Name: Spanner Location: South Carolina Adoption fee: $200 $350 adoption fee for Spanner & Charlie

Hi there -- my name is Spanner. My foster dad believes I'm around two years old, but I'm not really sure and no one else knows. See, when I was little, my mommy died in a car wreck and my daddy said I reminded him too much of her and he couldn't look at me. So, my daddy left me and that's when these really nice men in a big red truck came to my rescue. Someone called them "firemen" and they are the ones who called me Spanner. I was told my family would come for me, but they never did. No one wanted me but the firemen yet they knew I really needed to find my own forever home. And that is how I ended up in rescue. I came to my foster home and found this whole other world that involves playing with other dachshunds and sleeping in the big bed and I am having such a good time. My foster dad says I am such a sweet boy that he could keep me forever, but he says we have to find me my very own special and forever home that will love me forever and ever. I was sort of skinny when I arrived so my foster daddy gives me all kinds of treats and food to help me put on weight, and it's working. I currently weigh around 9-10 pounds. I have two children to play with me and they like to throw me a tennis ball and watch me fetch it. The baby can't throw all that well but that's okay, she sure tries. My foster dad says to tell you I'm very good with children as well as the other dogs in my foster home, but no one knows how well I will do with cats. I've never had a chance to live with them. I'm a really good boy and I'm crate-trained and leash-trained. I'm not too sure you would say I'm yet house-trained, but I'm working on it and my foster dad says my training is going very well as long as I'm kept on a schedule and I am consistently provided trips outdoors. I do like to play and I'm a very active youngster, but I also like to cuddle and I especially like sleeping and cuddling in the big bed. I am neutered, micro-chipped, up-to-date with vaccinations and on heartworm preventative. I've become pretty good friends with another foster dog here. His name is Charlie and, if you want a ready-made family, the two of us can be adopted together. I'm certainly independent enough to handle things on my own, but I'm just saying, you know? If I might be the right boy for your home and, my foster dad says, if you can love me the way I need to be loved, please contact my foster dad and complete on-line adoption application and specify your interest in me (and maybe Charlie, too??) Please consider if you will be able to travel to my location in upstate South Carolina to meet me and take me home or can make other travel arrangements for me. If you have never adopted a dog through a rescue organization before, please read Adopting through AHDRS before applying to adopt.

Name: Fido Location: Louisiana Adoption fee: $175

This wonderful little guy is Fido. Fido is just one year old and weigh13 pounds – all of which is full of love. Fido came into rescue when his human dad passed away, leaving his mom to return to school as well as work full-time, and there just wasn’t enough time for this little fellow. Fido gets along great with the other doggies in his foster home but has not been exposed to cats, therefore he is not sure if he would like them or not. While he enjoys the dogs in his foster home, he would not be opposed to being the only pet in the home. Fido was living in a home with a 13-year-old boy and any children in his new home need to be 12 or older and know how to handle him. He does not like loud noises at all. Fido can be very timid around new people and will tend to hide. He can also be skittish around men and needs continued socialization to become totally comfortable with new people and new situations. There’s a possibility Fido was abused by a man in the past and he prefers women so the ideal home for him will probably be with a single woman or with an older couple and a calm home with patience. Once Fido warms up to you, he will be your Velcro baby. He sticks to your every move. Once Fido has learned to relax with your presence, he like to play with doggie toys and he loves to run around in the yard and play chase. He will also curl up beside you or on you for a nap, as well as sleep at your feet when you are sitting at your computer desk. Fido is neutered, heartworm negative and on heartworm preventative, is up-to-date with vaccinations and is all ready for his new forever home. He is a very sweet dog that needs a calm home to love him back. If you think this is your home, please contact his foster mom  and complete on-line adoption application and specify your interest in Fido. Preference will be given to adopters in the area, but all applications will be considered. If you have never adopted a dog through a rescue organization before, please read Adopting through AHDRS before applying to adopt

