Dachshund Rescue of North America
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Rascal
RascalIt's been almost a year and a half now since a little dog named Rascal has graced us with his presence. My love for Dachshunds all began with my younger sister's desire. We both lived at home with our parents when she expressed an interest in getting a miniature Dachshund. I remember saying to her, what do you want a little dog for?? My theory was, any dog that you had to bend down to pat wasn't a dog and wasn't worth having. Well as a Christmas present my parents and I chipped in and bought Michele her Dachshund. We located a breeder and my dad and I went to pick out a pup. I immediately fell in love with a dappled female pup. We brought "Tucker" home and Michele was elated with her present. But something occurred, that little dog worked her way into my heart.

Well, fast forward a couple years, and you will find my fiancé and me in our new house. We were lonely without animal companionship. So my fiancé suggested we buy a dog. He wanted a big dog, I did as well. Having always had Labs with my parents, that is the breed I leaned towards. We brought home a black Lab pup that we named Black Jack. While Jack or Pudge Pudge, as I affectionately call him, filled the loneliness, I still missed little Tucker. So, much to David's dismay (he wasn't sure he wanted another dog), I started looking for a Dachshund. When we had got Jack I had originally wanted to help a shelter dog, but also wanted a pup, there wasn't anything available around us. So, I made the decision that our Dachshund would be a rescue dog. I was well aware of the Dachshund quirks, potty training issues and selective hearing being the ones that stand out at the moment, but still wanted one. I searched the internet and came across the Dachshund Rescue of North America. I immediately filled out an application. Wanda came all the way from New York and did a home inspection, we are in New Hampshire. Where of course, Jack was being a bratty puppy, and secretly in the back of my mind I was hoping that our rambunctious Lab wouldn't show such bad manners that Wanda would decide we wouldn't make good "parents". I was delighted to find out that we were approved. Not long after the home visit, I was notified of a possible dog for us. He was mini Dachshund who had a not so pleasant start on life.

Joyce was also very honest about him and informed me that he was having problems with keeping weight on as well as not being house broken and having marking issues. She also mentioned that he "is one happy boy! He is extremely active and is always getting into something. He loves to play with the other pups and frequently has to be reminded to slow down, as he becomes too much for some of the older or less energetic pups. He can also play by himself with fluffy toys. He throws them into the air and then chases them."

Rascal rolling We agreed to adopt Rascal and everything was set into motion. This was in September of 2003. After a rather lengthy transport coming from South Carolina that included a "lay over" in Washington, D.C. Rascal finally made his way into my arms in Manchester, NH in the wee hours of a Monday morning. My sister had come with me and we waited in a Filene's parking lot alternately reading and sleeping. Sometime after 1:00 AM he arrived. My sister and I were both crying and saying how beautiful he was. It was about an hour ride home after that and he laid snuggled in my sisters arms for the whole way. I took the next day off from work, was way too tired to function, and Rasc and I got acquainted. David still wasn't sure about this, but as time passed, he decided that it was well worth getting Rascal. He frequently comments how if he could ever meet Rascal's original owner that he would like to tell him a thing or two. Rascal is my little velcro dog. He is quite attached to his mom, and I am attached to him. He showers us with thousands of kisses a day. He is my shadow and follows me every where and gets quite upset when I am outside working with our horses. I honestly believe he thinks the horses are "attacking" me when they come near because he gets very upset and will not stop pacing the fenced in area and continuously barks. He gets along fantastically with Jack and they have a good relationship. I love to watch Rascy run with his toys and flip them in the air. I love the feeling when he snuggles up next to us under the covers at night. We are constantly amazed at the love that this "little man" showers us with. We try very hard to match that with our own loving and kisses and praise. Sometimes I tell him that he doesn't have to waste so many kisses, even though I appreciate each one. I wish I could show you all our happy little man who has such a love for life, the pictures shown here do not begin to show the exuberance that he has for life. It is so hard to imagine that someone would just throw away this sweet boy.

