Last updated: 07/19/2008

SPECIAL NEEDS FOSTER NASH PLEASE SPONSOR ME Rescued on: 06-20-08 Located in: Dyer, IN Description: Red Smooth Tweenie (13 lbs) Gender: Male Age: 2 years Adoption price: $150 Medical issues: Nash is neutered and up to date on his vetting. Nash has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus. Which is a build up of cerebral spinal fluid within the ventricles of the brain. This is a serious condition with many unknowns in the future, he currently does not have seizures but may develop them, he is not able to be potty trained effectively at this time, due to increased pressure in the brain which causes loss of cognitive function and inappropriate responses to being picked up and held. He does mirror other dogs but at a much slower pace than normal. He currently isn't on medication but that may change after he has an MRI to determine the severity of the hydrocephalus. There is a great likelihood that he will develop seizures. His future is unknown. One thing we do know is he will always be Special Needs. Info: Nash's Story Click for more info

STELLA Rescued on: 05-05-08 Located in: Whitewater,WI. Description: Silver Dapple (Smooth 3/4 doxie-1/4 Jack Russell) Gender: Female Age: 6 years Adoption price: $150 Medical issues: Stella is spayed and up to date on her shots Info: Stella was dropped at a shelter in Wisconsin with her mother, who was half Jack Russell Terrier. She came into rescue and has settled in well at her foster home. Don't let her relaxed appearance or her slight weight problem fool you, this girl can run. It seems to be her main goal in life, that and playing with her golf ball. Stella spent a lot of time with her mother so she's used to other dogs, but needs a little time to get used to them. Once she comfortable, she will try to engage them in a game of 'catch me if you can'. She has an almost comical look because she has a bit of dapple on the top of her head and face and her lower teeth stick out just a little bit. And when she jumps to get your attention, she jumps straight up off of all four feet like a Jack in the Box. To get on the couch, she takes a few practice jumps before she gets that final 'oomph' that propels her up and foward onto the couch. Stella is a bit people possessive but we're working on that everyday. Her recall is not very good when we're outside, especially if she sees a bird, so we let her drag a long leash behind her. Stella is housebroken. She would make an excellent companion for a home with older children and she would be good as an only dog or with one other dog. Click for more info

JOEY Rescued on: 06-15-07 Located in: New Lenox, Il. Description: Red Smooth (16 lbs) Gender: Male Age: 8 years Adoption price: $150 Medical issues: Joey is up to date on all shots. Joey has a significant heart murmur and the vet recommended he be seen by a cardiac specialist. She performed numerous tests and determined that he has an enlarged heart. His medical condition can be controlled through daily medication. Info: Joey came into rescue when his elderly owner could no longer care for him. He is a complete sweetheart. He loves people and will follow anyone around especially if they have a ball in their hand. He is a little nervous around other dogs, especially big dogs and puppies. However he has done great with other doxies and he does get along fine with his foster brother who is a much bigger dog, but Joey lets him know if he is in his space. Joey recently came with MWDR to a Pet Expo and was a wonderful ambassador. He let all the kids pet him and was great about hanging out in the booth all day. Having many tennis balls on hand for him to play with helped! Joey loves to play ball and runs around like he is a puppy. At night Joey likes to burrow himself under a blanket on the couch next to his foster parents while they watch TV and then goes to his doggie bed when its bedtime. Joey gets a little nervous or stressed out in the car, he tends to shake for most of the car ride. Joey is potty trained. He will whimper by the back door when he needs to go out. He does not know sit or down very well, but he will come when called (especially if he knows a treat is waiting for him). Joey has not been in a crate since he was at his foster home and has done fine out in the house while they are gone. Please don't let Joey's medical condition deter you from considering adopting him. Joey will make someone a great dog; he will be a loyal friend for years to come. He has so much love in his little body and just needs a great family to give it to. Click for more info

