Thanks to everyone who retweeted, commented and watched our fun rescue dachshund video on YouTube!

The five “Weenie Tweet” contest winners are: @lcurrie, @bcorrigan, @kismet_mattie, @momgenerations and @petsitusa! I know they will all enjoy this awesome Dachshund Rescue calendar which includes hundreds of sweet doxie photos. Please continue to spread the weenie word and tell your friends to support ctdr.org in any way they can. Below is a photo of Martin, our little ctdr rescue.

All proceeds from the sale of this calendar
go directly to Central Texas Dachshund Rescue!

CTDR is a 501(c)(3) Corporation

My husband and I volunteer with Central Texas Dachshund Rescue as many of you know. We love being foster parents. This year I helped with their 2009 Fundraising Calendar. It was a huge project, but I’m a sucker for dachshunds and rescue groups, so what’s a girl to do. It was fun designing the layouts for each month and photographing these Verysupercool rescues.

As a rule, I don’t photograph dogs in costumes. It’s never been my thing. There are plenty of others out there doing it, plus I’m more into the natural look. But for CTDR, I was more than happy to make an exception for a great cause. Sure, it’s kitch, it’s campy, it’s silly, and it’s absolutely dripping with sweetness. But you can’t help but smile when you see these images, and some of the stories will no doubt bring a tear to your eye. Many of the models are in CTDR’s Hospice Program, and medical costs are never ending. Sadly, Hazel passed away before the calendar was printed.

Please enjoy the short little video below, and share with your friends. We want to spread the word about Dachshund Rescue. There are more dachshunds that end up in shelters in Texas than any other state. They really need our help. NOTE: Please sign in on YouTube and give this video a high ranking, and/or leave a comment so we can get as much exposure as possible! We have calendars to sell and rescue dogs to care for!

The calendars are $15 if you purchase one, and $13.50 if you purchase two or more. Buy calendars online here: CTDR 2009 Calendar.

All of the dogs on the calendar and in the video are also posted on this website. You can search by name or by month to read each dog’s story. Note: As of 12/10/08 Woody (Mr. May), Belle (Ms. August), and Chiquita (Ms. October) are still available for adoption. Visit ctdr.org to see all the sweet and available dachshunds that need homes.

Central Texas Dachshund Rescue
Calendar Model!

Pet Passions: Staying very close to his Hospice Mom.

Pet Peeves: Photo shoots with reindeer costumers in August.

Breed: Dachshund

Buy the 2009 Central Texas Dachshund Rescue Calendar featuring Skippy!

Skippy’s CTDR Story On Calendar: Skippy came to us after being passed around to many homes. We just can’t imagine why anyone would want to give up this laid-back guy. He is a happy boy who loves to smile! Skippy has a variety of health issues, so even though he is only about 9 years old, we decided to make him a Hospice Care dog.  This made him smile even more because he just adores his foster mommy and doesn’t want to move to another home ever again!

More: Yes, it was August when we made Skippy get into the warm and fuzzy reindeer suit. Allan and Skippy’s foster mom took turns taking pictures at this photo session since I was out of town. They did a great job.

Note: CTDR’s Hospice Program is always in need of funding. All donations are tax deductible and very much appreciated.

Central Texas Dachshund Rescue
Calendar Model!

Pet Passions: Treats and her Hospice Mom.

Pet Peeves: When her brothers and sisters get too pushy.

Breed: Dachshund

Buy the 2009 Central Texas Dachshund Rescue Calendar featuring Ellie!

Ellie’s CTDR Story on Calendar: Ellie came from a shelter in November 2004. Previously she had been used for breeding. They cut out a piece of her ear so that they could quickly tell her from the other dogs. A malignant mammary tumor and advanced lung disease landed her in our Hospice Program. She recently was diagnosed with Oral Melanoma and is receiving the latest treatment.  Miss Ellie is all Southern Sugar and wants nothing more than your love. We are so thankful that we are able to help her.

GUESS WHAT?