Sweet Senior   Name: Little David Location: W. Virginia Adoption fee: $225

Many coincidences support the idea that Little David was quite probably a puppy mill breeder before finding the love and safety of rescue. He’s at just the right age, between 9-10 years old, to be “retired” from his stud duty. He also has little round puncture marks on each ear from having tags clamped into his ears, one popular way for breeders to tag their stock. The tags were apparently yanked out when they no longer served a purpose, leaving this little guy with his ears in tatters. Saddest of all, Little David has a very muted and hoarse voice, possibly the result of having a cruel debarking procedure performed. When Davy entered rescue, he was not accustomed to being held, he didn’t know the purpose of dog toys and his teeth were in horrible condition, all significant indications he spent many years without human interaction and without proper medical care. Little David is a mini at 10 pounds. His foster mom decided on this wee one’s name as she was driving him home from his rescue – she knew on spending some time with him that he has already faced the giants in his life and defeated them. She also knew right from the start that his quest was now her quest – to find him a wonderful forever home where he will now live like a King and bring Little David’s story to its proper conclusion. Davy has come a long way toward becoming the dachshund he was meant to be. He loves to eat, he loves his treats and edible chewies, and he loves to snuggle under the covers with you in the big bed. He really doesn’t want to be separated from you when you are home and now confidently gets up in your lap to be petted. He is learning to trust and to love and to be loved in return. Davy is potty trained to a schedule and does absolutely great if kept to that schedule, otherwise he may have an accident. While he hasn’t learned to ask to go outdoors, you can ask HIM and if he’s ready to go he flaps his ears and scurries to the door. He has learned to go potty on a leash and takes care of business quickly and then likes some time to walk around with you and sniff and investigate. When his foster parents are not home, Davy is left restricted to a room or two of the house and naps until his humans return. His foster mom says, “Little David is beautiful both inside and out. He has the most inquisitive and soulful eyes. How he found courage to trust again amazes me. He truly deserves his own loving forever home. I am so attached to him, but I know he needs a home with less dogs. He deserves all the attention his family can give him – he was physically and emotionally starved long enough before he was discovered in a NC shelter and moved safely to rescue.” His foster mom reports that he is fairly quiet, unless he knows you are home and he is separated from you, then he will complain. He also barks if someone comes to the door but once they enter the house he has no problem with visitors. He will not seek out new people for attention, but he will accept petting from children and unfamiliar adults without fear or incident. Davy is in a home with several other dachshunds and does well with other small dogs and he is comfortable with the cat in his foster home. He is not crated in his foster home so it is not known if he is crate-trained. Davy is now neutered, up-to-date on vaccines, heartworm negative and on heartworm prevention. He has had a dental, but because of the poor dental care he received in the past, it may be necessary for him to have frequent dentals in the future. Davy is precious, easy to care for and easier to love. If you feel you can supply all the love that he has missed out on in his life, contact his foster mom and complete our on-line adoption application and specify your interest in Little David. If you have never adopted a dog through a rescue organization before, please read Adopting through AHDRS before applying to adopt

Name: Cameo Location: Bloomington IL Adoption fee: $200

Meet Cameo, a beautiful black and tan female who is somewhere in the neighborhood of 6-8 years of age. Cameo weighs 12 pounds, fortunately just the right weight for a lap, because that is definitely where she wants to be! Cameo entered rescue when her former owner became financially incapable of providing the regular, quality care she deserves. She obviously received the love she needed as she’s a confident and loving dog, albeit something of a Velcro dog who wants nothing more than to be close to her human, whether sitting beside you on the couch or following you around the house as you tackle your chores. She does not play with toys, much preferring the one-on-one attention. Cameo is house-trained and crate-trained, but she’s not crazy about being left in her crate. She is at her most “vocal” when she is out of sight/contact with her humans. Cameo seems to accept everyone she meets. She is currently in a foster home with teenagers, cats and other dogs and gets along with all. She has never displayed any signs of aggression. This little lady is up-to-date with vaccinations, is spayed, heartworm negative and is on both flea and heartworm prevention. She did arrive in rescue with some serious dental issues and has had a dental which required the removal of nine teeth and her adopter will need to commit to providing quality dental care so she can keep the ones she has. If this sweet girl is for you, please contact her foster mom and complete our on-line adoption  application and specify your interest in Cameo. If you have never adopted a dog through a rescue organization before, please read Adopting through AHDRS   before applying to adopt.

Name: Piper Location: Indiana Adoption fee: $250

This very pretty girl is Piper. She is a small standard at 17 1/2 pounds and is only two years old. Piper came from a home with six other dogs and while she did well with the majority, she did not do wel with the very, very small ones. Because of a high prey drive, she will not do well with cats, either. While she can appear jealous of other dogs getting attention, she will settle down with correction. Piper is a happy-go-lucky youngster who, quite frankly, doesn't know a lot because no one took the time to teach her. But she is very willing to learn! She is completely crate-trained, but she will possibly need some reinforcement on house trainng once she moves to a new home. She can be leery of men on first meeting them, but warms up quickly when she sees there is nothing to fear. Piper has a good relationship with the other dogs in her foster home and enjoys running and playing with them and, although she is doing well with two rowdy young females, her foster mom feels she will do best with a more submissive male. Piper is spayed and current on vaccines and heartworm preventative. She has always had excellent care and even had her teeth cleaned last November when she received her vaccines. She's a young dog with a clean slate who just needs some patient training and lots of love. If you can provide that, she will return that love for years to come. If you are interested in adopting Piper, contact her foster mom and complete our on-line adoption application and specify your interest in Piper. If you have never adopted a dog through a rescue organization before, please read Adopting through AHDRS before applying to adopt.

Name: Duke Location: Indiana Adoption fee: $150

This is Duke. He is a chunky little five-year-old. His best weight is around 12 pounds and he needs to lose a couple to reach that. His new family will need to help him stick to a diet and then “stay strong” when he begs so he doesn’t gain his weight back. Duke was adopted several years ago by a single mom and her adolescent daughter and Duke was SO happy! The problem is that now his adoptive mom has remarried and the new family is expecting a new human infant. While Duke is great with older kids, he does not do well with small children who make him nervous, so his foster parents took him back into rescue and are now looking for a great home for him again. Duke is crate-trained but doesn’t especially like having to stay in one. His adoptive mom reported that he had soiled a crate a few times when required to stay in it, so he shouldn’t be left for extended periods of time, at least not until he can be re-trained with Kongs and other special things to enjoy his chance for privacy in his own little den. Duke likes people and gets along great with other dogs, but he prefers the company of humans. He needs a home where he knows he will be loved for the rest of his life. Duke really is a very sweet dog who is up-to-date on vaccines, neutered, heartworm negative and on flea and heartworm preventative. Do you have room in your heart and home for this poor boy who has lost his loving home? If so, please contact his foster mom and complete our on-line adoption application and specify your interest in Duke. If you have never adopted a dog through a rescue organization before, please read Adopting through AHDRS before applying to adopt