TOOTSIE Rescued on: 05-15-08 Located in: McHenry,Il Description: Red Smooth Mini (4.8 lbs) Gender: Female Age: 5 Months Adoption price: $325 Medical issues: Tootsie has been spayed and is up to date on all of her vetting. Tootsie does have some neurological problems and the vet seems to think that maybe she was dropped when she was very little Info: Little Tootsie appears to have some neurological damage. Her head tilts to one side and she runs in circles on occasion. She is also very skittish of people, I am not sure if this is a result of the neurological issues. She sleeps in her x-pen at night and does very well and is also in the x-pen when I am not at home. Tootsie is not much of a barker which means she would be perfect for an apartment or Condo. She is a very happy puppy with tons of energy, she would love to go to a home with another dog that she can play with. She gets along great with all her foster sisters and brothers, including cats. When I first got her you couldn't pick her up without her trying to bite you. She had to wear a vest with a handle on it to pick her up. She can now be picked up without trying to bite and is learning to enjoy being petted. She has even started coming to me when called and follows me all over the house. Tootsie is OK with strangers just acts the same as she does with me. She is going to need a home with a lot of love and patience. Once she earns your trust you will be rewarded greatly. She has a lot of love to give just needs some extra effort. She also needs work on potty training. Tootsie will need to go to a home without kids and a low level activity household. Click for more info

PEANUT Rescued on: 06-23-08 Located in: Palatine, Il Description: Dachshund/Chihuahua Mix (Black & Tan Mini 10 lbs) Gender: Female Age: 2 years DOB (12-20-05) Adoption price: $150 Medical issues: Back in January Peanut had problems with autoimmune disease. Once we got her blood count regulated she has had no other problems. She does need to have her blood checked every 6 months to make sure everything is just fine. Peanut has been spayed but cannot have rabies or distemper due to her autoimmune status. A note will come with her from the vet stating this. Info: Peanut is good with other dogs but not sure about cats. Peanut would be a perfect dog for someone that is around a lot. Peanut likes to sleep with her humans at night and always under the covers. Peanut has never been crated so I'm not sure how she would do. I do use a baby gate with her and she has no problem with that. Peanut loves baths and does not mind having her nails trimmed. She has no problem with loud noises like vacuum cleaners or fireworks. Peanut loves going for walks and is very good on a leash. When Peanut get excited she gets inverted sneezes. This really scares her so pick her up and rub her throat. Peanut loves to sit on your lap, loves belly rubs and gives great kisses. Peanut does get a little growly when you wake her from a nap, this is a typical dachshund trait. Peanut would not be good in a home with young children, but she is good with older children. Peanut is potty trained if kept to a schedule. Peanut would love to find her forever home very soon! Click for more info

DEWEY Rescued on: 06-09-08 Located in: Sandwich, IL Description: Black & Tan Longhair Tweenie (14 lbs) Gender: Male Age: 5 Months Adoption price: $325 Medical issues: Dewey is up to date on all his vetting Info: This darling little bundle of speed is Dewey. At approximately five months old, he is everything you have ever heard about a puppy. He revs up his engine in the morning as soon as the sun comes up, and finally turns off the motor when he crashes from exhaustion. In between, he is a non-stop blur of activity. Proof of this is in the pictures of him - by time the camera goes off, he is gone. So these pictures aren't the best. We'll start off with the bad stuff, and save the good for last. Ok, let's see - what's bad about Dewey oh, he isn't housebroken yet. He is getting the hang of it, and loves the praise he gets when he goes outside like a big boy; but he isn't there yet. He DOES keep his cage dry during the day, with only very rare accidents. What else is bad about Dewey??? Hmmmm NOT A THING!! So on to the good stuff!! This little guy is so precious. He is loving, gentle, fun, responsive, and just soooo cute to look at! He makes you laugh on a regular basis. And we all know that laughter is good for our health! Dewey absolutely must go to a home with another young, playful dog. He spends his days and nights with a 3 year old doxie in his foster home, and they play until you separate them. They wrestle, run, roll, growl, and chew on each other. Dewey plays with all kinds of toys, and is provided with plenty of them. He loves squeakies, but needs ones that are a little heavier, because he plays so hard with them. All the chewing, destructive tendencies that puppies have are being taken care of with the toys and his doxie playmate. He is also caged when no one is home, to NOT give him chances to explore and get into trouble. He cages beautifully - crying for a little when you first put him in, but never chewing or tearing up the bed and toys in the cage. Dewey is in a home with a fenced yard. He loves to run, and you often have to go get him when it's time to come in. Walks have not been highly successful. Everything seems new and exciting to him, and he pulls in all directions. And he thinks he is a big tough guy, barking at the other dogs he sees. Dewey is great with dogs of all sizes, and was wonderful with the 5-year old visiting recently. Sorry, he hasn't been around cats. Click for more info

