At Best Friends Fur Ever, we celebrate every kind of canine companion. Today, we’re excited to introduce you to an incredible member of our community who shares her home — and her heart — with a very special pack of dachshunds. Join us as we chat about life, love, and lots of little legs!
BFFE: Can you introduce us to your dachshund crew? We’d love to hear each of their names and a fun fact or personality quirk about them!
Elizabeth:
Absolutely! Meet my crew:
- Dash: He’s the OG doxie and my old man. I’ve had him since I was 12 years old — more than half my life! He’s incredibly special to me.
- Butter: Butter is my outdoor adventurer. He wants to be outside in rain, snow, sleet, or sunshine.
- Jupiter: Don’t be fooled by his tiny 3-inch legs — this guy can hike for miles and will reach anything he can!
- Hiccup: Hiccup is my little paralyzed terror. He’s adorable but will definitely nip at your ankles if you’re not careful!
- Keller: With his tiny head and wandering spirit, Keller lives in his own little world 90% of the time.
- Dennis: Dennis is my sweet, Boba-eyed boy. He’s a therapy dog for Pets on Wheels and just loves to love.
- Burney: The newest member of the pack, Burney is a people-lover who does excited little “woo-woos” whenever he’s happy.
BFFE: What are some of the different special needs or medical conditions your dogs live with?
Elizabeth:
Hiccup, Dennis, and Burney all have IVDD and are paralyzed in their back ends, but you’d never know it — they zip around in their carts or drag bags like little rockets!
Keller is both hearing and vision impaired, but you’d be amazed watching him zoom around the house and yard
Dash, my senior, has arthritis and has lost his hearing, but he’s always been an old soul who loves lounging.
BFFE: How did you come to adopt not just one, but eight (okay, seven!) specially-abled dachshunds? Was there a turning point?
Elizabeth:
Haha, yes, only seven! (Seven sounds much more reasonable, right?)
It all started when I was young and obsessed with dachshunds. After years of begging and nightly presentations, my mom finally caved, and I got Dash.
Once I had my own place, Dash, Butter, and Jupiter were my little trio. Then I saw Hiccup on Petfinder — a little guy in a cart — and I couldn’t resist. It was so rewarding giving him a second chance, and after that, I just knew this was my passion.
BFFE: What does a typical day look like in your home with so many unique needs to care for?
Elizabeth:
I’m lucky to work from home, so I spend my days with them! Mornings start early with some work meetings while they snuggle.
By 10 AM, we head downstairs for diaper changes, bladder expressions, and yard time. They have breakfast and then rotate attending “meetings” with me (very professional).
I change diapers four times a day, and after work, we enjoy activities tailored to their personalities — walks for Dennis and Burney, hikes for Jupiter and Keller, yard zoomies for Hiccup, and snuggles for Dash and Butter.
Evenings are for couch cuddles, dinner, and TV — it’s a full, joyful house.
BFFE: What’s the dynamic like among your dachshunds?
Elizabeth:
They truly are a pack! They have their own relationships — they greet each other after separations, bicker over toys, and make up with snuggles.
When I adopted Hiccup, I was told he might not enjoy other dogs, but seeing him play chase with Jupiter and cuddle Dennis proved otherwise. They respect each other’s boundaries and provide companionship that’s irreplaceable.
BFFE: What kinds of mobility aids, home modifications, or custom routines have you put in place?
Elizabeth:
So many! I renovated my historic home with them in mind:
- A handicap-accessible ramp off the deck (to code for carts and old man backs!)
- Step ramps to all the furniture
- A plexiglass pen for Hiccup’s “room,” offering him a safe space when he needs downtime.
I love DIY projects — making life easier and safer for them is one of my greatest joys.
BFFE: Are there any vet partners, caregivers, or community members who’ve become part of your extended “pack”?
Elizabeth:
Absolutely — the team at Hickory Veterinary Hospital is phenomenal. Dr. Lyle, Lauren, Karen, and Max have supported us with physical therapy and care.
Karen even comes in on her days off just to stay on Hiccup’s good side!
And, of course, the incredible staff at Best Friends Fur-Ever has made a huge impact. You’ve given Hiccup independence I wasn’t sure he’d ever have!
BFFE: Is there a breakthrough moment or joyful story that really captures why you do what you do?
Elizabeth:
When I rescued Hiccup, he had severe wounds. For six months, I did nightly dressings and worried constantly.
When he finally healed and began physical therapy, it was like watching a miracle.
He started trying to stand, doing a little “Irish jig” around the house. Seeing him light up, becoming feisty and confident, made every tough night absolutely worth it.
BFFE: What’s the most rewarding part of loving and advocating for specially-abled dogs?
Elizabeth:
Proving that differently-abled doesn’t mean less able. Watching them thrive and live full, happy lives — and showing the world that all they want is love, treats, and a cozy place to snooze — is the best feeling.
Dennis even brings joy as a therapy dog now, showing people that “different” is just another word for “special.”
BFFE: If someone is considering welcoming a specially-abled dog into their home, what would you want them to know?
Elizabeth:
Special needs dogs are like any other dogs — they crave love, fun, and companionship.
It’s not harder, it’s just a little different. Instead of a harness, you use a cart. Instead of potty breaks, you do a diaper change.
In no time, they’ll weave themselves seamlessly into your life. With patience and heart, they’ll show you just how limitless love can be.
Thank you for sharing your incredible journey and inspiring so many to see the beauty in every dog!
To follow more of Elizabeth and her pack’s journey, follow them on Instagram! @wienerwonderland