Name: LizzieADOPTION PENDING -- I am Almost Home!! -- ADOPTION PENDING Location: Indiana Adoption fee: $200

Ah, Lizzie. What can we say about Lizzie, our problem child? Some say she’s a bad dog, but we know there is no such thing. There is, however, such a thing as one who does bad things and Lizzie has a little bit of a history in that regard. Lizzie is a beautiful longhair who weighs 17.5 pounds, but is overweight at that size and is on a diet. She is five years old. Lizzie was surrendered to rescue because she was not trustworthy around strangers. Her favorite response, in addition to a lot of barking at them, is to lunge at them and see if she can possibly get a taste. She is not, however, a dominant dog with humans and, in fact, has a small problem with submissive urination, which must simply be ignored until she gains confidence and can cease this display of submissiveness. Lizzie is not a quiet dog. She barks if left alone and needs to be re-trained in this area and she has forgotten much of her house-training and is going to need a regular schedule and lots of praise when she is successful on her trips outdoors. Lizzie was adopted but she was returned because the described problems presented themselves and her adopters decided that they were not, after all, prepared to deal with them and provide the training and environment Lizzie needs to move forward. It was, however, very hard for them to return her as they had come to love her in a very short time because reality is Lizzie is a wonderful and sweet dog when she is with “her” people and others that she knows well. She love to burrow under a blanket and going on walks and getting lots of attention and even does tricks. BUT, she does have to know the people she interacts with. She will probably get along well with a submissive male dog but doesn’t do as well with females unless they are more submissive than she is. Lizzie has been spayed and has received a dental. She is current on heartworm prevention and vaccines. She is ready for a new home if there is one ready for her. It will have to be a very dachshund-savvy home that knows how to deal with such a strong dachshund attitude! In spite of Lizzie’s “problems,” her foster parents feel she has a lot of potential and a lot to offer the right family. She will need a fairly quiet home with a limited amount of going and coming until she can be worked with and trained past her fear of strangers. If you might be the right home, please contact her foster mom and complete our on-line adoption application and specify your interest in Lizzie. If you have never adopted a dog through a rescue organization before, please read Adopting through AHDRS before applying to adopt

Name: PrizzyADOPTION PENDING -- I am Almost Home!! -- ADOPTION PENDING Location: N. Carolina Adoption fee: $175

My name is Prizzy and I am one lucky little gal. I narrowly escaped death row at a high kill shelter and now have found freedom! I am estimated to be between 6-8 years of age, but no one really knows because my past is a little bit of a mystery. My foster mommy does say, however, that she is certain I have never known the kind of life I have now found. She is sure of that because she watched my pure joy as I rolled ALL OVER the sofa as soon as she sprung me from the shelter. And I was soooo excited to see that huge backyard to investigate and that is mine to play in each and every day. Maybe how I ended up in a shelter is a mystery, but thankfully my future won’t be. My foster mom was telling me just tonight that she adores everything about me! I have these really fat feet that she says are platter feet and I have these kisses that I will give to anyone who is willing to accept them. I am just about the cutest black and tan tweenie around. I weight about 13 pounds, but my feet are probably a couple of pounds each. I have short little legs and a broad chest – just like every dachshund should. Life is good now that I have found my way into rescue. I love absolutely everyone and everything around me. In my foster home there is this cute little human fellow – my foster mom says he is a toddler, and I really like him a lot. There is also this strange furry critter that she refers to as a kitty – he is okay, too. Then I have the best thing ever – I have lots of dachshund siblings in my foster home and absolutely LOVE them. I really am so happy and so lucky to have been taken from that shelter place. You see, if my foster mom had not gotten me I was going to be put to sleep (and while I do love to sleep I like to sleep on sofas and I have lots of life in me yet) because I tested positive for heartworms. I am told they are yucky, yucky things that can hurt me if I have them for a long time. But like I said earlier, my lucky day has come and I am getting heartworm treatment so I can live a long and healthy life. There really isn’t anything to to love about me. I am 95% housetrained (I am learning to use a doggy door at my foster home and as long as I am put outside ona schedule I do really well, ) I love absolutely everything –humans, animals, sofa, food – that pretty much says it all. I would do okay in a crate but I prefer being around my buddies and do really well on my own in the house. Did I tell you I love to give kisses? I really try to be the best little girl ever and I promise you that I have so much love to give. Do you have a place in your home and your heart for my relaxed and cheerful presence? I am very easy-going and will make the perfect addition to almost any home. My foster mom says to tell you I am up-to-date on vaccinations and that I will be treated for heartworms, spayed and have a dental before I go to my adoptive home. If I’ve stolen your heart and you’re ready to take me into your home, please contact my foster mom and complete the on-line adoption application and specify your interest in me, Prizzy. Applications local to NC are preferred; however, all applications are considered. If you do not live in or close to NC, please consider how you would be able to transport me to your home before applying to adopt. If you have never adopted a dog through a rescue organization before, please read Adopting through AHDRS before completing the application.

