"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
Eleanor Roosevelt
"When you wish upon a star, your dreams come true."
Jiminy Cricket

"There's no place like home."
Dorothy Gale
Home "Dreams are the touchstones of our character."
Henry David Thoreau

"Nothing happens unless first a dream."
Carl Sandburg
"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them."
Walt Disney
All dog stories begin with laughter and end in tears

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Jody Perrault Tucker
December 11, 2016

Jody Perrault Tucker, 61, passed away Sunday, December 11th. She was a widow and had no children. She left behind her two beloved dachshunds, Greta and Brindle. These pups were her children and she loved and cared for them so much.

In lieu of flowers, Jody's family has asked that donations be made to DREAM for committing to foster Greta and Brindle until new homes can be found for them.








Sawyer Pringle
Adopted January 13, 2009, Rainbow Bridge November 2016

Our hearts go out to Diane for the loss of her sweet boy Sawyer.
















Simon Lavigne
Born July 1998, Rainbow Bridge October 18, 2016

This past Tuesday we met with our vet to help make the difficult decision on our Simon's future. He was getting weaker, his dementia worse and though he still had an appetite and would eat when we sat in floor and hand fed him, he would frequently get too tired to complete his meals. After a lot of tears by all, including our wonderful vet and her tech, it became clear the right thing to do was to let our little boy go. In the past Super Simon had gone downhill and scared us a number of times, but we could see that no amount of special attention and love was going to help him rebound this time.

It would take a book to recall all of the stories and joy Simon brought to our lives, but l want to share the highlights of what made Simon, Simon. We adopted him when he was about six months old and just a tiny adorable little bundle of energy. Throughout his life he held onto several passions, one was running at full blast with no destination for his pure zeal of running and another was that he was fanatical about playing with balls ... in fact, he never saw a ball that he thought was too big to pick up or that he didn't think should belong to him. Look, there's a ball in that yard, mine!!!

I can't leave out Jack's favorite story ... from the beginning I taught Simon not to lick me. However, Jack is not quite the disciplinarian I am and didn't teach this same lesson. In the evening, I usually go to bed early with our gaggle of doxies to watch TV or work on the computer and when Jack would join us it was like Christmas had come every night ... Simon couldn't wait for Jack to get settled in before jumping upon him to begin licking and licking as though he were possessed. Jack even made up a song that went something like, "Gotta lick, gotta lick ..."

Ok, one more story. Being well behaved doesn't always pay off as Simon learned. Our rescue Samantha moved in and took over even though Simon had already been head of the household for about nine years. In polite terms, Samantha was a wonderfully delightful pushy broad. On one occasion, I had bought a package of chocolates and put them on a table out of reach of the pups or so I thought. We left for a while only to return to an empty chocolate package. Of course, it was a weekend so we rushed the doxies to the Emergency Clinic where they had to have treatment to empty their stomachs. It turned out that poor little Simon was totally innocent and had no chocolate in his little tummy ... it had been all Samantha, and Simon had gone through the terrible ordeal for nothing. He got an extra treat the next day, and Samantha did not!

With all of his energy, Simon was still the biggest sweetest cuddle bug I have ever had. He would ask to be picked up and could be perfectly happy being carried around for as long as one of us would do so ... and, of course, no such thing as an empty lap with Simon around. Our two girls want to be picked up, for about a minute, and then they are off to more mischief. Simon slept next to me every night and cuddled up as close as he could get and loved, loved, loved to use either my neck or shoulder as a pillow.

Our loss has left a hole in our little family, but we feel blessed that we had this special guy in our lives for as long as we did. He successfully fought off many health issues during his eighteen years, making us worry more than once that we were going to lose him, and thus earned himself the nickname Super Simon.

RIP our precious Super Simon. We miss you.








Jorgi Bingle
Rainbow Bridge October 8, 2016

Losing two dogs in 24 hours is more than any rescuer should have to endure. I wanted you all to see a picture of beautiful Jorgi. With my motley group, I also told people "that is what a dachshund is supposed look like." He was turned into my vet when his mom went to a nursing home. He had a lot of back problems over the last year and always fought being overweight with thyroid and stomach issues. We did laser treatments and it worked and gave him an extra year, but on Tuesday a CT showed three discs blown and the surgeon didn't think he would be able to repair with any real success with his age. He was in a lot of pain so I had to let him go. It's the dachshund curse. Hug your dachs and keep their weight down to give them the best chance to avoid the curse.







Apollo Bingle
Rainbow Bridge October 7, 2016

It's with a broken heart, I tell you Apollo went to the bridge yesterday. He was in really bad shape when I took him from HSI almost 5 years ago. He had advanced Cushings disease and was thyroid too. Sometime in his life somebody else loved him because he had major back surgery and the scar to prove it. When he first came he wouldn't go outside because he was terrified I would leave him there. We had a good run together and he leaves a giant hole at my house. He loved to piddle around the yard on nice days. As my wonderful holistic vet said "He was like the mascot for rescued dachshunds". Miss you so much buddy!.











