Dachshund Rescue of North America
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Maisie
Maisie and familyMy name is Anita Lombardo and my husband George and I adopted Maisie, fostered by Toni Syzmanski, in August, 2005. I can't tell you how much we love her. Here's her story!

Hi, my name is Maisie and I had a rough start in life. Luckily, a nice person gave me to DRNA and I went to live with my foster Mommy, Toni Szymanski. She was probably the best foster Mommy a girl could have. I was really skinny and sick and she took care of me and nursed me back to health.

Then one day, my forever parents drove all the way up to Northern Michigan from Columbus, Ohio to take me to my forever home. I was pretty scared but they seemed nice so I though I'd give them a chance.

Boy am I glad I did! I have a new doxie sister named Millie and we love each other. We like to play on the hoomans big bed every night before we go to sleep. Mommy calls this our WWF (Wiener Wrestling Federation) smackdown.

I have taken over the house. I'm pretty much allowed to do whatever I want. I guess it's because I'm so cute. I especially like to sit on the back of the big comfy couch and keep an eye on the wildlife. Mommy and Daddy have a big fenced yard but those pesky squirrels, rabbits and deer just don't get it that they don't belong here. Keeps me busy!

I am the toast of Central Ohio. All of Mommy and Daddy's friends and family love me. I get lots of belly rubs and treats. I hate to admit it, but I've got to start watching my weight.

I included a picture of my first Christmas here. That's me with Mommy. Daddy is holding my sister Millie. How can anyone live with all that cuteness?

Mommy and Daddy call me their Little Blessing. Thanks DRNA for bringing us together!

contributed January 2006


Miss Maisie Pickle
Maisie and TessaIn June of last year I lost my beloved wirehair -dachsie girl Purzi of old age, and life without a dachshund was just not the same. I kept looking on petfinder.org for wirehair dachshunds up for adoption and never found one. Until one day in April I stumbled upon Maisie and her sister Scout. Yeah !! Their story was a sad one: Dumped at night through a slot at some kill-shelter. Tossed out like garbage with no chance for a brighter future......... It left them traumatized and confused, but then the samaritans of DRNA stepped in and got them out.

Lucky for me ! I initially filled out an application for Scout, because she seemed more suitable for us and our other two dogs, Daytona (Great Dane) and Tessa (Shiloh Shepherd). We were approved to adopt and went to the Reston Pet Fiesta to meet Scout - so we thought. Scout was adopted before we got there, and little shy Maisie stood somewhat scared behind the stand with her foster mom Pamela. We had our two big guys with us and they got a chance to meet Maisie, who didn't seem too scared of this 250 pound "combo-package" (They are very sweet dogs though). We decided to give it a try and took her home with us.

Maisie and Daytona That was in the beginning of May 2006. Maisie must have had a terrible life before and there are a lot of things we will get resolved with patience and over time. More often now we see a little rascal shining through in her behavior, and it's so rewarding to see her coming out of her shell. She loves going for long walks in the woods with us and we also stayed in touch with her foster-mom Pamela, who we've met for walks a few times already.

Thanks Pamela for giving Maisie a home when she needed it most !! Fostering a dog is not easy - especially the part where you have to let them go to a new home with perfect strangers.

Little Miss Maisie Pickle has found her forever home .......

Thanks DRNA for ginving her a second chance
Thank you,
Sabine, Rui and the "motley Crew"
contributed June 2006


Malcolm
MalcolmMalcolm was rescued from a puppy mill when the breeder was "downsizing" some of his stock. He spent his first years of life confined to a cage with little human interaction. Malcolm was adopted by a wonderful family who has helped him overcome his fears and given him time to become the wonderful dog he is today. Below is an excerpt of a letter from his mom:

"Thought I'd let you know, we're coming up on a year with little Malcolm and as that seems to be the magic number for adopted dogs (at least in my experience) he's finally settled in and is comfortable as a member of the "pack". I've started referring to him as my snuggle bunny because he LOVES to get in the bed and snuggle up very close to you and go to sleep. Malcolm almost always wags his tail when he walks around now and he's even getting more assertive with not letting the other two steal the bone from him anymore. He even sneaks it away from Angus now! He's also integrated well with the other two dogs.

