Dixie RIP 12-06-19
I was an empty nester with physical issues which greatly limited my ability to work or even volunteer. My husband Dave had been praying for me because our children were grown and I was home all day by myself day in and day out. He came home one day and told me he thought I needed a puppy but he did have 2 requirements: 1. It needed to be like Sadie who is our oldest daughter’s dachshund and 2. Don’t expect him to love it or pet it. This would be for me. My daughter Chelsea hooked me up with AADR that very night. I didn’t know what to say in my application other than I just wanted a fur baby that would be happy in my lap and my slow pace at life. God gave my application to Scarlet Lancaster and boy did she lead me in the right way. Within a week or so I had my Dixie girl and we were bonded heart and soul on the first day. She knew she was home when she found me and I knew immediately I did not rescue her rather she rescued me. My lonely days were over! The only places I went without here was to the doctor office and church. My friends and family quickly learned if I couldn’t bring Dixie, I wasn’t going. She slept every night touching my middle section as I slept on my side. Every day if I wasn’t feeling good, she laid right by my hip soaking up the belly rubs. Remember that #2 my husband gave me? Yeah that lasted about two weeks because he gave out treats every day when he got home from work. After the treats of course, there had to be belly rubs. I could tell you about all her medical problems but let’s just leave it at she never wore that silly cone because I would stay awake and watch her for however long I needed to and she knew when I sad, “no, no sweet baby” she would stop. She was so obedient and I will always think it was because she wanted to make me happy as much as I wanted to make her happy. She crossed the Rainbow Bridge 3 days ago and my husband is mourning almost as much as I am. I have forgotten how to sleep without her touching me. I’ve forgotten what I did with my hands before I started rubbing her belly. What I haven’t forgotten is we were connected in a way that words cannot explain. She was my baby and I was her human and that’s all that really mattered. I had to tell her it was ok to stop fighting and that I would be ok without her and we would be together again. My head knows that but my hurt is empty without her. I cannot thank AADR and Scarlet enough for trusting me with this precious little baby. Her urn will be put in my casket and her pic will be put on my head stone. I am old enough to know this connection is a once in a lifetime kinda thing and I am so thankful Dixie rescued me. Penny Bochicchio

Gus
Dear AADR, It is with a very heavy heart, that we write to tell you of Gus' (formerly Jasper 2) passing. It has taken a while to even be able to write this, and it still breaks our hearts to say that he finally lost his battle with Congestive Heart Failure. Gus was the most amazing pup in the world, and we were so blessed to have had him in our lives - even if it was not for nearly long enough. He was gentle, sweet, loyal and more loving than any other pup we've ever known. He was a fighter - when he was first diagnosed with CHF early this year the vets predicted he likely had a few months. Our Gus was so strong and brave, and with care and medication he made it almost nine months. For which we are so grateful. Although they had warned us, you can never truly be prepared to lose one of your best friends. His loss was and is devastating, but we are forever grateful to have had the honor of being his furever home. We all miss him so much every day, he made our home and family complete. We'd like to thank you for the amazing work you do and all the love and help you provide to the many dachshunds who need it. Thank you for saving Gus and completing our family by uniting him with us. - Jennifer and Patrick Keenan

Izzy
2007-2019 Last night, dear sweet Izzy had an awful seizure undoubtedly related to her cancer diagnosis. I could not bear to watch her suffer and took her to the ER vet at 3 a.m. She peacefully crossed to the Rainbow Bridge in my arms. Grace, Buster, Holly, and I are still shell shocked at her passing. We knew she was having “issues” the last few days, but that never prepares you enough. In January, Izzy survived ER surgery to remove her cancerous spleen. The vet predicted she had 1-2 months to live with the aggressive cancer. We were fortunate to have her for 8 months. It makes me smile knowing she had a large welcoming committee from 4 doxies she has shared a home and BIG bed with over the last 10 years. Marty, Callie, Mickey, and Faith will take good care of “The Iz”! RIP my sweet baby. You will be missed!!! :-) Meg

Oscar "M"

2005 - 2019

On August 12, 2019, I lost my beloved Oscar “M” who I rescued from AADR in 2008. In actuality, Oscar “M” rescued me. From the moment we laid eyes on each other, we fell madly in love. He hopped right into my lap and sat there for the entire car ride from NJ to his forever home on Long Island, NY. He knew he was finally home. Oscar was with me for 11 beautiful years.  Through all the inconsistencies in my life, he was the one consistency I could always rely on. From one failed relationship to another, Oscar was always there loving me unconditionally. Many days he was my reason to wake in the morning. I am so grateful that I had 11 years to be his mommy. I have no regrets. I gave him a beautiful life that he may not have had otherwise and he gave me joy I never knew before. In the end, despite how much it hurt, I promised him I would never let him suffer and the moment I saw he was, I would let him go. I kept my promise as his cancer progressed rapidly. He is at peace now and no longer suffering. I will love and miss my Prince Oscar “M” forever! Thank you to AADR for doing what you do. Without you, this love story would never have been possible. 

I know my Oscar is waiting for me at the rainbow  bridge for when we are reunited. Until then I will hold him in my heart forever. ️

Basil
Our sweet boy Basil. Survived in a puppy mill for 8 years. We had him for 7 after that. He was rescued off a trailer by Diane and this boy sure could love deeply. Run free across the bridge big boy! Sit with Rolo, you will like him. Wait for us!