I have to tell my story about my 3 year old dachshund named Callie.

She was our fith dachshund and she was the happiest and sweetest dog we have ever had. She never got upset when we had to go off and she was a dog that wanted to sleep in every morning. She was always under her covers and when she decided to get up, she would get up. During the day she would love to go outside and chase the squirrels who liked to tease her. At night, she would have to get out all of her toys and play tug for almost a half an hour.

On the night of Aug. 13th of this year, she wanted to go outside, so I let her out. A few minutes later I heard her barking ferociously, so I went to check on her. I saw her lunging at something and then I heard her yelp. She went out in the yard and just stood there. I opened the screen door and could make out the back of a snake with copperhead markings. Needless to say I knew Callie was in trouble. I went out and brought her in the house. I yelled for my husband and we took a quick look in the yard for the snake so we could kill it, but it was gone. We then rushed Callie to our emergency clinic. After they had examined her, they told us that she had been bitten on the tongue. Knowing what venomous snakes can do to a human, I knew Callie would have a hard time coming through this. The doctor that took care of her tried his best to help her but she had to be put to sleep on Thursday, Aug. 16. I have grieved over Callie more than any other dog that I have had. She was our special dog and we miss her very much. She made us laugh all of the time at the things she used to do. A week later we got another Miniature Dachshund and we have named her Lacy. I still miss Callie very much but Lacy is making me laugh again. Lacy is the most cuddly dog we have ever had and she is filling the paws of Callie very well. I already love Lacy very much, but one thing is for sure, I will never forget Callie.

Thank you Mark, for the opportunity to share my story.