Malcolm sticks to Angus like glue. He doesn't want to go anywhere without him. He's really started playing with the other two as well. When it gets too rough for his taste, he simply jumps up on the couch to watch. He doesn't like loud or sudden noises at all and he is very shy of new people. He seems to like children a lot and will go right up to them for patting but adults he shies away from unless he's in Mom's arms. Sometimes even if I put my feet down too heavily when I walk, he jumps. But otherwise he seems to be very happy!

He has no qualms about rolling over on his back to ask for tum scritches or about asking to be put in the bed. And he seems to really like John and I - he's always giving us kisses and wanting to snuggle in our laps. He's such a sweet little boy! People in town think we run a professional dog walking service! But they get walked two to three times a day and on weekends we usually go to the dog park or in the woods for a nice hike. They LOVE going in the woods! We have miles of state park trails near our house so that's where we take them and they really like it. They whine and cry as soon as they realize where we're taking them and they have muddied my car windows with little dog nose prints everywhere.

Well, I thought you'd like to hear how the little man is doing and to know that he seems to be happy and healthy. He's really turning into my little fuzzy caterpillar of love!"



Max and Minnie
Max and MinnieWe didn't know what we were in for when we adopted Max and Minnie back in July of 2004. My husband Donald and I had only been married for 8 months and living in our brand new house for about 5 months, but all along I knew I wanted to be a ìmommyî to a dog or two. I grew up with a dachshund (who is still thriving at the ripe age of 14 years), and I knew how much personality was packaged in such a small dog. I took the leap to apply for two dogs, as my husband and I wanted to have more than one in order to keep each other company while we were at work. I was very surprised when I was contacted just a few short days later about a brother and sister duo that needed a home.

Max and Minnie are technically not siblings, but their original owners had acquired them within six months of each other as puppies. They are the quintessential peanut butter and jelly or macaroni and cheese, and it's no accident that I use a food analogy to describe their relationship. They are complete opposites on so many levels, but they compliment each other perfectly. Max is content with lying in a sunny spot on the floor and watching the world go by. He takes his time on walks, and he'll "vacuum" up the floor as we eat our dinner. Minnie, on the other hand, has to be completely involved in household activities, and never fails to warn us that there is a kid on a bicycle riding in the street. She follows me around like a shadow - and I love it.

Weíve had our fair share of interesting pet antics since adopting M&M, too. We didn't find out until the day we picked the dogs up from foster care that Max had Lyme disease. We treated that with a strong course of antibiotics, though to this day, Max still has the Lyme antibodies in his body. (The vet reassured us that he technically does not have the disease, thankfully.)

Then in February of 2006, the worst fear of every dachshund owner came true - Max was seriously hurt when one of his hind legs went limp. I immediately sensed that this was not just a leg problem since poor Max did not appear to be in pain - it had to be related to the nerves in his back. Now, in the past year, Max would occasionally be in pain due to some seemingly minor back problems, but it was never like this. So after an emergency vet visit followed up by a regular vet visit, we were referred to Southpaws Animal Hospital to see a neurosurgical specialist. Max needed surgery to remove the bulging disc that was pressing against his spinal cord in order to save his ability to function normally.

Fortunately, we caught the paralysis early enough that Max made a strong recovery after having surgery. It was the first time I felt like a real parent - and coincidentally I was just in my second trimester of pregnancy. I did a little research after-the-fact, and realized that little Max was originally puppy mill dog. It was heart-wrenching to know that there may be other dogs like him out there that had the same problems, but are not with owners who were able to provide them with the best treatment to help the dog get better (and let me tell you that an MRI for a dog is NOT cheap!!) Fortunately for me and Max, my husband was supportive of Max getting the surgery.