You might think we’re crazy, but we think that Ellie is Martin’s Mom! They look so much alike and Ellie was a breeder for years in the area. I can’t get over the fact that they cut out a piece of her ear so they wouldn’t accidentally sell her. It’s amazing how happy she is considering all she’s been through. I’m so glad that CTDR has taken her into their Hospice Program. She’s worth every cent they have spent on her! We love Ellie, or as we call her, Martin’s Mom.

Note: CTDR’s Hospice Program is always in need of funding. All donations are tax deductible and very much appreciated.

Central Texas Dachshund Rescue
Calendar Model!

Pet Passions: Exercise, Play, Action!

Pet Peeves: Getting up early for agility classes.

Breed: Dachshund

Buy the 2009 Central Texas Dachshund Rescue Calendar featuring Chiquita!

Chiquita’s CTDR Story on Calendar: Chiquita found herself at the pound through no fault of her own.  This high energy, playful gal has just a hint of mischievousness in her.  She loves to jump over hurdles in her agility workouts and is the official director of playtime in her foster home.  But she wants you to know that she doesn’t really care for “cute” pumpkin costumes, even if they are for the good of the group!  Chiquita is patiently waiting for her forever family and is available for adoption now.

More: Chiquita has been in foster for a long time. She needs a special family who is willing to commit to give her the attention and exercise she needs. She’s loves to play! Submit an application for Chiquita.

More photos and video of Chiquita running an agility course coming soon!

Central Texas Dachshund Rescue
Calendar Model!

Pet Passions: Playing, running around, and the squeaky ball.

Pet Peeves: Not getting chased enough!

Breed: Dachshund

Buy the 2009 Central Texas Dachshund Rescue Calendar featuring Wyatt!

Wyatt’s CTDR Story On Calendar: Wyatt landed in Central Texas Dachshund Rescue in 2008 after living on the streets of Fort Worth. He was scared, skinny, and starved for affection. Today he has gained weight, developed muscle, and feels confident, safe, and secure. His foster parents have given him  extra lovin’ and report that he’s the happiest boy they have ever seen! He can entertain himself for hours with a squeaky ball or one of his toys, throwing them up in the air, off the couch, or across the room. He loves to razzle dazzle!

More: Wyatt was our foster dog. He lived with us for many months and we were so happy to have him in our lives. He is a real joy! We are happy to report that Wyatt has been adopted! He found a fantastic forever family, and even has a dachshund sister now!

Wyatt used to love to hang with Allan at his desk in the morning. He can get very comfortable in a lap if given the opportunity! Here are a couple of shots I got one morning.

Note: Check back to see Wyatt’s video coming soon!

Central Texas Dachshund Rescue
Calendar Model!

Pet Passions: Sunshine and the outdoors!

Pet Peeves: Sand inbetween her toes.

Breed: Dachshund

Buy the 2009 Central Texas Dachshund Rescue Calendar featuring Belle!

Belle’s CTDR Story On Calendar: It’s hard to believe that Belle, this stunning bathing beauty, was found wandering the streets scared and alone. But this healthy, active gal is definitely no beach bum! She adores people and playing with her squeaky toys as often as possible. Thanks to CTDR, she is learning basic manners and is gaining confidence around other dogs. Belle is ready to share her sunny disposition with a new family as soon as possible. She’s our Little Miss Sunshine and we love her!

More: Belle is still available! Submit an application for Belle.

Central Texas Dachshund Rescue
Calendar Model!

Pet Passions: Fourth of July and squirrels.

Pet Peeves: Baths and ear cleanings.

Breed: Dachshund

Buy the 2009 Central Texas Dachshund Rescue Calendar featuring Winston!

Winston’s CTDR Story On Calendar: Winston joined the CTDR family in May of 2008.  He is heartworm positive, Cushingoid, and had severe dental disease, so he became a candidate for our Hospice Program.  His personality is full of flash and sparkle! Winston loves everybody and everybody loves Winston.  He enjoys his short walkies, snacking on carrots, and lying on his foster parents’ feet while they are on the computer. He especially loves it when his kitty housemates rub up against him.

Note: CTDR’s Hospice Program is always in need of funding. All donations are tax deductible and always very appreciated.

