December 3, 2022 by Cynthia Traun (Mackowick)

Driving Ms. Clover

Dan and I do not have children or at least the 2-legged kind. Our children are furry, have four legs, a tail, and may bark on occasion. Dan and I are the drivers of the bus we call life and these little ones all come along for the ride. This is the story of our little lucky four-leaf Clover whom we recently had to say our final goodbye. Here is her story.

For those that have known me for a while know that I had the pleasure to be owned by many Dachshunds in my life. Each of them were/are special and they can always find a way to put a smile on your face. For those of you that remember Tindra and Audrey… I raised Tindra as a puppy and bottle fed her; we had that special connection. She was my rock, my soul. Audrey came into our family when we needed her most. She was a rescue out of a neglect case, and was the sweetest little thing ever. We lost Audrey in a tragic accident and Tindra (a senior) was left alone. She became depressed and I knew we needed to find that special one to fill a gaping hole. I searched for months until I ran across this sweet face on a rescue site out of Rhode Island. Daisy (renamed Clover) was 6-8 years old and came from a neglect case where 40 Dachshunds were taken out of a home in New York. Some of those 40 dachshunds (adults and puppies) made it, while others unfortunately did not. From what I was told, the conditions they were living in were horrific. I connected with her beautiful eyes right away, it was almost like I could see into her soul. We reached out to the rescue group with our story and with the details of what we needed to fit into our family. We were told she was shy and feared men. We were also told that she was extremely loveable and took care of the other dogs she was with (we eventually nicknamed her Mama Bear for this very reason). Dan and I started the process of adoption; I just knew she would be the right fit. I flew to Boston and met Clover for the first time at the airport. After a brief meet and greet, Clover and I loaded the plane and headed home. We got home late and the first thing that Dan did to greet her was to lay down on our kitchen floor. Clover instantly crawled on Dan’s belly to love him up. With her being “fearful of men” we were concerned that the first meeting wouldn’t go so well but she knew this was her forever home. It was off to a great start.

What we learned over the years is that Clover was afraid of men when they wore a white T-shirt; she would instantly run the other way or hide (I am not sure she ever got over that, but we accommodated). She had lung issues; radiographs showed scarring in her lungs with minimal breathing airways. The doctors thought the scarring was most likely from some type of allergen/poor air quality from where she was kept and she was on lifelong medication to open her airways. She was kept in a kennel for the first part of her life which caused her back legs to never work right and seemed to be underdeveloped; she mostly bunny hopped when she ran, and her back legs were always wobbly. When we first bought her home, she didn’t know what stairs were, what a toy was, what a squirrel was, or how to walk through a door. She was afraid of the world (because she was never exposed to it). What we encountered with Clover was that she was loyal, wanted to give and receive love, and never, I mean NEVER, complained. Not a peep, never. Tindra became her courage and Clover learned quite a bit from following her lead. The transition we saw in Clover was not quick by any means, but she came to know what being a dog and being part of a loving family was all about. She learned that she could trust people and there was more to life than a cage. She amazed me every day as I can only image the trauma/horrible experiences that she went through and yet, she never complained, never showed aggression, she just took all that came her way in and pushed through. She became part of our family instantly.

When we had to say goodbye to Tindra, we were determined to find the right fit for her and our family. Working with another rescue group, we did just that. Enter Little Lucy, aka “Gooseball”, a little blue and tan piebald Dachshund. Clover instantly latched on to her and they became best buds; over the years her courage and love for life grew even more. Throughout Clover’s 8 years with us, she became attached to many other Dachshunds… Tindra, Lucy, Harley, Daisy, Aine, and lastly Duncan. Clover accepted and loved each and every one of them. She was our Mama Bear.

Clover’s life with us was full of cuddles and adventures… We hiked, we walked, we camped, we went on car rides, we kayaked, she went on bike rides in a basket, we traveled, we snuggled, we enjoyed life, and most importantly we loved.

