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| Jesse-James napping on the sofa. | Jesse-James & puppy Jordie sharing a dog bed. |
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| Jesse-James enjoying the California sunshine. | |
JESSE-JAMES
By Dena Delgado
Southern California Dachshund Rescue
Four years ago, a very special dachshund came into my life. I named him Jesse-James after the famous bank robber and outlaw, because he stole my heart.
Jesse-James was dumped in a parking lot near a busy intersection on a cold February afternoon in 1998. A passer-by noticed him heading for the street crowded with rush-hour traffic. She scooped him up. A telephone call to our local Animal Assistance League connected the Good Samaritan with me.
By my vet's expert opinion, Jesse-James was 14 years old at the time. After several vet visits to remove some fatty tumors and much needed dental work, a retired couple adopted him. Shortly thereafter, one of them died, and the other went to live with their son - no dogs allowed. So, Jesse-James came back to live with me and has been with me ever since. He is so wonderful, cuddly, and sweet. He is not going anywhere ever again. He is now blind, mostly deaf, but his nose works great. He barely has 6 teeth left in his mouth, but he insists on getting a biscuit at treat time like everyone else. (I soak his biscuit briefly to soften it for him.) All in all, he is well loved by both humans and dachshunds in our home.
Jesse-James is our "poster-child" for adopting a senior dachshund. The seniors ask for so little - a warm bed and blankie, good food, and the caresses of their family. They sleep a lot of the time, don't make messes or chew inappropriate household items, and they give us unconditional love and devotion. They are so grateful for the comforts they receive. The love we give them is returned ten-fold.
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| Jesse-James napping on the sofa. | Jesse-James & puppy Jordie sharing a dog bed. |
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| Jesse-James enjoying the California sunshine. | |
Postscript:
Jesse-James passed over the Rainbow Bridge on Tuesday, September 2, 2003, at 19 ½ years of age. Back in 1998, when our vet fixed him up, she told me to take him home and give him the last best year of his life. He gave me five wonderful years. I miss him terribly. He was my bed-buddy, always ready for a good cuddle, and spending every night nestled in my right armpit after adjusting my pajama sleeve to his exact specifications. Jesse-James will always have a special place in my heart.