The email to us had a subject line that said "Doxie 69244 in need of rescue!" It came from Ashley D., the foster coordinator for an SPCA in Davis, California, that had sent us a number of disabled animals over the years. Ashley wrote, "I know it's a long shot, but no one else can take this sweet boy because of his age." She wanted to know if we could possibly take him.
It was December 4th, and we had taken all the animals we were going to take in 2008. What's more, the Dachshund wasn't disabled, but "just" old. Hmm.
We viewed the photo Ashley sent and he looked just like Bailey. Alayne and I looked at each other.
Hmm.
Oh, boy.
I asked Alayne, "Well, what do you want to do?"
Now, when it comes to Dachshunds, this is like asking an alcoholic, "Would you like another drink?"
She hemmed and hawed.
"He looks just like Bailey," she said.
"I know that," I said.
Silence.
"So ... what do you want me to say?", I asked.
"I don't know."
Hmm.
Then she allowed, "Well, it would be nice to have another Oscar."
Ever since we lost our little beloved Oscar last March, Alayne has missed having the ultimate minion's minion ... he was our miniature Dachshund who worshipped Alayne and who never missed an opportunity to "protect" her from me.
I said, "It's your decision."
She hates it when I do that.
But I call her "Madame Nyet" (Russian for "no") because she is the one always (wisely) holding the line on our animal numbers.
She walked out of my office. She came back. She walked out again.
Finally, many hours later: "Yes."
The next morning I emailed Ashley to say we'd take the little guy.
It turned out his mouth was a complete wreck, full of rotting teeth. Before we could arrange his travel, one of them started to abscess. Ashley had taken him home with her to wait for his trip to Montana, and when she told us her concerns about his dental needs, we told her to go ahead and take him to the vet for oral surgery and that we would pay for whatever he needed. The vet removed several teeth, including most of his canines, leaving him with the occasional snaggle-tooth look.
Then, once he had recovered from the surgery, Montana sank into weeks of subzero weather ... and it became too cold to fly him out here from Sacramento.
While we waited on the weather to improve, Alayne had already named him: Dexter T. Dickens.
Today, a month to the day after we said "yes," we flew Dexter into Missoula via Seattle. I picked him up at the airport this afternoon.
Back at the ranch late this evening, he greeted everyone with a happy tailwag.
Blind Goldie sniffed at him and looked up at us with a look that said, "Oh. It's another Dachshund."
The blind Beagles checked him out and said, "Oh. It's another Dachshund."
Because he didn't exactly meet our criteria for disabilities, we decided to assign him one -- an affliction common to Dachshunds. It's called CSH, or Canine Selective Hearingitis.
So please join us in welcoming "deaf" Dexter to the ranch!
Thanks for giving Dexter a home. He's a happy dog now!He's so cute and adorable. Glad to know that he's in good hands!
Posted by: kaye veterinarians info | November 05, 2010 at 07:30 AM
How interesting to find another Dachshund that suffers from the same disease that afflicts my Jewels: CSH. Jewels also lost plenty of teeth, but because she still has her canines, her tongue still remains in her mouth, LOL. What a figure Dexter is. Thank you for taking him in...It looks as though Alayne and I are affected by the same malady: Dachshundiatis. I have 4 at home, plus a 16-yr old Whippet.
Posted by: Vicki Ferraro | July 18, 2009 at 06:02 PM
Dachshunds are like Lay's potato chips, you know. You gotta have a bowlful! I know, I have three!
Dexter is the spitting image of my rescue Penny, so much so that I let out a squeal when I saw his picture. My older rescue black and tan is mostly toothless, too - Schatzie and Dexter can discuss dentures together.
Alayne can now be called Madame Da! Thanks to the both of you for your hard and tireless work. Everyone out here loves you, but not as much as Dexter and Company do!
Posted by: Adrienne, PA | February 14, 2009 at 02:47 PM
I have a black and tan male that is 15 years old. He has 2 teeth and his tongue hangs out making him look like he is dead when he is asleep. I mash up canned dog food with potted meat and sometimes weinies to feed him. I rescued him when he was about 5. I have had several doxies. They are so precious. Now it is just him but he has 6 other siblings all rescued also. I loved this story. What do you feed him?
Posted by: Sheila | February 13, 2009 at 04:50 PM
I so look forward every month to see what is new at your place-this little doxie reminds me so much of my little Sugar who I had to put to sleep after giving me 19 wonderful years(she was a stray who was going to stay a few days!!) Thanks for all you do
Posted by: linda | February 13, 2009 at 12:29 AM
I have a 15-year-old doxie, Ginger, that I have had since she was a pup. Her muzzle and paws are white and her teeth are rotted, too, but she still gets around all right. God bless you. I am so glad my wife and I contributed. I will pray for your cause and give what I can until I'm gone.
Posted by: Capybara91 | February 12, 2009 at 10:37 PM
I am SO glad Dexter found a loving home to live out his later in life years. Thank you for not saying "no" to this precious little guy. He will bring many happy moments to you both, I'm sure.
God bless you for ALL you do for ALL the animals at the ranch.
