I can’t say I’ve been too busy to mention it, but after Marley didn’t work out, I took a bit of a break. I had reserved two weeks off to spend time with Marley and do some heavy duty training, but unfortunately, my partner insisted that I send her back. Those two weeks were originally planned to finish up my study, but at that time, I was begging the university to withdraw from my studies. The course coordinator would not accept my withdraw application. So, I finished it and I have a new degree and applying for jobs with my new credentials and, as much as I hate studying, I am trying really, really hard not to study more.

I guess that is the silver lining about me bringing Marley back to the rescue. I would rather have kept her, behaviours and all, but well, here we are.

Months later, after I graduated, I started looking for dachshund puppies. I looked at reputable breeders, but the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to give an older dachshund a better life. I applied with Dachshund Rescue Australia for a 7-year-old male dog and was accepted. From what I understand, he was a breeding dog and the owners didn’t want him once he got a little older. He also had a toenail missing on his “thumb”. He also had a few lumps which have been removed. Oh, and he also got desexed (or for us Americans, neutered) so really, he has no more obligation to be used to make money.

Dash has been absolutely beautiful. He’s such a good dog (for the most part). He’s good with people, kids, and around other dogs. When I first got him, he wouldn’t bark much and anybody who knows dachshunds knows how loud and vocal they can be. That’s changed a bit now that he’s more comfortable at home. I don’t mind the barking. Really. He will bark every so often when he looks out the window and sees someone walking a gigantic dog. He doesn’t bark at the small ones.

I take him on walks and he doesn’t take ME for a walk. I can walk him on a leash/lead and just hold it with one finger. He doesn’t run after anything.

He had been trained to sleep in a dog bed next to the bed, but he sleeps next to me now. He is a great leg warmer.

He’s great company and I can’t express just how much of a good boy he is. He’s so sweet and so well-behaved. He’s good in the car and when I go pick up food, he doesn’t automatically try to tear open the bags. He will look out the window when I drive and he doesn’t bark. He just looks at everything.

I’m just hoping to give him a great life. I’ve had him for about a month now. It’s the best month of my life in a really long time. I’m very thankful to have such a good boy.