Blind, Deaf, 3-Legged Dachshund Saves Family From Fire

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He may not have been able to see it, hear it, or even run very well from it, but he could smell it and feel it's destruction, and that was enough for our latest Dachshund Hero to wake up and save his family from the fire that destroyed their home.  This blind, deaf, 3-legged rescue boy who hails from Grady County, Oklahoma, goes by the name of 'True,' and was the dog that nobody wanted.  Boy did he return the favor of his humans for being there for him.  Video and words words via NBC:

Katie Crosley has endured her fair share of hardship.
Her son, Jace, was born with a heart defect.
Crosley said, “We spent four weeks in NICU. When it rains, it pours, I guess.”
Early Sunday morning smoke and flames consumed their Grady County cabin.
Katie and Jace woke up to a wailing Dachshund.
A genuine miracle, she believes, considering “True,” their pet dog is blind, deaf and only has three legs.
“I thought he had to go outside,” she said. “When I opened the door, it was a wall of flames.”
An electrical short ignited a fireball on the front porch, barricading Katie and Jace inside.
They navigated through the smoke and out the back.
The fire victims lost everything, including all the baby supplies they had just collected.
“All his stuff from NICU, medical records, all gone,” she said. “So that’s the hardest part, having all that stuff from when he was little.”
There is little left here and yet, Katie is grateful for so many things, mostly the disabled Dachshund nobody wanted.
She said, “We’re thankful for him. This could have been a bad deal.”
An animal rescue that somehow returned the favor.

Thanks to all the good news-hounds - 'Sasha' in Monterey, California, and 'Ellie' and 'Parker,' - who sent us links to the story while we were away eating Turkey!  Here are some pics of some of these beautiful news-hounds:

Ellie

 

 

Parker

My Favorite Dachshund: Remembering Oscar

Dear Joey and Rowdy,

In August 2008 I adopted a dog that would change my life when it came to thinking about courage ,love and loyalty. That dog was my beloved Oscar. I got Oskie at the humane society. I was looking at a pug I heard about as I had Joey, a pug, and Maggie, a mix of beagle and BT. But the pug wouldn't fit in the clan. Leaving, I saw a red doxie - he was barking "Hey whatabout me, me , me !!!" The lady caring for the dogs said "He is blind and he is available now!" I am sure you know that pull when you see the right dog. I had never had a Dachshund before. It was love at first sight, no pun intended! I brought Mags and Joey to meet him that afternoon and everybody got along.

Oscar was a double dapple. I was later to find out, as no one kept him long enough to get a history or give a history, he had multiple medical problems: blindness due to progressive retinal disease, and he probably went blind while living on the streets!

Oscar had a wonderful personality. He would smile and play jokes on me making me think he had to go out just to get a biscuit. His spirit was bright and strong. Every morning I would take him out of his crate next to my bed and tell him I loved him. He never once appeared to say, "I am depressed I can't get out of bed today!" He loved his walks and walked proudly as only a low rider doxie can do!

Oscar had colitis resulting from severe malabsorption problems which also caused vitamin deficiencies causing baldness and skin infections. We got through one problem at a time.

In March of this year Oscar was taken by the angels and I miss him so. He showed me love, courage and a loyalty I have never seen again and will always treasure.

I love you Oskie!

Elissa Hughes

The Man Of Your Dreams

Snappy dresser, sharp accessories.  JONES NEW YORK via The Bay.

Thanks to our friend 'Rocky' for sending in the ad!

A Visit With Florida Dachshund Rescue!

We love to chronicle the wonderful work by our tireless Dachshund rescue groups across the country, especially when we stumble upon such a well-made video!  From youtuber ResidentFilmmaker:   OYE! On Saturday, October 11th, 2011 Pookie's Bow Wow Bakery hosted Florida Dachshund Rescue to help bring Adopted Dogs into homes of Caring Families at their Winter Park location. Video Imagery by Bernie "FilmGuru" Noga. Music by SmileyJacksBaitShack.

Find out more about Florida Dachshund rescue at their website. 

Maggie Mornings

Maggie, 6 AM, August 5, 2011

Miss 'Maggie,' your Long and Short of it All hostess, enjoys gardening with her Dad in the early morning while her brother 'Joey' snoozes away on the big bed until it's breakfast time.

Gauis Rocks the Henrico Pet Expo

We're sure that you remember our pal Gauis, the tricky little Dachshund who starred in the fun video Play?, and later went on to be the first-ever Dachshund to win a trick title?  If you're keeping up with him on his blog, Untrainable Dachshund, you know what a busy boy he is, but here's a great update from his mom:

Hey Joey and Maggie!

I thought I'd bring you some Dachshund news from the Virgina Henrico Pet Expo. Our little long haired miniature Dachshund Gauis Baltar participated in both the trick demo and the dog agility demo. He was quite a hit, especially since he was the only small dog to participate in the tricks demo. This video highlights some of the highlights of his performances (With a few new tricks since our last video).

Yours truly,
Elizabeth and Gauis

Gauis jumps over his friend 'Lindie,' a black and tan lab.

Go Gauis!

