I'm heartbroken.  Marcy, our 4-year-old dapple Dachshund died today.  Yesterday she developed a slight limp that progressed to complete paralysis of her hind legs.  My wife and I understanding Dachshunds' predisposition to back problems, knew immediately what it was.  Fortunately, we have plenty of pain meds, muscle relaxers, and steroids since Gus' surgery, so we kept her comfortable over night.  This morning our vet confirmed the worst with an x-ray showing damage to her spine.  She had a poor prognosis for surgery because of the rapid onset, the complete paralysis, and complete absence of deep pain sensation.  Therefore, despite our grief and willingness to do anything to keep her in our lives, in the interest of mercy, we had her euthanized.

 

We have a special affinity for Dachshund's because almost all of them have a character unlike that of any other breed.  Marcy had a uniqueness even beyond that.  I miss her deeply. 

This is why we have dachshunds instead of kids.

 

Practically every evening, we are entertained by the antics of our two weiner dogs, Gus & Marcy.  Now Marcy used to be the dainty type, but since she got spayed, she's filled in a little around the waist.  She doesn't know it though.  You see, leaping into her toy box is nothing new for her.  She's done it since she was a puppy.  Only now, she doesn't quite fit as is evidenced by her cute little butt hanging out the side.

 

I shot this video with my digital camera.  I'm only a novice, but I think the clip captures the moment...

 

This is for real.  Don't laugh---you know you're gonna add this to your shopping list.