Esmeralda Humble
Adopted 4/3/05, Rainbow Bridge 8/31/16

It is with heavy heart, I'm writing to let you know our sweet Esmer reached a point in her life where she couldn't go on. She went down hill very rapidly, and her vet said I should prepare to let her go. She was totally blind and had almost lost the use of both back legs. Since her hip operation a few years ago, she had lost most, if not all, muscle tone and could only stand for a short time. She had lost a lot of weight and slept at least 75% of the day. Her vet put her on steroids to see if she would perk up a bit, but nothing changed. I foolishly hoped and prayed for a miracle, but it was just her time. As much as it broke my heart, I had to let her go.

I took good care of Esmer and loved her probably more than I have ever loved any dog. She will always be the queen to me, with her very own special place in my heart. There will never be another like her. Thank you for sharing this beautiful soul with me.

Our hearts go out to Pat for the loss of her beautiful girl, Esmeralda.





Simon Pearson
Adopted 2000, Rainbow Bridge August, 2016

We lost Simon due to kidney failure. RIP Little Buddy.

The volunteers and fosters of DREAM extend our deepest sympathy to Ron and Debbie for the loss of their precious boy, Simon.














Bitsy Perry
Rainbow Bridge August 12,2016

"Too Little Bit" came into our lives suddenly four and a half years ago. She was a stray, already riddled with heartworm disease. She took very ill right away and it was a miracle that she survived. We were told she may live two days, two months or two years. We were blessed to have her more than four years. She had many names - Bit, Bitsy, Bitsome, and Princess. She was Ashlynn's girl and we all loved her dearly.

Bitsy became ill again recently and couldn't pull through. She went peacefully in Ashlynn's arms, ten days after we lost our 15-year-old Chili. Our hearts are broken but I can say without a doubt it is well worth the pain to loves these two girls. They will be missed for a long time, but we are thankful for the years we had. Both were very special babies.

DREAM extends our deepest sympathy to the Perry family for the loss of their very special girl.











Chili Perry
Adopted May 2001, Rainbow Bridge August 3,2016

My sweet Chili is gone. She began to suffer suddenly, and the vet said it was time to let her go. I can't even explain the pain I feel. My sweet baby was a constant companion for 15 years. My heart is shattered.

Chili came into our lives in May of 2001. She was my constant companion for 15 years. She and I had a routine. Every night when I took my bath she would rare up on the edge of the tub and we would rub our foreheads together. It was my goal to never let her suffer. The vet had told me I would know when it was time, and I did. My sweet love went peacefully in my arms. I held her for 15 minutes, wrapped her in a blanket, then rubbed my forehead on hers. There is a big hole in my heart, but I am so grateful for those 15 years.

Our hearts go out to Robin for the loss of her sweet girl, Chili.





Bentley Rea McCloskey

Adopted May 2013, Rainbow Bridge 7/15/16

With our hearts broken, we have said goodbye to our beloved Bentley. We adopted him 3 years and 2 months ago from ATDR in a day that was one of the happiest of our lives. Bentley came to us with a history of back problems and scars that showed the extent of a trauma he had experienced in the first couple of years of his life before ATDR rescued him. We believed when adopting him that he may one day need back surgery. It never occurred to us that he would develop the fatal condition called Progressive Myelomalacia which has no treatment or cure. No one survives it. Beautiful Bentley was 4 when we adopted him, and we believed he would share our lives for a long time. With us, in his forever home, he thrived. He was super sharp, intentionally funny when he would "talk" in a low voice to imitate us, and eager to be next to us or take the next walk together. Look at his picture - he smiled at us like that all the time.

Bentley loved his siblings and our family custom of hanging out all together every night on our oversized sofa - all of us on layers of cushions and pillows. He adored Zoey most of all and they sat together side by side on the same pillow so much of the time. He also had close friends that he enjoyed - Mona and Prissy and Sammie Jean have been like cousins to him. When they stayed with us on so many occasions, which we all loved, Bentley would run eagerly to sleep with Mona and Prissy at night, snuggling with them. He bounced when they would first arrive at our house. Bentley was crazy about Sarah, and would ask to be picked up so he could snuggle up to her, or lay at her side in the comfy recliner. When we would go out of town, he would usually stay with Sarah and the girls, who would spoil him. He also loved to go hang out with my parents, who he shamelessly manipulated into taking him on numerous walks a day.