Sweet Senior   Name: Beetle Bailey Location: W. VA Adoption fee: $200

Okay, Okay. I look like I’m always wearing my pajamas…but I’m cute, huh? I’m Beetle Bailey (aka “Beetlejuice” because I crack my foster family up all the time, and I’m always in that Michael Keaton-black- and-white- Beetlejoice- blazer look.) Okay, okay, I’m a 10-year-old, 10-pound comedian, and I was told to also confess I’m a thief! My history is a bit of a mystery to my foster mom. I’m a bit of a loner. I get along fine with the other dogs in my foster home, but they just don’t interest me much, and I ignore the cat completely. I like to be picked up and petted and held, and sometimes I come for some loving on my own, but often that distracts me from plotting my next heist. My favorite things to steal are pantyhose from the laundry and boxes my size, with all their mysteriously wonderful contents. I plan, plot, sneak, steal and run like the wind to hide my new treasure. My foster mom says she usually catches a black and white streak out of the corner of her eye and knows to run after me to swipe back my newfound treasure. I haven’t been interested much in toys, but CHEWIES… now that’s another story! Love them! Love them! Love them! I love to eat, I rarely bark, I quickly potty outside (but I need a routine. If you make me wait too long, I’ll make a mistake.) I am trained to potty on a leash and enjoy a short walk each day. I don’t mind sleeping in a blanket or dog bed beside your bed, or even in another room, but I’m not much of a big bed boy – no offense. I just like my own space. I’m a little independent, or maybe that’s “dependently independent.” Besides, who knows when “they” will leave a cabinet door cracked and I can go searching for another interesting item to steal. Mostly I take things to my dog bed or blanket – where I usually get caught. I don’t tear things up too much – it’s that I’m much more a “collector.” If you’d like a funny dapple doxie guy and a good and quiet companion, then maybe I can come live with you. I’ve been “altered,” I’m up-to-date with all my vaccines, am heartworm negative and on preventative and I feel (and look!) great! I’d like to be in my own home without too many other dogs. If you want to talk more about me, contact my foster mom and complete the on-line adoption application and specify your interest in me, Beetle Bailey. If you have never adopted a dog through a rescue organization before, please read  Adopting through AHDRS before applying to adopt

Sweet Senior   Name: Rodl Location: W. VA Adoption fee: $125

"Little old man seeks little old lady for love and companionship for the rest of our days." I am Rodl, and while I have some age on me (14 years) and a tinge of arthritis in my hip from an old injury, I've still got lots of fire in my heart for devotion just to you. I love lots of snuggling and leisurely walks in the sunshine, and you'll have my undivided attention 24/7/365. I'll want to go with you anywhere you'll take me, I'll want to be in the same room with you at all times to watch and adore you, and I'm always ready for a nap with you -- just say the word! I like to have my morning and evening "constitutionals" and that takes pretty good care of things during the day and, since I'm not crate-trained, it's fine to leave me with my own space. I have a very good appetite, although I'm still sleek and slender at 10 pounds. I don't much care one way or another about other dogs or about cats, I just want to love MY human. I wish I'd been able to take better care of my teeth when I was young but I'm still quite handsome, and I have few regrets. I'm easy-going and easy to love. Will I be with you a long time? Who is to say? (I have an 18 1/2-year-old foster sister, though, to give you some idea that we little long dogs often live long lives.) I'm healthy for my 14 years, up-to-date on all my vaccines and on heartworm prevention. Just like you, I should have my teeth checked a couple of times a year. With me around, you never have to be alone and you will always feel loved and important until my last breath. I'm quite a guy and deserve a loving, monogamous relationship. Want a seasoned and sweet guy like me? Then please contact my foster mom and complete the on-line adoption and indicate your interest in me, Rodl. If you have never adopted from a rescue organization before, please read this article Adopting through AHDRS before applying.

Special Needs Dog Name: Maizy Location: Texas Adoption fee: $100

Say “hello” to Maizy, a little dachshund/Chihuahua mix hit by a car and abandoned. Fortunately for Maizy, she was taken to a vet clinic due to her injuries rather than the county shelter that surely would have euthanized her within three days. Instead, she claimed the heart of a vet tech who made sure she received the medical care she needed and a safe refuge. Although Maizy is not much more than a puppy herself (her vet estimates her to be between 12-18 months) she had obviously had a litter of puppies before her accident. The accident caused major trauma to her right eye and while all attempts were made to save it, it ultimately had to be removed. The head trauma also seems to have caused some resultant seizures, but they seem to be completely under control with medication as it has been a couple of months since any problems presented. Maizy lived at the vet clinic for five months before rescue learned about her and she entered a foster home. While at the clinic, to make up for not getting a lot of attention, she got a lot of treats, so Maizy’s biggest problem now is having to diet, which she does NOT enjoy. She does, however, thoroughly enjoy being part of a family and getting as much attention as she can possibly wheedle out of her foster mom. She’s a true love-bug, enjoying snuggling in bed or in a lap and pretty much melting against you as you scratch and rub her ears and head. Maizy currently weighs 10 pounds and needs to lose at least a couple of those. When that happens, and she is no longer as wide as she is long, she will look a little more like a dachshund, but her little face is going to be Chihuahua no matter what. Maizy is in a foster home with multiple other dogs and has done well with them from the first day, although if she is settled and comfy in a lap she will give little growls if others approach. She will also walk around and occasionally give these little growls and her foster mom has decided it’s Maizy’s way of talking. Growls while in a lap do, however, earn her a quick trip back to the floor to work on breaking this habit. She is starting to play with some of the other dogs and would do well with a canine companion but will do equally well as the sole princess of her home. She is also getting her daily exposure to cats, with whom she does well. She has been exposed to children and also seems to do well with them. Maizy seems to be almost 100% house-trained and is crate-trained. She is spayed, microchipped, up-to-date with vaccinations, heartworm negative and on preventative. For now, she is on a twice-daily dose of Phenobarbital, a very inexpensive anti-seizure medication. It is possible the seizures were an immediate result of her head trauma, vaccinations and medication and it may be possible to slowly wean her from the anti-seizure meds, but her adopter should be prepared to continue the medication and be prepared for future break-through seizures as it’s impossible to know if they will continue. She will need an occasional blood panel to test medication levels. That will be a very small price to pay for gaining a companion who is 100% lovable, extremely well-behaved and loyal as the day is long.  If you are looking for a little one who will be your lap dog, your walking companion, and your best friend, contact Maizy’s foster mom and complete our on-line adoption application and specify your interest in Maizy. If you have never adopted a dog through a rescue organization before, please read Adopting through AHDRS before applying to adopt.

