Dolly

By Dena Delgado
Southern California Dachshund Rescue

It was April 30, 2001. The day started out much like any other, balancing the responsibilities of a full-time job with the wants and needs of my family, my own dogs as well as several rescue dogs. But it was going to be a very different day….

I was sitting at my desk at work when the phone rang. It was Jennifer, the receptionist at the Veterinary Surgical Group in Tustin, California. She relayed a sad story of how a beautiful 4 year old, longhaired, black and tan dapple, mini dachshund girl was left at their office for back surgery. The owner could not afford to pay for the surgery and requested Dolly be put to sleep. If I would take ownership of Dolly and pay for the surgery, the doctor would do it at .a discount to help both the dog and rescue out. Even with that terrific break in fees, it was still expensive.

I told Jennifer I needed to consult with my husband and my rescue partner, Mary Lou Force, and I would call her back. So, after careful thought, we three agreed that there was no way we could refuse to help this precious little doxie. I called Jennifer back and gave her the go ahead. Mary Lou and I figured there is always Visa if all else failed. What's one more charge when the card is almost maxed out on rescue dog expenses anyway?

Three days later, I went to Tustin to pick up Dolly and bring her home. Upon arriving at the veterinary office, I was greeted with big smiles and many people thanking me for taking responsibility for Dolly. Then they brought her out to me wrapped in her favorite blanket. Dolly wagged her tail (a good sign) and gave me wonderful kisses while we waited to speak to Dr. Diane Craig, the surgeon, about Dolly's care before I took her home.

Dolly would be on Prednisone (anti-inflammatory) and Torbitrol (for pain) for the first few days, and then I would gradually wean her off the drugs. She would be crated at all times, except for brief trips out to the lawn for potty breaks. After two weeks, we could start physical therapy to get Dolly's back end into good condition. With instructions and prescriptions in hand, Dolly and I drove home to La Habra, California, to begin her recuperation and rehabilitation.

"The crew" (my pet name for all my dogs and rescues) greeted Dolly with their usual enthusiasm. There was great celebration and tail wagging. Everyone wanted to sniff. Dolly accepted their attentions with kindness and excitement at meeting so many of her dachshund cousins. Something told me that this was going to work out just fine.

Dolly's recovery from surgery was nothing short of miraculous. Every day was better than the day before. She was able to stand when I placed her on the lawn to potty the very first day home. She regained bladder and bowel control within two weeks, and was able to walk unaided by the end of the third week. By the middle of May, Dolly was well enough to go to a new permanent home. So, I began the task of finding just the right home for Dolly. I worried that no one would want her because of her back condition and the care she would continue to require for the rest of her life.

I need not have worried. Marilee and Tom Bush, who had adopted a black and tan, longhaired, mini male named Beau from our rescue a few months earlier, jumped at the opportunity to adopt Dolly and make her a member of their family. They felt Beau needed a sister to help to pass the time while Marilee and Tom were at work. Beau is a bit of a grouch and a couch-potato, which was fine for Dolly as she needed a quiet home without a lot of running around. The first meeting of Dolly and Beau went well, so on May 25th, Marilee and Tom took Dolly home. Beau had his nose out of joint for a couple of days, but gradually accepted Dolly and has come to love her as does the rest of the family.

One of the nicest benefits of adopting Dolly to Marilee and Tom has been the opportunity for Mary Lou to babysit for Dolly and Beau while their new mama and daddy go on vacation. We have all become good friends.

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