Dog rescue spotlight : Dachshund Rescue South Florida

They are the vertically challenged little hot dogs of the canine world and they, too, need loving rescue from time to time.  If dachshunds are your four-legged friends of choice, you'll want to meet the amazing people and pups at Dachshund Rescue South Florida. 

This passionate, hardworking group of volunteers and supporters work tirelessly to find local dachshunds in need and then rescue, heal, foster and find loving homes for them.  Over 200 doxies have been saved by this nonprofit organization in the last two years. 

Regardless of age, health, or behavioral issues, the lucky dogs taken in by DRSF come from the streets, owner surrender, or South Florida shelters like Miami-Dade County Animal Services, Humane Society of Broward County, and Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control. 

Often, these dogs have been abused, neglected or abandoned and are facing euthanasia when their time is up (gulp!) in a shelter's care.  Some are seniors, ill, or injured and need expensive veterinary treatment.  DRSF volunteer 'web watchers' scour the shelter websites to find homeless dachshunds who, once spotted, will immediately begin their journey to a happy ending as the group's wheels are set in motion.    

Teams of DRSF volunteers with specific 'duties' swoop in like angels to visit the 'found' doxie in its shelter.  The dog is evaluated as quarantine and foster homes are quickly set up for it.  Transport and veterinary appointments are arranged.  Within days, another lucky dachshund is in its foster home where it receives its own new dog bed, blanket, collar, leash and toy for a fresh new start to a happy life.

Adopting out their doxies is taken very seriously by this loving group.  Prospective adopters furnish personal and veterinary references and host a home visit with a DRSF volunteer before being approved. 

DRSF is totally volunteer/foster based, and 100% donation-funded.  Without overhead, all donated funds can go directly to the animals' care.  The average veterinary bill for a rescued dachshund at DRSF is $436, but some of the most severely sick or injured can tally a vet bill in the thousands.  The group plans fundraising events and welcomes donations in order to continue its work. 

Read on their website about Albert Lucky Einstein, the adorable wirehaired dachshund rescued from Miami-Dade with diaformatic hernia and multiple fractures of his pelvis and legs.  His spleen and intestines were pressing on his heart and lungs and he was in pain, barely able to breathe, and unable to walk.  Dachshund Rescue South Florida went to incredible lengths to help him and he is now one of their happiest 'Happy Tales.'

Another incredible story is that of Chaim (Hebrew for LIFE), the senior dachshund so close to death that the rescuers at DRSF thought they were probably saving him from Miami-Dade only to give him a peaceful passing in the comfort of their care.  Their tremendous efforts and his fighting spirit enabled the little guy to rebound in a huge way. 

It's stories like these two that prompt Vice President Jennifer Hessley to say that she and the others at DRSF are "happy ending junkies" and that is what keeps them going with this difficult and emotional work.  "We see the worst of people and what they will do to animals, but we also see miraculous acts by people, some of whom are complete strangers.  The happy endings are stories of love, generosity, and kindness and are the true 'salary' for our volunteer rescuers," she says.

Are you ready to help members of this clever, gregarious, playful and brave breed?  If there's room in your heart and home for a low-to-the-ground dog in great need, visit DRSF's wonderful website for more information on adopting.  You can also volunteer, donate, foster, or even shop to help the dogs! 

If you're a party animal, attend the group's next fundraising Yappy Hour on Saturday, June 19th at John Bull English Pub, 801 Village Blvd., West Palm Beach.  For a $5 donation at the door, you'll enjoy drink specials (such as $6 martinis), raffles and vendors from 5-8 p.m. while you meet new, like-minded friends.  Click here for location and more info.

Jump in to help this wonderful rescue group with its mission to save more dachshunds, and thank them while you're at it! 

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***ADOPT, SPAY/NEUTER, AND LOVE YOUR PETS FOR LIFE!

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