‘I am humbled by what the public does’
Dachshund rescue group grateful for volunteers, funds
Small dogs have always played a large part of life for Lynn Davis, and there’s always been a special place in her heart for dachshunds.
Today, she helps the dogs through her volunteer position as president of Atlantic Canadian Dachshund Rescue (ACDR).
“There’s just something you can’t describe about these dogs,” she said. “They’re personable, cute, you can hold them and I have yet to meet two with the same personality. There are so many things to love about them.”
Davis grew up with dachshunds in her family and shared her home with dogs, both her own and fosters, as an adult. She has been working in rescue for 23 years and has been with ACDR since 2010.
“ACDR rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes dachshunds and dachshund mixes,” she explained. “We work throughout the Atlantic provinces and have about 50 volunteers and 45 fosters. We’ve been very busy the last couple of years. In 2022, a lot of people went back to work and decided it would be best to rehome their dogs.”
During the first two weeks of this year, 10 dogs were turned over to the rescue. Five are compassionate care dogs and, because of severe health issues, will remain in care with ACDR for the remainder of their lives.
Dogs of all ages, and in all conditions, are taken in by ACDR. Some need a lot of veterinary care, and all the rescue’s money comes through private donations and fundraising events.
“We raise money for very specific dogs and reasons sometimes,” said Davis. “One dog had four trips to AVC (Atlantic Veterinary College), and that was all funded through donations.”
The rescue is a registered charity and receipts are provided for donations. Corporate sponsors, willing to provide either monthly or one-time donations, are also being sought.
The rescue is always looking for new volunteers, including fosters, in all four Atlantic provinces.
“We’re always in need of very specific homes for some dogs,” said Davis. “Most fosters have a dog, cat or children, and we need some without. Usually, a dog is with a foster for six to eight weeks. That gives us time to get veterinary work and a behavioral assessment done. We want to know as much about the dog as possible so we can find them their ‘furever’ home; a good stable home where they can stay the rest of their life.”
Davis is grateful for those who assist in the rescue work.
“We’re able to do the work we do because of volunteers, fosters and the generosity of the public,” she said. “We’re here because of them. I am humbled by what the public does to support us.”