Minnie has also had her fair share of medical drama. We found out that she is allergic to bee stings. It must have been funny to the emergency vet when I toted in a lumpy dog while I was 9 months pregnant. She has also had "minor" back trouble, but nothing that competes with Max's back problems. And just this week, poor Minnie had to have 13 teeth extracted due to periodontal disease that was discovered during a dental cleaning.

Still, I canít imagine my life without our dachsies. They were our first babies and itís wonderful to see how they protect our new daughter Juliann - óeven though she outweighs them hands-down. I can see them all becoming best buds once she starts eating solid foods!
Thank You,
Suzanne Brown
contributed January 2007


Mandy
Mandy adn DelaneyMandy is a beautiful deep cooper long hair dachshund with black hairs peppered along the back, tail, face and along the ear edges. Mandy's first two years have been a bumpy start to life. She was one of nearly 1000 small dogs rescued from the West Virginia puppy mill the summer of 2008. Mandy was transferred to the D.C. Animal Shelter along with another 100 dogs. Mandy found a loving adoptive family and went home with them to start her new life. Unfortunately, her family encountered financial difficulties and had to move to housing that did not permit dogs. So nearly nine months after leaving the puppy mill, sweet Mandy was losing her home. When the family could not find a new home for Mandy, they turned to Dachshund Rescue of North America. DRNA immediately found a foster family - us -- for Mandy and began the search for a new home. After several weeks, we realized that we could not part with her and immediately began the process to adopt her.

Mandy has a condition known as submissive urination that is most likely a direct result of her early life at the puppy mill. She urinates when excited or when she is afraid. Submissive urination is a mental block, not a physical problem. The signals of submission include lowered ears, lowered tail, lowering the body or sometimes even laying down and rolling over. It is the dog's way of saying "You're the boss; I would do anything to have your love." The best cure is time and patience. The condition improves as the dog gains confidence in her surroundings and develops trust in her family. After the first month with her foster family, the incidence of submissive urination substantially diminished. Now after nearly nine months together, incidences at rare.

She is still fearful of new people and loud commotion. Dachshunds are a loyal and loving breed and want to bond with their family. Despite her early life at the puppy mill, Mandy is a love bug; enjoys being held and getting (and giving) kisses. As a puppy mill survivor, she needs lots of patience, understanding, love and -- probably most importantly -- unconditional acceptance of what they are and what their limitations may be. She continues to grow in confidence and is a wonderful addition to our family.
Thanks,
Sabine
contributed January 2010


Max the Big Red Dog
Max and his little sisterWe 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!
Thank You,
Michelle, Jack and Merrie Jo Perkins
contributed July 2005


Meatloaf
Meatloaf loafingI adopted Meat Loaf (fornerly Peanut) on Valentine's Day 2005. I'd been searching for a dachshund for some time and stumbled across the DRNA website and knew at once that I wanted a rescue dog.

A local DRNA representative, Libby Bucholz of Durham, contacted me within a few days of sending off my application to talk to me about why I wanted to adopt a dachshund and to set up a home visit. I would like to say Libby was extemely helpful and without her I woudln't have my perfect doxie. Libby not only adjusted the visit to my schedual (bringing her very sweet doxies Lillian and Marshall), but she was also very kind in letting my fiance and I visit her home. She also was very prompt in answering my e-mails and was able to give me a TON of useful information, hints, and tips on raising a dachshund. She also was very adament about finding me the right doxie for me and was very very understanding about how eager I was.

I was finally able to make a visit to Libby's home to visit a few of her rescues. There I came face to face with Meat Loaf "Meaty" and fell in love at once. Libby informed me Meat Loaf was an over weight mini in bad need of a dental cleaning. After talking to Libby while stroking Meat Loaf's ears it was official, I wanted to adopt "Peanut". By the end of the week I was happily on my way back to Durham to pick up my new doxie. The next week Libby took Meat Loaf to the vet for me ( SO HELPFUL! I didn't even have to ask her to!) and now she's chewing dry kibble like she's never had a dental problem in her life!

