| Paco and Heidi |
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| Dawn Koontz |
| contributed June 2008 |
| Patch |
In February, 1999, the owner of the West Virginia puppy mill wanted to get rid of some extra dogs, so she contacted DRNA to take them off her hands. Among these "obsolete" dogs was a ten-year old male red smooth Dachshund with a burn scar on his back. He was poorly bred, but was used as a stud dog due to his diminutive size. He only weighed 4 ½ pounds because he couldn't eat. He had gum abscesses so severe that his jawbone was broken; he lost all but about eight teeth during his dental surgery. He was flatfooted from living on a wire-floored cage for most of his life and he had worms, as did all the dogs involved.Some dogs raised in a puppy mill environment are aggressive, and during his vetting it was necessary to crate several dogs to a crate due to the sheer volume of dogs rescued. These aggressive dogs attacked him and he went into shock, nearly dying. The vet literally spent the night with him to save him. I volunteered to find foster homes for four of these puppy mill rescues and this little guy was one of the four. By this time he was named Patch Adams, or Patch for short; you don't get a name in a puppy mill. On March 5, 1999 my wife took one look at Patch and decided that he was much too weak to be moved to a foster home, so we would foster him ourselves. I agreed with her; I would lie awake that first week and wait for him to stop breathing. I did post him on the adoption page and actually got two responses in the first week. But that weekend Lynn told me to send in his adoption fee and contract, because Patch wasn't ever going to leave our house; he was a part of the family. I told her not to worry about it, that no one else would call about him. I had already pulled him from the adoption page! Our other three dogs gave Patch special privileges; he could take their toys, but they wouldn't bother his. Patch's broken jaw has healed and he has gained weight; he's chubby at 8 pounds. With his small lower jaw and few teeth his tongue always hangs out, even when he sleeps. He loves chewing on his pig's ears and Kong toy as well as the other dogs. Patch play-fights with everyone and runs through the house for the sheer joy of running. He is the happiest dog I've ever seen and is the dog that everyone wants to take home. Patch is nearly eleven now and we can't imagine not having adopted him. He still associates the leash with being tied up and doesn't like to be picked up unless it is to be placed on the couch. But Patch is very affectionate and loves his tummy rubs. There is something special about older Dachshunds that you must experience to understand. We are glad the Patch has enriched our lives. Zach, Cocoa, and Jingles were the other three dogs we placed. Zach, seven years old, now lives in a loft apartment in Manhattan and pees in Central Park. His owner flew to Atlanta, met me at the airport and flew Zach to his new home. Jingles is a 10 year old piebald that is deaf. He lives south of Atlanta with a family that has taught him sign language so they can communicate with him. He loves living in the country. And Cocoa, also ten, now lives just north of San Francisco. I regularly get notes and pictures from all of these families. The incredible thing about these four rescues is that they are pretty normal. |
| Thank You! |
| Peanut |
If you read Andy's and Teddy's story, you'll know they were expecting a new buddy to show up - and he did! Peanut arrived about a month after Andy and Teddy took over our home and hearts. Although quite happy with our two new dachsies, when I read Peanut's story I knew I had to consider adopting him too. Peanut apparently had a very good home for seven years - until his owner died, and no one wanted him. Hard to believe - he's a handsome little fellow, a brown shorthaired standard with the most appealing big brown eyes and gentle devoted manner you can imagine. Fortunately he was turned over to DRNA, where a loving foster family could take good care of him and reassure him that there were still people who'd care for him.