Central Texas Dachshund Rescue
Calendar Model!

Pet Passions: Being near his people. He loves to be close.

Pet Peeves: Top hats and tuxedos.

Breed: Dachshund

Buy the 2009 Central Texas Dachshund Rescue Calendar featuring Woody!

Woody’s CTDR Story On Calendar: Woody came to Central Texas Dachshund Rescue in 2008 after animal control found him roaming the streets. He was a mass of matted fur over skin and bones, covered with fleas, and heartworm positive. Today he is as healthy and handsome as ever. He successfully went through heartworm treatment, put on weight, and his coat is simply gorgeous! His favorite pastimes are belly rubs and cuddling, and he falls in love with everyone he meets. Woody is all dressed up and ready to go with you to his new home!

More: Woody stayed with us for a few days when his foster Mom was out of town. A total sweetheart, well behaved and oh so handsome! I can’t believe he’s not adopted yet!? Submit an application for Woody.

Central Texas Dachshund Rescue
Calendar Models!

Pet Passions: Sleeping with friends.

Pet Peeves: Sleeping alone.

Breed: Dachshund

Buy the 2009 Central Texas Dachshund Rescue Calendar featuring the Easter Puppies!

CTDR Story On Calendar: Puppies!  What could possibly be more adorable?  Central Texas Dachshund Rescue took in their mother just a few days before she gave birth. Caring for pregnant mothers and newborns is very time intensive for CTDR.org volunteers. Pregnant rescues need even more love and nurturing to make them feel safe and secure, many for the first time in their lives. Thanks to CTDR, all the pups from this litter are happy, healthy, and flourishing in their new forever homes!

More: Don’t you just LOVE the smell of 12 week old puppies? It was fun to hang out with these little pups. There were 6 in the litter, but, by the time I got there to photograph, there were only four left. I am totally kicking myself for not taking making a little video while I was there!

Central Texas Dachshund
Rescue Calendar Model!

Pet Passions: Belly rubs and kisses.

Pet Peeves: Not getting enough eye contact.

Breed: Dachshund

Buy the 2009 Central Texas Dachshund Rescue Calendar featuring Chandler!

Chandler’s CTDR Story On Calendar: Chandler arrived at Central Texas Dachshund Rescue when his family could no longer care for him.  Once his heartworms were treated, he was up and ready for action, running in the fields of green!  This charming wheaten wirehair is always first in line for kisses and  loves to have his belly rubbed too. Just look at those big, brown, irresistible eyes! Chandler is hoping a little Luck o’ the Irish will find him a new home, and CTDR plans to match him up with the perfect forever family.

More: Chandler’s eyes just knocked me over. He was such a doll to photograph! A wirey, snuggly doxie, with just a hint of teddy bear! He’s been adopted and is very happy in his new home! Yay!

Central Texas Dachshund Rescue
Calendar Model!

Pet Passions: Roses, Love and Kisses.

Pet Peeves: No being able to eat any Valentines candy!

Breed: Dachshund

Buy the 2009 Central Texas Dachshund Rescue Calendar featuring Hazel!

Hazel’s CTDR Story On Calendar: Hazel took Central Texas Dachshund Rescue by storm in May 2005.  She was heartworm positive, had numerous tumors, bad teeth, and a false pregnancy. We planned to make her comfortable in our Hospice Program, but this old gal had other ideas, and came to flourish under our care.  She became our most famous dog, as she has been featured on a greeting card, our business cards, as well as magazine covers!  She is everyone’s favorite Valentine!

More: This sweetheart has touched a lot of hearts in the last couple years. Check out her earlier post here, She is also featured on one of our most popular holiday cards!

See Hazel’s Verysupercool Holiday card!

Central Texas Dachshund Rescue
Calendar Model!

Pet Passions: Being included in the party! Being with people! Being part of the action!

Pet Peeves: When all the designer diapers are dirty, and all the champagne is gone!

Breed: Dachshund

Buy the 2009 Central Texas Dachshund Rescue Calendar featuring Scooter!