Meatloaf Now I can't imagine life without her. Meaty settled in immediately (Especially with her new diet of dog food and greenies!). She loves taking her walks around the lake by my house, chasing her stuffed carrot and hotdog, and taking naps on her new Daddy's chest on the sofa. She loves informing us when someone is in the parking lot outside and if the Chinchilla has moved. She's always at the door ready to greet us when we come home with her huge brown eyes and wagging tail. I don't know how I lived without her.

I can't thank DRNA or Libby enough. Thank you thank you thank you!
Thank You,
Bonnye Talbot and JB Kuehne
Raleigh, NC
contributed February 2005


Mia
MiaMia is such a joy for Jason and I and she absolutely puts a sparkle in my heart. She came to stay with us about one year ago and she has really flourished. She is still pretty scared of new people and doesn't seem too keen on children or other dogs, but we are working on that! She continually makes me so thankful that Jason and I went with DRNA and I think she feels the same way. She loves giving kisses, playing fetch with her favorite toy "Bobo" as pictured, and curling up and nap with us is a cherished pass-time. Even the cat Carly thinks Mia is pretty cool. They enjoy having couch races where they take turns tearing around the furniture at full speed. Animals are such a blessing and thank you for all that you do...
Sincerely,
Megan Pester
contributed January 2009


Mickey
MickeyMickey and Wolfie sleep Greetings DRNA!

We adopted Mickey, a black-and-tan longhair mini, in early 2007, and he has been an absolute blessing. We wanted our first dachshund, Wolfie, to have a friend, and they are just like brothers now... they love to run around the house, and Mickey even figured out that Wolfie likes to be the boss, so he lets Wolfie chase him!

Mick's foster family said he had been a stud for a breeder, and he didn't seem to be at all familiar with furniture or being indoors, but he quickly learned all about couches and blankets and the comforts of a big bed. It took a long while to get him used to going potty outside, but having a consistent schedule really helps. He LOVES going for walks, especially if there is a squirrel to chase while we're outside! He has a big-boy bark and will keep us informed when the neighbors come home, and he is very intelligent; in fact, he responds to instructions like, "Mickey, go to the other door"!. He is a great companion and is one of the sweetest dogs I have ever known. We are so grateful for the work being done by DRNA, and hope to adopt again sometime in the future.
Thank You for helping these wonderful pups find homes!
Kirsten and Ben C.
contributed February 2010


Mick Dundee
MickeyMickey Mickey Here's a pic of Mick Dundee, adopted from DRNA in November. Little Mick, who weighed in at his adoption (3 mos.) weight of 7 lbs, now tips the scales at 8 months at over 30 lbs. DNA testing shows that he's more than just a dachshund; rather, he's a "super dachshund," mostly dachshund, but part mastiff, spaniel and boxer. And he's the sweetest little guy (er, big guy) on the face of the earth. He's pictured here shortly at about five months, and then (with Mommy Joanie) at seven months. We can't thank our friends at DRNA enough for the wonder of our Mickey.
Thank You,
David Applebaum and family
contributed April 2009


Misty
MistyHello,

Just wanted to give an update on Misty, the 9 year old black and tan from Virginia, who now resides in sunny California!

Misty moved here a year ago and loves it, In fact she loves it here so much the sores her paws once had are gone and she has not had one accident in months! She no longer needs medicine for her feet and is now at a healthy weight.

She gets to spend time at two homes which is great because then she is hardly ever alone! Misty had her first interaction with California snow this week and with the sweater on her back she seemed to like it just fine!