MAX Rescued on: 06-07-08 Located in: Racine, Wi Description: Black & Tan & White Cattle Dog Mix (30 lbs) Gender: Male Age: 11 Months Adoption price: $200 Medical issues: Max is neutered and up to date on his shots Info: Max is the cutest little puppy with curly hair! He is a happy, loving dog who is welcoming to strangers and OK with cats. He gets along well with other dogs, but since he is still a puppy, he can get a bit over-enthusiastic. Max wants all the food and toys to himself (just like a kid!) but is learning to share with his foster-siblings. They play musical rawhides so that everyone gets a chew! He has a budding addiction to squeeky toys, and they must be put out of reach at night or else nobody will get any sleep! Max likes to sleep in the big bed, but is also content to be on the floor in the bedroom with you. He loves to go for car rides and wants to go everywhere with you. He has a bit of anxiety so would be best with someone who is home a lot or with another dog. He has been to basic puppy obedience classes and knows some clicker training, and how to sit and lie down. Max has snapped at a young child who was hurting him, so we don't want to place him with kids under the age of 8 years. Click for more info

MITZIE Rescued on: 06-06-08 Located in: Palatine, IL Description: Red Smooth Mini (5.9 lbs) Gender: Female Age: 6 years Adoption price: $250 Medical issues: Mitzie has been spayed and is microchipped. She is also up to date on all of her vetting. Very recently she had a dental, now she has very sweet smelling breath. Info: Mitzie has lots of issues that we are working on to correct. She is very afraid of people so she was probably abused in the past. She will need to go to a home without children. She will also need to go to a home where the people understand dachshunds. I have had her for a little over a month and she has made great progress. I can hold her and she will give me kisses. You have to talk to her before picking her up especially when she is sleepy or she will growl and snap at you. Mitzie gets along with other small dogs, she is also starting to play with toys. She is a very fussy eater and since she is so tiny I feed her three meals a day. Mitzie has a hard time with hard treats but really loves the soft one especially anything with cheese flavoring. She also walks very well on a leash and is completely housebroken. Mitzie loves going in the back yard to chase squirrels, rabbits and even tries to catch the birds. At night she is a cuddle bunny and loves sleeping on your lap. If you have the time and patience to spend with Mitzie so that she will trust you, you will have a wonderful companion for life. Click for more info

MURPHY Rescued on: 03-15-08 Located in: Waunakee, WI Description: Red Smooth Gender: Male Age: 7 years Adoption price: $250 Medical issues: Murphy is up to date on all his vetting and has been neutered. Info: Murphy past is unknown; he came to us with five other Doxies that were at a shelter. All that is known is that a woman turned them into the shelter as she was unable to take care of them. Murphy came into rescue looking neglected. He was extremely underweight and a very quite dog. So we are sure he has some baggage from his prior life but he has decided to keep it to himself. We do know that Murphy is a reclusive little guy, probably because he has spent most of his life living on the side lines. He loves attention but when he gets it does not know how to deal with it very well. So at times he grumbles and complains. Some of the grumbling and complaining could be because he is unsure if that attention may not turn to punishments. So his foster mom is rewarding his good behaviors and ignoring his not so good behaviors. Murphy hates late nights. He likes to go to bed shortly after he has his evening meal. And he likes to sleep-in in the morning. We think this behavior relates back to his desire to avoid uncomfortable encounters with humans. He does love his food! Murphy also does not like wet grass. He very much prefers to pee and poop on the deck in the mornings when dew is still on the grass. And we don't think he likes people to watch him do his business. He is gently pick up and taken out on the grass. Sometimes he pees and sometimes he poops but frequently he will run for the stairs and the deck. It is absolutely vital that one allows him all the time he wants needs to get his business done. Once the grass is dry he likes going out there to sniff, roll around and do fun doggie things. Sometimes he is even finding that it is fun to play with the other dogs if they are not too pushy. He is not very doggie socialized in that he does dumb things with other dogs and they let him know that he is not acting in the proper doggie manner. Murphy needs someone to spend time healing his tender soul. Someone to love him unconditionally for whom he is. He is willing to change his odd sort of ways if his family will just be patent and gentle with him. Slow, gentle approaches and being very patient with this guy in all that you want him to do will turn him into a very loyal friend. Click for more info