Deaf Dachshund Learns Sign Language in Prison; Adopted by School for the Deaf

Meet 'Sparky,' a 1-year-old deaf double dapple and two of his friends, Catherine Slinkard and Michael Miller, where he now resides at the Missouri School for the Deaf in Fulton.  Sparky was surrendered to a shelter by a breeder, and when the shelter couldn't home him, he was sent to prison - the slammer, the pokey, the big house, the joint, Club Fed - where he was trained in the Puppies for Parole program.  Excerpt from the Fulton Sun:

After eight-weeks of training at the South Central Correctional Center in Licking, the prisoners decided they wanted Sparky to find a home at a school for the deaf so he could help others. When Barbara Garrison, superintendent at the Missouri School for the Deaf, was contacted about adopting the dachshund, she said, “Bring him on! We will take him.”

Garrison drove out to SCCC to pick up the dachshund the inmates had named Zeus. She said when she first brought the dog over to the school, he was bouncing all around with such energy “like a spark plug” that “it was natural that his name needed to be Sparky.” She added that Zeus was also more difficult to pronounce.

“He fits perfectly here,” Garrison said, “because these kids hear all the time what they can’t do. We try to tell them what they can do.”
She said it’s been the same for the deaf dachshund. The inmates taught him a some sign language, and now the students are trying to continue his training. Sparky knows the signs for “no,” “sit,” “lay down,” “stay,” “stop” and “heel.” Slinkard said she’s been working with him on “outside” and “food.”
Garrison said she receives a weekly call from SCCC staff, checking to see how Sparky is doing. He usually stays at Garrison’s house at night where she keeps four other dachshunds. During the day, he may be seen around campus. Sometimes Sparky can help calm a student with behavior or social problems down, Garrison explained. Not only can he be used as a therapy dog, but when students such as Slinkard and Miller have to take care of him overnight, Garrison said it teaches them responsibility.
“He likes his new deaf family here,” she said.

Read this fantastic story in its entirety at the Fulton Sun. 

Two-Face

double dapple dachshund "two face" 2 by flickrer Soggydan

A dapper double dapple Dachshund enjoys the 2010 Dachshunds On Parade in Ellensburg, Washington. 

Amazing Dachshund Tricks - Slovenian Style!

Fasten your seat belts and turn up the volume!  Kicking off your Monday with incredible grace and style, meet insanely Handsome and talented black and tan double-dappled 'Darth!'  Thanks so much to his human, Jasmina Cakiči, for sending in the video.  She wrties:

Hi Joey and Maggie!

One big hello all the way from Slovenia!

We're just sending you a short clip of what we know. Hope you'll enjoy it as much as we did!

Homes Needed for Four Blind Dachshund Puppies from Ohio Puppy Mill

 

If your can open your heart any wider, these cute, blind, and possibly deaf puppies need a loving home.  They are located at the Saint Francis Animal Sanctuary Inc. in Vermilion, Ohio.  Excerpt from Fox 8 News:

Director Deborah Parker says careless breeding left a litter of puppies blind. They were born with a condition called Microphthalmia, which happens when two dachshunds with the dominant "dapple" gene, are breeded together.
"We're looking for homes for these puppies and we want to make sure they go to good, loving homes. Their life expectancy can be 15 years. Even though they are blind, they can live a normal life. They just need love and patience with someone who's willing to work with them," Parker told Fox 8 News.

Read all about these special souls at Saint Francis Animal Sanctuary Inc.

All in a Dog's Day

A Dachshund Trilogy: Dryer Sheet, Hiding His Toy, and Battle With the Swiffer by youtuber melncholysdness who notes: Meet my dapple Dachshund Maurice.

Summer Fun at the County Fair

Ron Schulze talks to 6-year-old Jadeann Highley about her double dapple dachshund named 'Sadey' during the Vernon County Youth Fair Pet Show Saturday afternoon in Vernon County, Nevada. Schulze later judged the pets, which ranged from dogs and cats to sheep and calves. We're sure that Sadey faired well in the judging and enjoyed meeting the other animals. Read more about the Vernon County Youth Fair Pet Show at Nevada Daily Mail.

White Dachshunds in History

Yes, In a Shop Window's Light He Saw - A White Dachshund!
By Rusty Morris for The American Dachshund, June 1965

One Sunday in New York I was walking home from the subway when - in the light spilling from a shop window - I saw a little old lady leading - a white Dachshund!
The dog was walking slowly, smelling here and there, and she was just keeping him company. It was very nearly pure white, and obviously a Senior Citizen. I knelt, and he waddled over to smell my hand and allow me to pet his boney frame.
"He's over 16," the lady said, "and in perfect health. I wish my hearing and sight were as good as his! He's my life. When he goes, I don't want to stay around."
She smiled and turned away, leaving me standing there. I never saw them again. Surely they are gone now. Together I hope.

Man About Town: Rusty Morris

Dachshund HERO Saves the Day!