Even though her previous owners thought no one would want this little angel because of her age and skin conditions, she has brought so much joy to our lives. Thank you so much.
Danielle
contributed December 2008


Mitchell
MitchellMitchell was found as a stray and turned into a shelter. His "time was up" but luckily DRNA stepped in to save him. He looked to be about 10 yrs. old and after a vet exam, x-rays confirmed he had an old back injury (a collapsed disc space) that caused him to limp. Nevertheless, Mitchell was adopted by a wonderful family that, initially, fell in love with his picture. Once you meet this guy, its a done deal. He is one of the most gentle and loving dogs you will ever meet. He is an example of another wonderful soul that wouldn't have been given a chance if not for rescue and wonderful people that adopt senior dogs.

He is living the good life now and plans on spending the rest of his days being spoiled rotten! AND HE DESERVES IT!!!

contributed March 2007


Molly
Molly and KadeeI got Molly back in late April, early May. I had applied for another dog, but was turned down for that little girl. When Kathryn contacted me about Molly, I think it was fate. The moment that little girl hit my arms, she and I both knew she was in her forever home.

Now, we have had a few issues, she does nip, and has bitten a few people, but that has stopped now that she realizes that I will never allow anyone to hurt her again. The only information that I had on her was that she was treated roughly in her previous home. We have had a behaviorist come to the house, and gave us some really good tips on what to do with fear aggression. Miss Molly Wolly has changed so much in the past few months. The first week that we had her, I had to take her to the vet for kennel cough, and she nearly bit the vet . Luckily, I have a very kind and understanding vet, and he has continued to work with her. She actually let him pet her last week, which is a huge mile stone for this little girl. Her tail goes non-stop from the moment she gets up in the morning until she goes to bed at night in the big bed.

She has a sister named Kadee, and for the most part, they get along great, though Kadee does get a little aggressive with Molly and we are trying to correct that. She even got to go to the mid-west doxie fest this year and had a grand time. She got to see Lisa who transported her, and gave her lots of kisses.

My little girl is growing into such a wonderful dog. Everyone who knew her the first week to now are just amazed what a little love and a lot of spoiling will do for a scared little girl. I made a promise to Molly that I would never allow anyone to ever hurt her again, and I intend to keep that promise.

Thanks DRNA, Lisa, Kathryn, Neil and Ina for getting me my Molly Wolly.

contributed October 2005


Miss Molly
Molly loungingHello! I've adopted two dogs from you, the first from Eileen McNamara and the second from Jill Blasdel-Cortus. My first dog was Fergus, a wonderful 10+ year old Isabella, a handsome dog. Unfortunately he had epilepsy, Cushings disease, a bit of arthritis and only 7 teeth left after extensive dental work. The epilepsy was difficult to control, he had multiple seizures on a daily basis. We spent a lot of time at the vet's office, on average 3-4 times a month. Fergus was with me 13 months. One morning in August he had a stroke that paralyzed his left side. During the day he worsened until that very hard decision time came. I held him and talked to him, even for a bit after. He was a dog in a million.

Four months later I knew I was ready for another dog. I also have a black lab, Shannon, as well as two cats so it was important that our new dog was compatible with other animals. After faithfully checking the DRNA site everyday for several weeks, one dog kept catching my eye. She was called Dotty and was in another state. I contacted Jill and arrangements were made! Just after Christmas I met one of the volunteers who helped to transport my new dog who I call Molly. Molly is a standard black and tan. We believe Molly was a backyard breeder dog, certainly she had lost her girlish figure. Molly, just like Fergus did, made herself right at home and announced to Shannon and the cats that she was the new boss. Shannon is laid back and couldn't have cared less, he had a new playmate and was happy. It took the cats a few weeks to adjust. Now we are a happy family and Molly has her figure back. My vet believes she is 6-7 years old although she acts like a puppy most of the time!

Molly has no health problems and adapted to our home quickly. She's needed help with house training but we are almost there, although I still need to watch her. Molly loves visitors and to play in the back yard with Shannon. Shannon and Molly are inseparable and even the cats will sleep next to them. Molly is my shadow when I am home.

