FORT WALTON BEACH — One-year-old dachshund Nike looked perfectly content as he cuddled with his foster mom Katie Tener at an Adopt-a-thon at Petland on Saturday.
When he was passed to a prospective adopter, he sank into her arms as his eyes began to close for a nap.
Just moments before he had been tearing around and playing with the other dachshunds up for adoption.
“He’s got little wings on his feet,” Tener had said earlier.
Being able to run around has been a struggle for Nike. The pup was found covered in ticks as he hobbled around Pensacola favoringhis right back leg.
He’s had four surgeries so far to repair a broken pelvis and two broken back legs. A recent visit to a veterinarian found a bullet in his right back leg that likely will remain there for life, Tener said.
“I don’t understand how a dog who has been through so much could be so loving,” she said.
Nike’s story of abuse is not unusual to the group that has undertaken his care. Rescued Rescuers takes in dachshunds from all over the Emerald Coast. Most of them were facing euthanasia at shelters because of their medicals problems or simply a lack of space.
“We want the unwanted,” Tener said. “We make them all better and shine them up. Sometimes they just need someone to scratch their ear and put the pieces back together.”
Dawn Michael, the rescue’s founder and director, said the area has a lot of dachshunds looking for homes. The rescue currently is caring for about 25 dachshunds.
“Dachshunds have huge personalities,” Michael said. “They’re very willful and stubborn little dogs. If you are not a conscientious owner, they will take over your house.”
Instead of a central location, the rescue has a network of foster homes.
“A very patient person,” is how Michael described a good foster parent. “Most of the dogs that come in have quirks and things to be worked with to make them suitable for a forever home. (They need) patience and a whole lot of love.”
All of the money from donations and the adoption fees go straight to the dog’s care, Michael said.
“There are so many dogs out there in need of a wonderful home,” Michael said. “Please check into a rescue when you’re looking into a furry friend for your home.”
All the foster parents are volunteers. It’s more than worth it, Tener said.
“You do it for the love of the dog,” Tener said. “You don‘t do it for any other reason.”
TO LEARN MORE: Visit Rescued Rescuers’ website at www.werescuedogs.org or its Facebook page. Adopt-a-thons are held at Petland on Mary Esther Cut-Off the first Saturday of the month.
Daily News Staff Writer Lauren Delgado can be reached at 850-315-4445 or ldelgado@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @LaurenDnwfdn.