Name: SophieADOPTION PENDING -- I am Almost Home!! -- ADOPTION PENDING Location: NW TN Adoption fee: $200

This beautiful girl is Sophie. She’s approximately one year old and was found as a stray, believed to have been intentionally dumped.. Sophie weighs about 15-16 pounds and has a soft long-haired coat that is black with a white streak down her chest. While she has most of the characteristics of a longhair dachshund, her foster mom believes she could have a some cocker spaniel in her background because of a slightly wider head. But when it comes to sitting up and begging, she is dachshund through and through. Sophie is a very loving dog, jumping right up in your lap to cuddle and give lots of kisses. She gets along well with humans, dogs and cats, but does bark a good bit at new people entering her house or yard. She also tends to want to be the dominant dog in her home and has had a few run-ins with the current alpha in her foster home, so she should not go to a home with another dominant dog, but rather have siblings who don’t mind having a bossy female added to the mix. Sophie doesn’t do anything halfway. She tends to inhale her food, so her foster mom doles it out slowly. She gets equally excited about greeting her people, jumping high when excited and shows this same excitement when her food is being prepared. She’s going to need training for self-control, but she seems to learn things quickly. She is already mostly housetrained, knowing to go outside, and has only had an accident when the household wasn’t paying close enough attention to her messages and routine. It is not known if she is crate-trained, as she does not stay in a crate in her foster home. Sophie is a busy and active youngster who is perfect for a home that has a lot of love and time for her. She will need to know that she is not the boss and children should be aged six or over, old enough to handle her exuberance without being knocked over. She will love the playtime they provide her! Sophie will especially benefit from a home that will provide obedience training to give her a focus for her energy and provide the manners she is currently lacking. She is a wonderful, playful and active young dog who hardly ever sits still. She loves her squeaky toys and involving the other dogs in play. Her play often seems aggressive as she makes little growling noises, but she is actually just “talking” and trying to entice others to get involved. At the end of the day, after multiple jumps on and off your chair, she finally settles down and is a little cuddle bug, content to lie on your lap and soak up all the attention. Sophie is up-to-date on vaccinations, heartworm negative and on preventative and has been treated for hookworms. She will be spayed prior to going to her new home. If you are interested in adopting Sophie, contact her foster mom and complete our on-line adoption application and specify your interest in Sophie. Preference will be given to applicants within a 500-mile radius of Sharon , TN. If you have never adopted a dog through a rescue organization before, please read Adopting through AHDRS before applying to adopt

Name: MatildaADOPTION PENDING -- I am Almost Home!! -- ADOPTION PENDING Location: NC Adoption fee: $200