We first met Peanut at a doggie park in Durham, where he was having fun running around with the other dogs, but always returning to follow around the husband of one of the DRNA volunteers - having been removed from foster care, Peanut no doubt figured he'd better adopt another human quick! Although no doubt a bit confused by all the changes and travel of the day, Peanut was a good sport about coming along with us for the long drive back to MD. He curled in the van up on "his" quilt that his foster family sent along (we call it Peanut's security blanket!), and was the perfect gentleman all during the trip and at rest stops. Since joining our family, Peanut has quickly adapted to his new home and fellow dachshunds. He and Teddy are inseparable - whatever one does, the other observes and copies. Together they patrol for rabbits, race around the yard, race around the house, try out various squeaky toys, and are in competition to see who can chew up the most chewie bones. Walks together are interesting - Teddy races along to annoint every bush, hydrant, tree or blade of grass he can. Peanut isn't quite so driven to water everything in the neighborhood, but he waits for Teddy before continuing with the walk, so they can walk together. When not racing around with Teddy, Peanut likes to curl up on the couch with Andy, and help people watch tv or cross-stitch. And of course he was really happy to learn of the family tradition of Sunday morning pancakes and sausage - for both people and dachshunds! People-wise, Peanut has decided that laps are the best place to sleep, and the best lap of them all is the dad lap - just the right size for a dachshund to nap on! Somehow Peanut must have overheard that the dad had some concerns that "mom" was going to keep adopting dachshunds... so he decided to make sure dad was glad dachshund number 3 had arrived. Peanut's plan worked - the dad guy has publicly admitted several times that he's really glad we got one more, and stopped threatening to block the DRNA website from mom's computer. (We all knew it was an empty threat anyways, as all the dogs know the dad is the biggest softie in the household!) So, thanks to DRNA, Peanut had a second chance at a happy home. Thanks from Peanut, and his family, for bringing us toghether! |
| Thank You! Joni, Ray, Lauren & David, Andy, Teddy and Peanut |
| contributed October 2004 |
| Peanut Osborne |
I adopted Peanut from Dachshund Rescue of North America in June 2002. He was nine years old. He has been such a delight! I know that he has had a hard life and I am so blessed that I can be his "forever home." When I first got him he had some separation anxiety. He began chewing on his tail and we went to the vet every week to try stop this behavior. One day I came home and found that he had actually chewed the end of his tail off! We had to have his tail amputated, so now he just has a little "nub." I affectionately call him "Nubbie." He has been fine ever since. He is such a good little pup. He has so much energy and loves to play. It is hilarious to watch him play with his toys. He has become a favorite at his veterinarian's office. Everyone knows him as Peanut, the short tailed doxie. He is my little celebrity. Sometimes I forget he is a senior. I was so blessed to have the opportunity of inviting Peanut into my life! Adopting a rescue dachshund has been extremely rewarding.
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| Thank You, Laura Osborne |
| contributed October 2005 |
| Peanut Butter |
| I just wanted to let everyone know that Peanut Butter is doing very, very well. We love him so very much, and he is such a loving dog! He is already walking around the house like he owns it after only a month! He gives us so much love that we can never thank drna or his foster parents, the Armstrongs, enough. What a beautiful, givng dog — especially when you consider all that he has been through... He is a blessing for us and we are grateful to your organization for matching my husband and me with this wonderful pooch! Thanks again! Merl and Ramona Parsons |
| Thanks again! Merl and Ramona Parsons |
| contributed August 2005 |
| Peet |
  
As you can see, I've made myself quite at home in just 3 short days! (I'm the dark chocolate doxie with red eyebrows, wearing the glow collar.)
I like my new doxie sister (even though she's old and not as active as I am), all her toys, my new house, my new "forever" parents, and all the neighbors and family that just happen to adore doxies in particular. Oh, and there's a cat here that I can chase around the house if I want to...but I don't really pay attention to her all that much. I've been doing good pottying when and where I'm supposed to -- just a few "almost oopses" but mommy caught me in the nick of time! I enjoy walking around my quiet neighborhood and meeting other dogs, riding in the car, and being a couch potato with my family each evening. I go to bed with my doxie sister when I'm told to, like a good boy. I'd like to thank the AC who picked me up and cared for me until my foster mommy was able to take me in. She cared for me and brought me back to health -- which couldn't have been easy, considering I was very much underweight, had skin problems and bad teeth. But she fed me well and made sure I got the care I needed to get me ready for my forever home. Thank you foster mommy!!! I'll be in touch again soon, - Li'l Peet (formerly "Petri") |
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| contributed May 2010 |
| PeeWee |
Hi Folks!