We still have potty training issues, he hates to have his toe nails clipped, he barks a lot if I am outside and he is not, he actually could stand to lose a few ounces of weight (dad over feeds them :)

However, I know I made the right decision to help make a difference in a little dog's life when I see my husband, walking around the house, with a little dog in his arms, whose head is resting contentedly on his shoulder and my husband is murmuring to the dog about how special he is. With this, I bring an end to the story of our beginning. We look forward to many more years with our little Rascy Dascy or Flappy as my husband affectionately calls him.We would like to thank everyone from the DRNA those who fostered him, Joyce, those who transported him and those who just helped him on his journey to his "Forever Home".
Jennifer Sacchetti
contributed February 2005


Raven
Raven and familyRaven, et al..

This is really a family story about DRNA adoptions. As you can see from the picture, there are 4 happy little dogs, 3 of them have been adopted from DRNA.

My husband and I purchased the 1st dachshund from a breeder, (that is Jayde (age 2), the one sitting up in the picture).

Our son and his finance adopted the tan doxie, Petie (age 8) and Emily (age 4) the black and tan dog far right in November 2005. Jeremy (our son) and Kim (his finance) drove to North Carolina to pick up the "children". Kim hates long auto trips and wasn't sure if they were doing the right thing adopting 2 dogs, plus making this long trip from Maryland. One look at Petie and Emily, Kim fell in love! Petie and Emily have added a whole new dimension to their lives and they both love those dogs.

As the story goes, Petie and Emily came to visit Jayde on a regular basis. We loved having the "grand-dogs" come visit as much as Jayde liked having other dogs to chase and play with. When Jeremy and Kim went on a short holiday, we were allowed to "dog sit". We fondly refer to Petie and Emily as the "cousins", since Jayde was the younger, she didn't feel like the "aunt". After their last visit, the house seemed empty with only one doxie around so I checked out the DRNA adoption sight. Low and behold there was Raven (age 4) black and tan dog on the left in the picture.

I mentioned to my husband that maybe it would be nice to have another dog. (June 10, 2006) He just laughed and said maybe when we retire. I laughed myself and then went and filled out the application to adopt. The next day a friend called (one of my references) and said she didn't know we were even looking at another dog. (June 11th) I thought it was time to tell my husband about Raven and that I had filled out the application. I did. Several days later we had a home visit. (June 14) Three days later we visited Raven with Jayde. (June 17th) And, less than two weeks later Raven came to live with us. (June 26th) What a blessing and what a joy. Ann Donnawell was Raven's foster mother, and she knew right away that Raven was the right dog for our family. My husband is very happy that I filled out the form for adoption, we can't believe how well all the dogs get along and how much they are missed when we are away.

Dachshund Rescue is a great organization, and we all thank people like Ann Donnawell, who go out of their way to help pets in need and to find families that will give pets a home where they are loved and appreciated.
THANK YOU DRNA.
Dennis and Cathy Mitzel
contributed July 2006


Raven (the Shadow)

Raven and LizzieRaven and cat Raven joined our family in October 2009. She was about 12 weeks at the time and was very scared. After our long ride home she had bonded with her new "forever" mommy and has been doing great ever since.

Mom has actually nicknamed her Shadow because she now follows her everywhere. She is such a sweet heart. Raven loves her new big sister, "Lizzie" (even though she is much bigger) and also enjoys the cat a lot.

She could play all day with him. Raven has been a relatively calm puppy and is doing well with housebreaking, even though she forgets sometimes. She loves to play and especially cuddle with everyone in the family. She's been a great addition to our family!

Thank you,
Michelle, Abdel, Jesse, Mya, & Alyssa
(Lizzie & Cocoa too)
contrubuted December 2009


Raz
Raz here! I just wanted to let you know that I love my family and I am a very happy little girl. Here are some things my Mommy & Daddy have learned about me that I wanted to share with you.