Hi, my name is Matilda! I am a red smooth 2-year-old mini and I weigh only 8.5 pounds. I haven’t had the best of luck in my short little life, as I’ve spent almost the entire time in a bathroom with my buddy, a Chihuahua. The only time we were out was for about an hour each evening when our owner came home from work. We were fed and watered, but I never had anyone love me, and there was no one for me to love Thankfully, a very nice lady come to our rescue and things are certainly looking up. I am now learning what it is like to live in a home where I have a backyard to investigate, and humans to snuggle with at night in the big bed. I REALLY, REALLY love it! But, I am still scared a little at times. This is all pretty overwhelming for me. Right now I am living in a home with six dachshunds, one cat and one crazy little toddler boy who is VERY loud. I like the company of the dachshunds and I don’t mind the cat – but the crazy little toddler boy I could do without. He is really loud and I am really nice to him but he does scare me. I wouldn’t ever bite him, I just don’t like to be near him because he likes to run all over the place and be VERY loud. Meeting new people is a little scary, because this big world is so overwhelming for me, but once I am comfortable with people, I get very attached. I get very excited when I see “my” people come home and I wag my whole body with glee and I follow them around everywhere. I just cannot believe the luck I have found – sleeping in the big bed is the best. Giving kisses and warming a lap are next on the list and they are becoming my specialties. My foster mommy says I am the best dachshund kisser ever! I don’t have any health issues and I’m crate-trained but because I was kept in such a small space for most of my life I need help with my house-training. I am really anxious to please but I just don’t understand fully where I should go potty. I also need someone who is patient and willing to give me some time to come out of my shell as I am just a little shy. A home with at least one other dachshund or small dog would be perfect for me. Cats interest me but I am much too scared of the one in my foster home to really investigate much so I try to pretend he just isn’t there. There isn’t an aggressive bone in my little dachshund body but I am easily scared so a home without small children or a lot of commotion would be best. Oh, one other thing – I have this funny little skip in my walk. My foster mommy wanted me to tell you that she has had it all checked out and learned it is just one of my little quirks. Sometimes when I run or walk really fast I will lift my back right leg because I think I go faster on three legs. As you can see from my pictures, I also have this really unique little Mohawk. My hairstylist says it make me even more unique. I am looking for a home that will be very patient with me. I love people and I especially love “my” people that I’ve had some time to warm up to, but the warm-up time is important. I am up-to-date with all my vaccinations and standard vetting and I will be spayed prior to going to my new home. Applications local to NC are preferred; however, all applications are considered. If you do not live in or close to NC, please consider how you would be able to transport me to your home before applying to adopt. If I’ve stolen your heart and you’re ready to take me into your home, please contact my foster mom and complete the on-line adoption application and indicate your interest in Matilda. If you have never adopted from a rescue organization before, please read this article Adopting through AHDRS  before applying.

Special Needs Dog Name: Brownie Location: Northern VT Adoption fee: $150

Brownie is a four-year-old smooth who weighs approximately 10 pounds. Brownie has had a very difficult past, reflected in his display of fear and anxiety, and is in need of a stable home where he will be loved and trained, and where his adopter will make a commitment to work with him and make sure he is never “homeless” again. Brownie, you see, has had a total of four different homes in less than four years! He is one very insecure little boy as a result of this and needs lots of love, socialization and patience. While we don’t know his exact start in life, his behavior reflects a puppy mill dog who was separated far too young from his mother and siblings, moved to a broker’s “holding” area, then to a pet store and ultimately to a home that had the credit for an impulse purchase but no earthly idea of how to work with him through the most important period of his life. He therefore has a history of fear biting when crowded by strangers, visitors to his home, or other new situations. Although Brownie is doing well in a foster home with other dachshunds, he does not like larger breed dogs and, again showing his insecurity and fear, will often try to bite them. His insecurity may also be displayed in some submissive urination and his adopter needs to understand that this condition can only be cured with love, patience and by completely ignoring the issue. He has never bitten while in a foster home but rather is a very loving dog who likes to cuddle. He prefers the human lap to any dog bed and is always happy to get a tummy rub. He has received some training with the Gentle Leader and loves to go for walks and to play. He also enjoys being a couch potato and watching television with his human but will become upset if other dogs appear on the screen, again reflecting his insecurities. Brownie is house-trained and will go to the door to ask to go out, and he is also crate-trained, but much prefers sleeping in the big bed at night. While he does well with other small dogs, he prefers a home with no more than one other, and no larger breed dogs or cats. He should not go to a home with children or one that has a lot of visitors coming and going. His new home needs to be fairly quiet and settled, with a new family that understands the dachshund breed and has the time, patience and knowledge to work on his training and socialization and can follow a positive-reinforcement training program that will also result in his gaining self-confidence. He has not done well in a “city environment” where there is too much noise and activity for him to relax. He’s really wanting a fenced yard where he can sun and kick back and relax. Brownie is in good health, is neutered, up-to-date with vaccinations, heartworm negative and on preventative. If you have the love and patience to give Brownie a new start to a life of love and consistency, please contact his foster mom and complete our on-line adoption application and specify your interest in Brownie. If you have never adopted a dog through a rescue organization before, please read Adopting through AHDRS before applying to adopt.

Name: Hope ADOPTED--I AM HOME--ADOPTED Location: Kentucky Adoption fee: $125

My name is Hope and I am a sweet girl, about six years old. Before coming into rescue, I was living in horrid conditions, being starved and neglected in every way, and I was heartworm positive. My foster mom took me to the vet and I went through a pretty rough treatment, but now I am heartworm negative, spayed, up to date on my vaccines, and in excellent health. And, as you can see, I’m not starving any longer! I guess with me, it’s either feast or famine, so I need a home that will work with me to help me lose my extra weight and continue to help me understand that I will never be starved again. I’ll probably always be prone to over-eating (after all, what dachshund isn’t?) so my new home will have to be firm with me and not give in to these very sad eyes as they beg for more food. Because I didn’t know what love was and had never been properly socialized, but instead had only had a very unhappy existence, I was very rude to others when I first arrived at my foster home. Things have changed a lot, now that I have been in this wonderful place for a few months. I think it was after my foster mom said, for the hundredth time, "We all have to be nice and polite to each other and don't forget--love each other!" that it finally dawned on me that there are great benefits from being nice! I am now a very well-behaved dog and I’m even willing to share my food and treats. I love sitting on your lap and being loved, and I love giving kisses. I love my foster home--which is the first place I have known kindness--and now I need another great home, where people will love me with all their hearts. I will be very loving and loyal in return. It’s not known if I’ve been exposed to young children or cats in my past, but I am such a sweet girl that I will probably adjust to either as long as they both give me the respect I deserve. I’m working on my house-training and I am crate-trained. My name pretty much says it all: I have gone from sickness and despair to hope that someone out there will love me and want to make me a part of the family. Please e-mail my foster mom, or fill out our on-line adoption application and specify your interest in Hope. If you have never adopted a dog through a rescue organization before, please read Adopting through AHDRS before applying to adopt.