The end is always so hard which is why it took so long for me to write her story (I’m tearing up now). She started to deteriorate years ago with what we called her little Parkinson episodes, her mind went (puppy dementia), and she became anxious, confused and sometimes aggravated by being confined. As time went on, her symptoms got worse; her body and internal organs were failing, and a mass was found in her bladder towards the end. If anyone knows a Dachshund, you know they LOVE to eat above anything else. When she stopped eating, I just knew the time was near. She was so dang stoic and never showed us any sign that she was in pain; she hid any pain she ever experienced from the world or from her failing body. Fast forward to the day we said our goodbye… The worst part about having a furry family member. With her becoming more and more anxious and confused, I had thought this was going to be a horrible experience. It wasn’t. She as ready to go and the end was so peaceful.

I want to thank every Veterinarian (Dr. Jen, Dr. Chris, Dr. Emmy), each Veterinarian Technician (specially Gina and Jamie), and Customer Service Representatives (specially Brianna) that work at Black Dog Animal Hospital here in Red Wing, MN. You understood Clover (and our) needs at the time we needed you most… That day and every day. Thank you for the support, for being there, for the care you give, and for just being the beautiful souls that you are.

Driving Ms. Clover was a privilege and an honor; we created many wonderful memories, and she left a little piece of her that we will treasure until the end of our time here on earth.

February 22, 2015 by Cynthia Traun (Mackowick)

Ohhhhh Wilbur

Last week, we said goodbye to one amazing little buddy. Wilbur was rescued from a neglect situation after he was brought into the veterinary clinic I used to work for. Dr. Darlene Cook, from The Bluffs Pet Clinic, re-attached the poor little guys ear flap that was lacerated after a tight bracelet was left on his head for far too long. The bracelet had grown into the back of his head and had cut into his ear which left only 1/4 of his ear flap attached to the body. Dr. Cook did one incredible job as the ear, and the back of his neck, healed completely! Throughout his treatment he remained in good spirits, not a mean bone in his body.

I knew that Wilbur would be a great addition to our family and brought him home shortly after his ear reconstruction surgery. His personality shined throughout his life. He spent a good 12 years in our family and brought a smile to our face every single day. He was a clown as most Dachshunds are. Not so much of a trouble maker as girls (Audrey and Tindra) were, but he was right there in the action when the time was right. He had such a peppy gait and a silly demeanor that when he would walk into a room, you just had to think… here comes Goofy or Mr. Wilbur. 😉

He was also the worlds best photo bomber:

Wilbur was the best little mole hunter ever and would be so proud when he caught one. With his head held high, he always had to bringing us his prize. Wilbur was the last of the three musketeers- Tindra, Audrey, and Wilbur. Losing the three within 6 months has been hard, but I know we will all see them someday.

Farewell little buddy, you are greatly missed.

Farewell, Spoonful of Stars (Tindra)

Farewell, My Fair Lady (Audrey)

December 14, 2014 by Cynthia Traun (Mackowick)

Farewell Spoonful of Stars

Last week, Dan and I had to say goodbye to one amazing little girl that gave us so much unconditional love throughout her time here on earth. Spoonful of Stars, “Tindra”, was part of our family for close to 16 years- Yes, we were lucky.

I had a special bond with her since I had bottle fed her from day one. You see, Tindra came into this world via C-Section; her mother, Kayla, stopped producing milk shortly after giving birth. The munchkin was bottle fed every 2 hours in the first couple weeks of her life. I would like to thank “Auntie Krissy” who helped bottle feed her when I was unable to be with her for a couple days. Kris was actually with her when she first opened her eyes! Auntie Kris was always available to watch this little one when we needed a puppy sitter. Thank you so much Kris for your help during her life- you were always there when we needed you.

The strong bond shared between Tindra and I grew over the years; she carried me through some sad times and walked beside me in the good. She knew when I was sad and would lick my face until I started laughing, then would cuddle right up to me to make sure I was ok. Even on her last day, she mustered up the strength to lift her head to softly lick my face when I was crying.

Throughout her life, she went everywhere with our family and was socialized well by meeting numerous people and other animals. She had a very kind soul that loved everyone. Being a Dachshund, the trait of courageousness and loyalty was at the forefront of her personality. This little one has never shown one bit of aggressiveness towards any human, however, rabbits or rodents were not included on her be nice list. Tindra’s mother, Kayla, was a field champion and was an extremely good scent tracker. She inherited that trait from her mother and was always on the scent trail of some varmint, although sometimes that got her in trouble when her nose would take her places she was not supposed to go.