I LOVE SQUIRRELS! The more the merrier. I chase them all over my backyard and I can't get enough of them. I will stand guard over my backyard until every last one of them has been chased up a tree or out of my yard. Sometimes I make Mommy late for work because I can't give up my squirrel chasing to come back inside (she doesn't mind). Unlike other doxies, I never really liked to show my belly. Not sure why that is, however, check out the attached picture of me & Mom.....She started rubbing my belly and I thought "this isn't so bad, I kind of like it". Now, I make her rub my belly all the time. Vacuum cleaners? At first my Mom thought I was scared of it, but she finally figured out that it's all a game to me.....I like to pounce on it and then run away (barking all the way!), then do it all over again. Mommy just laughs. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE blankets. Can't get enough of them. I only burrow when I'm really really tired, but I sure love laying on them. I can't say enough about my brother, Jake. I am glued to him like bread on butter. Inside or out, I have to be near him all the time, and outside, I literally glue myself to his side. I like touching!

Anyway, hope all is well with you and your doxie babies. Just wanted you to know I'm doing awesome! I'll be in touch!
Love,
Raz
contributed May 2007


RedLee
My new life began on December 14, 2003. After travelling with help from DRNA I made a huge move in my life from Pennsylvania to Illinois, to meet a family I had never known. At the time, I wasn't sure I was ready for this adventure since I was only five. To introduce myself, my name is RedLee. I'm a super doxie! That means there isn't another like me :). I've also got a registered name that is just too long for me. My new mom's understanding is I was surrendered by a breeder to DRNA and for about 2-3 years I lived with my foster family who was wonderful and gave me a chance to meet many other pups just like me.

My new family in Illinois has a Dad, a Mom, a two-legged brother, a two-legged sister, and a 4-legged brother. Oh yeah, there's a 4-legged half-brother (cat). I am probably the most quiet doxie you will ever meet. For about two weeks after my arduous trip, I hid anywhere I could find to hide. That's just part of my nature though. I love to be covered in blankets and I love to give kisses. My 4-legged brother, Scruffy, was also adopted from a dashchund rescue, though not DNRA. He's almost exactly my age. We're both long-haired doxies. We're easy to tell apart. I'm chocolate brown and Scruffy is black and red. I've gotten used to the cat and I absolutely adore living in Illinois. There are squirrels, and birds to bark at day and night. I've got plenty of room to run and my 2-legged brother and sister are great! I sleep in bed with mom and dad and I'm spoiled rotten! My favorite activity is to go fishing with the whole family. We make a day of it and sometimes Scruffy and I even get to play with a fish!

I don't worry about having to find a new home or family anymore. I know I'm not going anywhere because I'm WAY TOO SPOILED. All of us 4-leggers are known as the "BOYZ" around the house because just like any other teenagers, we run the place! It's our house and we'll keep the 2-leggers! Thank you DNRA for the chance to have the adventure and come to my ultimate camp. Thanks to my foster family for turning me loose for this adventure and for everyone, especially the people that brought me into Illinois to begin this adventure. I'm truly a happy puppy! and I'll always be a puppy! My one hope in life is to catch that squirrel that drives me crazy everyday.

Please tell all the other puppies that they too, can find their dreams.

Very sincerely (with kisses for all),
RedLee and family: Brian, Sandy, Jared, Jesse, Scruffy, and Belfree!
contributed April 2005


Ringo
Ringo Ringo has been a joy since the day he came to live with us, 7/3/03. At 7 months of age, he was scheduled to be euthanized because of behavior problems (biting and submissive urination). With a lot of patience, he's great with kids and other dogs. His buddy here is Winston who had heartworm when we adopted him 12 years ago!

