| Daisy |
| Last year we adopted Daisy, who is a beagle/dachshund/who knows mix, from DRNA. After being rescued by DRNA from a pound based on some vague resemblance to a dachshund, I fell in love with Daisy and she became a happy member of our family (which now consists of three rescued dachshunds and a rescued cat). Daisy is perhaps the best dog one could ever have. Now, before you say, "oh, I've heard that one before," let me tell you what happened to us on Saturday night…
Just after 4am this past Saturday night (or Sun morning), we awoke to the very serious barks and growls of our little girl, Daisy. Dan and I commenced a conversation about what outside might have set her off, and I told Dan to take her downstairs to show her that everything was alright. Then Dan heard movement downstairs - everything was not alright. We called 911, the police came, and there WAS a stranger in our house! A very drunk man had wandered into our (yes, unlocked) back door and made himself quite comfortable on our couch. He even took off his shirt and shoes, and ate some of my cookies on the coffee table! The man was arrested and taken away. But we have to wonder - what if Daisy hadn't been so insistent that something was wrong? Would we have come down the next morning to find a stranger in the house? Would he have been violent? Would he have woken up during the night and taken what he could carry away, or worse...? Daisy saved the day and, perhaps, our lives this weekend. Needless to say, she got many treats and a new stuffed toy yesterday. Dan will have to visit our local precinct today to sign the standard forms, and I suggested that the police give Daisy a good citizen aware. I've attached a couple of photos of our heroine. |
| contributed September 2007 |
| Daisy and Phoenix |
My partner Paolo and I had moved from Italy with our beloved Daisy "the 1st" a mini wired-haired black and tan daughter of champions and mother to five pups - a whole other chapter. The foster parents had done a phenomenal job in bringing them back to be ready to take on the next chapter in their life. With an overdose of affection and treats, these two munchkins were back from the nightmare their lives had been and eager to love and be loved back. We were there for them and ready to literally fly them away from all the unhappiness they had known. What Phoenix and Daisy didn't know is that had ended up in what some might call a "privileged home". Paolo and I have been very lucky in life and have been able to give the pair not only all the love, cuddles, and kisses but a life of luxury and indulgence (diet apart!). They are never out of our arms but when they are they now live between New York and Connecticut in designer collars, cashmere sweaters, and 1000 thread-count sheets. It has gotten so bad that when a black town-car stops nearby in the street, I have to pull them away because they think it is there car service! They vacate with us in the Caribbean, where they love the beaches and warm sea. They have the love and support of all of our friends, family and including their full-time dog-walker, and all their friends at "Ritzy Canine" doggy-daycare. Nothing is too much for them but what we get back is without a cost or a price. They give us all the joy and happiness you could ever hope for and we realizes how lucky we have been to have this wonderful pair in our lives. Adopting them is quite simply one of the best things we ever did. |
| Simon Kneen, New York |
| contributed July 2010 |
| Daisy (formerly Valentine) |
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| Lisa Wolfgang and Kenny Williams |
| contributed November 2008 |
| Darlin' Dixie |
 Darlin' Dixie has been adopted on 6/10/06. She is now living in NY with her wonderful mom, Sandy and a great two legged sister, Josie. They fell in love with this sweet girl and were willing to take on a special needs dog. Even though Dixie may require a little more work than some dogs, she is actually easy to take care of. Sandy and Josie say Dixie is a sweetheart and the best little dachsie ever. We are overjoyed for Dixie, even though she is sadly missed by her foster family. Dixie now has her own forever family.
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| contributed June 2006 |
| Dexter |
 Hi Folks!
Remember me I'm the guy who had a hard time finding a forever home. Well guess what??? I found my special forever home!!! Yeah I have some issues; but it's ok here! I flop around sometimes with my back legs. Accidents are few and far between, it's ok though! My new mom and brothers don't mind. I go outside right when mom gets up and stay out awhile. When she goes to work I just knock around with Oscar and Mugs! We mainly just become snuggle potatoes until mom comes home! I spend my afternoons on the deck with the guys, we chase after a bull frog in the fish pond! I go for walks with the guys and the best part is I get to go in the car a lot. I love the wind in my face! I have tons and tons of toys they ALL squeak! My first night here Oscar and I gave a symphony to Mugs and mom! I think my toy was a little flat. I have a new snuggle bed which is way cool, I just crawl in and I'm as snug as a bug in a rug! We all have them, we switch around from bed to bed. The chews mom has are the best, Oscar and I have fun stealing each others. We chase each other around, Mugs comes and takes both of them so we have to chase Mugs. For those of you who know Dexter and those who transported him to Virginia, I thank you. He's a very loving dog. He just needed someone who would love him. He spends most days playing and running in the yard with Mugs and Oscar. He's learning to use the ramp I built for him to get on and off the deck. He now occupies the left side of my shrinking bed! Dexter had a special need, it was just to be where he could run and play without being tied to a tree and not punished for what he couldn't control! He will be here with us forever! He is loved and he loves back! A picture of Dexter in his snuggle bed, of course with his instruments! |
| Thank you Yolanda and Jane Nancy S, Oscar and Mugs!!! |
| contributed June 2006 |
| Dexy (formerly Midnight) |
  Wow! It's hard to believe that it's been almost a year since my Dexy boy (formerly Midnight) came into my life. Time sure flies. He is such a sassy, funny boy and can make anyone smile with his antics. I can't imagine my life without my "fuzzy haired" little guy.
