Happy Tales

Dachshunds

IF YOU HAVE ADOPTED FROM CTDR AND HAVE A "HAPPY TALE" FOR US,
PLEASE EMAIL YOUR STORY AND A PHOTO OF YOUR DOXIE TO OUR WEBMASTER.

Toode, fka Violet

Just wanted to send an update and let everyone know that Toode is doing great. We love her very much and Schnapps is now a happy, playful dog since Toode has come into our home. Soon after she arrived I saw her sitting by Speckles grave, and she reached and put her paw up on the grave. It appeared to be a very respectful act. Anyway, she has brought us a lot of joy and comfort, and is quite a character. I am attaching a few pics of her, one after participating in the "Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure" in October. After all, Speckles was a breast cancer survivor. I don't have any pics of her and Schnapps together, but I sent one of him, too. They both sleep with us in our bed each night, and sometimes our cat is there, too! So it is quite crowded.

Cara DeRoeck

Balu, fka Frederick

Just wanted to update CTDR about Balu (aka Frederick) whom I adopted in August 2007. He and Cheyenne get along great. They play with each other since that first night he arrived home. It's taken him a while but now he is a very affectionate guy who loves to snuggle and give kisses all the time. He nudges her out of the way for lap time often now. We have moved away from Texas for a while (hope to return soon) and neither he nor I like the cold weather. He stays snuggled under the blankets but when it's sunny outside you can always find him soaking up the rays! He has been such a joy! If I ever need another buddy, then I know where to look – CTDR. Thank y'all so much.

Lee Weise

Ariel

She came into our lives in March 09. She was one of our new fosters from CTDR and from the moment we picked her, we were hooked. She continued to win us over with her very sweet and loving personality. She is so full of love and all she wants is to be loved. She is a beautiful double dapple dachshund that has a deformed eye. She was born that way (as a lot of double dapple's are) but she doesn't know that she has a handicap. It doesn't slow her down at all. She bonded well with our 2 personal dachshunds as well as the other fosters in our care. She loves the other members of our family and vice versa. I couldn't ask for a better dog to add to our family. She became a permanent member of our family in May 09.

I want to thank CTDR for giving me the opportunity to foster all the great dachshunds that come my way and especially for the opportuntity to adopt our little Ariel. I wouldn't adopt anywhere else.

Debbie Farley

Malcolm

I adopted Malcolm in October of 2008 and brought him home to Dallas. Since then, he's put on a few pounds and discovered his love for expensive food. Malcolm enjoys long walks in the park, chewing to destroy his favorite squeaky toy and going for long rides in the car. He's made a ton of new friends while attending doggy college and has mastered several impressive tricks. Malcolm is healthy, happy and livin' the good life.

Michael Floyd

Delores Claiborne, fka Rosie

She came into our lives from CTDR
& now it seems that she's chosen us
just as we are
The love we've felt
is signed in our hearts
So she ADOPTED our family
& we'll never part

It's only been a couple of months since we've adopted "Rosie." We contacted CTDR to foster a little dachshund. We did realize that young'ns are usually first to go, and we thought that when we get to an older age in life that maybe we'll get put in a home and not be wanted and go through our older age alone, so we decided on getting an older dog (adult/senior). We were given Rose in February 2009 to foster. Well, as a couple of months went by, she needed surgery on her ear and she was brought to the vet in Austin. I thought that we could lose her by being just foster parents, and a family would adopt her. We talked to Peggy, and finally, fully adopted her.

At first she was nervous, and I'm pretty sure, scared. She would go to sleep under the blankets and get up for food and water (plus treats). She had little "accidents", but in real life, who doesn't? We, also, have a long-haired dachshund, named Carmen Miranda, 12 yrs, and a mixed maltese, named Jiji, 3 yrs.

Well, as I was playing with our two dogs with stuffed animals, all of a sudden, LOUD BARKING!!! Rosie/Delores apparently got out of her shell and wanted to start playing, she loves fetch and tug-of-war. She loves walks and TREATS. She definitely follows me everywhere in our apartment. They all snuggle together and sleep with us. Sometimes she just wants to be held. I guess it's that way with us humans also. To know someone is there and there to love.