contributed August 2006


Roscoe and Heidi
We have been dachshund owners for a long time. When my mother bought me two miniatures back in 1982, I was thrilled, and ever since, I have loved them and every other dachshund I have seen. My husband and I were away in the military, and needless to say we took them every where we went. People teased us non-stop because they thought we would make good parents because of the way we cared for our babies. We moved into West Virginia in 1995, we had thought about getting two more, but we were skeptical at the outcome since ours was getting to be rather senior. When we bought our home, we knew we wanted to expand our family. We went on different shifts so our "kids" were not home alone. Then one day, I went into the dachshund rescue. I knew that then the time was right. We saw the add for the adoption of Heidi and Roscoe. My husband and I instantly filled out the application. Several days or maybe a week or so went by, and we never heard anything. We figured somebody else had already adopted them. One evening, I was getting ready to go to work and Jill Blasdel called me. She asked if we were still interested and right away I said, "yes!" I was so excited. She told us that her contact in WV would be calling us to set up a home inspection. The next weekend, Kay came up. She brought her children and ours did wonderful...... within two weeks, we had our newest additions. We knew things would be crazy for awhile because our other two, princess and Cleo, would have to adjust to the new babies. What makes this such a happy ending is, they acted as if they already knew Heidi and Roscoe. Cleo, she is 17 now, took them in like they were her children. Princess just wanted someone to stay under the covers with. And believe me, Heidi keeps her very happy. We could not be happier. My mother and father love them so much, that they try to get us to leave them at their home all the time. But you know how it is when you have "kids", they must come home......I would like to thank Jill and her associates for all the hard work they do. Without them, our dream my not have happened. They are caring and thoughtful people who need a round of apaws....

Thanks!
Candy, John, Heidi, Roscoe, Princess and Cleo Falcone (the hedgehog also loves his new home).


Rosie
Rosie In March of 2003, my fiancée and I adopted Rosie, a long hair, 10 yr old mini. We already had a 1 yr old smooth at home, and we knew she needed a companion. We stumbled upon DRNA while searching for breeders, and are we glad we did! We learned about puppy mills and their horrible conditions and we also learned that there were so many abandoned dachshunds that were in desperate need of a home. We immediately stopped searching for a bred puppy, and began checking the site for a new family member. When we found Rosie, we were immediately drawn to her. She looked so sweet and happy in her pictures that it seemed she was smiling! Once the adoption was complete, we couldn't wait to pick up our new child. It took her a couple of months to warm up to us and our other doxie, but now it's like we've always had her! She loves to be rubbed, and if you stop, she will growl and bark for more. She is the sweetest dog, and is so friendly to everyone and all dogs. Recently we were all traveling together and stopped at a rest stop. There was a man walking a mastiff (these are as large as a st. bernard). Rosie just ran up to the other dog, wagging her tail, and laid down and let the mastiff sniff her all over. What a sight! It's incredible what a great personality she has considering her hard life. Rosie was first owned for seven years by a family who did not allow her in the house. They didn't feed her regularly, so most of her dinners were found by rummaging through the trash. The children would swing her around by her paws, and eventually broke them. (To this day, she will jerk her paw away if you touch it.) They also did not have a fenced yard, so a large dog mated with her. Rosie could not have her puppies, so she had an emergency c-section and almost died. None of the puppies survived. At this point, her family decided all the surgery was too expensive, so they gave her up. She was then adopted by a lady who loved her very much. As far as we know, she was well taken care of with her. Unfortunately, this lady had to give her up because she no longer had time to spend with her. Luckily for my fiancée and I, we found Rosie and invited her to live with us. She now sits in the lap of luxury, like she deserves. She always had food to eat, a warm place to stay, and a loving family that considers it a miracle to have her! Thanks for you continued work to save these precious dogs!

Amy Shockley


Rosie and Suzi
Rosie and Suzi Rosie and Suzi were my fosters for 3 months before I gave in and adopted them! They are sisters and needed to be placed together since they had lived together all their lives. Both dogs are 9 and were "hard to place." Well, I am weak and after looking at their sweet faces for 3 months, just said, "Ok, you can stay." Of course, they already knew that. They make me happy and the fact that they are older doesn't mean anything! All dogs deserve a good home, no matter how old!

