Look Who Arrived Today

This is little Daisy, a miniature Dachshund who arrived today from a rescue group in the Salt Lake City area.  They had pulled her from the City of Ogden shelter, where she had been surrendered, adopted twice and brought back each time.  At that point they considered her 'unadoptable.'  Daisy has a spinal problem which affects her hind legs, so she kind of waddles like a duck, lists to one side at times, and occasionally has her back legs go out from under her.  As a result of the neurological issue, she also has some incontinence.  (That's why linoleum was invented, right?)

In fact, Daisy has pretty much the same set of conditions as one of our other mini-Doxies, Bailey, who came to us earlier this year from a court case in Great Falls, Montana.  Bailey is more compromised, though, and his spine is visibly more curved and his back legs bounce when he's standing still.  He also has some incontinence, too.  Given the similarities, we thought Daisy would be a wonderful girlfriend for Bailey.  She had other ideas. 

I picked up Daisy at the Missoula airport at 1 p.m. today (it cost only $165 to fly her from Salt Lake City, cheaper than driving -- not to mention two days on the road!) and then continued running errands in town.  By the time Daisy and I got back to the ranch about 5 p.m., she had already decided I was her man.  Uh oh. 

Maybe it was listening to George Strait's greatest hits together on the ride home, or the fact that I fed her fresh oatmeal cookies from the Good Food Store in Missoula.  Who knows?  But I arrived home a marked man.

All evening she's followed me everywhere, from one room to the other.  I get up, she gets up.  I get out of her line of sight, she moves so she can see me.  She insists on sitting on my lap whenever I'm sitting down, and at dinner she ended up sitting on a chair at the table.  (Okay, so I helped her get up there, but it beat having her on my lap while I ate.)  As I write this, she's asleep in my office next to me.  I told her I can't type with a Dachshund in my lap.

Bailey was quite interested in the new chick -- "hey, someone my size!" -- but alas, Daisy paid him no attention at all.  Worse, whenever he'd come over to visit with her, she'd take off.  Daisy's totally dissing the poor guy.   This was not how I envisioned Doxie love turning out.

The funniest thing was when I got the camera out to take her photo tonight, Daisy became a ham ... which is what you see in this photo.  She was just a goof, hopping around on that bed, making odd noises, stretching out and then doing a little jump to finish it off.  After a pause, she grabbed the blanket with her mouth and started flinging it back and forth.  I finally got her settled down, and with help from Alayne off-camera getting her attention, I was able to take the first photo you see above.

Some astute readers of this blog have noticed that the short-legs are beginning to take over the ranch.  Uh oh indeed.

(Click on photo for larger image.)

Comments

[christine]

What a cute picture! She reminds me of our little Bella, also a rescue.

[Leilani]

What a sweetheart Daisy is, and such good taste in men, music and food! So, you have no idea how one of the Kings of swooners, George Strait, could make this pup melt in your lap and gaze? How about adding a little Vince Gill to the music mix? That would really put her over the top. Actually, I think she might be there already! Great writing Steve, this was the BEST!
I hope Alayne doesn't mind sharing you with your new girlfriend.
Welcome to the ranch Daisy, you're a real star!

[ginger & Tobias (the greythound)]

Daisy knows a great thing when she sees it! Maybe once she realizes that Alayne already has you, she'll give Bailey a chance. I'm so glad she arrived safely at the RDR & she's such a clown for the camera. (What did you expect feeding her cookies on the ride home?)
We wish you a marvelous Thanksgiving because you deserve the best. I'm so grateful for all that you do, for all the animals that you've taken in, loved & cared for. Thank you so much for being there.
With hugs of gratitude,
ginger & Tobias

[Laura]

She is just doing what we girls do best... playing hard to get. Hang is there Bailey, it will get better! :)

Laura and crew

[Julie]

So the short legs are taking over the ranch - I think that's a great idea! My house has been taken over by doxies and there's nothing like it!

[Nina]

Daisy is an absolute cutie! Welcome to the ranch where you will be loved and cared for! Bailey is quite a character and before long, I am sure you two will be "partners in crime!"

[Karen SA/TX]

She is just so glad to be with you all and can tell this is going to be a good time. Happy Thanksgiving to everybeing!

[Heidi & the kitties]

Steve, that's what you get for Driving Miss Daisy around! What a cutie-pie she is.

PS to Daisy: Please give Mr. Bailey a chance. He's a sweetheart, too! And between all you short-legs, you can take over the ranch!

[Karen Robertson]

I can't begin to thank you enough for being there for
these special animals. They are all so lucky to be at RDR. Bless you.
I only wish I lived closer so I could help.

[Nancy]

Another post that brings tears to my eyes! I am so happy for Daisy. I adopted my dog from the pound, and she was just like Daisy for awhile, wanting to be as close to me as she could constantly. As her insecurity faded, she relaxed - I bet Daisy will too! But even now, my sweet Tonya has no use for human beings except for me.

(I love George Strait too!)

Bundle up and keep warm and God Bless You!!

Nancy

[Gabby]

Ah, Steve, it sounds like you are smitten--and who could blame you? I'm a doxie fan myself, having had a Schnappsie dog in my life in the past.

[Jim]

God Bless you Steve, Alayne and Staff!

Daisy is just as adorable and unique as the other doxie's. I know that Santa will be very supportive of the doxie's and especially the new arrival, Daisy.

A Very Happy Thanksgiving to you and all the residents at the Ranch.

[Roz]

Welcome, little Daisy! You're so cute and it sounds like you'll get along great in your new forever home.