Daisy Mae was one of 45 Dachshunds rescued from a filthy puppy mill. When Lynn and her son, Owen, met Daisy it was love at first sight. They adopted her and she remained a valued family member until her passing 14 years later.
Daisy arrived with a few special ‘quirks’. Her traumatic first year of life, in a puppy mill cage, caused her to be gripped with separation anxiety. While Lynn was at work, Daisy’s
forlorn wailing, which resembled an ambulance siren, led Lynn to arrange for a friend to puppy-sit. In time, at Lynn’s loving home, Daisy learned to trust and feel secure.
Lynn knew better than leaving Daisy in the car with groceries. In a few brief minutes the creative canine was busy ‘breaking bread’ and devouring an entire loaf. Daisy loved fresh produce just like Lynn, a devout vegan. Daisy’s favorites were green ‘beanies’, ‘cukiecumbers’ and ‘nana slices’. Each
morning Daisy and Lynn started their day by sharing a glass of wheatgrass juice.
Daisy had a ‘thing’ about postal workers and the door’s mail slot. When she heard the postal worker, she stood on her hind legs, by the mail slot, at attention.
“Daisy attacked mail before it hit the ground,” laughed Lynn. “She’d shred the junk mail and leave important correspondence in an undestroyed heap. Once the day’s shredding was complete and the mailman had been scared back to his
truck, she relaxed until the next day’s delivery.”
Daisy was gifted a cloth newspaper that fit in the slot; so she would not have to wait 24 hours for this fun activity. She passionately attacked the toy with as much gusto as real mail when it dropped through the mail slot.
Lynn’s devotion to Daisy knew no bounds. Once, when Daisy was ill, Lynn canceled a nonrefundable trip to Texas to stay home and nurse her.
“In her youth, as
Daisy ran, her long Dash-hound ears flew in the wind behind her like the flying nun,” remembered Lynn. “She was a natural caregiver and a registered service animal. At a Doxie Halloweenie party, she wore a Red Cross nurse outfit and won first prize for Cutest Costume.
Daisy loved family outings including boating, hiking and camping. In later years, age and ailments did not interfere with her outings. Daisy continued to log many fun adventures in her special backpack and bike trailer. Daisy
also loved long stroller walks and other carriage outings.”
When the two of them toured Portland’s Art Museum; nobody thought it was a problem that a dog was enjoying the art museum. Early Christian paintings were Daisy’s favorite.
Daisy was an honorary staff member and mascot at the crisis call center where Lynn works. Her security badge read, “County Canine Manager”. One year, the staff sang Happy Birthday to her and shared a blueberry pie - much to her
delight.
Being adopted by Lynn was Daisy’s lucky break. Her emotional and health needs were attended to with a special diet, and chiropractic and acupuncture appointments. She enjoyed classical music, watching Heartland, road trips, going to the library, dining out and annual birthday celebrations.
“Daisy was a hard worker,” said Lynn. “She cleaned every drop of food off of the floor and paw-formed various security duties. She growled and barked at
attendants putting gas in the car. She was proud when she scared them off (after they were done putting in the gas).
Daisy was an opportunist. Once, Owen left his plate of enchiladas on the coffee table to get a drink. When he returned his now empty plate was under the table. Daisy only had time to scarf down one enchilada before running to hide. The other enchilada was located in her bed.”
Owen’s friend, Ailem, joked about Lynn’s devotion to Daisy. At
Owen’s 17th birthday gathering, Ailem asked, “Why does Daisy get homemade birthday cakes and Owen gets frozen treats?” Ailem also speculated that all of Lynn’s computer passwords involved ‘Daisy’.
Daisy’s life touched the hearts and lives of many. Other than gas station attendants.