Darby

Hello, my name is Darby.  We have all heard the story of the ugly duckling turning into a beautiful swan.  Well, I intend to be the poster child for that story.  Right now, I have no hair as a result of a non-contagious type of mange and from being almost starved to death.  My previous owners didn't want to pay to have me treated, so I have suffered from itching, scaly, painful skin for almost 4 years.  I don't know what "comfortable" feels like, but even in the short amount of time I've been in foster care with the folks at ATDR, my skin is already getting better and I'm slowly growing hair again.  Discovering what my fur color really is will be so exciting for me and those who care about me.  Won't it be fun to know what color my coat turns out to be?  My bottom jaw failed to form correctly so I have an overbite, but that sure doesn't keep me from showing my squeaker toys who is boss!  I'm beginning to gain some weight now that I'm getting plenty of good nutrition and all the food I can eat.  I am up to 14.5 pounds and hope to get back to my full weight of about 22-25 pounds soon.  I hadn't been around other dogs or even other people very much before, but I'm quickly learning my social manners.  I would never think to bite or fight with anyone; I just was uncomfortable at first not knowing exactly what all these other animals and people were expecting from me.  So much to learn.  The one manner I have down pat though is going outside to do my business.  My awesome foster family has looked past all of my battle scars to discover a wonderfully loving and deserving dachshund-swan just waiting to emerge.  The one thing slowing down my progress is that I could really use some donations from the kind hearted and generous people out there to help pay for the substantial amount of care it will take to get me healed and healthy again.  Would you be able to help me?  Thank you so much.  Please come back for updates to see my inner hunk blossom!

April 13, 2010 - Darby is doing very well and looking so much better already!  He's put on some much needed weight and look at this beautiful coat that's coming in!!  Isn't he handsome??