Rolling Doxie on a Mission to Benefit Dodgerslist

Wouldn't this little Dachshund sculpture brighten the life of someone you know this holiday season?  It's truly one-of-a-kind, and not only is it beautiful, 100% of the proceeds of its sale will benefit Dodgerslist, your Dachshund IVDD resource!  Thanks to our friend Grace Liesa, who sculpted this fine piece for writing in about it.  You may remember that Grace sent us an equally beautiful piece a few years ago of Joey and Maggie.  That piece still has a prime spot on our mantel, we admire it every single day.  From the etsy listing:

I created this sculpture to benefit Dodgerslist; 100% of proceeds from this sale will go to this group to help with all the wonderful work that they do as a volunteer-based team. The red doxie in this piece is so full of life; rolling happily on wheels chasing a squirrel and lizard, and waiting for someone to throw tennis balls and play catch! Hand sculpted, painted, and detailed from premium quality clay; all of my creations go through multiple steps of hardening, and finished with several layers of water based coat. You'll be amazed at every little detail.... It is a product of an intensive labor of love. This heirloom quality piece can also be easily dusted with a clean, damp cloth.

Remember that a disabled dog is not aware of their limitations; they just continue to live their lives as any normal dog would. It is our responsibility to give them a life full of quality, fun, and love. IVDD is not a death sentence, it's just a bump on the road. With proper care and nutrition, a 'down' dog can live through their life expectancy just as a normal dog would. It's never too early to learn about IVDD. Go to http://www.dodgerslist.com/ for a wealth of information, referrals, support, and success stories.

We've got a feeling that this piece won't last long, especially at just a $79 donation.  Head on over to etsy when you can. 

Our Friend Frankie The Walk 'n Roll Dog

Our hearts go out to human Barbara Techel and the family and friends of the busiest Dachshund we ever knew, Frankie The Walk'n Roll Dog.  Frankie, therapy dog and subject of the Walk'n Roll Dog book series, passed away yesterday at home in her mother's arms after being diagnosed with chronic heart failure just last Friday.  With the help of her mom, Frankie inspired thousands with her messages of overcoming challenges and making a difference despite obstacles.  Although Frankie is no longer with us, we know that her messages of hope will live on for generations. 

Please visit Joyful Paws to read of her life and of her passing. 

Related: Frankie Wins National Best Book Award!
Related: Frankie, the Walk 'n Roll Dog to help West Virginia Dachshunds
Related: A Video About Frankie The Walk 'n Roll Dog
Related: Dachshunds in Literature: Frankie, The Walk 'n Roll Dog
Related: Boy Meets His Heroine: Frankie The Walk 'N Roll Dog
Related: Get Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog's New Activity Book and Help Dodgerslist!
Related: Frankie Inducted into Wisconsin Pet Hall of Fame
Related: Dachshund News Roundup: Dachshunds on the Go!

Engineering Dachshund: Run, Roxy, Run!

And no, it's not the 2008 viral "Jerry and his ball-throwing machine video," but just as great if not better! Go Roxy!  By youtuber ToTheFun who writes: While this is cute, we need to keep the repercussions in mind. If this dog can build itself a harness so it can walk again, then what else can dogs do? What else can they build?

Get Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog's New Activity Book and Help Dodgerslist!

If there's a youngster in your life, or if you yourself are young at heart, you don't want to miss this limited opportunity:  Through July 2nd only, Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog is running a special promo to help as a fundraiser for Dodgerslist, your IVDD resource, and will be donating 30% of sales to the group for new activity books purchased. Sweet!

We happened to see an advanced copy of the new coloring and paper doll activity book, and we must say, it is very well done, and you won't be disappointed.

For those of you who don't keep up with Frankie on her blog, she does some pretty amazing things - from visiting schools to nursing homes - all with the message of no matter what challenges life may give you, always be positive, and always make a difference.  We're lucky to have such a canine advocate who just happens to be a beautiful Dachshund!

52 pages of fun and inspiration may be purchased at Joyful Paws for just $9.95. 

Back cover of the new activity book

Frankie (who, me?) and her new activity book

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. 

