Those Very Special Dachshunds: Vasco da Gama

How Handsome

Thanks so much to James Hall for writing in about his beautiful and beloved red smooth boy 'Vasco da Gama.'  We know that every single day with him is a blessing.  James writes:

Dear Joey and Rowdy,

I love your blog!

Back in 2006, a friend whose husband worked at the Providence, RI animal control office told me that they had "that dog you've been looking for" was at the pound. I knew the chances were slim, since I was looking for a standard short-haired red dachshund, This was the kind of dog I had always wanted since I was a kid.

Oddly enough, when I arrived, there were 30 pit bulls, 2 or 3 chihuahua mixes, and the gorgeous guy that we would name Vasco da Gama. he was living in the Director's office. The vet thought he was probably 2 or 3 years old. I cannot quite imagine how anyone would have abandoned this amazing dog. He came to us neutered, house trained, and willing to walk very nicely on a leash. After a few months, my partner was able to convince him that he had nothing to fear from other dogs, and he has learned not to be aggressive in the park.

One month ago, we discovered that Vasco has an inoperable and aggressive tumor on his prostate. We are spoiling him and saying a gradual good bye. Needless to say we are heartbroken, and feel our nearly six years with him was too short. I know this community of dachshund lovers will appreciate our experience, and these photo of our proud guy keeping watch over Casco Bay in Maine a few summers ago, and posing on a dachshund-sized chair in our living room in a photo by the very talented Brian Jones.

Hug your Dachshund today!