Missy

Update 8/9/03

Hi everyone! Mommy thought that today would be a good time for me to write because I've been in my forever and ever home for 3 months today. I'm not sure how long that is, but I know that I don't ever want to leave! I loved my foster mommies Kelly and Debbie, and I was a little scared when I first came here. Would this Mommy be as nice as they were? I found out right away that Mommy loves to cuddle, so I became her constant companion for that! I was never afraid of sitting on her lap (or her feet, her arm -- whatever I could reach!). I was afraid to play, though. Mommy and my doxie sister Aly played all the time -- they chased and wrestled and squeaked fuzzy toys, but would I be welcome to play with them? After awhile I would chase Aly when she ran, but I would stop if Mommy tried to give me a toy or get me involved. But now I feel so safe here that I knew I could join in on the fun -- so I try to take Aly's toys before she can get to them! I play every day with the squeak toys and the blanket -- Mommy says it's to curl up in, but I love to drag it around the house and growl. I need to protect Mommy from the dangers of fuzzy fleece!

Mommy has been taking good care of me. I really scared her once cause I had some problems. About a month ago she noticed that I was peeing more often and it smelled really strong, so she made an appt to see my doctor here. I'm glad she did, cause the morning of the appt I started peeing blood. Mommy cried -- I think it was just cause she hates to see me sick. She said that I must have been so used to feeling bad that I don't seem to notice -- I was still as active as ever. The doctor gave me a pill I had to take twice a day for 2 weeks, but Mommy put it in my food and I didn't even notice that it was there. Once Mommy accidentally dropped the pill on the floor and I ate it like that! I started feeling better in a few days -- and I only peed blood for one more day. The hair on my behind from my tail surgery is growing back slowly -- Mommy still lovingly calls me "Fuzz Butt" sometimes. I also had a sore foot that got puffy and red a few weeks ago -- Mommy had me soak it in a bowl with some medicine. I let her soak it for a long time twice a day -- I got to sit in her lap, so I didn't mind at all! (I was even a little disappointed when my foot got better!) We got some black yucky stuff out of my foot -- I'm glad that's not happening anymore!

My Sister My Sis and Me!
I am having a lot of fun with the ramps here. Mommy had to keep me from jumping off of them -- but it was fun to jump and then run as Aly chased me! I told Mommy that it didn't hurt, but she still asked me to stop. My legs are getting stronger -- my walk is even a little better. Mommy still has me on the waiting list for a lady doctor that will use needles to help me get better. We are supposed to see her in October. Mommy rubs me and uses something called Reiki on me every day -- she says the massages and Reiki will help me. I don't know about that, but I will do about anything to stay sitting in her lap!

One of my favorite ways to tell Mommy how happy I am is to hop and dance at her feet. I have a "pick me up" dance and a "feed me dance" that I use all the time. When I do it, Aly thinks I'm teasing her and tries to get me to chase her. But when I keep hopping, she comes back and runs in circles around me. She still sometimes growls when I get too close to a toy she has (she usually sits on it to keep me from getting it), but she lets me share her window seats. She told me that she is the Queen, but I'm allowed to be the Princess. I get away with a lot as the Princess -- when Aly is sitting at the front window and I want her to move, I'll climb up and hop on her. She sometimes growls, but after three or four episodes of hopping, she goes somewhere else to be in peace. AHHH! The whole window to myself! At night I like to run up the ramp to the big bed and roll in the blankets to find the best spot. When Mommy comes to bed I curl up as close as I can get (sometimes even inside her shirt). Aly tries to crawl in between Mommy and me in the big bed, but I just crawl down below her so I can be right beside Mommy, too. My favorite Mommy time is the morning -- Mommy curls up with one of us under each arm and nuzzles us while we roll and play with her. Sometimes I get so excited that I pee a little in the bed, but Mommy doesn't seem to mind. She says she has a special pad on the bed in case that ever happens. When I want Mommy to wake up and she's still sleeping, I lay my head and front paws across her face and play with her hair. She calls it the "doxie paw of ownership" on her head. I don't know what that means, but it sure makes Mommy smile, so I keep doing it.
My Sis and Me!

What I love most of all about being here is DINNER TIME! Aly and I get so excited and start barking and jumping! (But lately I learned what pan Mommy uses for our food, so I run to sit on her feet as soon as she gets it out. She doesn't need to come get me!) When I was at the doctor's office I weighed 10.1 pounds. Aly weighs a little more than me, but is still losing weight (Mommy says 2 more pounds to go!). Aly gets more exercise with me here cause of our running!