RuRu Finds His Home

Thanks to Bludog for leaving a comment and letting us know that RuRu, the disabled Florida Dachshund who gained national attention after being featured on CNN a few weeks ago, has found his forever home.  According to NBC2, his new owners are from Venice, and will pick him up from the Naples Humane Society later this week.  Congrats to both RuRu and his new humans!

Related:  RuRu Searches for his Home (with video)

RuRu Searches for his Home

It's not often that a disabled Dachshund looking for a home gets picked up by the local news service, which in turns gets picked up by CNN - RuRu must be pretty special.  Excerpt from WBBH out of southwest Florida:

"He's a very active dog, very friendly, loves everybody. Loves to jump up and down on his wheelchair as much as he can," said Michael Simonik of the Humane Society of Naples.
RuRu is paralyzed in the lower half of his little body. He was injured while living with a Rottweiler in LaBelle.
"They were playing one day and the Rottweiler accidentally stepped on the rear end of RuRu causing the damage," said Simonik.
The 4 year old daschund was too much to take care of, so his family put him in a shelter.
He was rescued by the Humane Society of Naples, a no-kill shelter specializing in dogs with special needs.
One week in and RuRu is making friends but still looking for a family.
"I think his personality alone will get him a home," said Jeanne Rivera of Naples.

If you're interested in adopting this little guy, check out Petango.

Go RuRu!

Waldo Comes In Dead Last In Wiener Dog Race

In a follow-up story to last Thursday's Dachshunds To Watch Out For, 8-year-old 'Waldo' ended up placing dead last in his heat at the Burien Wiener Dog Races in Burien, Washington on Saturday.  But he was first in the hearts of the race fans, who cheered for him and his mom, who had to physically “run” him to the finish line, sprinting in her fairy princess dress.  Now where was a photo of that? 
Read more and see more pics at B-Town Blog.

Dachshunds To Watch Out For

If you're planning on participating in the Burien Wiener Dog Races in Burien, Washington, this Saturday, keep an eye out for this 8-year-old guy:  Waldo!  According to the B-Town Blog, he's got an unfair advantage - he's got wheels for cryin' out loud!  His human, Dr. Yael Kantor of Seahurst Chiropractic and Wellness Center, gives some history on Waldo:

He came to me as a patient in 2003. He was just a couple months old. The vet brought him in – he had been injured either by being dropped or stood on. The result was a spinal cord injury. He was paralyzed from the mid-back down and could not go to the bathroom by himself so he was probably on his way to being euthanized.

Well, we fell in love with him. I adjusted him and got some sensation back in his tail which he ended up chewing and the vet had to dock.it. But after a slew of adjustments, acupuncture, hydrotherapy we did not get the movement back in his legs but we did get him a little wheelchair.

Read more about Waldo at the B-Town Blog.

Super Lance Revisited: Paralyzed Pooch to Therapy Dog

We're sure that you remember handsome red smooth 'Lance,' the Florida therapy Dachshund on a mission to brighten the days of the patients at Miami's Children's Hospital.  Lo and Behold, The Associated Press has recently done this Video Essay on Lance!    They note:  when their 6-year-old dachshund became paralyzed, Caio Stinchi and Claudia Machado had a specialized wheelchair made. Now little Lance has become "Super Lance", a therapy dog visiting sick children in Miami.

Keep up with Lance at his super website. 

Boy Meets His Heroine: Frankie The Walk 'N Roll Dog

Our busy friend 'Frankie,' the Walk 'N Roll Dog is in the news again, and this time she made the day of one of her admirers, a young Illinois boy named Cameron Thien.  Cameron was traveling with his family and visited Elkhart Lake, Illinois, when he was fascinated by Frankie's book in a gift shop there.  Turns out the owner of the shop knew Frankie's mom, Barbara Techel, and set up a chance for Cameron to meet Frankie!  Here's an excerpt from Fox 11 News:  Barbara says the most valuable lesson Frankie teaches is no matter what life struggles you face, you can be happy. Barbara says Frankie has given her a new outlook on life, and believes fate brought them together to help others, and bring happiness to kids just like Cameron.

