Bruno

Dear CTDR, Bruno is nine years old with arthritis in his front left paw and some missing teeth. He walks with a swaggy pimp limp that couldn't be more adorable. He's perfect for us -- mostly because of his personality but partly because of his old age. Young couples like us usually want the whole puppy-as-proxy-for-baby experience, but we were keen on adopting a dog who came "factory direct": potty trained, fully developed personality and an appreciation for some relaxation at home after a nice day in the park. While these traits aren't exclusive to older dogs, we figured a mature dog would be more likely to have them. The thought of giving a nice older dog a nice home really appealed to us too, since that would allow us to do something good for a dog that might have otherwise gotten overlooked. We can't begin to fully describe how joyful it's been to have Bruno as the third member of our unit. During the first few days after his adoption, he was a little sheepish and had no appetite. So, we showered him with love and affection and cooked him some chicken and rice to get his strength up -- a tip from his CTDR foster mom Cheryl. That's another thing that's been extraordinary about this process. Bruno's foster mom has been so incredibly helpful and communicative before, during and after the adoption. It was a little like having a canine midwife in a way, haha. We thoroughly appreciate how organized and caring our CTDR contacts have been. But back to Bruno: After about a week of shyness, Bruno came out of his shell and we've been so incredibly delighted to learn about his quirks -- the way he dances like a circus dog when he knows he's about to be fed, his very obvious, very hilarious bias for other doxies at the dog park and -- if in pursuit of a playmate or a ball -- his ability to take off in a sprint as if he were seven years younger. In any case, while we could go on and on about how fantastic Bruno is, we figured we'd take this opportunity to push our "consider adopting an older dog!" agenda. At the very least, if you're thinking about adopting, try throwing an older dog visit into your CTDR meet-and-greet process. Older dogs have a tremendous amount to offer. We hope you'll be as surprised and delighted as we were. Per and Christine

Bessie

We just wanted to let everyone know that Bessie has been doing very well since we adopted her from CTDR in February 2010. We adopted Bessie so that our other Dachshunds would have playmates while we were at work and because we love the joy that Dachshunds bring to the family. Since Bessie was a senior 10 year old Dachshund she immediately fit in with our other Dachshunds, 9 year old Scooter and 8 year old Bruno. You wouldn’t know their age by watching them play; they love to chase squirrels and go on daily walks (sometimes for two miles). The great thing about the older Doxies is that after play time, its rest time, so you don’t have Dachshunds tearing around the house all day like flying squirrels…and they’re well behaved. All three travel very well together (the Army has since moved us from Texas to Kansas), it’s almost like they’ve been best friends for life. If I wasn’t on active duty in the Army I’d adopt two more senior Dachshunds as they’re such wonderful companions and good for stress relief. It’s almost like Bessie knows she’s been given a second chance at a great life. We definitely made the right decision adopting Bessie and we’ll keep you all informed of her adventures and travels in the Army. Chris & Sunny Wills

Balu (fka Frederick)

Just wanted to update CTDR about Balu (aka Frederick) whom I adopted in August 2007. He and Cheyenne get along great. They play with each other since that first night he arrived home. It's taken him a while but now he is a very affectionate guy who loves to snuggle and give kisses all the time. He nudges her out of the way for lap time often now. We have moved away from Texas for a while (hope to return soon) and neither he nor I like the cold weather. He stays snuggled under the blankets but when it's sunny outside you can always find him soaking up the rays! He has been such a joy! If I ever need another buddy, then I know where to look – CTDR. Thank y'all so much. Lee Weise

Buzz

Buzz (formerly named Freckles) joined our family in April 2008 when he was 4 months old. He had come to CTDR from someone who purchased him at a flea market. His beautiful blue eyes and unusual coloring won over the kind individuals who put him in the good hands of CTDR. Students teach Buzz the sign language for "release" so he will let go of his ball. Shortly after coming into foster care, it was discovered that little Buzz was deaf, as a result being a double dapple. Buzz was a perfect match for our family. I am a deaf education teacher and was already bringing my therapy dog (one of our other dachshunds, named Lumpi) to work in my classroom with my students. As soon as Buzz came into our home, he immediately started coming to school with me as he needed a lot of extra attention. There was an instant connection between my students and little Buzz as he was deaf – just like them. They became assistants in Buzz's training and in teaching him sign language. They also helped select his name. I had purchased a vibrating collar with a soft vibration similar to a vibro-tactile device used with students who are deaf. Because we would "buzz" him to get his attention, he became known as Buzz. Today, Buzz is 15 months old. He responds to about 30 words/phrases in sign language and is on his way to becoming a certified therapy dog himself. He now alternates his visits to school with Lumpi. The deaf adults and students who meet Buzz are always enchanted by him, especially because they can communicate with him. Carolyn Honish