Mommy says I have changed her life -- and taught her a lot about what's important. Cause of what happened in that bad place, I still walk a little funny and have trouble with my ears and my feet. I have cataracts and very few teeth. My babies were all taken from me. And just as I was saved and learned how to wag my tail, it had to be removed. But you know what? I am so happy to be alive and living with my forever and ever Mommy and sister. I know that I will never be hurt again, and I will never be cold and hungry. Because of how good I have it, I need to thank a few people for getting me here. Thank you so much to Jean for making it possible that doggies like me get rescued. Thank you to Karen for taking care of me in Iowa after I was saved. And thank you to Kelly and Debbie for being the best foster mommies ever. I want to send love and noselicks to Thumbelina (doxies have to stick together!), Bucky and Smoky, Pepper, Sydney, and Zeke (do you get full meals now that I'm not stealing your food?). And Maggie, I'm glad that foster mommy Debbie has become your forever Mommy! Thank you to all of the others who helped to save me, and to all of those who continue to help get my friends into safe, happy homes. Please don't give up on us!

I had Mommy send a few pictures that I picked out. (I pose every day, hoping Mommy will take a picture and show me off!) When Mommy changed my name from Missy to Anastasia, she said it was because my new name meant "Resurrection." I'm not sure what that means, but I'm grateful that I have whole new life. Foster mommy Debbie said this place was doxie heaven -- she was right!

Lets all join in and Congratulate Katya Vallon of Newport, RI on the adoption of Missy the sweet little dachshund.
Missy will be joining a doxie sister Aly in what Debbie, Missy's foster Mom, describes as "Doxie Heaven."
Best of everything to the three of you, may you have many happy healthy years together.

Update 7/30

Hello all, I got this wonderful update on my first PMR foster Tasha (formerly Missy). Thought I would share it all with you. Another happy PMR pup!

Debbie, (with tears of joy on my face!)

Subject: Hello from Tasha!

Hi foster mommy! My mommy hasn't had much time to write lately, but she suggested that I get in touch with you and let you know how things are going. I love it here! Having a sister who looks like me and is just a little bigger than me is great fun -- we run and play together all day. Mommy says she gets tired just watching us. I hop a lot and dance around -- Aly thinks I'm teasing her and tries to get me to chase her. But when I keep hopping, she comes back and runs in circles around me. She still sometimes growls when I get too close to a toy she has (she usually sits on it to keep me from getting it), but she lets me share her window seats. She usually crawls in between Mommy and me in the big bed, but I just crawl down below her so I can be right beside Mommy, too. My favorite Mommy time is the morning -- Mommy curls up with one of us under each arm and nuzzles us while we roll and play with her. Sometimes I get so excited that I pee a little in the bed, but Mommy doesn't seem to mind. She says she has a special pad on the bed in case that ever happens. When I want Mommy to wake up and she's still sleeping, I lay my head and front paws across her face and play with her hair. She calls it the "doxie paw of ownership" on her head. I don't know what that means, but it sure makes Mommy smile, so I keep doing it.

Mommy has been taking good care of me. I really scared her once cause I had some problems. About a month ago she noticed that I was peeing more often and it smelled really strong, so she made an appt to see my doctor here. I'm glad she did, cause the morning of the appt I started peeing blood. Mommy cried and was really upset, so she took me to the doctor early. She was upset that they didn't want to see me until my appointment that afternoon, but I think it was just cause she hates to see me sick. She said that I must have been so used to feeling bad that I don't seem to notice. I had to take a pill twice a day for 2 weeks, but Mommy put it in my food and I didn't even notice that it was there. Once Mommy dropped the pill on the floor and I ate it like that! I started feeling better in a few days -- and I only peed blood for one more day. I still ate good and Mommy said I never acted sick at all -- what does that mean?

I am having a lot of fun with the ramps here. Mommy had to keep me from jumping off of them -- but it was fun to jump and then run as Aly chased me! I told Mommy that it didn't hurt, but she still asked me to stop. My legs are getting stronger -- my walk is even a little better. Mommy still has me on the waiting list for a lady doctor that will use needles to help me get better. We were supposed to see her in June, but the lady doctor's office keeps calling and saying, "Next month." I think Mommy is frustrated, cause now we are supposed to see the lady doctor in October. But Mommy rubs me and uses something called Reiki on me every day -- she says the massages and Reiki will help me. I don't know about that, but I will do about anything to stay sitting in her lap! I had a sore foot last week that got puffy and red -- Mommy had me soak it in a bowl. I let her soak it for a long time twice a day -- I got to sit in her lap, so I didn't mind at all! (I was even a little disappointed when my foot got better!)

Mommy reads a lot, so Aly and I sit on her lap or by her side. She reads with one hand and pets us with the other. I love that quiet time! But what I love most of all is DINNER TIME! Mommy will make us breakfast or dinner, then will come to ask Aly and I , "Are you hungry?" We both get so excited and start barking and jumping! (But lately I learned what pan Mommy uses for our food, so I run to sit on her feet as soon as she gets it out. She doesn't need to come get me!) When I was at the vet I weighed 10.1 pounds. Aly weighs a little more than that, but has lost more weight (Mommy says 2 more pounds to go for Aly!). She has already lost 6 pounds -- that sounds like a lot! But Aly gets more exercise with me here cause of our running!