It will soon be July 2009 and we fostered, fell in love, and adopted Rosie "Delores Claiborne". She now has two daddies, Trung (me), and Jason. She has two sisters.

Sometimes there is "bickering" over food or treats, but I guess that's what sisters do sometimes. Thank you, CTDR!

Trung, Jason, Delores, Carmen, & Jiji

Cassie and AJ

Thanks CTDR - you have enriched our lives so much. We adopted Cassie (dappled) 2 years ago. She brought so much joy to our home and family that we had to find a companion for Cassie. Pam H. and the CTDR volunteers were awesome. They matched our household up with AJ (black and tan). You could not have picked a better match for my family. He has brought so much love and joy to our home. Cassie has really bonded with AJ. AJ and Cassie love to spend time with my extended family.

You have truly blessed us. Thanks so much CTDR.

Debbie, Dayna & Brandyn Livingston

Annabelle

Tomorrow is Annabelle’s birthday. She will be 9 on March the 9th. We adopted her last February 2008 while living in Austin. We moved that summer to California and Annabelle adjusted quite well. She endured the long three day car ride with grace and good behavior. After my beloved Gilley went to Rainbow Bridge the year before I didn’t think I would ever love another dog. Your organization proved me wrong. Our little Annabelle is the joy of our life and I want to thank everyone at CTDR who helped bring us together. I tell her story whenever someone stops to talk to Annabelle and I also mention your great organization. Thank you for enriching our lives with such a precious pup.

Jim and Lois Turner

Friday, fka Wembley

This is "Friday", named after JFK junior's dog. he was adopted in May of 2006. His adopted name was Wembley. I love him so much and he is a true gentleman, so very kind and the best friend to my other dachshund, Elliot. He is such a cutie and I just wanted to send this updated picture of him.

Linda Roche

Mariah: From Rescue to Ribbons

Every once in a while, there is a Cinderella story in the rescue world. One of those stories belongs to a jet black dachshund mix named Mariah.

"Who would have EVER thought that the very SICKLY dog that was at my house ... who ended up having to be hospitalized, would turn out to be this?" asked Chris Holm, Treasurer of Central Texas Dachshund Rescue after learning about Mariah's first canine agility title three years ago.

And it has been quite the transformation! Just over four years ago, this unwanted little black dog found herself counting her last days at the Brown County Animal Shelter and Humane Society. Admitted to the shelter with her puppies, the puppies were quickly adopted, but no one wanted Mariah. Brown County Animal Shelter contacted CTDR when Mariah's time had run out, and a very ill Mariah entered CTDR's foster program.

Eventually, Mariah regained her health and was adopted out. But the adoption didn't last, and CTDR took ownership of Mariah again. Another hopeful adoption took place a few months later, but the "glass slipper" again, didn't seem to fit. This time, however, before CTDR could regain custody, Mariah was passed on to another home. Mariah went through at least three other homes before CTDR miraculously found her again ... just as she was being transported to a kill shelter in Williamson County.

CTDR found that the interim time Mariah was out of their custody was not a happy one for her. Evidence of physical abuse (healed broken ribs) and the unstable environments took an emotional toll on Mariah. Mariah's new foster "mom" saw a spark underneath the mound of insecurity she carried however, and started her in an agility class to build her confidence.

"The first time I brought her to an agility practice, she ran off and started doing jumps on her own" said Debbie Vogel, Mariah's foster and eventual adopter. "I knew then, that this was the key."

Mariah took to Agility like a Labrador Retriever to water. Earning ribbons after only 12 weeks into the sport, shows the obvious; that Mariah found her "Happily Ever After" dream!

Three years have passed and Mariah reached a milestone by earning a place on the North American Dog Agility Council (NADAC) top ten list for 2008! She tied for 5th place in North America for the 8" Mixed Breed Touch and Go Category.

"I didn't even know she had made the list," Debbie said. "We were at a competition in February and people came up to us, congratulating us on our accomplishment!"

Mariah currently competes at the Elite level in NADAC, Superior level in TDAA (Teacup Dog Agility Association) and is quickly moving to the Masters Level in the USDAA (United States Dog Agility Association).

"It never ceases to amaze me, that people didn't want her ... that they just threw her away," Debbie said. The former unwanted little black dog turned out to be a rare gem!

