The Little Round Bed Memorial Fund was named in honor of Emerson, the little dachshund shown in the photo at right, relaxing in his bed. He was rescued by AH member Sandy Clabaugh. Emerson died in 2003. This is his story and the story of his little round bed.

Emerson was a special little boy rescued from a neglectful and possibly abusive home when he was four years old. With discipline and love, he moved beyond the behavior problems of his past. He learned to love and to be loved. The short little legs of this nine-pound bundle of joy fairly skipped when he joined us in hiking the New Hampshire woods. But in far too short a time, he began exhibiting neurological problems that caused rage, coordination problems, incontinence and a condition similar to autism.

At this time, Emerson laid claim to one of the little round cat beds in his home, reeling to it and settling in for naps. Another little round bed was soon added to the human bed, allowing Emerson to rest in a comfortable and familiar place at night and still be in the big bed. Yet another was added to the family car, giving Emerson security on family trips. When Emerson was diagnosed with adult-onset hydrocephalus, he underwent surgery for the placement of a shunt to remove the fluid buildup in his brain and his little round bed accompanied him to the hospital.

Unfortunately, much of the damage to his little brain was irreversible. Still, with the easing of pain, his rage disappeared and he once again became aware of his surroundings and made a valiant effort to participate in life. In spite of continuing coordination problems, Emerson laid claim to his familiar territory, tottering about between yard and house, his tail never ceasing to wag, and always with his little round bed awaiting him.