Special Needs Dog Name: Oscar Location: North Carolina Adoption fee: $150

Okay, everyone. Where, oh Where, could my forever home be? I have been in my foster home for months and months now and I’m getting kinda antsy to find my special place! My name is OSCAR and I’m just a big bundle of love! I am 10 years young and weigh around 20 pounds. I was surrendered to rescue because my family decided I would be happier in a home where I would receive more attention than they could give me. I was spending a lot of time alone and I was pretty sad and bored most of the time. Since I have been in foster care, I have been really happy receiving the attention I need. I’m so happy that I express it every day by talking and singing and humming. I love being around people and really don’t like it when I’m left alone. I love to cuddle and hang out on the couch, spend time with my foster family, get my daily scratches, play with soft toys with noisy squeakers, and sleep in the big bed. I’d also like to get about 50 treats a day, but I don’t think that’s going to happen. Doesn’t mean I don’t quit trying, however. Much as I love humans, I also love other small dogs so one or two in my new home would be okay with me. Unfortunately, on a test run with cats, I turned out to not be so good with them, so no cats in my new home, please. As we’ve known since I entered rescue and had some veterinary exams, I have a heart murmur and a degenerating valve in my heart. My foster mom has recently taken me back to the cardiologist for a six-month check-up and we’ve learned I have also had a mild LA (left atrium) enlargement since my last visit. My specialist says I do not need any medication or treatment at this time but I will need to be rechecked every 3-4 months. That means I need x-rays and maybe an echo ultrasound so they can monitor my heart. If the enlargement reaches a moderate stage, then I will probably need to be on long-term meds. It is very important that whoever adopts me commits to following through on regular check-ups. There is never anyway to know where all this is heading and, let’s be honest, it could mean that I eventually end up with congestive heart failure, but the specialist says there is just no way to know if that will happen or not. I guess what I’m telling you is that you don’t get any guarantees with me that I’ll be around another six or seven years, but then, you wouldn’t get that guarantee with anyone. What I can guarantee you is that I’ll be the most appreciative little man you will ever know to finally have a home of my own where I am loved unconditionally and where I won’t be “too much time and trouble” for anyone else ever again. I so want a home where arms and hearts will be open to me and I’ll receive lots of love and attention. I need a family that understands how important my heart is and how important it is that I get all the care I need to keep it healthy for as long as possible, because I plan on using it a lot to give love in return. I am truly a very young senior who will be your constant and loyal companion. I’d like a home where someone is home a large portion of the day, a nice laid-back home to match my laid-back personality. I am house-trained, up-to-date with vaccinations, heartworm negative and on preventative, and I’ve recently had a dental. Can you open your heart and home to me? If you can, please contact my foster mom and complete our on-line adoption application and specify your interest in me, Oscar. Applicants in North Carolina and surrounding states will be given priority. If you have never adopted a dog through a rescue organization before, please read Adopting through AHDRS before applying to adopt.

Name: Princess Location: North Carolina Adoption fee: $200

This little sweetheart, Princess, is seven years old and weighs 13 lbs. She was surrendered to a shelter by her owners because they simply didn’t want to be bothered by her anymore. Princess has been in her foster home for several months now and is still searching for a forever home that will offer her unconditional love. Princess can only bring you smiles and joy. Her foster mom says it is the most precious thing in the world to watch Princess’s personality displayed in her expressions as she cocks her head up and down while watching her foster mom and trying to figure out just what she is doing. Princess loves treats, people, cuddle time and looking out the car window, not always in that order. Princess has adjusted well to her foster home over the past couple of months, overcoming being dumped in a high-kill shelter and a transport to a strange home with strange people and dogs. Those strange dogs threw her for the biggest loop, for while she can adjust to other pets in the home, it’s not really what she prefers. She will do best as an only pet or in a home with only one other pet who is not dominant. She can be snappy with the other dogs when they enter her space. Otherwise, if they don’t invade her area, she’s fine with them. It’s just that a Princess needs her own throne! She has not been exposed to cats in her foster home, so it is not known how she would adapt to a feline companion. Princess cannot go to a home with children, as she does not like to be picked up except by those she is very comfortable with and who know her personality quirks, something children and their visiting friends are apt to forget. She can be a little snappy if handled inappropriately so she needs a home that is familiar with the dachshund breed and the correct way to lift and carry them. Of course, as with any dachshund, she should not be allowed to use stairs or jump on and off furniture. She adores attention and being around humans, so much so that she really doesn’t like time outdoors by herself or sleeping by herself – she has her eye on the big bed in her new home! What she would really love is someone with limited work hours, keeping them away from home no more than 4-5 hours at a time, who can dedicate lots of time to spoiling her properly, with lots of love and structure. She is housetrained but accidents do happen on rare occasions, as with any pet. She is leash trained but currently has free run in a fenced yard. Princess is current on all vaccines, is heartworm negative and on preventative. She is spayed and has received a dental, which required some extractions as her teeth had been badly neglected in her former home. Princess is eagerly awaiting her new home and the start of a new life. If you are interested in adopting Princess, please contact her foster mom and complete our on-line adoption application and specify your interest in Princess. If you have never adopted a dog through a rescue organization before, please read Adopting through AHDRS before applying to adopt.

