I received a call regarding two female Dachshunds in a kill shelter south of Birmingham, AL.  One was reported to be a younger dog and one an older dog.  When I went to see them my gut was telling me to leave the older one because she would be difficult to place.  However, my heart was melting because she was so sweet.  And honestly, I didn’t realize she was in tremendously poor physical condition.  All I could see was the love in those eyes. 

Once I decided to take both dogs I took them straight to my veterinarian.  Dr. Creel informed me the older dog was between 10 and 15 years old and he believed her closer to 15.  Watching her walk a crossed the floor her hip joints were so loose we could see them wobble and she was in pain.  Her skin was in bad condition as well, sticky with very thin hair. We hoped a good diet and vitamin supplements would correct the skin problem.   And finally, her teeth were caked with tarter and one was terribly decade. 

Despite the fact that this old girl was a physical wreck, she won us all over with her spirit.  We decided it would be best for her to stay at the clinic for a few days to take care of her immediate needs.  She also started taking EtoGesic to relieve joint pain and inflammation. 

Next came a very important step, we needed to name her.  I thought she should have an old woman’s name.  Rachel, one of the staff, said that her grandmother’s name was Melba.  We all liked the name and thought it was perfect for our southern belle. 

Miss Melba is a joy to have in our home.  She loves the other dogs and is quite taken with my husband.  As for me, she follows me everywhere I go. I guess she is afraid she will be abandoned again.  Being picked up by animal control running the streets, we speculate that either her human passed away or had to go into a nursing home, leaving her on the streets to fend for herself. 

Adapting to her new name, our home and routine very quickly, we found Miss Melba to be house and crate trained. She is very bright.  She also feels well enough to play tug of war on occasion and enjoys running a bit with the other dogs.

Despite our efforts, after three weeks her skin failed to show any improvement.  A thyroid test was conducted. The results established that her thyroid count was quite low, 18 on a scale, which ranges from 11 to 45.  She is now on Thyroxin at $9.50 for her thyroid and EtoGesic at $30 for her joints.   Miss Melba’s monthly medication bill is $39.50