Scooter’s CTDR Story On Calendar: Scooter came to Central Texas Dachshund Rescue in April 2005 in need of back surgery.  After many months of intensive rehab she was finally able to walk, but never regained control of her bladder.  A bout with drug resistant e.coli left her immune system ruined so the final decision was made to make her a Hospice Dog.  She loves to chase the tennis ball and race around the yard. Scooter always shows her style and loves to wear designer diapers.

More: The truth is, Scooter scoots around alot, she doesn’t have a lot of choice sometimes. Her legs occasionally just give out, but that doesn’t stop her, she just drags them behind.  She has to wear a diaper all the time and she’s a lot of work, but she still has a zest for life. She’s amusing, she’s fun, she’s a little diapered sweetheart! P.S. There were skid marks on the floor after Scooter left the photo shoot from where she was scooting around on the hardwoods. I think the diaper leaked a little. Eeewwww!

Note: CTDR’s Hospice Program is always in need of funding. All donations are tax deductible and always very appreciated.

Our boy went to the cardiologist yesterday to have his heart murmur checked out. Turns out it’s grade 5 and it’s pretty serious. The doctor said it was good we came in because he could have cardiac arrest at any moment from the looks of his echocardiogram. (NOTE: Video below is just 37 seconds long.)

We found the only board certified veterinary cardiologist in Austin, Dr. Charla Jones, and she was great. She has a wonderful facility and staff and they took plenty of time to explain everything to us. The main problem with Martin is that his left atrium is over twice as large as his right and they should be exactly the same size. Martin’s diagnosis: chronic valve disease.

Martin whined and groaned through the entire procedure, even though it didn’t hurt him at all. He was just scared. He’s on medication now that will hopefully slow down the heart disease and make his heart a little more efficient. We’re hoping for many more years with Martin, even though we found out he’s older than we thought. He’s at least eight years old, maybe older, and there’s no telling how stressful the first part of his life was before Central Texas Dachshund Rescue took him into their care. Martin was an owner surrender. His previous owners said they had too many dogs at their house so they wanted to get rid of the old one.

Pet Passions: Chasing birds and squirrels, long walks, snuggling anytime, any where, but preferably in someone’s lap, ANY lap!

Pet Peeves: Loud people, loud and high pitched noises and singing up close. She really doesn’t like it if someone tries to sing a Whitney Houston song to her, especially “I Will Always Love You”. It makes her a little crazy!

Breed: Dachshund Mix

Age (at time of photo session): 1.5 years

Story: Little Lucy was dropped off at the Town Lake Animal Center in Austin, Texas because the owners thought she was pregnant and didn’t want to deal with puppies. Turns out, little Lucy was just a little on the chunky side, and not pregnant at all! (some people, eh?) The great volunteers at Central Texas Dachshund Rescue got Lucy out of the shelter and into their care as soon as they heard about her. CTDR paid for Lucy to be spayed and get a full medical check up. Then they put her on a little diet and hooked her up with a foster family. Now look at this beautiful brindle sweetheart!

Lucy was our tenth foster dog since we became members of CTDR.org. and she was a joy to have around. Such a submissive easy going lady, very low maintenance and low profile! : ) Captain, our other foster, and Lucy loved to wrestle and play together, and it was always very entertaining. (video snippet to come)

Little Miss Lucy Lu was adopted today! YEAH! She left in her new matching harness and leash and we were told she was going to be dressed up and ready for her first day in the office with her new Mommy tomorrow! Yeah for Lucy, the littlest lobbyist!!!

We think Lucy is Verysupercool and we’re so happy she found a great new home. Captain will miss her, but he still has Martin to pick on, I mean play with, until he finds a new family to care for him. Lucy, we will always love you!

Be sure to check back to see more photos of Lucy sporting some of her summer outfits, or maybe just hard at work in the office.

Verysupercool had a visit from some of the cadettes from Girl Scout Troop #1895 yesterday. I explained how printing on 100% post consumer recycled paper is just the beginning of being a green and sustainable company. They learned that we partner with Co-op America, Carbonfund.org and Trees for the Future to make the world a better place. Investing in renewable energy and planting trees are two ways that every company can be more green.