Sandi Stelz
Posted by: Sandi Stelz | February 12, 2009 at 10:03 PM
Awwwwwww...how sweet and adorable. Dexter you are one lucky little guy and I just know you feel as if you are finally in heaven! AND you deserve it. My doxie Roscoe P Coltrain say WooWoo! to you. You lucky dog! Great work as always Steve and Alyane. You are my heroes!
Posted by: Cindy | February 12, 2009 at 09:00 PM
My family had a "doxie" that was 17 ;when he died. He, also had no teeth, except for two to hold his tongue in. We got him when I was pregnant with my first child He would be 50, if alive.
Thanks for giving this fellow a chance to have a loving home.
Posted by: Barbara Crabtree | February 12, 2009 at 08:40 PM
Thank you for making sweet little Dexter T. Dickens more comfortable and giving him a loving home where he will be spoiled rotten!
Posted by: Jackie Foster | February 12, 2009 at 07:47 PM
Dexter looks just like my Pricilla. You can't say no to that face. I lost my Elvis almost 3 yrs. ago and I still miss him. Doxies are the best.
Posted by: Dallene Mower | February 12, 2009 at 07:32 PM
I have a Dexter too! He is a Craigslist throwaway. Then I got Igor, he is a 'stray'. You know how those 10 plus year, one eyed, deaf,rotted teeth, incontenent strays are always wondering about. You never can have just one dachshund - didn't you know that? ;) I am sure your Dexter will make himself at home :)
Posted by: A Arsenault | February 12, 2009 at 06:00 PM
We lost our doxie, Brownie, last October and you're just lucky we didn't find Dexter first!! We wonder who's happier you or the dawg! Lyn and Charlee
Posted by: Lyn Minervini | February 12, 2009 at 05:41 PM
You guys are great! Thank you - I love doxies owning one myself - they are sooo sweet and adorable.
Posted by: Jann King | February 12, 2009 at 04:58 PM
Doxies are just like potato chips...you cant just have one. He is so sweet he looks like my Snickers. Thank you for all you do for the animals.
Posted by: Lisa | February 12, 2009 at 04:35 PM
Cute story. Glad you took him he is adorable.
Posted by: Rita Boatright | February 12, 2009 at 04:23 PM
Oh he is so cute. Each time I read about one of the animals I feel my eyes well up with tears. Some are sad & some are happy. I think it is so wonderful what you ALL do for these beautiful, sweet, loving & extremely generous animals! I know there is a place for you ALL in heaven along with these little troopers! Keep up the good work!
Posted by: Amy Miquelon | February 12, 2009 at 04:19 PM
Thank You for what you do.
Barry @41 South
Posted by: Alexander Hardy | February 12, 2009 at 03:47 PM
I had a "weiner-dog" when I was young, "Rusty", they have the most amazing personalities ! I bet you guys will never regret the day you said yes to Dexter !
You guys are troopers, thanks from all of us who would love to be in your shoes!.....giving love to all these little creatures!
Posted by: John Boyes | February 12, 2009 at 03:47 PM
What an adorable liitle guy..!!!! I love the name, "Dexter T. Dickens"....just great!!! Made me chuckle!
Posted by: Karen/Central Oregon | February 12, 2009 at 03:13 PM
Welcome Dexter you are the cutest!
Posted by: Leigh | January 08, 2009 at 10:49 PM
SO CUTE! I love the little crook in his mouth! No doubt it's from the lack of teeth, but it's cute just the same!!
Posted by: Kristen D. | January 08, 2009 at 12:29 AM
Welcome home Dexter! What a cutie pie you are!! Thank you Alayne and Steve for giving this sweet soul a forever home surrounded by lots of love.
Hugs and kisses to you Dexter T. Dickens
Posted by: Beverly | January 08, 2009 at 12:29 AM
What a great way to start the New Year - another dachshund at the Rolling Dog Ranch! Definitely a good decision. How many doxies do you have now - seven? Can't have too many!
Posted by: Julie | January 08, 2009 at 12:29 AM
Oh Dexter, you are just precious, precious, precious! I had a LOL when you said asking a dachshund lover if they want another doxie is like asking an alcholic if he wants a drink. Very funny and, oh, so true. If I were anywhere near your ranch I'd be running right over to squeeze this sweet little guy. I'm so happy to know he will live out his life at your wonderful ranch. Thank you.
Barbara Techel
Author of Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog
www.joyfulpaws.com
www.frankiethewalknrolldog.blogspot.com
www.joyfulpaws.typepad.com
Posted by: Barbara Techel | January 07, 2009 at 12:07 PM
Thank your for taking Dexter T. Dickens in to your loving home! I have a friend that adoped an old doxie that thinks he's king of the roost. When approached by big dogs, such as my greaythound, he snarts snarling & barking. Yes, he's a big, bad dog. (Everybody laughs at him) Bear in mind, Tobias is 31" tall at the shoulder & his head is rather high, so a little Doxie snarling at him is pretty funny. He is a charachter which I imagine Dexter is as well. Thank you so much for taking care of his much overlooked dental needs. I'm sure he's much more comfortable now. I hope he proves a worthy minion, Alayne.
