Billy the Dachshund was adopted on March 6th, 2007 from the Kentucky Dachshund Rescue.

Weighing 17lbs he packed as much ferocity as 'lovins' and sparked a smile on everyone's face. While proof was required to quell the doubters, Billy was an adept swimmer and loved canoeing during the Kentucky summers. Billy came to love his feline sibling, Miss Cleo, and she even came to tolerate him after he figured out that dogs and cats play differently.

Billy was a cute dog. His admirers beloved his distinct shape and it was a popular subject while talking with neighbors. Once he got to know you he would treat you to his more humorous side. When you walked through the door he would burst into excitement, standing on his back legs waving his little stubby paw almost as if he was trying to give you a high five. He would even pull his lips back showing his teeth in a gesture that was unmistakeably a smile (something that I've never seen in a dog before). Billy slept like human, sprawled out, belly up and tucked under the covers with his head laying on a pillow. He was even a fast learner. He learned to play nicely with the cat, roll over, share his toys and was even learning how to be nicer to strangers (you may have experienced the 'wild' Billy the first time you met him).

Tragically Billy's life ended when he suffered a back injury, something all too common in the breed. We're not sure exactly what happened but speculate that he jumped from the couch and landed in a way that put too much pressure on his spinal column. Life would have been miserable for Billy and after exploring all the options we knew what had to be done.

Billy brought so much joy into mine and Chrissie's lives. Its still emotional to think about his departure but there are so many happy memories that its not long before you start laughing and smiling again. Thanks Billy for all the ways in which you've enriched us, we will never forget you.