I think what DRNA does is wonderful. Thanks for two great dogs!
Thank you,
Suzanne Palmer in Michigan


Mollie
Mollie Mollie and CarrieWe adopted Mollie (fka Margo) March 29 through her foster mom, Lois Armstrong. She has been a complete and total joy! We are so happy to have her as part of our family. Mollie had a good start in life, unlike so many other rescue dogs. An elderly couple had her since she was a pup, but after 4 years, the hushand decided he didn't want the expense of a dog any more. It's so sad, because Mollie is such a precious girl. She has no health problems, she's friendly, potty trained, no aggressions, walks great on the leash--nothing negative about this little sweetie at all! She loves to listen to TV with us at night in bed. I say "listen" because she always burrows under the covers right away--can't see the TV at all, but listens to Cubs games and keeps our knees warm. She loves being with me in the kitchen in the afternoons when the sun shines through the window. Doing dishes causes reflections to shine on the ceiling, walls, and floor. Mollie chashes after them like they're rabbits! She intently looks around the room, searching out the reflections so she can pounce on them. She doesn't bark unless it's to warn us of a stranger approaching. She may be small, but what a protector! I just can't say enough about what an absolute doll she is, and how happy she's made us. We moved into another house 3 years ago, soon after we had to put our beloved Australian cattle dog down. I've never felt completely at home in my new house until Mollie came to us. She's made our house a real home, and filled a hole in my heart that I thought would always be empty. We were blessed to find her.
Sincerely,
Kate and Bill Murphy
contributed May 2008


Mona Lisa
Mona Lisa posesI was looking through the DRNA Rescue pictures last June when I came across the sweetest little face I had ever seen. I knew I had to have her. Like alot of rescued dogs, Mona Lisa had a very sad background. She was rescued by DRNA back in March along with about 50 other dogs from a terrible mill in West Virginia. She is 7 years old and had been used as a breeder and stuck in a tiny cage for all those years. The cages were piled up on top of each other, and the dog's waste would drop down into the cage below. My vet feels this is why Mona is blind in one eye-because of all the amonia-like fumes. I was told by a DRNA representative that there was a town dump next to this mill and when the dogs became too sick or old to produce, they were shot and put in the dump. When she first came to my home she bonded right away with my hyper 3 year old short-hair, Poppy. Poppy seems to know Mona needs extra help. At first Mona would hide, cringe, and literally scream when we came near her. I feel she still has a long way to go as she is still very skittish around my husband and strangers, but as you can see in her picture, she is always smiling, giving kisses, rolling on the ground, and LOVES to eat. (She looks fat in this picture because she had just been to the groomer's, but she only weighs 13 pounds.) I call her my Sweetie Dog. She is the most loving dog I've ever had. Whenever I leave the room I know she will be there watching me. In fact, we will be there for each other from now on.
Thank You,
Barbara


Morty and Chester
Morty and ChesterMy name is Mortimer, my mama got me a few months ago right after she graduated from college. She said she had been waiting for that moment so we'd have time to spend together. This nice guy from Florida flew me to her. I hated that plane ride...never again! I am so cute, I am all black and even though my name is a boy's name, mama changed my name to Mortimer. My last owner didn't want me because she said I was bad...my mama says that lady is full of it, because I am soooo good for her. Mama was concerned that I get lonely when she is at work and decided to get me a buddy.

Yeah, she got me Chester! I was a puppy mill stud and I am only one years old! The nice lady from DRNA, Inc. drove me to my new home. I was in a carrier and I didn't even stick my head out before Mortimer punched me in the nose! She started hitting me and I wasn't sure this was such a good idea. She then proceeded to chase me around the house! Well, I found my new mama and jumped on her lap! She protected me for awhile anyway. Then she told us to play. Now its all fun and games for us. Of course I must be on mama's lap or right at her heels whenever she's around. This guy here started off as a pooper. I love to go on walks!! and when mama took us out that first day, she had to chase him around the house to put the harness on him! Well, I was scared! anyway, after he let her put it on him, we went outside and then started to walk...well, I did anyway...he chose a spot on the grass and sat down. You have to admit, Mortimer, I am getting better. I walk now and I even keep up with you!! Chester, still can't win in a fight with me though! Yeah I can!!