Debbie Vogel

The Anderson family dogs: Those wonderful senior wieners!

Teddy was our first CTDR dog. He had been on the Web site for quite a while. He was an older man and had been found at a baseball field in Austin. He moved right in our home and hearts in March 2003. He was 10-plus years old.

He had a beautiful dachshund face. Because of Teddy, we learned about having a doggie door. Teddy just enjoyed his "retirement," hanging out in the backyard and enjoying the sunshine. When it was bedtime, he let you know by walking up and down the hallway and wanted my husband, Gene, to hold him. He loved to eat like most doxies and one time we had a baked chicken sitting on top of the stove and Teddy had grabbed the hand towel that was draped over the oven handle and was trying to open the oven. He knew that chicken was there and he was going to get it!

The years had taken their toll and he began to have some health problems and I started taking him to work with me. My boss is very tolerant and dog loving. He mainly slept and then when lunch time came, he ate with us "girls." He never once caused any problems and no one even knew he was there. He started having heart problems just overnight and we tried some medication, but his condition became worse. He passed away with our vet's help and me holding him in June 2004. We only had him a few years, but we would not have hesitated adopting him all over again. He was a good boy and we loved him.

Next was Barney. He was a black and tan dapple with one black ear and one speckled one and a personality like no other. He had been an owner surrender. Barney came in July 2004 and was 13 years old. He evidently was passed by for adoption because of his age, but you would have never known he was 13.

Barney thought he was top dog, but Rimshot, our diabetic boy, thought he was too. They had an ongoing game. Barney would go out the doggie door and Rimmy would sit at the door to keep him out. Barney always got back in. He also would herd him down the hallway to the bathroom where I fed Rimmy separately from the others. They were so comical.

Barney loved to sit in my lap and would lie on his back and lick me behind the ear until he made me laugh. He was the Steve Martin of the doxies – a wild and crazy guy! He also loved to sleep on Gene's arm at night – that was his place. Barney passed away after a sudden one-day illness in October 2006. We were heartbroken, but never once regretted adopting him. He was a special boy and much loved.

Now we have Sampson. He was a stray and was found in a "side cage" at the animal shelter in San Angelo, TX. He is approximately 10 years old and his time was running out at the shelter. He was rescued and an e-mail went out about him and I answered. He was ferried up to me and when we met the first time, he just sat up and looked at me. My heart melted! On the way home, he sat up beside me with his head on my shoulder. I cannot even stand the thought that if he had not been rescued, he would have been put to sleep.

Sampson is the best house dog; he is very quiet and perfectly housetrained. I cannot imagine how he became a stray. He came to live with us in September 2005 and absolutely worships my husband, Gene. He is the sweetest, most laid back boy. He is the ultimate couch potato and we love him dearly.

Next is Marvin (aka Marcus). He came in August 2007 and is around 8 years old. He had been hit by a car up in the Dallas area. He has a plate in his leg and is missing a few teeth. Marvin was our first attempt at fostering – we failed!! He has such a neat personality and is quite the character. He loves to play ball and loves his squeaky toys. He is very smart.

Just recently our granddaughter, Keilee, was at our house. She is 3 years old and was born deaf, but has had cochlear implants and is taking therapy and learning to talk. Marvin and she had a great time playing ball, or as Marvin calls it, "keep away." Well she was in the back yard and Gene caught her with her hand cupped to her mouth calling "Marvin – Marvin." We were so excited. She said it just as clear as could be and Marvin came running. How neat that little Marvin moved her to say his name. What a wonderful addition this little rascal has made. We love him very much.

Last is our loooong Oscar. He came to us this past November 2008. We were told his previous owner was an elderly man who passed away and then he was put in a shelter in Austin. He is 9 or 10 years old. He and Sampson are the best "sitter uppers" ever. He has the shiniest coat with a hint of dapple in it – kind of a caramel color. He loves to race around the back yard with Lexie, our young little red doxie. They are best friends. He also got in on the ball playing with Marvin and Keilee, chasing after them barking. They had great fun. We also discovered by accident that he will chase a flashlight beam. He goes crazy. We are so glad he has come to live with us. He is such a good boy and we love him very much also!

