What Tobias, the Dachshund, means to me.

by Taryne
(Preston, CT)

Well... It all started when my mom got me a Dachshund 5 yrs ago to keep me company and to keep me happy while trying to deal with having bi-polar, arthritis, and having to deal with being in high school all at once. My dog has helped me through depression, hurt and the death of my last pet rabbit, Peanut, and he's been with me through suicidal fits and the loss of friends and family. His name is Tobias(aka Toby).

He's my best friend but last year on October 16th, a month and a day after he turned 4, he fell off of something high and did something to his hips and could not walk on his back legs anymore and it was a real depressing time cause i loved taking him on walks and now he cannot do this anymore. I'm gonna be 20 in August and he's gonna be 5 on September 15th. I love him cause he's my best friend and my baby boy. He knows i love him and he loves me too, But it feels like I failed him cause I can't afford a wheelchair for him, but he's determined to move around on his own and when he's determined its hard to keep him in one place.

I wish I could afford a wheelchair for him but with me being in pain all the time with no insurance at all it's hard to pick him up cause it puts pressure on me and thats the worst problem I have. I don't smoke or drink so I don't have any problems like that but its hard not being able to get what he needs most. Also without Toby, I wouldn't be here today cause he keeps me out of depression. Toby, for the last 5 years, has been my lifeline.


Editor's note: Taryne, thank you for your story about Tobias and how much he is helping you cope with your difficulties. I think it is amazing how well you are dealing with things without resorting to self-medicating. Dachshund's are great companions and all around dogs. My family's Dachshund, Mitsu, was very helpful in making us kids feel better about the frequent moving we did, especially since we weren't encouraged to talk about our feelings...

Note that a wheelchair does not have to cost you much money. For a dog the size of a Dachshund, you can make your own dog wheelchair out of PVC pipe and casters. It doesn't have to cost you anything if you scrounge or ask around, and are willing to take old things apart. If you fill out our contact form, we may be able to help you with a design.