Monster and Lukie

By Dena Delgado
Southern California Dachshund Rescue

In July of 2002, “Monster”, a rotund senior female dachshund, was left homeless when her 73-year old owner passed away suddenly, and no family member wanted to take care of her on a permanent basis. Monster’s family contacted me through the Internet to see if I could find her a new home. This is not as easy task, as homes for seniors who need lots of medical care are difficult to find. I prayed. I sat at my computer staring blankly at the screen. I prayed some more. I still can’t believe what happened next.

I clicked my mouse on the icon to check my incoming e-mail. Having applicants ask for a senior dachshund is quite rare, so when I received an application from a sister and brother, Laurie and Robert Burns, asking for any senior dachshund in need of a home, it was like a message from heaven. How did they know that I needed their help? It was spooky.

A couple of telephone calls arranged everything, and the next day Laurie went down to pick up Monster and take her home. Monster was not in the best of condition. She was grossly over-weight and she had several tumors on her head and body. Laurie and Robert were not deterred. Today, Monster is much, much better. She is still chubby, but most of the tumors have been removed and her coat is quite black and shiny.

About a month later, Lucas came into our rescue. He was 12 years old and almost totally bald from head to tail and was itching all over. There was only one home I could think of that would take a dog like this and be able to work a miracle, and that was Laurie and Robert Burns’. So, on a humid August evening, Laurie came to my home to claim Lucas – now known as Lukie to all who know and love him. Once again, Laurie and Robert worked their magic. Today Lukie has the most wonderful red smooth coat that a dachshund could have. He is loved and cherished. What more could anyone ask for?

From Laurie Burns:

We learned of Dena Delgado and Southern California Dachshund Rescue in the summer of 2002. My brother, Robert, and I had recently lost our dear Mother, Pat, and were living in her house. We inherited her little red dachshund, Bunnie. In addition to Bunnie, we have Splash, age twelve, and Miss Monica, age fourteen, both of whom were adopted at age six.

Last summer we decided to adopt another dachshund. Ever since Robert found an elderly doxie, Mimi, in the street years ago, we’ve been in love with the little seniors. In July, we filled out Dena’s adoption application and she soon had a little twelve year old black and tan girl for us whose 73 year old Daddy had passed away unexpectedly. His family couldn’t take Monster, but they cared enough to look on the Internet to find her a good home. Monster was an orphan for only seven days before we took her home. She had to adjust to our three girls, because she had been an only child, but after a few nail biting days, it worked out. She is the sweetest dog! She follows us everywhere.

In August, we realized that something was missing. We had four girls and not one boy! I asked Dena to look for a little boy dachshund, and she called and said she had just gotten Lukie, who was also twelve years old. His was one of those sad stories of neglect, but with some dental care, medication and proper nutrition, he gained weight and grew all his hair back. Lukie is one of those special dogs who’s got it all--sweetness, brains, playfulness--what a joy he is! It took a little time for Lukie to fit in, too. We worried about it for a while, but the dogs worked it out, so I would encourage anyone adding a new dog to their pack to give it time and not get discouraged.

Adopting these two little needy kids was therapeutic for us after the loss of our Mother. We are blessed with a happy little group of wiener dogs. Dena is dedicated to helping animals, she is so nice to deal with and she has a great sense of humor. She answered my e-mails right away, giving advice and reassurance. She has extensive knowledge of dog behavior, nutrition, and health.

We encourage anyone who is considering adopting a dachshund to consider little senior dog. When we’re ready to adopt again, we’ll ask Dena to find us another little senior.

Laurie, Robert, Monster, Lukie, Bunnie, Splash, and Miss Monica
Los Angeles, California

“Monster’s Montage”

(clockwise) Laurie with Bunnie, Lukie, Monster,
Splash the dapple, and Miss Monica the longhair

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