OK, OK...this is their mother, before they go off on a tangent, I want to say these two have been a blessing to me. I highly recommend rescue to you and trust me, these dogs will give you nothing but love! I wouldn't trade them for the world!
Thank You!


Mosby
Mosby and his dadMosby is doing great! I haven't weighed him yet, but I can see he's starting to fill out. So far his behavior has been perfect, the only problem was that he didn't do so well with the gate. I left him alone and gated in the kitchen while I went down the hall to start a load of laundry, and when I came back he was on the couch. Tried modifying the gate with cardboard so he wouldn't have anything to climb on, but he managed to get himself over it anyway. I thought about trying a taller one, but I didn't want him to hurt himself trying to get over, so I got him a crate. The crate is working well, now that I've figured out how to keep him from barking when I leave. He whines when I put him in it, and if I leave right away he'll bark for a long time, but I've found that if I put him in the crate about 20 minutes before I leave, he calms down and will stay quiet. Today I left him for the full six hours for the first time, he was quiet and asleep when I came back. On the whole he's very laid back, very affectionate, and well mannered ó I don't think I could have asked for better luck with him.

I took a few photos of just him and sent them to my mom - in an email she wrote: "pictures of Mosby have replaced pictures of you on the fridge! Send more!" I send these on to her so I can get back up there too.
Take care,
Taylor
contributed November 2004


Muffin
MuffinMuffin is our little baby that we got over a year ago. She was rescued from an older woman who couldn't afford to take care of her anymore. Now she is very spoiled by her parents and both sets of grandparents who give her treats and love whenever they see her! MuffinShe loves her toys and loves to sleep in the big bed where she makes nests at the end of the bed with her fluffy blanket. She loves to give lots of kisses and snuggle in her mommy's lap and the first thing she does in the morning when she wakes up is flip over for her morning belly rub. We don't know what we would do without her! Thanks DRNA!

contributed October 2004


Mugs
MugsHi Guys,

Boy am I a happy Doxie! I have my new forever home and 3 brothers came with it!

There's Bailey, he's 14; Oscar, he's 2; and Max the Cat, he's 14. And now me, I'm really 8 !!! By the way Mom didn't like my old name, Hot Sauce, so she named me MUGS. She calls me Muggsie.

I've been eating really really well and I get my own cuddle bed when mom's at work or just out! I have a back yard to run and exploreóneat stuff! I had some house breaking to go through, not so bad. Mom never locked me up or yelled, she just let me get use to things and I finally got the hang of it just a few weeks ago! Mom's very happy! I have my own bowl to eat from which is just terrific. Mom makes sure the other guys don't share!!! I eat chicken, pumpkin and some canned stuffóit's great! I 've even managed to put on a few pounds. I still have some dental issues; I'm gonna need another tooth pulled here pretty soon. That's ok because I'm eating so well now and since Mom takes care of my teeth this should be that last one to be taken out! I hope SOOOOOOOOOO

Mugs is a great dog, loving and cuddly. Just yesterday he picked up a squeaky toy and ran outside with it squeaking away. I was so happy. I don't think he ever had Doxie toys. He's adjusted to his brothers and cuddles with them under the sheets. At first he followed me around everywhere I went, now he stays with the guys! The bed is getting smaller... It's great sleeping with one at each side and Mugs in the middle!