Her name meant “To Twinkle”, and that she did. She was my shining light at the end of a hard day; always happy to see a member of our family with her bucking bronco dance. I can never repay what she gave to me and the decision to help her along to the other side was one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make. As a previous Veterinary Technician, I have helped many families through this type of loss, and the family’s pain touched me every time. When the decision is yours to make, boy, it can be an emotional nightmare. I truly believe that this is the ultimate loving gift that we can give our pets in times of suffering or severe illness. For more information on pet loss, please visit the following site: The Association of Pet Loss and Bereavement.

Thank you, Tindra, for the compassion, the laughter, the unconditional love, and even for the times you were an opportunist and got into some kind of trouble (which normally involved food or Kleenex). From the early morning stretches that accompanied a wonderful array of vocals, the crazy Happy Dachshund Dance, the excitement of seeing a bunny, the way you loved your family; these memories will never drift too far from our mind. You have taught me patience and watching you explore the world reminded me that there is always something new to experience in daily life. No words will never be able to express the deepness my gratitude but I know; my little co-pilot in life will forever be by my side.

Our new one, Clover, has been with us now for 2 months today. Clover is a 6 year old Dachshund that was rescued, along with 40 other Dachshunds, from a hoarding situation in the New England area by Furever Dachshund Rescue. Clover relied upon Tindra to show her the ropes, and to teach her the courage needed to be curious and how to enjoy her surroundings. They became cuddle buddies within a day of meeting each other. Clover is heaven sent and has stepped up to fill a hole produced by losing both Tindra and Audrey.

I believe we meet up with our lost loved ones someday, in the meantime, we will miss her greatly.

Tindra with Red Dog

August 3, 2014 by Cynthia Traun (Mackowick)

Farewell My Fair Lady

A tribute to a faithful little girl; you will be missed greatly.

Dan and I do not have children or at least the 2-legged kind. Our children are furry, have 4 legs, and may bark on occasion; their names are Tindra and Audrey. The two are inseparable, like peas in a pod. Many times they help each other get into things they should not get into; co-conspirators they are, but mostly you can find them laying together in a yin and yang position.

We lost Audrey unexpectedly this weekend. What a terrible loss and sad time for all that knew this little girl. I would like to give tribute to “My Fair Lady” (Audrey), but first I would like to tell her story.

The story of Audrey-

Audrey came into the clinic that I used to work for at a time when my family needed her most, fate definitely played a part in this chance meeting. It was a time when Tindra had recently lost her mom and dad, she had become depressed and needed something to fill that void. Audrey was the key to mending Tindra’s broken heart.

Audrey was taken away from the family that had her since she was a puppy due to neglect. I remember walking into the exam room where representatives from the local Human Society and the city police had brought her for her initial exam; seeing this emaciated gentle soul for the first time broke my heart. Audrey stayed with the clinic for a short period of time so that we may start giving her nutrients to increase her weight. The first time I looked into her eyes I knew she would become part of my family. After a few months of fostering, I was able to adopt her through the Humane Society and legally welcome her into our home. Tindra and Audrey became inseparable shortly after meeting each other and Audrey was welcomed with open arms into our family.

A cuddly and happy little munchkin, “Have blanket, will come” was her motto. Like a typical Dachshund, they are stubborn and extreme opportunists but they are also full of life and love. This breed certainly does keep you on your toes! Her little quirks will be missed by all. Her famous head-butt, her insatiable need for a belly rubs, her need to protect the yard from varmints (namely her archenemy “Chippy”), her need to follow her human mommy, the way she was able to get to food that was out of her reach, all those kayak rides (which she absolutely loved) and the way she lead and took care of Tindra. With Tindra starting to suffer from seizures recently, Audrey has become increasingly important to Tindra’s daily life.

Thank you Audrey, for you have added much to our lives. You have filled everyday with laughter, happiness, and unconditional love. We were truly blessed to have you come into our lives as you have taught us much. This gentle soul is gone from this earth but not from our hearts. I know we will see her again one day. Until then, we will miss the pitter patter of your little feet and those sweet golden brown eyes. Farewell little girl.