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NASHVILLE, TN 

Name:               Minnie
Age:              One year    
Sex:              Female
Weight:          7 pounds
Color:              Red
Coat:              short
Up to date:      Yes
Spayed/neutered:      Altered  
Adoption fee:   $250
Housetrained:          Yes
Special needs:          none
Home w/ small children:    no
Home w/ other dogs:      yes
Home w/ cats:           yes
Microchip #:  24PetWatch 0A123C5062
Date hw prevention due:    23rd
Foster home info: Melissa Cooke
Brentwood, TN 37027
Melissa.cooke@comcast.net

Temperament/personality:
Minnie’s temperament is sweet, good-natured and playful.  She loves to cuddle and is a quiet dog.  Part of the quietness may be as a result of her surroundings and upbringing in her original home.  Minnie is a tiny little girl; the type that fits into a doggy purse.  She will be a loyal companion who will truly appreciate every act of love shown to her.

History:
In February of this year Minnie, her brother Mickey and her father Buddy B were dropped at the shelter in Alabama because the owner felt he had too many dogs.  We took all three dogs into our rescue and each dog went to a separate foster home.  Minnie arrived a very timid and fearful dog acting aggressively (nipping if they tried to play with her) toward her foster pack, didn't want to be approached by humans (would go to a far corner and shake uncontrollably) and was also a nuisance barker.  Although Minnie loved to play with toys, she didn’t know how to play with the other pack members.

We don’t know the facts of the environment she came from, but it is likely she had to defend herself and fight for food against much bigger and aggressive dogs (remember, Minnie is about eight pounds and has a very petite frame).  It’s almost as if she never had a chance to chill out; she always had to be on-guard.  She didn’t nip or act aggressively toward humans but she didn’t trust humans either.  It was not in her world to even think of approaching a human for loving contact. 

AADR frequently receives dogs from environments where they have been neglected and abused.  Our experience in rehabilitation combined with assistance from a local expert who has worked extensively with rehabilitating dogs with behavioral issues has enabled Minnie to become a well behaved and happy little girl.   

Minnie’s new foster home consists of my two dachshund boys, a foster puppy and a revolving door of kids and previous foster dogs who come to visit.  She adores my long hair red dachshund named Hunter.  She sleeps with him and follows him wherever he goes (he is exceptionally handsome if I do say so myself).  She has learned to play as a result of our 15 week old foster pup.  She’s a quiet member of the pack and enjoys snuggling in her bed.  She’s still a bit shy of approaching humans for love, she’ll always default to letting one of the other pack members receive all the attention but she will at least join the pack when love is being doled out.  

Training:
Minnie is trained to use a doggy door and likes the freedom it offers.  She will also use the potty mat at night although has an occasional miss.

Minnie is crate trained but we have deliberately kept a crate out of her reach/world.  She used to spend all of her time in it (it must have been a safe zone for her) when we first got her and she needed to socialize/learn how to be around the other dogs.  A small crate will be fine for her and honestly, she’d probably love it.  Yet, she loves to sleep with her pack members and participate in whatever they are doing in the back yard.  We don’t currently use a crate and haven’t had any accidents accept at night.

We are working on other commands like waiting until she gets the release command before eating.  As tiny as she is, she has a love for food that is unrivaled by her bigger counterparts.  Yet regardless of how many treats she gets, she seems to retain her tiny figure.  Jenny Craig needs to get her secret.  We’re also working on ‘come’ and being relaxed when we pick her up.  We do lots of snuggling and little kisses and she’s come a long way.

She’s a very bright girl who wants to please and be a part of the pack.  She’s learning to trust and love and it’s just so beautiful to see it happen before our very eyes.

Best environment:
Mini is low maintenance.  Occasionally you have to stop her from barking but she responds quickly to the “Minnie, nope” and then a treat after she’s quiet.

She’ll do fine in an apartment or a home.  Although she likes having the back yard to play in, it isn’t required because she’s not an athletic dog.  She’ll do fine with a walk around an apartment complex or a visit to the dog park (visiting with the small dogs).  In fact, she had a blast when we took her to our local dog park.  A little boy about 9 years old fell in love with her and she let him hold her almost the entire time.  She was very relaxed with him.

As for kids, in general I’d say she’ll be more relaxed with kids older than 15 or so, especially quieter, gentle and more sensitive kids.  My kids are 7 (girl) and 13 (boy).  She’s fine with both of them but my son’s loud footsteps (unintentional; he’s 5’8” and is learning how to carry his taller frame) can unnerve her at times.

Minnie will do fine with another small dog; she may enjoy the companionship.  She’ll also be fine as an only dog.  Honestly, she just needs to be adored (and well-behaved…not spoiled) as the little girl she is.

AADR does not recommend dachshunds for families with children under 5, or families planning to have children during the dog's lifetime. Dachshunds are often not patient with little kids, and kids can accidentally hurt a dachshund's back or get bitten.

Please don't let the distance stand in your way of finding your newest best friend. We have volunteers that will help your "new friend" get up and down the East Coast and mid-west. We just can't get them from one coast to the other. For now, please look for dogs on your coast.