AXLE Rescued on: 07-13-08 Located in: Dyer,IN Description: Red Smooth Tweenie (11 lbs Underweight) Gender: Male Age: 2-3 years Adoption price: $250 Medical issues: Axle is neutered and up to date on all his vetting Info: If you are looking for the love of your life, this guy is for you; he was dropped off at an Indian shelter for unknown reasons. Axel is underweight currently probably should be about 13 lbs, but that doesn't hold him back. He is a young guy who loves the two female resident doxies and also the male foster doxie in his foster home. Axel is afraid of the cat. He won't get close to her, just sniffs the air, when she shows her displeasure by "hissing" he barks and runs away. He only barks for food, of course now he is getting three squares a day, and still doesn't think that's enough. He loves toys, because he was just neutered, he still shows some " romantic interest" a spray bottle of water effectively controls those occasional romantic spurts. He is about 90% housebroken, has marked a couple to times, but again he was just neutered so that is expected to subside. He seems to love kids, he and his foster brother run to the fence for the kids to pet them, he has to have a bed with lots of blankies and they must be over his head even in ninety degree weather. He doesn't like loud noises, tends to beg to be picked up and shakes until he feels safe. Even raising your voice makes him cower. He is not food aggressive but it is his very favorite thing. He loves the car, especially when he can roll on his back and go to sleep in your lap!!! His favorite show is Animal Planet, he curls up under the blanket next to a doxie and falls asleep. Bedtime to Axel means I am not giving up till I sleep in the big bed, which by 3:00 seemed ok to foster mom. He isn't a bed hog, he will find his place under the covers, where he spends the night snoring heavily. Axle has an alarm clock in his stomach and it is set for 5:05am. He jumps up and runs downstairs for the food cupboard. Patience is a virtue he knows nothing about when it comes to food or treats. He is wonderful on a leash and can't wait to go for walks. He would be a welcome addition to any family. Click for more info

GRADY Rescued on: 07-10-08 Located in: Palatine, Il Description: Smooth Silver Dapple (Small Standard 20lbs) Gender: Male Age: 2 years Adoption price: $250 Medical issues: Grady is neutered and up to date on his shots Info: If you like the strong silent type, Grady is for you. He is a handsome man who will gaze up at you lovingly with his one blue eye and one brown eye. This doxie is so well behaved! He is housebroken, gets along with other dogs and cats, loves people, and just has such a positive attitude. Grady enjoys being outside in the yard, rolling in the grass or out on a walk with you. But hang on tight to that leash--this guy is strong! He is a small standard, his weight is good, but he is all muscle. Grady was a stray who was taken to a shelter before he came to rescue, so we don't have any history on him, but he was someone's pet, no doubt. He even looks like a show dog, the way he holds his tail straight out as if he is being judged for a championship. He loves to snuggle with you on the couch. He wants to be near his people and will follow you around the house. His nickname is Mr. Underfoot because he follows so closely that he gets tripped on. This curious guy is always near, ready to poke his head into the refrigerator to check out what's within reach! Grady is a chow-hound, and we have little doubt that if his diet wasn't well controlled he'd turn into a butterball. He seems to have a little anxiety, but is fine if left alone with another dog. Grady is not overly fond of car rides, but will tolerate them, whining all the way. This is one of the nicest dogs we've seen and he will make someone a wonderful companion! Click for more info

