Adventures of a Christian Military Homeschooling Family: Saying Goodbye to Dusty :'-(

On January 26, 2007, Jeremy and I traveled to Kaboose Kennels in Woodland Park, Colorado. We were going to look at miniature dachshunds to see if we could find the next member of our family. After having to leave our beloved boxer, Rudy, in Texas when we joined the Air Force in August 2006, we noticed a definite void in our home, and we decided to fill it with another canine companion :-)

As we spent time with the many mini-dachshund puppies at the breeder's home, one, in particular, captured our hearts :-) He was a piebald (looking like a mini-dalmation), weighing less than 4#. He instantly became Jeremy's dog ;-) On the way home, we were discussing names, and because of his unique coloring, he acquired the name DUSTY :-D

He grew into such a sweet boy with a beautiful face :-)

We had a lot of fun through the years! The following is a cute video of when Dusty decided to burrow inside the armhole of Emily's winter jacket and got stuck :-)

(Keep in mind that dachshunds are natural burrowers)

Fast forward to this year...On August 19, 2011, we noticed he was limping and lifting his left back leg. We called the veterinarian and scheduled an appointment ASAP (about 3 hours later). Well, within that time, he lost use of his back right leg as well and also lost bowel control. As nurses, Gary and I both understood the severity of this details. Somehow, Dusty had sustained a spinal cord injury :'-(

Because of their long backs, dachshunds are prone to back injuries. In fact, 20% of all dachshunds will sustain a similar injury at some time in their life. Some injuries can be treated by surgery, but most cannot, and few have a return of function even after treatment.

After the initial injury and a subsequent painful episode the next morning (where he became completely flaccid from the waist down), Dusty really didn't show any pain. After a few days, he became "normal" with his spirit and simply aggravated that his hind-end didn't work! We researched for hours on the internet the resources that are out there for disabled dogs and were SO encouraged that some of these dogs life VERY full lives! Many paralyzed benefit from wheelchairs to get around, and they are LOVING life :-D For instance, Frankie, the Walk N Roll Dog, goes to visit kids in libraries and hospitals and even has his own children's books! Another children's book is Gretchen, the Bicycle Dog :-) Also, Telly, the Little Blue Dog, in his wheelchair has his own Facebook page and recently one the "Running of the Weiners Race--Special Olympics"! With such role models in the world, we wanted to see a similar future for our Dusty!

During the weeks after the injury, Dusty had almost daily visits to his beloved vet, Dr. Connell, who did acupuncture treatments and physical therapy on him. She even boarded him a couple of times for days on end to work with him intensely.

It soon became apparent that despite the excellent medical care Dusty was receiving, he would most likely never gain function in his legs again. Unfortunately, Gary and I know our limits, and our crazy, military, homeschooling lifestyle just isn't conducive to taking care of a special needs dog long-term. It wouldn't be fair to Dusty. So...we contacted multiple rescue organizations, and pretty-much everyone said that they didn't have the room or capabilities to take care of him. Our local DRNA (Dachshund Rescue of North America) rep came by to meet Dusty but said she couldn't help us :-(

However, last week, we had an answer to prayer, and DASH Rescue of Pocomoke City, MD, said they were ready, willing, able, and excited to take Dusty!! They will foster him and prepare him for a forever home with someone who can take care of him in the way he deserves :-D They are convinced that he will find the perfect home :-D

So, last Thursday, the kids and I drove to the Eastern Shore of Maryland and said goodbye to our dear Dusty :'-( We are sad that he is leaving us but thankful that he's been spared euthanasia, and we are thrilled that he will still be loved :-) DASH Rescue, y'all are the best!!

Here are a few pics from the last days with our precious Dusty.