PeeWee here. You may have seen me listed previously under 'Available Seniors' (I'm fifteen.) I was sporting the blue Mommy's Boy shirt. Boy, did that turn out to be prophetic! You see, my new Mommy read my sad story, and saw my picture when I was decked out in that shirt. One thing led to another, and before I knew it, here I am. I have an adult human brother, and two canine sisters who are close to my age. Missey is a Jack Russell and Queenie is a Lab/Shepherd mix. They have been very nice to me. Queenie even lets me use her bed when ever I want, even though I have three of my own. I must say, I really have to put up with a lot here. Mommy kisses me all the time and says, "Do you know how much I love you?" Well, I'm beginning to get the picture. My previous "human" did not want me back after I was picked up off the street and turned in to a shelter. A little guy like me can only take so much rejection! Thank heavens DRNA came to the rescue or who knows where I'd be today. Ann Donnawell took such good care of me during my rehabilitation and clued Mommy in on everything about me. Even though my Mommy was told I would never be a lap dog, a few days after I got here, I was on Mommy's lap with my head on her knee, and I was catchin' some zzz's. Guess what else! I thought Snuggle was just something humans use in the laundry, but my Mommy gives that word a whole new meaning! A guy could get used to this! Now, I'm not bragging or anything, but my Mommy is wrapped right around my right front pinky toe (the one with the black nail). I have three beds because while I am awake, (and Mommy isn't doing all that mushy stuff) I just walk back and forth through the house. Mom says I am like a one dog parade. She calls it Cruisin' and Snoozin' because once I run out of gas, I just hop into one of the beds and catch some more zzz's. Everybody thought I was deaf, but one day while I was Cruisin' I heard Mommy say, "Hey Little Man, Hey Little Man." Well, I stopped right there in my tracks, tilted my head to the side as if to say, "Are you talkin' to me? Are you talkin' to me?" Mommy writes poetry. She wrote a poem called RESCUED LOVE for Missey and Queenie. You see, before they came to live here thirteen years ago, in 1996, they were also 'on the lam'. Mom says when she is finished her book of poetry, she is going to write a book about the dogs she has had the privilege to know. I have been here only one month, and Mom already says I'm going to have MY OWN CHAPTER! Gotta love it! Gotta go. I have some Cruisin' and Snoozin' to do. PeeWee, Mommy's Boy Extraordinaire PS Oh Yeah! And the irony of it all - My Mom thinks SHE'S the lucky one! Mom is so grateful to Ann Donnawell and DRNA for saving me till my paws found their way to my Forever Home. PSS Now, Mommy calls me Snooky Man. When I hear those words, it is like music to my ears. |
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| contributed October 2009 |
| Pepper |
Pepper Redmonde here assisted by Alix Redmonde the human that I own.
Alix saw my picture on the web almost four years ago. I was a breeder in a puppy mill, and after four litters of puppies my little body couldn't take it any more, my back went out and my uterus became infected. The wonderful people from D.R.N.A rescued me, rehabilitated my back, operated on my uterus and spayed me. After Irecovered they put my picture on the website. See how sad I looked. Well, Alix, (the human, Oliver my big brother and Munchie the cross eyed cat decided that I would be a nice addition to the family). Since I arrived on West 64th street in NYC where we lived between the Metropolitan Opera House and Central Park for a year, this was great fun because I went to the park every day, took a sleigh ride in the park with Alix and her boyfriend (he is really my boyfriend) and get to go to the free out door concerts at Lincoln Center. I of course sleep in the big bed and allow Alix, Oliver and her boyfriend to have a small corner, because as the princess of the house I do need my beauty sleep. We have since lived in a house in Sarasota Florida where we have a pool, (which is really good for my back) and we also get to go to doggy beach in Venice Fl.(See picture). We have been through two major hurricanes, this was exciting but I was a good girl and felt safe because we had boarded up the house for Charley.Carol Eisenbaum from the Gulf Coast chapter did an amazing job during the hurricanes with her full house and we miss working with her. For the second one Ivan, we decided to play it safe and evacuated to Georgia where we stayed in a hotel for a week. Since then they have changed the rules to allow people with their four legged companions into most shelters. I have racked up some serious mileage on Jet Blue, and Alix often has a human friend fly with us because we go under the seat in front, (we sneak onto her lap under her raincoat when no one is looking, although the flight attendants all know me by now).We are back in NYC again, although we do travel back and fourth, and are doing a road trip this September to the house in Fla for some R and R. We have also had the pleasure of having a foster DRNA doxy stay with us, Maggie who has since been adopted in RI and we helped place Daisy in a wonderful home with some people in Sarasota.(Below I am soaking up some rays in Fla). We have a new permanent addition to our family, her name is Belle, and she is a senior Doxy/Beagle mix. Alix pulled her from the shelter with the intention of putting her up for adoption on the DRNA site but unfortunately she had too many medical conditions that would have prevented anyone from adopting her, but we got lucky because she agreed to stay. Also we are joined by Popcorn the wonder cat who belonged to Alix's father now deceased. The latest in my exciting life is that I am getting a passport, and we are going to Europe for a vacation this year. And so we are one big happy family, All the best and a big hug to Jill Blasdel-Cortus who made our happy family possible. |
| Thank You, "Pepper" Redmonde |
| contributed October 2005 |
| Petey |
Hi there. I just wanted to introduce everyone to Petey. He is a 3 year old mini dachshund and I adopted him in March 2006 and what a turn around. He started off barking and growling at everyone and now nobody. It took him a while, but he has become a part of my family. I still does not like men, and will only let my dad pet him every once in a while. He loves my cat and chases her around. I wasn't sure if he would fit in with my family after growling and barking at them, but eventually he turned around and just loves everyone. He follows me everywhere and loves to go "bye byes". He cries when I'm just outside where he can't be and it breaks by heart. Thank you, rescue, for bringing this loving little boy into my life. He has truly been a blessing and I truly don't know what I would do without him.
