Dobby - Dachshund Dog for Adoption in Sandy, Utah

**Open to Foster-to-Adopt!**

We are open to a foster-to-adopt arrangement for Dobby! Because he is still making exciting progress in his recovery, we recognize that committing to a special-needs dog can feel like a big decision. A foster-to-adopt arrangement would allow Dobby to begin settling into a potential forever home while continuing his rehabilitation, with the rescue able to help cover some rehabilitation expenses during this transition. This gives his future family the opportunity to learn his care routine, support his continued progress, and make sure it’s the right fit before officially adopting him.

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Meet Dobby, a beautiful 4.5-year-old double dapple dachshund with silky-soft fur, a sweet personality, and a story that will steal your heart.

Dobby spent his life traveling the country in an RV with his beloved human. Sadly, his world was turned upside down when his owner passed away unexpectedly. Just one week later, Dobby suffered another devastating setback: he suddenly lost the use of his back legs because of a severe spinal injury known as Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).

After being turned away by several rescues, Dobby traveled from Arizona to Colorado, where our rescue was determined to give him a fighting chance. Despite the time that had passed since his injury, he underwent spinal surgery on September 14 in hopes of relieving his pain and giving him the best possible quality of life.

And what a little fighter he’s turned out to be!

When Dobby first arrived, he had no voluntary movement in his back legs, and his prognosis for walking again was extremely poor. Since then, however, he has made remarkable progress.

Dobby can now wag his tail when he’s excited, stand on his own for short periods, and show purposeful movement in his back legs. He has even started using his hind legs to help reposition himself. His rehabilitation team has also seen encouraging improvements during underwater treadmill sessions, and he has recently shown possible signs of returning sensation in his back paws.

We don’t know whether Dobby will ever walk independently, but his progress has exceeded our earliest expectations, and we’re hopeful that more recovery may be ahead. No matter how much mobility he regains, Dobby can live a happy, fulfilling life.

He also has his own wheelchair, which allows him to explore the world while supporting his ongoing rehabilitation. He’s learning to navigate life with a little extra help, and we’re excited to see what the future holds.

But Dobby is so much more than his medical story.

This little guy is an absolute lovebug. If he had his way, he would spend every waking moment snuggled beside his favorite person. He gives the sweetest kisses, loves being held, and is happiest when he’s close to his humans.

Dobby is also highly food motivated, which has made his rehabilitation easier. As he has settled into his foster home, his silly, playful personality has begun to shine. Despite everything he has experienced, he remains affectionate, trusting, and full of life.

Dobby has historically lived with men, though he seems to warm up to women a little more quickly. He can absolutely bond with a male adopter as well; he may simply need extra time to build trust.

All of the upheaval in Dobby’s life has understandably taken an emotional toll. After losing his person, experiencing a serious medical emergency, and adjusting to a completely new environment, he has developed separation anxiety. He becomes distressed when left alone and will need a patient adopter who can help him gradually build confidence and independence.

A stable routine, consistency, and reassurance will be important as Dobby continues healing emotionally. Because he can be vocal when anxious, he will need a home without shared walls—no apartments, condos, or townhomes with adjoining neighbors.

What does Dobby need in his forever home?

Dobby is still in an important phase of recovery, and we’re looking for a family who is excited to support him as he continues making progress.

Ideally, his adopter will be willing and able to continue working with a physical therapist, including underwater treadmill sessions. These therapies have played an important role in his recovery, and we would love for him to continue benefiting from them.

Experience caring for a dog with special needs is preferred but not required. The most important qualities are compassion, patience, consistency, and a willingness to learn Dobby’s care routine.

The most important commitment is continuing his at-home physical therapy. Dobby has a regular exercise routine designed to encourage strength, coordination, and neurological recovery. The exercises do not require fancy equipment, but they do require patience, consistency, and a willingness to make rehabilitation part of everyday life. His foster family can teach his adopter the routine and help them feel comfortable continuing it.

Dobby currently needs assistance emptying his bladder, and his future mobility and bladder function remain uncertain. His adopter will need to be comfortable learning how to manage these special needs and providing a safe environment that protects his back.

His ideal family will also understand that emotional recovery takes time. Someone who is home frequently, follows a predictable routine, and is willing to work patiently through his separation anxiety would be a wonderful fit.

We know this may sound like a lot, but Dobby has so much love to give in return. His care is simply part of his daily routine, and watching him reach new milestones—however small—has been one of the most rewarding parts of fostering him.

Most importantly, Dobby needs someone who will love him exactly as he is, whether he eventually walks on four legs or gets around with the help of his wheelchair.

Dobby has already lost so much, but he hasn’t lost his spirit. He is a resilient, affectionate, wonderfully goofy little dog who deserves a future filled with stability, comfort, and unconditional love.

After everything he has been through, we’re determined to make sure the next chapter of Dobby’s life is his very best one.

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Dobby is currently being fostered in Colorado.

Rocky Mountain Dachshund Rescue (RMDR) has foster families in Colorado, Nevada, Utah, Montana, and Wyoming. Please check the dog’s location before your apply to adopt them. You will need to pick them up. RMDR DOES NOT TRANSPORT THE DOG TO YOU or transport them across state lines.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture requires that all dogs entering PACFA-licensed facilities have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued by an accredited veterinarian within 30 days of entry. Dogs over three months of age must also have proof of a current rabies vaccination, including the vaccination date, manufacturer, and serial number listed on the CVI. Puppies must receive parvovirus and distemper vaccinations at least 14 days before entry.

These PACFA requirements may affect the adoption fee. For questions, please email us at contact@rmdr.org.

At RMDR, adoptions are not first-come, first-served—we carefully place each dog in the home that best fits their needs. Applications are usually reviewed within 48 hours. Every RMDR dog is spayed/neutered, microchipped, and current on vaccinations.

If you’d like to be considered, please start our online adoption application here: https://rockymountaindachshundrescue.com/adopt

The dachshund is a small dog breed known for its long body, short legs, and distinctive appearance. Originally bred for hunting badgers, these playful and loyal dogs make loving companions for families. Dachshunds come in three coat varieties smooth, wirehaired, and longhaired each with its own unique charm. Despite their size, dachshunds are bold and courageous, with a curious nature that can sometimes lead to mischief. Their endearing personality and adaptability make them popular pets worldwide.