I decided to adopt a second dachshund when my 13 yr old dachshund Sydney seemed lonely. I was perusing the adoption sites when I came across an all black long haired dachshund by the name of Midnight. He was classified as a special needs dog because he has collapsing trachea syndrome which makes him honk like a goose. He was believed to be 7 years old and was a terrified little guy. Something about him spoke to my heart and I filled out an application right then and there for him (in my haste, I forgot to let my references know that someone would be contacting them, oops!). I began corresponding with Dexy's (formerly Midnight) foster mom Pam through email quite a few times a day. I couldn't wait to see if he would fit in with me and Sydney. Adoption is a lifetime commitment so I wanted to be sure that I was the right fit for Dexy (Midnight) and that Dexy (Midnight) was the right fit for Sydney and me. Pam was an absolute angel and answered all of my questions and gave me lots of invaluable insight and information. I remember it being right around Christmas time that I found out that I was approved! Talk about the best Christmas gift ever! And Pam even met me half way in VA (I'm in PA and she's in SC)! I took Pam's advice and not force myself on him but to let Dexy come to me and it did not take long at all before he was nuzzling me for some love. Dexy is 100% a mamma's boy. He is absolutely my dog and all other people don't compare to me in his eyes. He is always happy and wagging his tail. He seems to have a perpetual grin. When I lost my Sydney this past December, I don't think I would have been able to get through it without my Dexy boy by my side. He is pure joy and happiness and the most sensitive, gentle soul. I always tear up when I think about what he must have endured before he reached DRNA. He has put those years of his life behind him and now is living the good life with me. I would do anything for this special boy. He touches everyone he meets and has been a great ambassador for rescue dogs everywhere. I am truly blessed that Pam was able to take a chance on a long distance adoption and I will forever be grateful to her as Dexy's Angel for bringing him into my life. |
| Amy Snyder and Dexy Midnight Goose Gotcha Day Jan 19, 2008 |
| contributed February 2009 |
| Dolly |
 I first saw Dolly (pictured with Gertrude) on the DRNA website around November 2001. She looked so forlorn in her photo, a little like Eeyore, and I instantly fell for her. She had been turned in as a stray with puppies and the puppies had been adopted and no one wanted her. Telling myself that she was a "Christmas Present" for my boyfriend, I decided to apply for her, knowing full well my boyfriend didn't want a dog and that I'd get to keep her. I didn't even notice she wasn't a full blooded doxie. I anxiously waited for the home visit and was approved and met with her foster mom and dad, who drove from Pennsylvania to Maryland to meet up with me and deliver her. She was much larger than what I'd expected but I didn't care.She was also VERY vocal, but her rescuers assured me she was the quietest dog in the house. Our best guess is that she's a black and tan coonhound mixed with a dachshund and she hasn't stopped talking to us since I got her. Her daddy (the boyfriend mentioned before) loves her just as much as I do and she's gotten to go on quite a few adventures with us. She's run on the beaches, and has a nose for decaying horseshoe crabs. She can also detect fast food being eaten from 500 yards away. She'll take off running, screaming with excitement at the prospect of a handout from a stranger. She hoards her treats and will hover over them until she is satisfied that no one else will get to enjoy them. She can't eat a rawhide without playing the "Rawhide" game, where you take it away from her and toss it for her to catch. She is just so comical, barking with that rawhide in her mouth. She has a very wide vocabulary, moaning, barking, screaming about something. When she rides in the truck, she sits like people, with her nose to the window and arm on the armrest, and when she eats, she sits like a lady, her legs off to one side. So proper! Lately, she's become obsessed with the garden tractor at the dog park we go to every day. She'd even stopped playing with other dogs just to sit and stare for that tractor up by the shed. When someone goes near it to drive, she sounds the alarm, telling her friend Buddy that the hunt is on. They'll run up and down the fence in hot pursuit of that thing, until it's parked out of her sight, and she sits and stares for it again. I was starting to get worried, other people at the park thought she'd been abandoned and was watching for her owner and I had to tell them of her obsession. Fortunately, she's been getting back to normal, playing with the other dogs again. When it's time for bed, she'll tell me by sitting at the top of the stairs and moaning at me to come up. When we're at her daddy's house, she insists on being the middle part of the letter "H" between us when we're sleeping. In the morning, she'll insist on getting up early just so she can sleep downstairs while we're on the couches. She gives the best kisses with that overbite of hers and she definitely is wanted! Her daddy often reminds methat I got her for him, but he had his chance. Dolly is staying with me and the only way he'll get to keep her is if he marries her mommy! I'm so happy I found her on the website, I can't imagine life without her!
