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We lost our beloved Oscar, a 15-year-old dachshund that we had since he was 8-weeks-old, and we were heartsick with grief. After three months, I began looking on Petfinder and found Pepper, a 6-year-old long haired dappled dachshund. She was a breeder dog in a large puppy mill in Wisconsin that operates "just above the line" that would shut them down. When they're "done" with these dogs, they give them to the local shelter to find them homes.

DOG. PHOTO: PIXABAY / NEL BOTHA

Well, this is where we came in! We adopted her and never once would have thought that it would be the hard job that it turned out to be. There were so many times that I asked myself what in the world I had gotten myself into. She was afraid of absolutely everything and had no social skills whatsoever. She didn't know how to eat out of a bowl or drink water. I couldn't hold or pet her because she was so frightened. BUT... I kept at it and am so happy that I didn't give up.

We've had her for 3.5 years now, and she's such a sweet little friend to us. We love her dearly and can finally say that the love is returned. She's a happy, bouncy, loving little bundle of joy. Six months ago, she finally decided that my husband was okay, too, and that completed the circle of trust. She's the Queen Wein around here and bosses our two rescue cats around all day long. PLEASE give these sweet creatures a chance. Adopt, don't buy! And when you do, make a commitment to be in it for the long haul. Eventually your hard work and commitment will pay off in a big way! Here's to many more years with our sweet little Pepper! Welcome to the world of love and trust!

PHOTO: DEBBIE PIEL

Story submitted by Debbie Piel from Land O' Lakes, Wisconsin.

This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Share your very own rescue story here!