Frankie is also in the current edition of Woman's World magazine, so be sure and pick that up!  Thanks to our buddies 'Kate' and 'Allie' for sending in such nice pics!  They write:

Dear Joey and Maggie,

Dachshunds are popping up everywhere. The July 19th issue of Woman's World (look at the supermarket checkout) has the story of Frankie the Dachshund, owned by Barbara and John Techel. Frankie injured his back and now uses a cart and has been visiting schools and hospitals to teach about disabilities ever since. (Page 40--the Inspiring Animal column)

We thought it was neat that this story appeared in WW, since it has a huge circulation and the ability to get a Dachshund story out to a large audience!

(click any photo to enlarge)

Harley Gets His Wheels - Now He Just Needs A Home

Meet 'Harley,' the red smooth Dachshund abondoned in Long Beach, California.  He was found to be without the use of his hind legs, but thanks to some kind animal lovers and Med ID Services, who donated his cart, he's ready for adoption to a special home at Long Beach Animal Care Services.   Read more about him and see a great pic of his handomse mug at Long Beach Report.

Blind Dachshund Finds His Forever Home - Again

Meet handsome longhair 'Simon,' and his new forever human Lizzie Katz, who hail from Portsmouth, New Hampshire.  Simon has had a tough life - he ended up on the euthanasia list at a crowded Indiana shelter, and was then shipped to a shelter in New Hampshire with better prospects.  He was adopted in 2008 after a few weeks in the new shelter, but was returned last week, when a toddler in his household was scaring him. 
Third times a charm as they say, and it looks as though Simon has finally found his perfect match:  his new human is studying occupational therapy and "is used to adjusting for the needs of those challenged with disabilities."
Miss Katz said "He already knows where anything is... you would never guess he is blind. He's the best dog in the world."
Read all of Simon's story at Foster's Daily Democrat.

Molly The Wander Dog

Meet 'Molly,' the 6-year-old longhair black and tan, and her human Kathy Mattox, who hail from New Bern, North Carolina.  Molly's human had to make a tough decision when she noticed that Molly was having trouble walking, and she decided to go ahead and have surgery performed on Molly, even though the surgery wouldn't guarantee that she would walk again.  Excerpt from the Sun Journal:

Without hesitating, Mattox agreed to the surgery and Molly was rolled into surgery.
By all accounts, the $3,000 surgery was a success.
Molly now walks with the assistance of a wheeled cart. “Molly’s vets at the Craven Animal Hospital who treat her, told me about the cart,” Mattox said. She purchased the cart, trademark name Eddie’s Wheels, online for $400.
“People think I am crazy, but I could not put her down. It breaks my heart to think that no one would go this route. I would encourage people to save their animals; they can cope with it,” Mattox said.

Read all about Molly, who will soon be certified as a therapy dog so people can benefit from her misfortune, at the Sun Journal.  As they say: If life throws you a lemon, make lemonade.

Expressing The Bladder For A Paralyzed Dog

The Dodger development team at Dodgerslist is proud to announce a new video!  This video shows in detail how to express the bladder. After you've had the required hands-on demonstration from your vet, viewing this movie will be a useful follow up to the lesson.  Read more about expressing the bladder and bowel at Dodgerslist.

What a great resource Dodgerslist is. There's always a link to them in the links column on your right. They have a very active discussion list, and are real pros when it comes to offering advice for IVDD dachshunds and general dachshund health.

Rudolph The Dachshund on NBC Nightly News!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Thanks to 'Mickey' for letting us know that 'Rudolph,' the blind and deaf Dachshund rescue who hails from Michigan, made an appearance on last night's NBC Nightly News!  Rudolph and his human, Marcia Fishman, work hard to promote Rudolph's message about disability awareness, and have visited with over 2,000 elementary-age children.  Wow! 
Read all about Rudolph at NBC, or visit his website.

Related:  Dachshund News Roundup with Rudolph

Related:  Rudolph Visits Detroit Elementary School

Dachshund News Roundup!

With the wind at your back and the sun in front of you, welcome to another edition of Dachshund News Roundup on the very first day of December, 2009. It's cool outside, and it's only going to get colder. Got those winter coats out of the closet? Kicking things off, it's the photo of the day at L.A. Unleashed, and this feisty red smooth certainly deserves the press. His human jokes that he is reinventing the Greyhound Bus company logo!