Big warm hugs to all,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger | January 07, 2009 at 12:07 PM
He is so sweet!! I know how the doxie addiction can be. You guys rock!!!!
Posted by: kelli | January 07, 2009 at 12:07 PM
Welcome to "heaven on earth"
Dexter T. Dickens!
such a sweet face, I know Dexter will fit right in with your crew!
Happy-Happy-Happy!!
Posted by: Karen Brown | January 07, 2009 at 12:07 PM
Lost his canines? That is a major surgery. Glad to see he found his home at RDR! You guys are the best hands down. What does he eat for meals? I'm sure it doesn't really matter as most dogs just inhale their food anyway. LOL
Posted by: Craig from Great Falls | January 07, 2009 at 12:07 PM
Now how could anyone resist that cute little face? Minion or not, he's HOME! Thanks for taking in this little cutie patootie
Posted by: Lisa | January 07, 2009 at 12:07 PM
I agree with Janet and you guys did the right thing!!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | January 07, 2009 at 12:07 PM
Welcome Dexter! I can see why the answer was YES! He is such a cutie. Dexter got the bestest Christmas present!
Karen
Posted by: Karen Brown | January 07, 2009 at 12:07 PM
Awww, I just love him! Welcome to the ranch, Dexter T. Dickens! He reminds me so much of my first dachshund, Bugsi, who came to me as a rescue and had survived a year of torture, quite literally. She lived to the ripe old age of 16. How old do you think Dexter is?
Posted by: Shannon | January 07, 2009 at 12:07 PM
Well? Just how old is old Dexter? Did the SPCA give you a rough estimate? Little does "Deaf" Dexter know but he landed in paradise, zero degrees or not....paradise. Congrats on making the best decision!
Posted by: Miranda, Sacramento, CA | January 07, 2009 at 12:07 PM
what a cutie pie .....Lucky Little Boy .....
Posted by: Mickey | January 07, 2009 at 12:07 PM
What a cutie pie and a lucky little boy....Happy New Year to you little guy.....
Posted by: Mickey | January 07, 2009 at 12:07 PM
Unfortunately, old age in animals is sometimes treated as a "disability"--a disability on the guardian's part to do whatever's necessary to take care of their aging companion.
But I'm starting to wonder if the Ranch needs a new name or maybe a new department? The Disabled Dachshund Ranch?!--wholly-owned subsidiary of RDR> ;-)
Posted by: Janet in Cambridge | January 06, 2009 at 11:45 AM
Sometimes you JUST KNOW. Congratulations all! A special holiday blessing.
Posted by: Margaret | January 06, 2009 at 11:45 AM
What a heart-stealer!! Bless you for your open arms!
Posted by: Janet | January 06, 2009 at 11:45 AM
Dexter is soooo cute! So glad you were able to take him in and give him lots of love and caring in his sunset years. Welcome to heaven on earth, Dexter!!!!
Posted by: Nina | January 06, 2009 at 11:45 AM
Oscar would be proud.
Posted by: Linda | January 06, 2009 at 11:45 AM
Steve, you are a wise man to defer doxie decisions to Alayne...
Alayne, congratulations on your newest minion. May he be the most devoted ever!
Posted by: Jamie | January 06, 2009 at 09:48 AM
You people are wonderful. What a face, he's so happy to be alive and ther. God Bless you.
Posted by: gayle | January 06, 2009 at 09:48 AM
Time will tell, but that sweet little face may well indicate that the "T" stands for Trouble, lol!! Many thanks to Madame Nyet for making the right choice!
Posted by: Debbie | January 06, 2009 at 09:48 AM
Oh my goodness, isn't Dexter the sweetest, cutest thing you've ever seen?:-)
Thank you, Alayne, for saying 'yes'!!
Please give him a HUGE hug for me, will you?
Welcome home, Dexter!
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | January 06, 2009 at 09:48 AM
Awwww....what a happy guy, now! Where was he from before Ashley found him/he found her?
As for his being able-bodied, or, for you, his disabilitylessness, isn't it nice to be around a Doxie who doesn't need the linoleum as much? And, as far as finding a family for him, his age WAS the biggest crippling factor he had, foor fellow. But ofcourse, the state of Montana wouldn't be big enough to hold all the goldies and oldies around...
Posted by: Jessica, NL | January 06, 2009 at 09:48 AM
Hello, Dexter! He looks like a sweetie, and I'm very happy that you were able to take him in.
Posted by: Billie | January 06, 2009 at 09:48 AM
Who could turn that handsome fella down? The face did us in. Welcome to heaven on earth Dexter!!
Posted by: Leah | January 06, 2009 at 09:48 AM
Awwww....what a mug! Thanks for making this little guy a place on the ranch. I don't envy you though, ever having to make decisions like who to take and who not, and of course you have to do that probably more often than you would like.
Much love to all the animals from NYC!
Posted by: Julien Sharp | January 06, 2009 at 09:48 AM
Thanks for giving him a home at RDR...what a picture...it brought a very big smile to me...he looks so adorable with that face. Now he will be safe and loved in his old age...
Posted by: Brenda | January 06, 2009 at 09:48 AM