All in all, I cannot say enough about rescue dogs. They are very special and we have an extra soft spot for the older ones even though their time with you is shorter. They make you smile. I would encourage anyone to adopt a rescue dog. They seem to be so appreciative about having a new home. It doesn't take long for them to adjust – just give them a little time and they will fit right in.

Roxanne and Gene Anderson

Sabrina: Out of the puppy mill and out of her shell

Sabrina was rescued from a puppy mill in Rockport, TX, in May of last year. At the time she was only about two years old and had already had at least one litter of puppies. She is a tiny thing, weighing less than 10 pounds. Conditions at the puppy mill were horrific. The dogs were kept in cages inside an un-air conditioned, filthy trailer. The dogs had been seized by law enforcement officials and the court agreed that the breeder could not have them back. Three dachshund rescue groups transported more than 50 of these dachshunds to the Austin area. Sabrina was one of them. (CTDR named the Rockport rescue dogs after dancers on Dancing with the Stars.)

When I first saw Sabrina after she had been taken to our vet's office, she appeared to be terrified. She huddled in the back of the cage and would not look at me, and when I opened the cage she scrunched down even more. She flinched when I touched her.

When she arrived she was very dirty and was covered with fleas. She had intestinal worms that would take three rounds of medication to eradicate. When I brought her home, I was concerned that she was so traumatized that she would never come out of her shell.

However, within 24 hours at our house, Sabrina was coming around. She was exhausted and spent hours sleeping on my husband's lap. In the following few weeks she ate well and learned very quickly. Turned out, she had a quirky little personality, was full of affection, andwas very playful. She barked for attention, and pranced around when she got it. With her funny little stick-out ears (her adopters call them her "flying nun" ears), she made me laugh every day. She adored our other foster dog, Winston. She was afraid of strangers, however, which was understandable.

Adoption applications started coming in when her picture was posted on the CTDR website. I knew that we needed to find a home for Sabrina with people who knew dogs, would be patient with her and pamper her, and I hoped would have another dog for her to play with. When I walked into her adopters' home, I knew we had hit the jackpot. Her new home had two other dachshunds, one an older girl and the other a youngster, Shelby, who wanted to start playing with Sabrina immediately. The adopters also had a doggie door and stairs leading up to the sofas in the living room. There were dog toys, treats, beds, and dachshund "stuff" everywhere. Perfect!

Sabrina's adopters have kept in touch with me. She is doing great, plays nonstop with Shelby, and fits in perfectly. While still shy, she is loving life and her family is incredibly happy with her. What a change for this sweet little dog who seemed destined to live out her life churning out puppies in a cage! I am so proud and happy that CTDR and her adopters were able to give Sabrina the life she deserves.

Janet Smith

Buzz: Teaching and learning from deaf students

Buzz (formerly named Freckles) joined our family in April 2008 when he was 4 months old. He had come to CTDR from someone who purchased him at a flea market. His beautiful blue eyes and unusual coloring won over the kind individuals who put him in the good hands of CTDR.

Shortly after coming into foster care, it was discovered that little Buzz was deaf, as a result being a double dapple.

Buzz was a perfect match for our family. I am a deaf education teacher and was already bringing my therapy dog (one of our other dachshunds, named Lumpi) to work in my classroom with my students. As soon as Buzz came into our home, he immediately started coming to school with me as he needed a lot of extra attention. There was an instant connection between my students and little Buzz as he was deaf – just like them.

They became assistants in Buzz's training and in teaching him sign language. They also helped select his name. I had purchased a vibrating collar with a soft vibration similar to a vibro-tactile device used with students who are deaf. Because we would "buzz" him to get his attention, he became known as Buzz.

Today, Buzz is 15 months old. He responds to about 30 words/phrases in sign language and is on his way to becoming a certified therapy dog himself. He now alternates his visits to school with Lumpi. The deaf adults and students who meet Buzz are always enchanted by him, especially because they can communicate with him.

Carolyn Honish

Casey: A broken back, but never a broken spirit

From hurt, broken, and battered to happy, healthy, and forever home. It doesn't get any better than that! I'd like to introduce you to Casey. He's one of the most memorable foster dogs that we've had the privilege to help.