In rescue news, last week saw the largest seizure of animals in the history of Bandera County, Texas, and they were all Dachshunds, 43 of them to be exact (and 2 cats).  The dogs were removed from a breeder based out of Utopia.  Sure doesn't sound like a utopia to us!  Pictured here is Jennifer Gaertner, community liaison for animal control issues, and one of the sweet little rescues.  Organizations that assisted with the seizure included Diamond Dachshund Rescue of Texas, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Humane Societies of the United States and Bexar County and the Cowboy Capital Pet Assistance League, as well as PetSmart Charities.  Read all about it the Bandera County Courier.

Meanwhile, in Manatee, Florida, 'Peachy,' the red smooth seen here, was attacked by a coyote that was traveling in a pack of three as soon as she was let outside to do her business on Sunday morning.  The coyote carried Peachy away with her human running after them, and Peachy was finally released by the coyote.  Peachy is recovering after surgery to repair the puncture wounds.  She will also have to be quarantined for 6 months because she was not up to date on her rabies shot.  Read more and see several photos at the Bradenton Herald.  We're hoping that Peachy has a quick and full recovery.

And finally, when you need inspiration, look no further than this blind and deaf Dachshund named Rudolph, so aptly named by his human because - just like the reindeer's nose guides Santa's sleigh in the dark -- Rudolph's nose guides him every day.  Now with his fifth and final family, Rudolph visits schools around metro Detroit, Michigan, with his human Marcia Fishman, to show that he is a happy dog despite his disabilities.  Read all about him at freep.com.  Contact information is available at the link to buy "Rudolph's Nose Knows" coloring books, just $5 each.
We actually featured Rudolph about a year ago at this time, but you can never get too much of a good thing, as they say. 

Have a nice day.

Meet "Super Lance," Therapy Dachshund!

Ashton Prieto, 4, takes Lance the therapy dog for a walk during a visit at Miami Children's Hospital in Miami, Florida. / PHOTO BY CHRIS CUTRO

Need some Dachshund inspiration on your Friday?  Look no further than handsome red smooth 'Lance,' a disabled Dachshund who hails from Coconut Grove, Florida.  While most Dachshunds spend their time sleeping away the day, Lance spends every Tuesday at Miami Children's Hospital, putting big smiles on childrens' faces.   

Ashton Prieto, 4, (above) had been a patient at the hospital for two weeks when Stinchi, Lance's human, saw him on his yellow car stroller calling for Lance.
``The dog is mine. He's pretty,'' said Ashton, taking the leash from Stinchi and toddling away with Lance.

Read all about Lance and see lots of great pics at the Miami Herald. Lance was even included in a new mural painted in the lobby of the hospital!  Go Lance Go. 

Rolling Dog Ranch To Receive the ASPCA's 2009 Henry Bergh Award

Congratulations to Steve Smith and Alayne Marker of the Rolling Dog Ranch who will be honored for the hard work they do by the ASPCA, as recipients of the ASPCA's 2009 Henry Bergh Award on Thursday in New York. 
The Rolling Dog Ranch Animal Sanctuary in Montana rescues and shelters disabled animals. Every animal who arrives at the sanctuary gets another chance to have a safe and loving home. Residents include blind dogs, blind horses, deaf dogs, blind cats, and animals with other neurological and orthopedic disabilities.  They shelter many Dachshunds, including handsome red smooth 'Bailey,' above, who has spinal issues. 
Read all about it at USA Today, or keep up with the Ranchers at their always entertaining blog.

Innovative Stem Cell Treatment Helps Henry the Dachshund to Walk Again

Meet six-year-old 'Henry,' who hails from Birmingham, England.  Henry "went down" last November, and it was thought that he would never walk again.  His human, Sarah Beech, heard about a new trial at Cambridge University where stem cells would be harvested from his nose and injected into his back to repair his injured spine.  Just a month after the cells were injected, Henry began to walk and wag his tail, taking up to four steps on his own.  We're rooting for you Henry!  It is thought that this treatment could one day help humans with spinal injuries as well.
Read all about the innovative research and see several pics at The Daily Mail.  Thanks to our pals Flying Dachshunds Films and  'Polly' for sending in the link to this story.

Learn about Dachshunds and Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) at Dodger's List. What a great resource. There's always a link to Dodger's List in the links column on your right. They have a very active discussion list, and are real pros when it comes to offering advice for IVDD Dachshunds and general Dachshund health.