Stacey R.
contributed December 2004


Roxy and Lucy
My husband and I have always had small dogs, generally two at a time, which we raised from puppies. When we found ourselves without a little pal, we were in transition: my husband had retired and I was not scheduled to retire and join him for several months. We intended to acquire two miniature dachshund puppies, a smooth and a wire-haired, when I retired since I would be the one training them. Because my retirement was several months away and we missed having a dog, we considered adopting a rescue dog. We were fortunate to find the DRNA website where we saw Roxy’s sweet little red and white face looking back at us. We learned that she was a very small 12 year old with a hear murmur, which thankfully has not progressed to the point that she needs any medication, nor does it seem to cause her any problems. When we met her, she had the most bowed legs we have ever seen and it was love at first sight. We took her home and learned that she never barks, is completely housebroken, and while she sleeps much of the time, she is a perfect little lady. She loves people and bonded to my husband immediately. She is very refined and while quiet, she managed to train us both to her wishes with a week or so.

Because we still wanted two dogs and we decided that a puppy might me too annoying for Roxy, we went back to the DRNA website and found Lucy, a smooth black miniature with a few tan polka dots and a bit of a weight problem. We learned that she was 10 years old and had been somewhat abused. We expected her to be shy and retiring because of her background and thought that Roxy, who is the most well-adjusted dog we have ever met, would be a good influence on her. When we met Lucy, she was a bit larger than Roxy but still a miniature. She would cower when you tried to pet her but did not run away. She and Roxy ignored one another which we understood was a good sign. When I held her, she gave me a kiss and I was hopelessly in love. We took her home where she spent several hours exploring every inch of the house. Finally, when she was exhausted, she jumped in my lap, rolled over on her back and fell asleep. If there was ever any doubt about her, it was eliminated at that point. She loves us both but is devoted to me. Lucy did not need any “training” from Roxy. She is very active, completely housebroken and barks at visitors, but quiets down once she knows they are approved to enter. Her little tail never stops wagging and she eats everything in sight, thus her nickname “Hoover”. We are working on her “weight issues”.

Both ladies walk well on leashes and seem to love us and their new home. We will never understand how anyone could have given Roxy up (actually asked to have her put to sleep), just because she is old, nor can we understand how anyone ever could have abused Lucy. They are totally different in their appearances and personalities but each is precious in her own way. They are not what we were planning to get but they are exactly what we needed and it seems that have both been with us forever. We will most likely never have another puppy, and instead will focus on giving rescue dogs a good home. Since they are senior citizens, we can not know how long Roxy and Lucy will be with us, but however long it may be, we will enjoy every minute that we have them and we will always have wonderful memories of them. Furthermore, we will always be grateful to Ann Donnawell and DRNA for the services they render and for matching us with two very wonderful little ladies for us to love. )

Thanks!
Ron and Billie (two-time adopters!
contrubuted August 2007


Ruby
Ruby and Family Hello... We wanted to share a photo of our new Doxie Ruby Red we adopted from DRNA...Ruby is our first Doxie we have ever owned. She came into our home and hearts July 8, 2005. Our adoption was a pleasant experiance. Everyone was so kind and nice to us. Ruby is a smart girl and loving she is getting more and more comfortable with us as the weeks roll on and we are so happy ... )

Take care,
Jim, Gemma and Giana Murrell (Dogs Sophia Blue and Ruby Red)
contrubuted July 2005


Ruby Jean
Chili and Ruby Jean Hello! I am a recent first-time adopter from DRNA. Attached is a picture of my dachsies, Chili (on the left) and Ruby Jean (on the right). Ruby Jean is my adopted daughter from DRNA. She made herself right at home from the first day she walked through the door. She and Chili are total opposites – as you can see from the picture! Chili is much more laid-back while Ruby Jean is a go-getter!! The two have bonded wonderfully and I could not ask for a more perfect pairing!

My sincere gratitude to DRNA for the work that you do. My adoption experience was wonderful, and the staff of the SC DRNA (Kimberly Madden) were very helpful and pleasant.

Thanks again!

