Dachshund Rescue NW brings hope to dogs

Just on the outskirts of Airway Heights, there is a facility called Dachshund Rescue NW that has been operating since 1991. But it isn't like any other kind of place, as it is operated by volunteer Margo Mossburg at her own farm and she rescues a specific kind of breed.

"I started this because too many were being put down," Mossburg said. "I grew up with the breed and I decided to rescue them."

It took about 10 years to prove to other outlets that Mossburg was running a real rescue and not just a hobby. She now works with Spokanimal and they give her dachshunds that usually don't do well inside their shelter.

"For the first few years they would bet that we couldn't retrain the biters," Mossburg said. "But if you take enough time with them and socialize with the right people, they will turn out fine. After a while, they stopped betting against me."

Most of the dogs that come through Dachshund Rescue NW come directly from the former owners of the dogs or from referrals. Recently, Mossburg even saved a pair of dachshunds that were left in the George, Wash. area and has them healthy and thriving.

She also takes in mixes of dachshunds along with the purebreds. But she also helps in different ways with other breeds as she uses social media to get dogs to the right people. Most recently with her connections, she helped a husky mix get back home.

The rescue saves an average of 150 dogs a year with their personal-best record of 157 in 2016. As of April 10, there had already been 55 dogs placed in homes.

When Mossburg receives a dog, she spays and neuters them. She also doesn't accept puppies.

"We don't increase the population," Mossburg said. "We save lives. We just take in the dogs and home them. The rescue is quality instead of quantity."

Due to those bills, the adoption fees for a new dachshund starts at $150 and prospects have to go through paperwork to make sure that the dog is being sent to the right home. Mossburg has a guarantee as well that if the relationship between the dog and the person isn't working, she will take it back to place it in a better home.

"The breed is pushy," Mossburg said. "So you have to be in charge. I make sure they are the right people for the right dogs."

Finding a home for the dogs isn't the only thing that Mossburg does. She will have open houses for people to come visit with the animals and also stages dog races. She is featured in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in downtown Spokane as well.

"Meeting people is my favorite part of this whole thing," Mossburg said.

If interested, people can start the application process by visiting rescue's website at http://www.spokanewienerdogs.org.

Grace Pohl can be reached at grace@cheneyfreepress.com.