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| Erin Graham Pittsburge, PA |
| contributed July 2006 |
| Petey R. (Formerly Pistol Pete) |
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| Petey and the Rhodes Family |
| contributed March 2009 |
| Peyton and Pookie |
Dear Momma Kim,(DRNA foster mom)At first we couldn't figure out why you were leaving. Then we just knew you would be right back for us. So we waited and waited, trying to figure out who these people were you left us with. They tried to feed us... but we wouldn't eat. We spent the night on their "Big Bed" and it wasn't all that bad. They are really nice...trying to reassure us that all was all right. We have to tell you...we weren't all that reassured. We were afraid after you left, but managed to get some sleep. When we woke up, they were still here and they tried again to feed us, but again we didn't eat. So they began hand feeding us and, being Dachshunds, we reminded them how stubborn we tend to be by only eating it if they fed us by hand. Then the big guy said to leave us alone, and also being Dachshunds, we now were hungry so we ate in spite of ourselves. Then we played ball for a while with the big guy and got to know him better. (He's not so bad when you get to know him.) Then she came and sat down and we got to lay with her with that nice warm blanket she has. (She's not so bad either.) The yard is nice. We all went out and played a little, then they left the house for a little while to test us. We were happy when they returned and they were too. Then it began to dawn on us that maybe this was that "Forever House" you promised us when you came and got us from those people who chose not to have us any longer. We had to get used to that change so we think we can get used to this one as well. As the day has moved along, we are getting more and more comfortable here and our fears are subsiding a little. We talked it over and we think they might just be okay. We just wanted to thank you caring enough to rescue us from that situation, and for loving us and caring enough to see that we found those who were looking for us. We sense that they needed us much more than they even knew and we aim to be very diligent and give them all the love they have missed and in return, we will eventually have them eating out of our paws. We just wanted to send this to tell you how much we miss you and all those there at our "other Place." Tell them all we love them and maybe someday you can come and visit us here. Tell Charlie, Millie and Abbie we said hi and we turned out to be almost as lucky as they are. We will always remember and love you Momma Kim, Pookie and Peyton P.S. We overheard them say something about lasagna tonite.....we don't know what that is but they made it sound like we might really like it. We'll be sure to let you know when we see you. |
| contributed July 2005 |
| Philbert |
| When we adopted Philbert almost 2 years ago, my husband and I had never had a dog. Philbert was great at training us, and now, we don't know how we ever got along without him! Not only does he give us unconditional love and a bit of "structure" to our busy days, but he also gives us an amazing sense of energy and spirit: he greets us every time we walk in the door with a happily wagging tail, he snuggles us all night long in the big bed, he protects us by barking when someone is at the door and he makes us the most popular neighbors on the block because he's just such a cool personality! He's never had an accident and all he needs in life is belly rubs and a warm lap. He is much younger than his 11 years – in his personality and physical strength as well. We are very lucky to have him in our life! |
| Heather & Raj Sabharwal (Picture #39 on the Senior slideshow) |
| contributed June 2008 |
| Peyton and Pookie |
| We adopted a standard, red doxie last February (2004), and we are in love with him! He brings so much happiness and love to our home. We laugh at his antics, such as hiding under the covers of our bed and running like a "mad man" through the house. He's joy to be around, he's wonderful with kids, and he's so sweet. Thank you DRNA for giving us our doxie angel. We couldn't make it a day without him, and neither could our other dog, Dora. |
| Thanks so much, Paul & Martha Paben, Dora and Pip :) |
| contributed April 2005 |
| Princess |
Hi my name is Princess. Back in August of 2003, I was adopted by a wonderful family who I love very much. My Mommy and Daddy always tell me what a good girl I am and how much they love me. As you can see from my picture, I have a human brother that I love very much too. I love to snuggle in the big bed with my Mom. I can't wait to see her when she gets home from work. I will roll over for a belly rub and then wait for her to pick me up so I can give her kisses. I am Mommy's shadow. I follow her where ever she goes. Mom would like to get a fur brother or sister for me, but Dad doesn't think that is such a good idea.
I have a fur cousin named Gus (a DNRA rescue too) who I get to see every Sunday at Gram's house. I love to go to Gram's so I can see him and cause my Gram lets me eat people food. Only thing is, I cry the whole way over to Gram's house. Mom and Dad aren't sure why.
