Logan
Logan came to us as a little dog that thought he was a big dog. He exhibited a previously broken tail, a lot of fear, paranoia, and uncertainty in his new home. His previous owner was going to put him up for adoption or send him to the dog pound and we decided to take him to give him a loving home with our two dachshunds, Daisy and Smokey. Logan took years to fit in with the other two dogs. Daisy, our 25 pound Alpha female often roughed little 12 pound “Logey” up when he tried to play. He would often just stand still as the other dogs played around him and only wanted to be picked up to sit on your lap and watch. If he wasn’t invited on your lap, he would sit so there was always some physical contact between him and you. After several years, we noticed his little broken tail beginning to wag more often and he started to play and seemed genuinely happy and at ease with the other dogs and his owners. He had the loudest bark and never hesitated to let us know when he wanted in or out, food or water, or to let us know if it was night or day. In other words, Logey was a barker. His loud barking was very high pitched and seemed endless in its duration and volume. Logey also liked to mark his territory. We had to watch him constantly as he could be outside for hours in the sun and within a few minutes inside had urinated on the carpet, the sofa, the pillows, or anyone sitting on the floor. He was a little 12 pound dog that wanted to be an Alpha. He also acquired a taste for tissues, trash, cardboard or anything he could grab out of the trash baskets or garbage. He was always first to lick a pan or box that was offered to the “three amigos” and would always run off with it as the other dogs sat in bewilderment. Logan loved to “go bye-bye”. His little head would cock almost 90 degrees from side to side when we asked if he wanted to go for a walk. He loved to be on a leash, barking to be the lead dog or barking at people walking by, sitting on their porch or working in their yard. He would nip at Smokey’s back legs if Smokey stayed in the lead too long. Logan made a name for himself at a local kennel where we boarded the dogs when we were travelling out of town. As soon as we walked into the kennel lobby to pick them up we heard him barking. The kennel workers often commented about the loud, continuous bark coming from such a little dog. Logan had a heart murmur that we treated with medication since we first took him to the Vet. We knew every time that we picked him up and felt his little heart beating furiously within his barrel chest that he an issue unlike the other dogs. Never did we think out loud that someday Logey may succumb to his heart condition, but that day was March 17, 2013. Following a family day out, we came home to find Logey unable to breathe freely, extremely weak and lethargic. We rushed him to the animal hospital where the Vet told us he was in cardiac distress and his lungs were filled with fluid. He wasn’t responding to the oxygen that he was being given and it was uncertain if he could make it through the Lasix and other medications to get him stabilized. We discussed the change in Logey’s life, if he survived and what he could expect for the possible week or year that he would continue to live. A family decision was made to allow Logey to pass on and as much as it hurts, we knew it was the right thing to do. We’ll always second guess that decision and we pray that God continues to tell us that it was the right one and for the right reasons. Logey was loved and he loved his companions and his owners. We look back at the photos of him wearing his UK Wildcat hoodie and the costumes and hats he wore without complaint. We look at him squeezed between someone’s hip and the arm on the chair, or laying on top of one of the other dogs that got there first. We listen for the echo of that ferocious bark bouncing off the neighbors’ houses and we know that something is missing. Logey was a good boy with a few strange habits and characteristics that made many people smile and we know he’s in a better place. We’ll always recall his vertical leaps when asked to “jumpy jump-jump” or sit upright and patiently wait for his treat. We’ll remember that he needed a “nudge” to go outside and his “tough boy” act when we told him it was time for night-night. We’ll retire “The Logey”, a dance we made up based on his “sitting pretty”, and the large exhale he made after a few barks. Those are memories now of a little guy that should have been a big guy. I’ve learned a lot from Logan mainly that every day is precious and we should strive to make others’ lives happier. A simple walk at night, a fresh bowl of water or a trip to the park isn’t too much to offer to a little guy that is happy to see you, no matter what else is going on in the world. I only wish we knew this day was coming. There are so many things that I would have done differently for Logan. We love you Logey. I’m so happy that you came into our lives, although we didn’t act that way all the time…Farewell. ~Jim

JASMINE
RIP Sweet Jasmine...you were loved: Peanut (also known as Jasmine) passed away today. Let me tell you a little something about Peanut. She came to us as a foster dog - we were to take care of her until someone decided they wanted to adopt her from pictures and a description on a Web site. The problem is, Peanut was something of an acquired taste. She had been raised in a cage, used as a breeder dog, until she was dumped on the side of the road somewhere, sick and alone, until she was rescued by the All American Dachshund Rescue group. She had never really been allowed to learn how to be a regular dog. She only had about 2 teeth, she was grumpy, she was deaf, she didn't know how to play, and she was about 50/50 on house training. All that dog wanted was a safe place to sleep where she wouldn't be stepped on, and some food. But that's not the kind of exciting bio that gets you adopted, so she had been "in the system" for quite a while. Her previous foster family had appreciated her, but they thought she might find a better home closer to our area. We did have one nice lady show interest in her, but she already had several other dogs and I just felt Peanut would not be happy with so many other dogs around, with her hearing problems. We had Peanut for a few months before we attended a picnic in Tennessee, with foster dogs in tow, where other dachshund owners and foster families met to celebrate all things wiener dog and look at each others' dogs. People were taking pictures of other peoples' dogs, and petting them and whatnot. That is, everybody else's dog except for Peanut. Nobody wanted to take Peanut's picture. Nobody gave Peanut the time of day. I came home, and I don't mind saying I got a little irate. I'm sure there are some elements to my childhood that were at play here, but frankly I felt like Patrick Swayze in "Dirty Dancing" - nobody puts Peanut in the corner. So I decided then and there, even though Peanut probably wouldn't care one way or the other, that we would adopt her. Because I wanted to make sure that for however long that dog's life would be that there would be somebody who loved her, and was proud of her, and proud to be her owner. So today we celebrate the memory of Peanut - that weird little unique creature with the terrible breath, who barked at everyone who came over, who never asked for much but to have a safe place to sleep - and I declare to one and all that she was MY dog, and I loved her. Rest in peace, Nutty-butt.

Fudge 5/1996 – 12/2012
In memory of Fudge who gave us 16.5 years of laughter, love, and devotion. We can still see you peeking around corners looking for us and playing with your flipper toys. We hear you barking at the squirrels in our yard and we know you must have a new race track around the Rainbow Bridge since until the end it was one of your favorite things to do. Words cannot express how much we miss you. Love you so much. Bonnie, Rick, Cookie, C.J., and Moon Pie Marcus

Mr. Chip
RIP Mr. Chip -- Charles Herold wrote: This is Mr.Chip and for 15 yrs. 4mo. and 3 days he gave us nothing but love and good times. I miss him so much he was my best friend.Some days I'm still lost without him. In memory July 9,1997- Nov.12, 2012

Millie 4
Dec. 5th, 2012 Milly 4 found herself homeless at 14 yrs old. Given up by her family. We hoped we could find her a home but it wasn't to be, she couldn't handle the stress of losing her family, complications to a medical condition made it best to let her go. We are so sorry Millie that we couldn't help you. Families PLEASE don't throw your senior pets away keep them and love them to the end of their lives like they love you. RIP sweet Millie