I received a call from our rescue president saying that there was an adorable 1 year old black & tan dachshund that needed a foster home. He was currently in surgery to repair a fractured pelvis. He had surgery about 2 months before to repair his broken back. I couldn't help but ask what had happened to him. A shelter worker where he was turned in mentioned an "incident with a baseball bat." How anyone could do that to a dog is still beyond my imagination. My husband and I agreed to foster Casey and I picked him up from the surgical center the next day.

Casey had been in our home for less than 48 hours when he met the woman who would become his forever mom. A good friend of mine, Lisa, brought her dachshund for us to dog sit for the week, and it was love at first sight. Lisa's fiancé, Larry, fell instantly in love with Casey when they met at the end of the week. Larry and Casey had an instant bond. I knew right away that this would be the perfect home for Casey.

As Casey recovered from surgery, Lisa filled out her application to adopt Casey. I took Casey to water therapy and worked on his range of motion at home. Through everything he was the happiest little dog! There were several obstacles in the way of this particular adoption. Lisa was in the process of moving, so all of her vet records were packed in a box somewhere. The adoption committee was having trouble getting the vet on the phone to verify that Lisa's current pets were up to date on their vaccinations. A lot of people would have gotten frustrated with the process and given up, but not Lisa and not CTDR. After many phone calls, e-mails, and faxes, everything was in order for the adoption to be complete. I will never forget the joy in Lisa's voice when I called to tell her Casey was ready to go home!

Casey is now a healthy, happy little doxie! His back legs do not have the mobility that a "normal" dachshund does, but that doesn't slow him down one bit. He can walk and hop (his version of running) if he has traction. Outside in the grass he's fast enough to keep up with his big doggie sister, Maggie. Lisa even purchased a cart for Casey as he has trouble getting around inside on their hardwood floors. Casey has become a cherished family member in Lisa's household. He is definitely living the high life now!

Georgann Cox

Gus

You may remember Gus, who was originally named "Bob." We adopted him from you about four years ago. He is such a lovey boy and looks like Rod Stewart with his head hair standing on end! We love him so much, as does his "brother" Beanie, also a rescue dog.

Jan Cooke

Ernie

Our love affair with Ernie (red, smooth, 15 lbs) began in late November of 2003 when I adopted him from CTDR at 6 months old. He came to us as a very, timid boy and quickly became my constant shadow. He has also been a wonderful companion to his older sister Sophie (red, smooth, 6 lbs) and even lets her be the boss.

2 1/2 years ago Ernie got his own little sister to boss around, named Jainie (B&T, long hair, 13 lbs). The 3 of them get along wonderfully and have enriched our lives so much. Ernie is a VERY spoiled Mama's boy who likes playing with his Kong, eating and sleeping more than anything.

Adopting him was a wonderful decision I have never regretted and always encourage others to use dog rescue organizations to find their new child! This is definitely a HAPPY TALE!!

Thank you so much for bringing Ernie into our lives. We love him very much, and I am pretty sure it's mutual.

Lisa Townsend

Sadie, Jet and Rocket

I wanted to let you know that we have adopted THREE dogs from ya’ll over the years and they are doing GREAT!

They are the love of our lives (after our 3 yr. old daughter – who is part of their pack) and we cannot imagine adopting a dog that wasn’t a rescue!

I have attached a photo. Left to right: Sadie (formerly Thelma) approx. 5 yrs old ChiWeenie, Jet (formerly Baron) approx. 2 yrs. old, Rocket (formerly Charlie) approx. 12 yrs. old

Melissa Wilson

Buzz, fka Freckles

I am beyond THRILLED to have him!

He is no longer Freckles....the kids and I have renamed him. He is now Buzz. With the vibrating collar that I'm going to get for him (it's NOT a shock collar -- just a soft vibration like the vibro-tactile device some of the deaf students use), we'll have to "buzz" him to get his attention/get him to come...hence, the name, Buzz.

Anyway, he's at school with me today (Lumpi didn't realize today was Friday -- that's usually his day to come to school), and he was formally introduced to the school during our morning announcements that are broadcast to all TVs in the classrooms. He's already a big hit with not only the kids but also the faculty!

THANK YOU so much for your recommendation. I'll certainly keep in touch with his progress!

Carolyn Honish

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