Meredith
contrubuted October 2009


Rudy
I recently rescued Rudy who is an approximate 2 1/2-year-old black and tan, long-haired tweenie doxie. He came from New Hampshire. Andrea was his foster mom and she said she cried when she had to give Rudy up, but her husband assured her that if she would have seen the look on my daughter's face when she saw Rudy that she would have been so happy. We've only had Rudy for about a week and he just loves to play with his younger sister doxie called Chloe. They kiss each other and play so well together. Chloe I had gotten from a breeder and I knew I wanted another one right away so that's when I discovered DRNA. I filled out the application and had a home visit and within a month I was united with Rudy. My daughter and I love him so much and he loves us too. Thank you DRNA for being there. You have made my life very happy.

Sincerely,
Elaine M. Lapierre
Rhode Island
contributed April 2007


Rudy the Cartdog
I actually found my new boy Rudy by accident. I was standing in line at the grocery store when I noticed the small magazine "Critter." (the Art Director is Jane Bird, a DRNA rep who I found out only lives about 10 minutes from me!) I picked it up and thumbed through the pages. I stopped when I noticed an ad for DRNA. I really wasn't looking for another dog. I have two already and that is a good round number as far as my husband is concerned!

I took the magazine back to work with me where I of course went immediately to the website. My mouse went directly to "Our Neediest Dogs." I have "sucker" stamped acrross my forehead, like probably many of you do! (but in a good way) I asked for information about a dog that I found out really wasn't well enough to be adopted. So, what do I do? I look for another one!! All of these animals are so precious, but I kept going back to Rudy with his little male diaper on. I learned he had a herniated disc that compressed his spinal cord and left him paralyzed. He had surgery but still couldn't use his his back legs. So, his owner surrendered him because she could not devote the time to rehibilitation and therepy that he needed.

His terrific foster mom Rhonda was so gracious and patiently answered all my many, many questions and Stephanie picked him up in Williamsburg, KY and drove him all the way to N.C. to meet us. I really couldn't wait to help this dog and this organization.

I've had Rudy 2 weeks now and he is just the greatest! He has a new bed and playpen and toys and treats!! Rhonda sent him with his cart and a new S.C. tag that says "RUDY". He tells me he really loves his new forever home and we love him too! We will be enjoying the great beaches of S.C. this summer and are very excited! Some of you may have heard of Myrtle Beach. They have terrific campgrounds for pets. I just want everyone to know that handicapped dogs make wonderful pets!! Don't pass them up!

Sincerely,
Kim amd Patrick Henson
contributed April 2007


Rupert
Hello, from Rupert, our newly adopted doxie as of 2 weeks ago. He is really settling in but the most amazing part of our story is my husband. Rupert came from an abused home and was afraid of my husband who is a very gentle, patient man.

We have been working on Rupert to trust Rob with walks and feedings but to no avail. Then something amazing happens. Just the other night, while we were sitting watching TV with Rupert between us, Rupert slowly stood up and creeped up on to my husbands chest with his front paws and very slowly with caution, Rupert layed his head on my husbands chest for a hug.

I fell to tears with eyes wide open and my hand over my mouth and sat and watched this beautiful moment. Now our family has come full circle and healing has begun. Rupert dances as you see in the photo and gives lots of hugs and kisses.

He has made 2 friends that he looks forward to seeing on our walks and they are a large labradoodle and a golden retriever.

Life is good in International Falls, MN.

Sincerely,
Elaine M. Lapierre
Rhode Island
contributed May 2007


Rusty
RustyRusty has been adopted by a wonderful woman named Sandy. Sandy lives in Memphis, TN, & she adopted Rusty in September 2000. Rusty finally has a forever home, after a year, to the month, of waiting. MANY thanks go out to Kim & Jason who drove from Jacksonville, NC & met Sandy halfway during one week-end in September. Many THANKS to Sandy, for everything. Rusty is a very special needs dachshund who is 7 years old. He came to us after hurricane Floyd hit us in September 1999. He almost died because of his physical condition. Infections of the skin, teeth, ears & on his severely broken tail. Unneutered. Emaciated & so ill the vet did not think Rusty would last the week. The vet was afraid to give Rusty a vaccination because it could have killed Rusty. This poor boy had survived encelphilitis as a pup, only to be given to us in this shape. THANKS to the Jacksonville Vet Hospital for working with us, for saving Rusty.