Mugs is a great dog he'll be here forever, his personality is one of a kind. I can't thank everyone enough for letting me have Mugs. Here's a picture of him with his brothers.
Thank you,
Nancy Spohrer
contributed November 2005


Munchausen
MunchausenHi. My name is Munchausen. Most of you have been following my story and know me as Munch. I thought I would tell the full story of how I arrived at DRNA.

I was born May 7, 1999 and was a very happy (and handsome) puppy. When I was 2 months old, I was adopted by my first mommy and went on to have a very happy and loving puppyhood. Two years passed before I experienced the first big change in my life. I got a new human sister. She was nice and lovable but she took a lot of attention away from me. I was no longer their only baby. We got along great and we played with each other all the time. Life was good.

The next change came around Christmas 2004. Another baby arrived and now I was no longer the focus in the house but the burden. As most of you know, the holidays are stressful for all pets. There are visitors in and out of the house, many new decorations to play with and new toys, gifts and excitement. This is where my trouble started. My human sister decided it would be fun to see if the new toys she got for Christmas would break when she hit me on the head with them. Well, they were built well because no matter how hard she tried, they didn't break. I tried to get her to stop but my barks and cries only made her laugh more and more. When I growled at her, she kept it up so the only thing to do was bite her. (Boy, this was a big mistake.) I just wanted her to stop. I didn't want to hurt her. After all, I have protected her all of her life.

My human mom and dad got really mad at me. My sister was crying and the next thing I knew, I was thrown in the back of the car. I knew that this was not going to be a good ride. We got to my doctors office and my dad and the doctor started arguing about euthanizing me. (I didn't know what it meant but I knew it didn't sound good.) Well, my doctor must have won because I stayed at the doctor's office and that was the last time I ever saw my family of 5 years. Thank you so much Doctor for saving me. The doctor called the great people at DRNA and they came and rescued me.

Now living with my foster mom was great. She is a loving and wonderful lady. She has such a big heart and I found I was living with 6 of her own doxies and another 6 foster doxie brothers and sisters. Boy, what a culture shock. After only a few days, word came down that I had a new family interested in adopting me. I felt really lucky because some on my foster brothers and sisters had been there for a long time and I know for a fact (they told me) that they all want to be adopted. All of my new family were really nice and I hope they all can find good forever homes soon.

The next morning, I woke up and was getting ready for breakfast when my hind legs stopped working. This had never happened before and boy, was I scared. My mom took me to the doctor and I was sent home with some medicine. Things were no better the next day so we went on a long ride to a veterinary hospital in Virginia. After many tests, they found I needed back surgery and operated right away. I was wiped out for a few days after that. I recuperated in another foster home for a few days and when my first foster mom came to get me, I was really happy to be going home. After a couple of days, my back legs were working fine (it's a miracle) and I was ready to meet the family who wanted to adopt me. Funny thing though, they disappeared and we never heard from them again. Maybe a doxie with a back problem scared them off even though the doctor said I would be back to 95% and good as new after the surgery.

Now it's the beginning of February and after my stitches came out and the snow storms stopped (doxies and 12 inches of snow are not made for each other), my foster mom got a call out of the blue about me. It seems that a couple in New Jersey had just lost their 15 year old dachshund, Gretchy. This made them sad and also made their 7 year old doxie, Lil Bit, very lonely. They had gone through back surgery with Lil Bit already and weren't worried about my problem. So maybe my luck had changed. We set up a meeting for the next weekend to meet and see how we all would get along.

Finally, Saturday arrived and I got to go for a car ride with my foster mom and dad. We went to meet my new big sister and my new mom and dad (Jerry and Maureen). Great news, we all fell in love and the next day I was on my way to my forever home. I've been there for a week and it feels like I've lived there forever. I fit right in with the family and they discovered I love to eat people food and and lay on the couch and keep an eye on the squirrels and birds on the deck just like Lil Bit.

Thank you to everyone who has helped, prayed or even sent a kind thought my way after reading my story. All of the doxies at DRNA really do appreciate your support.
Love,
Munch
contributed November 2005