Names: Butter and Pepper Location: North Carolina Adoption fee: $300 for the pair

Sisters Butter and Pepper came into rescue from an overcrowded shelter in South Carolina. They have no history and no known background and came close to being just two more of the hundreds of thousands of dogs euthanized every year in this country just because there is no room for them anywhere. Since they were in relatively good shape, it stands to reason that they were surrendered by their owner to the shelter. How this could have happened, we just don't understand. They are very sweet girls. These dogs are wirehaired dachshund mixes, each about two years old and weighing about 27 pounds. They stick together like glue, indoors and out. They are a tightly bonded pair and will only be adopted together. At first the girls were frightened of their new surroundings. Both would yelp when one of the other fosters crowded them, but that is now a thing of the past. They've done very well getting accustomed to a home with many dogs. They are both very sweet and loving with a lot of love to give. They play all the time with each other as if no other dogs existed. They like to run after each other outside and chase balls, so they will need a home with a fenced in yard. A cat-free environment would be best. With their sweet dispositions, they can be placed with young children. Both girls are crate trained and like having the door to their crate open so they can sleep in it whenever they want. They are both housebroken and used to having a doggie door. They have recently been spayed and have received their vaccinations. They have tested negative for heartworms and are on heartworm and flea prevention. Open up your hearts and your home for these sweet sisters! They are lovely dogs and deserve a wonderful home. If you are interested in providing them with a home of their own, please e-mail their foster parents or fill out our on-line adoption application and specify that you are interested in Butter and Pepper. Preference will be given to North Carolina applicants, but applicants from South Carolina and Virginia will also be considered. If you have never adopted a dog through a rescue organization before, please read Adopting through AHDRS before applying to adopt.

Name: Stoney ADOPTED!! -- I am Home!! -- ADOPTED!!.	Name: Wendell .
Name: Star ADOPTED--I AM HOME--ADOPTED	Name: Rocky
Location: North Carolina	Adoption fee: $225 each
These four beautiful kids all came from the same home, where they only knew each other and their female owner. They were very timid upon entering rescue and would huddle up with each other, not knowing how to interact with other dogs or people. They have come a long way in the time they have been in foster care but are still skittish, especially around men. Stoney is a double dapple wirey smooth coat male who is seven months old. He is not house-trained, but he is learning. He weighs 10 pounds. Wendell is a black and tan dapple smooth coat male who is one-and-a-half years old and weighs 12 pounds. Wendell is semi-house-trained. Star is a black/tan dapple longhair female, one year old. She is house-trained and weighs 14 pounds. Rocky is a dappled piebald smooth coat male, two-and-a-half years old and house-trained. He weighs 12 pounds. The ideal adopter is a patient female recognizing each will have to experience again a change in environment. If at all possible, adopting two or more of these kids, so they can stay together, would be something they would appreciate. If not, then each needs to go to a home with another dachshund in it. They have never experienced being an only dog and their foster parents don’t think they will do well without canine companionship. There are no cats in their foster home but because of their timid nature it is anticipated they will all be fine around a cat. They have never been around children so their foster parents recommend a home with either no children or with older children. Once they have adjusted, all of these beautiful kids will become a Velcro dog, wanting to be held and at your side wherever you are in the house. They all have sweet dispositions and hardly bark, which is a rarity in dachshunds, but this could change somewhat as they become more confident and comfortable in their own forever home. All have been spayed or neutered and are current with vaccines. They are heartworm negative and are on heartworm prevention. They are learning about crating and do well as long as they are with another one of their companions. If you have patience and can provide a loving and stable home then consider adopting one of more of these precious kids, please contact their foster parents and complete our on-line adoption application and specify which of the kids you are interested in. Preference will be given to North Carolina applicants but applications from South Carolina and Virginia will also be considered. If you have never adopted a dog through a rescue organization before, please read Adopting through AHDRS before applying to adopt.

Name: Trucker Location: SE Kansas Adoption fee: $150

Hi there! My name is Trucker and I’m seven years old. I am a handsome red smooth just starting to show that debonair silver in my hair that gives me an extra edge with the ladies. I am a standard and weigh 20 pounds. I have something of a sad story to tell. My original owner died and her family decided not to keep me. I was dropped off at a vet clinic to be euthanized and no one ever looked back. I was overweight, badly in need of a dental, and so very confused and lonely after losing my best friend. Thankfully, one of the nice ladies who works there took me home and is determined to help me find a new forever home where I will be loved again. My foster mom nicknamed me Eeyone because I’m so easy-going. I get along great with other dogs and I don’t mind having cats around. I love spending my days playing with my foster siblings (a dachshund and a greyhound), playing with toys (gotta have those squeaky ones!), and taking long naps on the big bed. My foster mom says I’m a real snuggler. I love sleeping in the big bed at night and snuggle right down under the blanket. If you are sitting down, I want to be in your lap just like any true dachshund, don’t you know? My foster mom says I will be fine in either a home as an only dog or in a household with other dogs, as long as they are not too pushy. I don’t mind kids, ei