Well, better get going. Mommy would like to send new pictures, but she doesn't have any. She says she needs a new camera for her computer. I pose every day, hoping Mommy can take a picture and show me off!

Mommy told me that you have a new puppy to love -- I think her name is Maggie. I hear that she has leg problems, too. If you can, let Mommy and me know how she is doing. I think about you all the time -- you were the best foster mommy I ever had! I'm sending lots of love and kisses. I hope that you, Zeke, Pepper, Maggie and Sydney are doing well.

I love you!
Princess Tasha

Missy is a lovable little dachshund, approximately 5-6 years old, and weighs about 11 ½ lbs. She was rescued from a puppy mill in June 2002. At the time she was rescued, her back legs did not work, she had little bladder control and her ears and teeth were very bad.

I had my teeth out! and it cost over $500.00 WOW!!!!!! that really hurt!, not me I feel much better now those smelly things are OUT but this rescue. Can you spare a little change to help us pay for it ? PLEASE CLICK HERE

Missy is in a new foster home and has a new vet report..........and NEW pictures. March 2003

Hi, I am Missy’s new foster mom Debbie, and I wanted to tell you about this very special girl.

Missy had apparently suffered a back injury while in the mill that was never treated. However, with love, medications, and physical therapy she has regained the use of her legs. Missy can walk, but will probably never be great at it. She tries so hard to run and play with the other dogs. Missy is probably not a surgical candidate for a repair on her back, but there may be further diagnostics done to be sure. Right now the doctors think Missy would benefit greatly from a wheel chair or cart, and we are looking into getting her one soon.

She has had extensive dental work and a lot of her teeth have been pulled. She was very lucky, and the infection in her mouth did not damage her jaw. She still loves to chew on her greenies, and can eat dry dog food as long as the pieces are small. She will probably require more dental work in the future. Her ear mites and ear infection have been cleared up, but her ears need to be watched carefully. She also has dry skin, which has been controllable with proper nutrition and bathing, and she does not seem uncomfortable or itchy.

This sweet little girl is doing great on the housetraining and has regained some of her bladder control. She does however, need to go our frequently (every 3-4 hours) and will probably continue to have “accidents”. She is such a happy and fun loving girl, that when she gets excited or has too much fun, she often just can’t hold it!!

Missy gets along great with other dogs (big and small) and kitty cats, and loves to talk to them and try and get them to play!! She does great with children, although she might do best in a home without very small children due to her back issues. Missy loves to be held, and will jump and dance to be picked up. She almost instantly falls asleep in my lap.

Missy would make a perfect companion for just about anyone. She is full of love and life, and thrives on love returned. True to her doxie nature, she loves to cuddle under blankets, and tries to burrow under all the throw rugs. Despite her terrible and painful past, Missy is a very happy little girl. Please think about giving her a forever home!!!

Hello all,

Well here they are - new photos of Missy at her new foster home with her new sister Pepper and her new brother Zeke. She has decided that she needs to be a big dog too, and sure does try to keep up with her new family!!! As you can see, even with a lot less teeth, she can still attack those greenies!!! She has settled in nicely, and can't wait to hop in her carrier to go to work with me every day!!! She sure has a lot of energy for a "special needs" doxie!!! There is no holding her back when she decides it's time to take off at a full gallop! One of her most favorite games is running back to the house after she has done her business outside and trying to climb the step on her own! She seems offended when I give her a boost or carry her up. She so wants to keep up with the other dogs!!

Just wanted to let you know Missy had an examination by the orthopedic surgeon Wednesday. Based on his exam, and what we were able to tell him about Missy's history, we have decided that Missy is NOT a surgical candidate. She is doing so well, and it is doubtful at this late date, that surgery could help her, and the risk of causing more damage is greater than the little improvement she might make.

He was very impressed with how well she is doing (thanks Karen and Kelly!!). He believes she is pain free, and was very impressed with what a happy, sweet girl she is. He also suggested we wait with a wheel chair. He feels that it may actually slow down any further improvement she may have (he stated that she could continue to improve - slowly - but there is hope). He was also concerned that a cart or wheelchair might actually do more harm than good - that it could cause her to lose the muscle tone she has already gained.

The best diagnostic tool to see what's up with Missy's back would be a myelogram, and side effects of that (seizures, paralysis, etc) are not worth the risk. He sees Missy as a very happy girl, who will never be "perfect" but will do just fine the way she is!!! I was very pleased with his prognosis!!! By the way, about 6 more people met Missy tonight, and all of them are in love with her!!! She is such a social beauty!! Looks at them with her big sweet soulful eyes and melts their hearts

So, based on his findings, I think we will continue with the nutritional supplements, the physical and water therapy, the massage, and most importantly, all the love, hugs and kisses she wants!!

Thanks for all you support for Missy. I was in tears when he finished his exam - it was so nice to hear such a good future for our sweet girl!!!