Mum has reminded me that this past one was unusually difficult. On a saving note, Dad's true dedication to me and the craft of metalworking resulted in a special pair of skis with my name stamped on them. However, a lot of the progress we made strengthening my back legs last summer and fall has been delayed. Spring has been slow, but it's now getting beautiful outside. The trees are in bloom, the leaves are almost out, and flowers are coming up. As I look back over my first year, it has been filled with new beginnings and all sorts of humor. Mum is just finishing up her novel-in-progress, and the two of us will be collaborating on one starting mid-summer. It's going to be about me. Mum and Dad really crack me up, and my furry siblings have all become very special. I continue to pull myself into a standing position, but can't seem to get those finer motor skills coordinated enough to take a few steps. Mum has grand exercise plans for the summer -- back to the old swimming hole. Incidentally, I rarely wear my zootsuits (Mum's term for my outfits) around the house anymore. I might have one accident a week, occasionally two. Also, I don't have any sores from scooting about inside the house. The oak floors are wonderfully smooth. Plus, I spend quite a bit of time in my wheels while I'm in the house when Mum and Dad are home. As time has passed, I've come to understand the depths of the sacrifice that the two of you made. I also understand your commitment. I want to say thank you. On a closing note, I may seem like just a wiener dog with a spinal cord injury, but my spirit and zest for living is far from paralyzed. Life is wonderful! Love and slurps, Your Buddy - I'm back, folks. So many events have transpired since I moved to my forever home and forever family. On June 19, 2002, I had spinal surgery, which helped me to regain quite a bit of bowel and bladder control. I've been to restaurants with outdoor pubs and play areas. I've gone for special walks to raise money to help animals in shelters. Wherever I go with Mum and Dad, they seize the opportunity to educate people about me and rescue organizations. I truly love them. One of the best things, though: on September 23, 2002, Mommy Susie and Daddy Dean came to visit me and my family. They have become good friends with Mum and Dad, who, by the way, went down to Florida in December, and, on the way they stopped to visit Mommy Susie and Daddy Dean. They all love me! I feel "doggie terrific" (an almost indescribable feeling), knowing that so much love for me is in the hearts of so many people. In my upcoming novel, I talk more about feeling "doggie terrific!" So, if you're thinking about sharing your life with a furry friend, don't overlook guys like me! I'm one special fellow! Scout's honor, I promise! P.S. One other comment. Mum and Dad celebrate my birthday on February 22nd. That's the day when my life started all over, the day that Mommy Susie and Daddy Dean saved me. |
| A good day to all, Buddy |
| Buddy Edwards |
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| Thanks! Laura and Buddy Edwards |
| contributed September 2009 |
We adopted Brandy in October of 2006. Back then her name was Blackie, but we quickly learned that this was not the best name for our spunky girl, who was full of energy and personality. We put together a list of names that rhymed, and eventually chose Brandy, but most of the time we just call her "the B".
Hi, I'm Buddy. When I was fostered and on the DRNA site I was called Little Buddy. But now I'm just Buddy, or Sweetest Boy. My forever mom fell in love with my picture and my story, which wasn't very good and I can't tell all of it, but I was saved out of a bad situation by my foster family. In addition to a sad beginning, I also have a deformed left front foot. But it doesn't bother me, and when I run I just hold it at shoulder height and run on three legs. And, boy can I scoot!