Without warning, sweet Bentley lost function of his rear legs on Monday, July 11th, and we took him to a wonderful hospital called NHVS with the most professional and compassionate doctors and staff. Despite the surgeon's warning that she thought it was the fatal condition, we asked her to please, please try surgery, just in case that 1% chance was all he needed to survive. He seemed to do well after surgery and we spent very long daily visitations with him in the hospital that week, way beyond what was allowed. On that Friday the 15th, we were given the terrible news. We spent the day with him, as the Myelomalacia condition, which was not painful because it involves a fast spreading paralysis up the spine toward the head, did in fact work its way up. Friday night, as we held and petted him, feeding him smoked Gouda cheese and chocolate chip cookies (the lifelong no-no's being pointless by then), and telling him all the things a good man wants to hear before he goes, we had to go through the hardest and most heart wrenching thing anyone ever has to do for a sweet, loving 7 year old perfect dachshund, full of joy for life and fully not ready for the end. There was no decision to be made, except for the exact moment to do it, which we could not come to, could not force ourselves to call out, until we saw that the upward creeping paralysis was just on the edge of affecting his ability to breath, and then, upon that moment, we said goodbye forever to a wonderful little man, who gave us the best 3 years of his life, and gave us the gift of a love so devoted, so full of joy and fun, that we still cannot fathom what to do with our loss. We still love him with a love that survives his lifetime. Our perfect, incomparable and amazing Bentley.

Our hearts go out to Tim, Pam, Simone, Zoey, Spencer and Papillon for the loss of their precious Bentley.




















Elvis Sabuco Arnold
Adopted November 2003, Rainbow Bridge July 1, 2016

Our sweet Boy Elvis' last day in this body was a beautiful one. We had playtime with his brothers in the morning, then a ride with his brother Seymour for puppy lattes, a walk in his wagon, visits from friends, and a last visit to Cottonwood. He declined rapidly and suddenly yesterday and transitioned to his next journey at midnight last night. Thank you dear friends and family for your loving support. You know we love our Boy. And we appreciate your love for him and for us.

Our hearts go out to Tina and Shellye for the loss of their special boy, Elvis.


























Duma "Scooby" Caillouet Jilg
Adopted August 2009, Rainbow Bridge 7/1/16

From Scooby's mom:

Our precious Duma died today. He found us in August 2009. I can't see through the tears. I love you buddy and miss you more than words can ever express. I hope the angels carry you away, Scooby, and I hope to see you some day at The Bridge so I can rub your darling little nose again.

From Scooby's dad:

Here is my tribute to you Scooby. You were the best.

Your Precious Spirit Shines Bright

Stop all the mice from entering his yard
Tell all the birds to quit calling his name
His kitty kingdom is gone
It will never be the same.

Let all the hawks keep circling the sky
Looking for signs he didn't really die.
Pick up the blankets from his favorite spaces,
Sweep up the catnip from all his favorite places.

He was my cuddler, my sweetie, my tender furry kid,
My adventurous wanderer, whatever he did,
My warmth, my softness, my ability to soar.
I thought it would last longer, but his love is no more.

Fly free kitty angel, a new star is born;
You now have your wings, but we will still mourn.
The night sky is now brighter, with your furry light.
We are missing our Scooby, your precious spirit shines bright.

Love,
Dad

DREAM sends our deepest sympathy to Theresa and Jeff for the loss of their precious Scooby.






Lily Evans
Rainbow Bridge, June 2016

Lily was our first rescue. We loved her so much. Here's a photo of her on a road trip with Max. She has her donkey (favorite toy) under her chin. She loved going for a ride.





Bam Bam Pearson

Adopted 2/24/10, Rainbow Bridge 6/23/16

Bam Bam came to us through Dachshund Rescue of Houston. He was part of a bonded pair. The other part, of course, was Pebbles. Bam Bam was a sweet and gentle giant around our other dogs and he will be missed. RIP Bam. We love you.

DREAM extends our deepest sympathy to Ron and Debbie for the loss of their sweet boy, Bam Bam.




















Pollux Pasternak

Rainbow Bridge 6/12/16

We lost our sweet Pollux on June 12, 2016 after almost 12 wonderful years with him. He was my first dachshund and my one constant throughout my ever changing twenties including 10 address changes, 5 cities, 6 jobs, 11 foster dogs, and a marriage. He was always there; sweet, fierce, dependable, brave, adventurous, supportive, loving Pollux. It's hard to imagine my life without him although I knew this day would come. At 9:00 a.m. on June 12th he was rushed to VERGI and I was informed he was suffering from heart failure. We were out of town but had a returning flight in a few hours. For 10 hours Pollux held on, waiting to see me, to say goodbye. He passed away within 10 minutes of me being there with him, petting him, comforting him and telling him how much I love him and how much he's always meant and will always mean to me. I am so thankful that we got to say goodbye to each other. I'm so grateful that my face was the last he saw, my voice the last he heard because it put him at ease and he was finally ready to let go.

