I'm not quite sure how this happened, but Dachshund No. 5 has arrived at the ranch. They seem to slip in under cover of darkness, stealing hearts as they go (or, I should say, as they come). These Dachshunds are fast moving up to challenge the Labs as the largest number of any one breed at the sanctuary. At the moment the score is Labs 7, Dachshunds 5. The newest arrival is Belvie, a miniature Dachshund who came to us from the Kootenai Humane Society in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.
I took this photo above of Belvie and Bailey this afternoon. The only way to get Belvie to sit still long enough for a photo was to have Alayne hold a squeaky-toy over my head ... hence the intense look you're seeing in those two faces. Bailey came out to have his photo taken because, well, he's a camera hog. (His motto is, "Have camera, will appear.")
Belvie belonged to an elderly man who had to go into a nursing home. His toenails were so long they curled underneath his feet, and he was terribly skinny. (He's still thin.) Belvie first went to a private rescuer, but he needed medical treatment for an abscess on his face and some dental work that this rescuer couldn't afford, so he ended up at the Kootenai Humane Society. He was briefly adopted by a family in Missoula, but that didn't work out, so back to the shelter he went.
The Missoula family felt bad about it and contacted us to see if we would be able to take him. In the meantime the shelter continued to try and find someone to adopt him, but didn't have any success. So we agreed to take him, but only after Alayne had come down with a bad case of Dachshunditis and mumbled to me from her sickbed, "Well, jeez, what's one more Dachshund anyway?" (Hmm.)
Belvie's got the classic bad back problem that affects our other miniature Dachshunds. He can get around at an astonishing rate of speed, but swiveling and sashaying (is that a word?) as he goes. He has difficulty climbing up and down, and occasionally teeters over, but he's not as compromised as Bailey by any means. The back problem, of course, affects his neurological capabilities, so he has the usual incontinence issue our other mini-Doxies have. (Please join us as we celebrate National Linoleum Appreciation Week.)
Belvie is obsessed with soft squeaky toys, just like our blind dog Goldie. Whenever we come into the house, he gets excited and grabs a toy and starts running in circles through the living room, around the kitchen and across the dining room, making a big loop through the house, squeaking as he goes. In this photo he couldn't take it any longer and began barking at Alayne to demand that she finally ... "finally, I tell you!" ... give him that toy!
(Click on photos for larger image.)
Hello every one FIVE DOXIES!!!!!!!!!!!!! How wonderful Hope all is well on the wonderful,most special place in Montana. We came to Sequim in 1994 with SEVEN of the little darlings(doxies). They all have crossed over the Rainbow bridge, but we now have ONLY 2 !!!The animals that find their way to you , for what ever reason, are BLESSED, and I, for one ,think they know it. Take care J. and J Taylor
Posted by: Joe and Judy Taylor | May 25, 2007 at 03:33 PM
I always love to hear a happy doxie rescue story. Bless you both for taking in these little pupsters!
Posted by: Julie | May 22, 2007 at 07:40 PM
I laughed out loud when I read "please join us as we celebrate National Lineleum Appreciation Week". You caught me off guard on that one! I love your humor, Steve.
It's good to see that a senior Citizen that had to give up his beloved pet now can feel some better knowing that his beloved Belvie will be well loved & taken care of at the finest RDR! It's good to know he feels good enough to enjoy squeeky toys & have lots of fun. Tobias loves those latex squeeky toys as well.
Hugs to all,
ginger & Tobias
Posted by: ginger & Tobias (the greythound) | May 22, 2007 at 12:17 AM
Yay! More happy dog pics! Welcome to RDR Belvie :- ) (How old is he?) (And if you've got 4 Dachshunds already - will you really notice one or two more? :- )
Also - hope all of the other critters are doing well. (No news on Brynn - hoping no news means good news, or at least not bad news.)
Posted by: Karen | May 21, 2007 at 09:34 PM
WELCOME Belvie !!
Steve, once again what a great intro and story :)
Have a great day all !
Posted by: Karen | May 21, 2007 at 09:50 AM
Wellyou can never have enough dachshunds. I am in dachshund rescue and I have 5 of my own and I am fostering 3 , so 8 total, they are the cuties dogs, as I write this, the baby of the dachshund family(Stovic), is in my arms, he is or should I say will be one yr old on may25, so good for you, I am glad he found a great home, we need more people like you two. THANK YOU, Vicky
Posted by: Vicky Pauli | May 21, 2007 at 09:29 AM
Welcome to Belvie...what a cute pie! It warms my heart to know he's in such good care now and will be loved and spoiled.
Posted by: Abby Creek Art | May 21, 2007 at 08:32 AM
Belvie is darling; fitting in already I see.
I'm sure his previous owner is so comforted knowing he's finally at a home filled with love and care.
I do volunteer services for the elderly so I know how sad and responsible they feel when having to give up a pet.
I'm so glad Belvie found his way to you.
Welcome to the Ranch Belvie!
Posted by: Boundforglory | May 21, 2007 at 08:24 AM
A big Welcome to RDR for Belvie! You go get them squeekers Belvie! Sounds like the newest addition is fitting right in,I know he'll be very happy there with you Steve & Alayne and all the rest of the great animals there.Thanks for making me laugh and smile first thing this morning.I take Belvie's happiness with me the rest of the day! God Bless all of you! Love Elaine & the 4 boys
Posted by: Elaine Miller | May 21, 2007 at 04:51 AM
Life is gonna be wunnerful. A bunch of new friends, a green giraffe blanket and a squeaky toy. Can't ask for more than that!! Unless it's that green grass out back and a bunch of pats on the head!!
Posted by: Susie from LA | May 20, 2007 at 11:55 PM