Every person has a dream. Something special that if accomplished, would make them feel that their life was completed successfully. The webmaster of this site is no different than anyone else. This page was created to share that dream with the world, in the forlorn hope that one day, the resources to bring that dream to reality will appear.

For me, that dream is:

THE DACHSIE DUDE RANCH!

Well, not really a dude ranch! That's just a working name I've chosen to give my dream some substance in my own mind.

What I actually want is a Dachshund Sanctuary. A special place where dachshunds from around the U.S. can come to await placement in a good home. A special place where those who never find a good home, for whatever reason, can live and play and bask in the love of myself and the people who work there.

So, what type of facility do I envision?

Well, first off, there would have to be a house/office combination from which to coordinate all of the details involved in getting these animals to and from the sanctuary. Then, a series of cottages, 24 or so, for the staff to live in. The staff would, of course, have to agree to allow the dachshunds to sleep in their cottages with them, as everyone knows that dachshunds NEED to sleep with a peepul in their bed at night! The staff would be provided with room and board and a modest paycheck to cover their personal expenses.

Next, a veterinary clinic, to provide a quarantine facility and health check the animals as they come to the sanctuary. The veterinarian, of course, would have to agree to treat any medical needs the dachshunds might have in exchange for his/her clinic. Yes, I want to provide this clinic for any veterinarian who is willing to make a specialty in the treatment of dachshunds and their needs. I wouldn't mind if he or she wanted to treat pets as well, so long as it was understood that the needs of the dachshunds would come first.

The area around the main building would be fenced off and accessable only by foot from wherever the parking facility was located. A double gate entry (sort of a tunnel with gates at both ends) would be used to allow people in and out of the sanctuary. Can't have the dachsies getting loose, after all! Imagine arriving at the sanctuary to choose a new life companion animal and being immediately surrounded by happy, barking dachshunds, dancing for your attention. A special meeting area where you could get to know the ones you might want to adopt would provide a place for you and your family to get better acquainted with the pupper of your choice.

And, of course, doggie doors everywhere and no stairs anywhere. The dachshunds would be able to visit whomever they pleased, whenever they pleased. Dachshunds thrive on contact with people, so why shouldn't they have the opportunity to initiate that contact if they wish? No reason that I can think of. So, other than at the quarantine facility for new arrivals or ill puppers, NO KENNELS! The one thing I have always disliked about "traditional" animal shelters is that all of the animals are cooped up in kennels, all day long, with no opportunity for human contact except for those people walking by and looking at them sitting in the corner. That's no life for any animal. Enlightened zoos learned this some years ago and I see no reason why the same logic can't be applied to "domestic" animals as well.

So! Am I just being overly naive? Maybe. Will this dream ever become a reality? It might. It might not. But, the dream is what's important. A vision to follow and give direction to the organizations rescue efforts.