CAPPUCCINO Rescued on: 03-12-08 Located in: Milwaukee, Wisconsin Description: Red Smooth Tweenie Gender: Male Age: 7 months Adoption price: $325 Medical issues: Cappy has been neutered and is current on shots Info: Cappy was rescued from a puppy mill. These dogs need extra patience because they spent most of their lives in a cage with little human contact. Because of that, Cappy is shy and skittish, especially around men. He is very frightened in unfamiliar situations and needs his humans to move slowly and be reassuring. The adopter will need to give Cappy his space to become comfortable, and this may take some time. He will warm up to women faster than men. Cappy will require extra patience since it will take him some time to trust, and forcing the issue is a sure way to scare him further. Cappy is good with other small dogs, since that is who he spent all his time with, and he is learning how to play and be a pet. He loves to sleep in the big bed with his foster family, snuggled under a human arm. He also loves to be running outside or sitting in a big comfy chair. He has bonded with his foster mom very well, and follows her around all the time. He is good in the car and is crate trained. Cappy needs a quiet home without children, since they scare him. He would be a wonderful companion for a single person or older couple with or without other dogs. Click for more info

MATTIE Rescued on: 01-31-08 Located in: Palatine,IL Description: Red Smooth Mini (8.5 lbs) Gender: Female Age: 4 to 5 years Adoption price: $150 Medical issues: Mattie came into rescue with a very large bladder stone that was causing her a great deal of pain. She required emergency surgery to remove that stone. Due to the bladder stone Mattie will require a special diet for dogs prone to stones for the rest of her life. She has been spayed and updated on all vetting. She has also had a dental. Info: Mattie is a very special little girl and has had a long recovery from bladder stone surgery. Mattie likes most people then there are also a few that she does not like but those are far and few in between. She likes other dachshunds not sure about large dogs since she is so small. Mattie needs to go to a quiet home without much activity or small children. Mattie is a sweet girl that is full of love and trust once she bonds to her humans. Mattie is potty trained if kept to a schedule. She has improved so much since she had her bladder stone removed. She does not like a crate and if you crate her she will soil in it. She really does not need a crate because she is such a good girl. If I am gone during the day I will baby gate her in the kitchen with a piddle pad and that works out just fine. She does love to sleep with her humans at night, and sleeps curled up next to you all night. She enjoys running in the back yard with her foster brothers and sisters. She also enjoys riding in the car and sits in a little carrier that goes around my neck. She does very well with baths and holds still for nail trims. She is not sure about a leash but we are working on that. This little girl has a lot of love to anyone that adopts her. Click for more info

LUCY Rescued on: 03-12-08 Located in: Lemont,Il. Description: Black & Tan Smooth (12-13 lbs) Gender: Female Age: 2 years (DOB 6/28/2006) Adoption price: $250 Medical issues: Lucy is up to date on all her shots and she has been spayed. Info: Lucy came to MWDR from a puppy mill. She was expecting six puppies upon her arrival. Lucy was a wonderful mother to her pups. She was very attentive and protective of them. Having six puppies did not seem to bother her in the least. It is believed that Lucy lived in a cage for her first two years of life. She was unfamiliar with living in a house, being outdoors, being in the grass, and loving human contact. She came to us as a very fearful, shy, sedentary dog. Now that Lucy's puppies are grown and gone, Lucy has been making great strides in her own development. She now loves being outside, going for walks, riding in the car, chasing around with the other dogs, playing with humans she's bonded with, and formal training sessions. Her demeanor is evolving from fearful, withdrawn dog to spunky and adventuresome. She's finally acting like the two year old she is! Lucy is not yet housebroken; however, she now knows that it is the norm to go potty outside in the grass. Lucy is being housebroken via crate training and doing quite well. She gets rewarded with a treat and lots of praise when she does her business outside and is responding well. Lucy is handled like a puppy and will come with a potty log so her new home knows what to expect as far as her elimination habits. Lucy is responding well to obedience training. This week she's learned how to "sit" and "go in your crate". We're working on "come" and "go to your bed" (so she doesn't beg during meals). She really gets excited when training is offered to her. Usually after a training session, she runs around the house at full speed to burn off all the excitement of the attention she receives and treats she's given. Since Lucy has had limited exposure to humans, she needs some work with socializing with them. She would do best in a home without children and a lot of activity. She interacts well with other dogs including big dogs and would enjoy the company of another dog. Having been around dogs all her life, it's only is fitting that she have a canine companion as well. Lucy deserves a home that can offer her a lot of love and attention. She never experienced affection before coming to rescue so she has some catching up to do and deserves an opportunity to be just a regular dog. Lucy will do best with a female as her pack leader. She has responded best to them. In return, she has lots of love, loyalty, adventure, and companionship to offer. Click for more info