I am such a happy girl, and I hope all the DNRA babies find homes as wonderful as mine. |
| Thank you, DRNA! |
| contributed April 2005 |
When I wanted to adopt a dachshund from the DRNA I didn't have any specific size r gender in mind. I was open to pretty much any dashie that needed a good home. When I started the process, Donna, Heidi and Paco's foster mom emailed me and told me she had not one but 2 dogs that were just perfect and needed a good home as soon as possible. I was immediately intrigued and decided to travel an hour and a half from my home to where their foster mom lived. When I got there two of the cutest dogs I had ever seen came bounding down the stairs and jumped straight into my lap. One of them was my feisty little dashchund Heidi and the other was Paco, a tiny chihuahua. Im not sure if Paco was the first chihuahua to be rescued from the DRNA but it was definitely a surprise to me. Paco and Heidi were a bonded pair that had been together for a while and at 8 years old they both decided that they weren't about to leave each other.
When I took them home I didn't know what to expect from Paco because I had never even been near a chihuahua let alone owned one. Luckily for both of us Paco is just a dachshund in a Chihuahua's body. He is a little spit fire, he loves to chase birds and run around the yard, take walks, and most of all eat his favorite chicken treats. Heidi is also a feisty girl, she loves barking at the neigborhood kids riding their bikes, stalking bugs and catching them outside, and going on car rides. At the end of the day though their favorite thing to do is lay with mom on the couch or snuggle together on their new fuzzy bed. Although Paco and Heidi were both older dogs at 8 when I got them I wouldn't have changed a thing. They were potty trained and done with all of the puppy hyper activity. When I got them they were already wonderful dogs who were well trained. However before I got Heidi she did loose all of her teeth because of tooth decay, but to watch her eat now you would never know it!
We sometimes have to remind he to share with Paco because she gets done before him. I think the best part of the adoption was that Heidi and Paco got to stay together. Sometime if one of them is outside and the other is in they get nervous and look for each other. But when they reunite they jump on each other and play like it has been days since they have seen each other instead of just minutes. The cutest thing is when Heidi is sleeping on her bed in the kitchen and Paco is in the living room with me and I say Paco where is your Heidi at? He immediately gets up and runs to the kitchen to check on her. The are an odd couple but they re a match made in doggie heaven. I am so grateful that Paco and Heidi found me because I couldn't imagine my life without them. 
Hey to all of my loyal fans! This is Petey (previously known as Pistol Pete) and I am so sorry that I have waited for so long to get back in touch with all of you! My new family keeps me very busy and I haven't had a lot of time to write you guys. I did want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that DRNA did for me in finding me my awesome new home. I can't believe I got so lucky! My new mom, Leigh, is a travel nurse and we have been on this long adventure since January 5th. We are living in Naples, FL. It's a great place...there's this beach that all my friends gather and play all day. We chase each other around and bark at each other. There are these huge dudes called "Great Danes" that think they own the place when they come but I just chase them around-they don't intimidate me at all. I've kind became famous there because my mom always tells everyone how she rescued me and that I am one of the best dogs she's ever had! They are amazed at how fast I can run with 3 legs. My mom tells them my story and they just are mesmarized at how well I have progressed and that I am so friendly! Hey, my motto is why growl when a simple bark will do! We are planning on going back to our permanent home April 1st and I will be able to see my fellow dachsie family again. There are 4 of us total, in my new family. They like to run around our BIG yard and chase me in and out of the house. My mom, Leigh, says she is glad that I got use to swimming in the Gulf because we have a gianormous lake right in our back yard that I will be able to enjoy this summer. I am so excited because swimming does my joints good! I also can take a boat ride and just enjoy the wind in my face....wow, it's such a great life to lead. I have been sleeping in the BIG bed since the first night that I spent with my new family! They are so warm and cuddly! My mom says that I snore loud but boy do her and Dad have a lot of room to talk!!! Some nights I just have to plug my ears! They love to kiss me and squeeze me....I think they are some of the nicest people I have ever met! They always talk to me in this sweet voice and say they love me sooooo much! I try to kiss them and tell them how much I love them too and that I am so grateful for all they have done for me. Oh, before I go let me tell you a funny story. My mom took us to get our nails clipped and the groomer only charged her 75% of the cost.....funny, huh? Some people really know how to make a guy laugh! Anyway, I wanted to write you and tell you all how grateful I am, as well as my wonderful family, to have been given this opportunity to have a new start and to make a difference in other's lives. I know that I couldn't have been adopted by a more caring and loving family. I feel so blessed!! They love me for who I am and not because of my 3 leggedness. They make me feel that I can do anything and they never hold me back from having fun. Funny thing is-my new family says that they are the lucky ones! God-speed to all!