Wiener Dog Wednesday, Puppy Edition

Lucy the wirehair dachshund puppy pleads for her forever home.  Surrendered to a shelter at only several weeks old, her life hung in the balance.  The shelter was prepared to euthanize the puppy since she was not yet weaned.  Luckily with help of local rescue and a shelter volunteer the pup’s life was saved. 

At about 9 weeks old now, Lucy has spent the last three weeks in foster care in Valley Village, and I have really enjoyed getting to know her.  She gets along with other dogs and appears to be a perfect puppy full of energy, life and optimism.  In some of the photos I’ve taken she literally looks to be smiling.  Perhaps she knows she’s one of the lucky ones. 

I wrote an article for the Spring 2012 edition of Doxie Digest magazine titled “The First 30 Days” that addressed puppyhood.  Here is an excerpt:

Getting a puppy is a very exciting time.  The experience of a puppy is a joyous occasion and commonly compared to the birth of a baby.  Much like the many sleepless nights and long hours parents spend caring for their newborn, bringing home a dachshund puppy requires lots of attention, patience and love.  A dachshund can easily live between 15 to 20 years, and investing in their early development is crucial to a long and mutually enjoyable relationship.  Putting in the hours from the start will significantly increase the chances of raising a doxie perfectly tailored to you and your lifestyle.

In the article I focused on several key points, but the one I want to review today is being there.  I wrote,

When people have children they often take some sort of maternity or paternity leave to bond with and care for their newborn.  I assert the same is true for anyone getting a puppy.  It is absolutely important to bond with your doxie in that first month and the surest way to do it, is to simply be there.  Picking up a puppy on Friday and then returning to your regular work schedule on Monday, abandoning your puppy at home for 8 or more hours a day, certainly will set the stage for disaster and many challenges later in the doxie’s life.  Planning ahead and scheduling time off from work to be with your new doxie puppy is a great investment that will yield many happy returns in the years ahead.

Puppies need tons of devotion to start and rescue organizations are very strict about their forever homes since they truly hope their placements are forever.  If you know of a potential good fit, please share.  Lucy’s perspective family is missing out on some of the more fun puppy days.  I have raised 3, and I can tell you they grow fast so don’t miss another day, submit your application now. 

Lucy’s placement is being overseen by Dachshund Rescue and Placement and all interested people should complete an on-line application.  Happy Wiener Dog Wednesday!