DEUCE Rescued on: 06-14-08 Located in: Chicago, IL Description: Red Long Hair (15 lbs) Gender: Male Age: 10 Months Adoption price: $325 Medical issues: In good health, has been neutered and up to date on shots and heartworm. Info: Deuce is a beautiful young dog given up by an older couple who didn't have enough energy for a young dog. He is a sweet, loving dog. He wants to please and tries very hard to do the right thing. Of course, he is young so is still learning. His housetraining is in progress. Since he is a young dog, Deuce should not go to a home where he would be left alone for 8-10 hours a day, unless they could put him in doggie day care a couple of days a week. He does not do well around children, so should not be placed in a home with children or the expectancy of having children. He loves adults and other dogs. As far as we know, he hasn't had exposure to cats, so not sure of his reaction. For a young dog, he is relatively laid back .He would probably do better with another dog in the household, but that does not appear to be necessary to his happiness. Deuce is a gem of a dog in the making. He has all of the natural ability it would take to make him into a wonderful companion. Click for more info

COOKIE Rescued on: 06-23-08 Located in: Palatine,IL Description: Dapple Wirehair (10 lbs. Mini) Gender: Female Age: 5 years (DOB 05-11-03) Adoption price: $250 Medical issues: Cookie has no medical issues, she has been spayed had a dental and is up to date on all of her vetting Info: Cookie is a great little girl, just looking for a family to call her own. She gets along with other small dogs. She is very good with older children and strangers once see gets to know you, this does not take long. Cookie is not afraid of loud noises and loves going for rides in the car. Cookie is housebroken and loves going for walks in the neighborhood and meeting new people. The place she prefers to sleep is with her humans and under the covers just like any other typical dachshund. She is baby gate trained and crate trained but have never used a crate because she does not need one. Cookie is a snuggle bunny and loves to lay in your lap, she also loves belly rubs. Cookie does have one bad trait in that she is a big barker. She would not be good in an apartment or condo, she barks at any noise but we are working on this. If you are looking for a watch dog she would be perfect for you. Cookie loves stuffed animals. She will shake and also fetch them and she likes to play tug-of-war. Are you ready to add a new addition to your family? Cookie would like that very much! Click for more info

DASH Rescued on: 10-06-07 Located in: Palatine, IL Description: Black&Tan Wirehair. Possible terrier mix (10 lbs) Gender: Male Age: 2-3 years Adoption price: $150 Medical issues: Dash is up to date on all his shots and is in good health. Info: Dash is a wonderful dog who is entirely devoted to his human. He gets along well with other dogs and with cats. He had a rough life in his short time, he was a stray in Indiana and was shuffled between several shelters before coming to MWDR. We believe that he was abused by a man and beaten with a stick. He is aggressive towards men and very protective of his home. We have been working on training and he is now very well behaved if he is on a leash. He has been attending Suburban Chicago Doxie Lovers events to get more exposure to groups of people and he has been doing well. Dash needs to know who the leader is and needs to have a home where the human is committed to ongoing training and is absolutely the pack leader. Dash will be the boss if you let him! Our next training task is to work on how he acts when someone is at the door of the house. Dash loves to be outside regardless of the weather. In the warm months he likes to lay in the flowerbeds and catch insects and stalk the squirrels. In the winter, he loves to plow through the snow drifts and thinks that having a shovel-full of snow tossed on him is great fun! When inside, he loves to lay on the couch and watch out the window. Dash likes to de-stuff fleece toys and wrestle with the other dogs in the house. He can also be a couch potato and loves to lay with a lady under a blanket on the couch. He is very loving and enjoys being held. Dash needs to be placed in a home without children and without men. We prefer a home with a fenced yard so that Dash can have minimal contact with strangers. We are looking for a dog-experienced woman who is committed to helping Dash overcome his aggression to men. He is a wonderful dog who has come far in his training, but who needs a woman with a strong hand to keep him on track. He will be devoted to you if you can find the time and patience to help him with his issues. Click for more info