A number of years ago, five women, who all shared a deep love for dachshunds, met as volunteer board members of a rescue. Over the years, their friendship deepened and flourished. Being part of a dog rescue is a rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging at times, especially if the path you thought you were taking together, starts heading off in a direction that runs contrary to your values and beliefs about what rescue should be. After trying for more than a year to keep that rescue’s path aligned, they decided they could no longer continue down that route. So working together, they decided to forge a new path, and to create a rescue where the dachshunds are ALWAYS at the center of everything they do, and every decision they make.
And so Wendal’s Way Dachshund Rescue was born. Why Wendal? Many years ago, a little long-haired black and tan dachshund came to live with one of the five women, rescued from a horrifying life as a bait dog for pitbull fighting. Like the proverbial phoenix rising from the ashes, he rose from adversity to thrive in his new life. His name was Wendal and he became the inspiration for Wendal’s Way and a constant reminder of why and how we do what we do.
Although Wendal’s Way offers a haven to any and all dachshunds and dachshund mixes, their hearts lie with the ones who are in the most need – those with medical issues, behavioural issues, and end-of-life care. With over 160 combined years of dachshund experience and almost 80 combined years of volunteering in rescue, they bring a wealth of knowledge to the dachshund rescue world. They have extensive experience in diseases such as IVDD, Cushing’s, diabetes, cardiac and endocrine issues, as well as behavioural, geriatric, and palliative care.