Since we are Central Texas Dachshund Rescue volunteers, I explained how being a foster family is an important, fun, and very rewarding job. These little guys need to have a safe place to be evaluated before they can be adopted. Most of the time we don’t know much about the dog’s history, but it’s almost always a sure bet that they haven’t had the love or attention they deserve and crave. And there isn’t a better feeling in the world than getting to “love on” a little dog who’s been neglected or abused. They just want to feel safe. Fostering is great way to get involved with your local rescue because you get to have so many great dogs in your life, and ALL their medical expenses are paid for!

The girls were also kind enough to assist me with a photo session while they were here. We had Captain, our current foster dog who is looking for his forever family, in the Verysupercool studio and he loved all the attention. Katie, Danielle and Sara found out some of the behind the scenes tricks we use to get the dogs to looks at the camera. See Captain’s profile to see some of the shots, I couldn’t have done it without them. Girl Scouts are Verysupercool!

Pet Passions: Wrestling and playing tug of ward with his brother Mac. Jumping, cuddling, and being held like a baby while watching dog videos on YouTube.

Pet Peeves: Going to bed when he’s not tired and having to get up when he wants to sleep in.

Breed: Dachshund (Tweenie)

Age (at time of photo session): 1.5 years

NOTE: Stay tuned for a very funny video of Tosh coming soon!

Story: Tosh found his new forever family with the help of Central Texas Dachshund Rescue

Even more about Tosh: Tosh (previously known as Captain) was our ninth foster dog. He was turned into the pound when he was approximately one year old, we’re not sure why because he’s the cutest, cuddliest little doxie. He has beautiful marking and red highlights on his ears.

We were very excited that we managed to train Tosh to ring the bell to go outside and do his business! We have some poochie bells hanging on the door, (why aren’t they called tinkle bells????) and he actually got the idea!

See larger image. (his greeting card)

Pet Passions: Playing with his brother Karl, blankets, belly rubs and tickling sessions.

Pet Peeves: N/A. Does not compute!

Breed: Dachshund

Age (at the time of photo session): 1 year

Story: Alvin found his forever family through Central Texas Dachshund Rescue, a wonderful nonprofit organization that rescues, rehomes and rehabilitates doxies in need. He fell in love with his two new brothers, Homer and Karl, almost instantly. Alvin’s Mom says, “Alvin was the missing puzzle piece to our little happy dachshund family.

His personality has only two settings, cuddly and ecstatic.” They recently found out that Alvin, a.k.a. Vinny, Vinny-Vinny-Vino, or Fatty, is ticklish and loves being attacked by the “tickle monster”. He squeals with delight as he lays on his back and welcomes more attention. Be sure to visit www.ctdr.org for more info about these sweet little dogs. His Mom adds, “Alvin definitely was a rescue dog, he rescued all of us with his love and devotion.”

EVEN MORE ABOUT ALVIN…VIDEOS AND MORE STILL TO COME!

Buy his greeting card!

See larger image. (her greeting card)

Pet Passions: Cuddling up for an afternoon nap with her senior doxie pals and chewing nylabones.

Pet Peeves: When all the fuzzy blankets are taken!

Breed: Dachshund (tweenie)

Age (at the time of photo session): 14 years

Story: Hazel, a.k.a. Miss Hazelnutt, was found in a vacant lot and taken to Town Lake Animal Center in Austin, Texas, when she was 12 years old. She had serious medical conditions so Central Texas Dachshund Rescue took her into their Hospice program to make sure she would get the love and comfort she needed for her last few weeks. Run solely by volunteers, CTDR rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes dachshunds in need. Visit www.ctdr.com to find out how you can help. Hazel had several tumors removed and went through heartworm treatment. It’s amazing what a little medical care and a lot of love can do…two weeks of hospice has turned into over two years of steady tail wagging fun! Give your dogs a special kiss on the snout in honor of Miss Hazelnutt, the miracle dog!

EVEN MORE ABOUT HAZEL … still to come

Buy her greeting card!