We love you forever, Pollux. You were a lovely, hilarious maniac; a true dachshund. You owned this life.

Our hearts go out to Katrina and Jason for the loss of their beloved Pollux.














Chloe Hammond
Adopted August 2007, Rainbow Bridge May 2016

My sweet little Chloe, you were the best little dog ever. So faithful and loving. You are gone from my life but you will live in my heart forever. Until we meet again. I love and miss you.

Our hearts go out to Micheline for the loss of her beautiful girl, Chloe.









Keli Bailey
Adopted 2002, Rainbow Bridge 5/21/16

In 2002, I went to the Evergreen rescue to adopt a kitten, but none of the kittens stole my heart. The lady asked if I'd like to see the older cats. I said, "Sure, but I know I want a kitten, not an older cat." I walked into the room, saw Keli,and it was love at first sight. Keli,you had me at Purr.

Keli was about 21 years old, suffering from loss of kidney function and swiftly advancing cancer. The vet and I discussed it; it was time. On Saturday, someone came to our house to help her cross Rainbow Bridge. Knowing how much she hated going to the vet, I couldn't bear to think that would be her last experience. She passed at home in her own little bed.

DREAM sends our deepest condolences to the Bailey Family for the loss of their precious rescue kitty, Keli.


Keli with her bed-hog pal, Bugs




Wally Haegner

Rainbow Bridge 4/18/16

Rest in peace, Wally. You will never be forgotten and we will always hold a special place for you in our hearts. Play nice big boy. See you on the other side.

Our hearts go out to Brenda and Annie for the loss of their sweet foster Wally.










Sable Barnard
Adopted 2/27/07, Rainbow Bridge 4/15/16

Sable and Dolly were a bonded senior pair adopted from Dachshund Rescue of Houston in 2007. Dolly went to Rainbow Bridge in 2013, but Sable hung on another three years, making her nearly 19 years old.

Our hearts go out to our friends Cindy and David for the loss of their sweet girl, Sable.



Franklin Ferguson

If there's a doggy heaven,I know that's where you are. About a billion miles away, standing on a star.

It's a doggy paradise. No fences and no leads. There won't be any do's or don'ts. You can do just as you please.

There'll be lots of bones to chew and lots of holes to dig. There'll be lots of other dogs, little ones and big!

You can romp and play with new-found friends forever, don't you see? So, why are you sitting at the gate just waiting there for me?

Our hearts go out to Sam and Michelle for the loss of their sweet boy Franklin.






Peanut Lawless
Rainbow Bridge 2/29/16

Peanut crossed Rainbow Bridge today. He managed to hurt his upper back/neck yesterday. We gave him pain meds and put him in his pen to rest. He ate dinner, but then he got progressively worse overnight. He could no longer move his front legs this morning. What a sad way to start the week. He would have turned 8 this July, which is still so young. He was our second dachshund after Logan. He was such a trooper, even after failed back surgery.

We got him from a family who didn't really have time for him because they had toddlers and another baby on the way. Their little 2-year-old boy used to call him "my nut". They had rescued him from a puppy mill cruelty seizure when he was only 8 weeks old, then we got him when he was just over a year. Logan started my obsession with dachshunds, but Peanut started my passion for rescue.

The volunteers of DREAM extend our deepest sympathy to the Lawless Family for the loss of this special boy.













Eowyn "Winnie" Caillouet
Adopted 3/3/04
Rainbow Bridge 2/6/16

Our sweet Winnie crossed Rainbow Bridge this morning. She had not been doing well since Wednesday, so I had planned to take her to the vet today (Saturday). She had been taking Enalapril and Vetmedin for the past year for her heart murmur and enlarged heart. She lost her appetite on Wednesday, became lethargic, and even had a fainting spell when I got home Wednesday evening, but she perked up after I got her to take her meds. I didn't want to stress her out more by rushing her to the vet. Mike said yesterday afternoon, she went outside on her own for a while to lay in the sun. When I got up this morning, she looked really bad. I picked her up and held her. Her heart was beating strangely, then it just slowed down and stopped. I knew it was her time. I'm glad she got to cross Rainbow Bridge at home.















Cooper Hoye
Adopted 12/29/09
Rainbow Bridge 1/18/16

A little over seven years ago we took in Cooper as a foster from Dachshund Rescue of Houston. Within a few hours, we knew that he was ours and we were 100% his. Since then this precious, funny, fragile fellow has been at our side pretty much every day -- "my shadow" as Jeff called him. Coop succumbed to liver failure on Monday. He brought so much sweetness into our lives (and others' lives). RIP little cuddle bunny.

Our hearts go out to Carrie and Jeff for the loss of their precious little man, Cooper.







All dog stories begin with laughter and end in tears

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