NOW: tail was amputated, neutered, teeth fixed, no infections, & as healthy & happy as can be. Forgets, sometimes, where he needs to use the bathroom, but this is due to his mental disabilities as a result of the encelphilitis.

NOW: Rusty is in his forever home, giving love & receiving love

Thank you!


Rusty Efird
Rusty CuddlesWe're not sure of Rusty's background, he was found wandering in the street. He was picked up and taken to an animal shelter (surely to be put down) but DRNA rescued him. They named him Brisco, but Rusty just seems to fit. He came to us in July 2004 and we feel like he's been here for a thousand years. He is the sweetest boy we could ever ask for. Rusty's new sister, our five year old female named Penny, loves him too. Rusty also has four other weiner cousins that come to visit Grandma & Grandpa on Sundays. What a time they all have running together in their new fenced in backyard. Everyone's so happy, I'm so glad that DRNA is out there to help make happy tails.

Thank you!
Garrett & Judy Efird
Rusty, Penny, Emma, Patch, Otis & Amber
North Carolina


Rusty Thomas
Rusty Rusty with Mom and DadFor 16 years, every once in awhile, I would mention that I sure would like to have a dog again. My husband always gave me the same answer. "I do not want another dog. You can get one after I am gone." After much thought, I decided I would keep the husband and not have a dog.

Earlier this year we dog sat for our friends doxie, it was the day her daughter was getting married. We had so much fun with Jayde. So, I started mentioning wanting a dog again. It wasn't long after dog sitting that Jayde's mother (Cathy) said they were getting a second doxie this time from DRNA. I got all the information, and kept talking to Bob, and talking to Bob, and talking to Bob...until as Bob, says, I wore him down.

We put in an application requesting a female between 1 and 5 years old. A few choices just did not work out, so we talked and decided we would consider a male. After this discussion, we looked on the DRNA web site, July 7th, and found Rusty. Male, long haired, red doxie, between 3 and 4 years old, weighting 13 pounds. We already had our home visit from DRNA and had been approved. So, I called Ann Donnawell, asked about Rusty.

We made arrangements to see him the next morning at her home since she was Rusty's foster Mom. On the way to visit Rusty, July 8th, Bob said, "Now we are just going to look at him, right?" Right!!! Ann brought Rusty into the family room and put him down on the floor and Bob and I fell in love with him immediately. Bob looked at me and said, "Shall we take him home today?" This man that did not want a dog really stuck to his guns. Ha!!! As we were signing the contract, Bob looked down and Rusty was sitting between his feet looking up at him. The rest is history.

We came home and Rusty came in as if he had lived here forever. We don't know how we got so lucky to have such a handsome, well behaved little loving companion...but we did.

We thank Ann Donnawell and DRNA for all they do and working so hard to find loving forever homes for all those they rescue.

Thank you!
Bob and Frances Thomas
contributed August 2006


Rusty Sisca
Rusty and FrankI adopted Rusty my senior year of college when I was in Pennsylvania. He was already 10 years old and I was skeptical at first. I have had dachshunds my whole life so i thought to myself, "why not rescue an older dog who will appreciate it more?" The description of Rusty said he did not get along very well with other dogs but I have found that to be false. When i got him, my parents had a 10 year odl basset hound whom Rusty loves and enjoys being around. This past August, I got a piebald puppy named Frank and was a little worried at first since he was so tiny. Rusty and him sleep together, play together, eat together and do everything they can together. They are completely in love and Rusty has never been happier. He has taken over the parent figure in Frank's life. Frank adores Rusty.

Rusty with mom Rusty sleeps with me everynight and he is the sweetest most loving dachshund I have ever had. I love him more than anything and could not be happier with him. He has a real family now and is the happiest dog in the world.

Thank you!
Cristina Sisca
contributed December 2008