Gidget
(Nov 6, 2013) -- Just letting you know we lost Gidget on Friday. She had a stroke a little over two weeks ago, and was not able to recover. She spent most of this time at the vet although they did let her come home most nights. They did everything they could but in the end it was not enough. She will be missed deeply. She was going on 17 years old, and was still a puppy. She enjoyed her trips outdoors. She was an “outdoorsy kind of gal”. She loved the sunshine but for the last year and a half she had to wear Doggles when in the sun, due to her cataracts. She hated them, but loved being outside. If you remember Gidget was one of the first pups you adopted out after you went solo in 2004. After we got Sunshine and Buddy from you in January, we decided on Gidget in September, because she was soooo cute. Although when we met you in Asheville that night and you took her from her cage, I looked at Larry and said “What have we done”. At 7 years old I was expecting a calm pup like Sunshine and Buddy. She was WILD. And until she got cataracts she stayed that way. She was so full of life and energy. She was the greatest joy to us for almost 10 years. I thank you for her. She is now pain free with Sunshine, Buddy and Miss Gertie, running and enjoying the next phase of life. Pepper, formally known as Precious, is doing good. She knows something is not right. She will go to Gidget’s bed a couple of times a day to sniff around. I have caught her twice digging in the covers, like she is trying to find Gidget. I think she will be fine. She misses her too. Thanks again for allowing us the joy of having Gidget in our lives. And for Sunshine, Buddy and Gertie. All who are still greatly missed. Their pictures are all over the house, so not a day goes by without me thinking of each of them. Thanks again for all you do Jennifer, Larry & Pepper

Squirt#2
RIP sweet baby girl 03-13-07 to 10-05-13 Your time here was brief but we all still learned to love you in that short time. You are now with your daddy giving him hugs and kisses. We at AADR and Dr. Story's will all miss you sweet baby girl. Now you are pain free, bless you little Squirt

Blacky
RIP Oct 5th, 2013 Blacky went into eternal sleep in my loving arms today. The malignant melanoma tumor that was in his gums, spread everywhere in a short period of time. The mass was pressing on his trachea and I could not allow him to suffer so I made the decision to let him go. Kim, I loved Blacky so much. He was the sweetest dog that I have ever known and I know that your kind love and care contributed to his disposition. He was having such a great time here with Mozart and me and we both will always think of him and miss him.

Beaner RIP 10-04-13
Ed and Beaner were a match made in Heaven. Beaner passed away yesterday laying in Ed’s arms. They laid down for a nap. Beaner gasped once and was gone. Ed is devastated. He loved Beaner like a son. Beaner was 14 years old and had not shown any health issues. Ed’s vet said Beaner had a heart attack.

Rolo
He came into our lives in 2005, a puppy. He was "imperfect for the breed" so he was given to us for free. He lived with us for 7 short years, his life cut short by a tumor that even radiation couldn't tame. I guess looking back, we should have known. Nothing stopped his tail from wagging, his tongue from licking, or his bark from answering every bell and knock. Why would we think radiation would stop that insidious evil tumor that was a part of him? He danced through our lives so briefly in body, but he has left upon our hearts paw prints that seem as bright today as yesterday. He introduced us to a breed of dogs that we often laughed at when we saw them, and we still laugh with today. I don't think I would have appreciated this quote from E.B. White without knowing Rolo: "Being the owner of dachshunds, to me a book on dog discipline becomes a volume of inspired humor. Every sentence is a riot. Some day, if I ever get a chance, I shall write a book, or warning, on the character and temperament of the dachshund and why he can't be trained and shouldn't be. I would rather train a striped zebra to balance an Indian club than induce a dachshund to heed my slightest command. When I address Fred I never have to raise either my voice or my hopes. He even disobeys me when I instruct him in something he wants to do." His antics brought us joy every day and his companionship demonstrated such love. We will miss you Rolo, until we see you at the Bridge! Who knows by then how many doxies may be waiting for us then with you, but to you each will owe a debt for your opening our hearts to them.