Meet gorgeous black and tan smooth double dapple 'Annie,' who hails from Lake Oswego, Oregon, just outside of Portland. She's a modern-day heroine! The police got a call about a barking dog at 1 AM Tuesday, and when they investigated, they found Annie's human, Pamela Fischer, who has some physical disabilities, had fallen and hit her head in a nearby yard, and couldn't get up. The police called for medical help, and Annie's human is now fine.
Read all about it at Oregon Live. Extra treats and a cheeseburger for Annie! Woof WOOF! Did someone say "Lassie?"

UPDATE May 22, 6 AM: Watch a news video about Annie at Fox12.

Dachshund Heroine

Beautiful Photos From Dachshund Spring Fiesta

New York City's Dachshund Friendship Club held their Dachshund Spring Fiesta last Saturday in Washington Square Park. Photographer Rebecca Smeyne offers up a nice slideshow of pics at The Village Voice. Don't miss them!

Dachshund Love: Toey and the Plumber

We live to read such heart-warming dachshund stories like this. Meet 3.5-year-old smooth double dapple blind and deaf 'Toey,' and her human Bobby Hollabaugh, a plumber from Amarillo, Texas. Mr. Hollabaugh used to think that dogs belonged in the backyard until he met Toey, who sleeps in the bed between the sheets with him and his wife! Excerpt from amarillo.com: "I can't really explain it," Mr. Hollabaugh said, "but I was totally smitten the first time I saw her."
"It's changed his life," Glenda [Mrs. Hollabaugh] said. "He used to be a grouchy old man, and now the dog has turned him into the biggest baby. He's like a big ol' kid. He loves it like a child. I can't tell you how much he loves that dog."
The two are practically inseparable, together about 22 out of 24 hours a day. At night, she's in his or Glenda's lap. During the day, Toey is with Hollabaugh, either in the truck or with him in his shop on Polk Street. It's been that way since Hollabaugh first saw her.
Read all about Toey and see lots of pics at amarillo.com.

Dachshund News Roundup

Proving once again that dachshunds are taking over the world, here's another bonus roundup of dachshunds in the news from all over the globe. Woof! Above, 120 doxies and their humans attended Suburban Chicagoland Dachshund Lover's Luck of the Irish Dachshund fundraiser and get-together yesterday in Grayslake, Illinois. Money was raised for Midwest Dachshund Rescue, Dachshund Rescue of North America, Almost Home Dachshund Rescue Society, and Dodger's Dachshund Orthopedic Disc Group E-mail Resource.


Jill Blasdel-Cortus, President of DRNA, holds her black and tan 'Gypsy,' during the Luck of the Irish Dachshund fundraiser. Read all about the event at The Daily Herald.


While there was no Best in Show for a dachshund at Crufts in the UK again this year, lots of doxies strutted their stuff to win titles. Above, Laura MacDonald, a 20-year-old who works in security at Norwich International Airport, took her four dachshunds to the Crufts competition on Sunday, and won a title with her doxie 'Roger.' Read all about it at Norwich Evening News. See all the wiener winners at Crufts.
Related: Dachshunds at Crufts

'Jewels,' a black and tan smooth double dapple dachshund owned by Paula and Eddie Alejos of Racine, Wisconsin, sits for a portrait with the Easter Bunny on Sunday at a pet night at Regency Mall. Read all about it at The Journal Times.

Sandy Gachassin, a member of the board of directors of the Iberia Humane Society, nuzzles with her blue-eyed red long-hair sable 'Buddy' during Walk in the Park, a fundraiser in New Iberia, Louisiana, on Saturday. Buddy was adopted from the Iberia Humane Society by Gachassin. Read all about the event at The Daily Iberian.

The Blind Dog and his Seeing Eye Man

Meet Wildwood's Cactus Thorn, or 'Cactus.' Cactus is an 8 month-old blind double dapple dachshund. Cactus was in danger of being put down, but was adopted by amputee Bob Gabbard, who saw something special in Cactus, and they've turned their disabilities into a wonderful friendship. Excerpt from Tulsa's KOTV: "He had such a personality,” said Gabbard.
He empathized with the dog some. Gabbard has had circulatory problems in his right leg for years. It was amputated a couple of years ago. He just couldn't bear to see the little dog put down. Except for the blindness, he was otherwise healthy.
Cactus learned his way around the house in no time. Gabbard has trained him to respond to a whistle. When he blows it, Cactus responds.
"The thing is he recognized what the problem is,” Gabbard said.
Cactus can't see so he uses his nose and his ears. He hesitates when he hears or smells something he's not sure of.
Gabbard spends his days in a wheelchair or on a scooter. It was play time so they hopped aboard the scooter and off they went, out in the yard. Cactus gets to be a real dog. He can run and play. He sniffs out bugs in the grass. Gabbard uses the whistle to keep him out of trouble.
"The main this is to keep him aware of that whistle, so you can keep him out of dangerous places and places he shouldn't be,” he said.
The blind dog and his Seeing Eye man.
"When he enjoys life as much as he does, it helps all of us enjoy our lives a little more,” Gabbard said. Read the rest, see more pics and a video.

Swim Dachshund Swim!

Archie, a double dapple dachshund, spends most days in his pool, trotting the summer away.