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| Andrea Newborg |
| contributed January 2002 |
| Duke |
 My family and I adopted Duke a little over a year and a half ago. (He's the smooth coat in the picture). When we got him from the rescue, he was very shy of everyone. He wouldn't sit on anyone's lap. He would only allow petting if he sat at your feet and nudged your toes. He did not play much and usually sat on the floor in the kitchen on a rug, curled up sleeping.
My teen daughter fixed that! She would simply snatch him up and plant kisses on top of his head until he fixed an eye on the rest of us that said "Ooooh, this is goooood!" After a few weeks, he began begging to be in laps and started to play with our other doxie, Bubba. Duke's heart and attitude are VERY doxie now, earning him the nick-name of Scrappy-Doo. He is a welcome addition to the family and TOTALLY spoiled. |
| Sincerely, Jackie G. |
| contributed April 2005 |
| Durham |
  We told our DRNA contact, Libby, that we were looking for a young, smooth, black and tan, female dachshund. She found exactly that dog for us. When we went over to Libby's house to meet Gingersnap though, "Mickey" was also there. "Mickey" was a young, red, smooth, male who was very nervous around strangers (us). It took half an hour before he even got close enough to smell us. As we were leaving Libby's house, we realized that we liked Gingersnap, but we really felt a connection with the nervous "Mickey". We immediately phoned Libby and learned that there was another family slated to meet "Mickey" later that week. After a week of emails and phone conversations, the family that asked for a red, smooth male adopted Gingersnap and we adopted "Mickey". After bringing "Mickey" home, we renamed him Durham (where we met him) and started the long process of convincing Durham that he could trust us. We knew that he loved other dogs, so we took him to the dog park almost everyday. He enjoyed himself with the other dogs and we had lots of strangers give him treats. It was months before he let a stranger at the dog park pet him. We also started taking classes like "Family Dog 1" and "Canine Good Citizen" at the local Animal Protection Society center. Durham seemed to gain confidence in our expectations of him (and also learned some useful behaviors). Durham still does not love strangers ... though sometimes he really surprises us with how fast he learns to like a new person. Durham has been with us for 10 months now and we just started an agility class — he sure loves to run and jump his way through the obstacle courses. Durham is a wonderful companion, and he makes us laugh nearly everyday. He really just wants to play and cuddle with us as much as possible. Over the holidays, Durham had a beagle playmate for 10 days (my sister's dog) and we were convinced that we should find a companion for Durham... we're watching the DRNA adoption pages closely.
An update to our original "happy tail": In April 2005, Libby asked us to come over to her house to meet a potential companion for Durham. Gretel was about the same size as Durham (18 lbs) and liked to play... our two main criteria. Durham likes most dogs... but he and Gretel had an immediate connection. Gretel was under one year old (younger than we really wanted) and had spent her short life in a puppy mill. Our best guess was that the puppy mill gave her up to DRNA because she has "funny" front legs. We brought Gretel home as a "foster" pup for 10 days to see how it went. It was clear right away that Gretel had never been on a leash and had never been outside - she was terrified. She was also quite skinny and had a limp. The first few days were frustrating. We would spend an hour outside waiting for her to go to the bathroom and then she would pee on the carpet as soon as we got back into the apartment... she just wasn't getting "house training". Over the course of a few days, she started watching Durham when we went outside... and copying him. Our first DRNA doxie was training our second! She started to get stronger as she ate good food and her limp started to disappear. We took her to the dog park and at first, she didn't really like it but then she started following Durham around. If another dog tried to play with Gretel she would flip over on her back and often, Durham would come to her rescue. While Durham wrestled with another dog, she would run around the two of them and bark happily. While out on a walk one day, we watched Gretel discover the joy of smelling... it was like she had never noticed that she could smell before. We thought she was going to inhale all the grass in the yard. The two pups were happily spending their days actively wrestling or cuddling on the couch. Durham's anxiety about being left in the crate while we went to work lessened greatly once Gretel was there to keep him company in the kennel. Now, a year later, Gretel and Durham are quite a happy pair. We took them on a five day road trip when we moved from North Carolina to Minnesota - they did great! They've experienced snow for the first time (Gretel loves it and Durham hates it). They miss their friends at the North Carolina dog parks and especially David and Libby from DRNA but they are so happy together.
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| contributed April 2006 |
Some things are just meant to be and having Daisy and Phoenix in our lives is something that we know was simply meant to be that way.
We adopted Valentine, a doxie mix, from DRNA in early summer 2008. We renamed her Daisy and she's been our little ball of energy and joy ever since. She's incredibly smart and a very fast runner and I plan on getting her into agility training once she reaches 1 year old. She is a chow hound extraordinare, perfecting the art of mooching. When we come home from work, her curly little pig tail wags so hard her whole butt wags with it. She has the "ballerina" feet, and one ear sticks out to the side. She plays tug of war and chase with our other doxie mix, and then they snuggle up and nap together. She's a comical, loveable, adorable dog, and we wouldn't trade her for the world!