About Us

Midwest Dachshund Rescue is a 501 (c) (3) all-volunteer organization that was founded in 2003. It primarily serves Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana. We try to serve other Midwest states as resources are available. MWDR is totally committed to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming needy dachshunds and dachshund mixes throughout the Midwest.

In 2007, through the efforts of many people, 129 dogs came into rescue that needed to be rehomed. This would not have been possible without the individual hands of so many. First of all, the dogs must be transported to us. Transporting dogs is a large part of rescue work, and our volunteers pay for their own gas. One of our most important jobs is to visit and check potential homes and adoptors, because we only want our dogs to go to the "right" home. Rescuing doxies would be impossible without our wonderful foster homes, who spend staggering amounts of time socializing, cleaning up, vetting... and then letting the doxies go to their forever homes, so that they are able to take in another homeless dog. Lastly, of course, is the adopter, who gives these dogs a second chance. None of this would be possible without our sponsors who help with fundraising and donation--so these doxies go from tragedy to a happy loving home.

Since the group's inception, our tireless volunteers have taken in, fostered and provided vet care for over 500 needy dachshunds. Such a commitment does not come without significant effort and costs. MWDR does not receive funds from any organization or governmental agency. We are an all-volunteer group, fully self-supporting through adoption fees and donations. The adoption fees collected cover the standard vet care required, but those dogs with special needs often have astronomically high vet bills once they have completed treatment. In 2007, we spent over $50,000 in vet bills, which is our only real expense. We took in $25,000 in adoption fees, so the remaining $25,000 of expenses must be paid for through donations.

Please peruse MWDR's website to learn how you can help with donations of money, goods and time, and learn how you can add a sweet, rescued dachshund to your family. Even if you are not currently in a position to adopt a dachshund, we appreciate all donations of time and money. You will be glad you did!

Special Foster Story Trooper Trooper came into rescue with a ruptured disk and hind limb paralysis. His owner was unable to care for him and gave him up to the Indiana Animal Control who then contacted Midwest Dachshund Rescue. Read more...