Long, long ago and far away in Southern California, my Aunt Vernetta had a neighbor who owned a young small dachshund. Over time, Vernetta became aware that the little dog was being neglected. The poor little thing would come and eat the dirt where she had dumped bacon grease. Upon this discovery Vernetta approached her neighbor and asked if she could have the little dog. The neighbor's response was, "Oh no, we love that little dog."

Eventually it became quite clear that the dog was literally starving to death. Aunt Vernetta's loving heart overcame any fear of being caught, and a plan was hatched to dognap the unfortunate pooch and whisk it off to my parents' home twenty miles away.

The day came, the deed was done and Greta came to live with us. She was so malnourished that her coat was yellow and straw-like and just fell out when I tried to pet her. As you might imagine, the tiny dog was scared to death of even her shadow. After five days I was the only person who could get close to her and we became inseparable. I was nine years old at the time.

Now I seriously doubt that, other than this dognapping, Aunt Vernetta ever did an illegal thing in her life. But that is not the end of my story. What I really want you to know is what that risky act of love and the resulting relationship between me and a pitiful little dog has resulted in.

Greta and I had many years together. She saw me into my young adulthood. I have had Dachshunds all my life – never without one. In my later adult life I became a breeder of loving and healthy Dachshund puppies. As my only breeders were my house guests, this hobby did not last long. I retired my girls and settled down to a life with six fur kids and a grumpy husband.

This lifestyle was not enough, so I joined a Dachshund chat list on the internet. I soon became aware that back East, they had what they called "Barks in the Parks" which were Dachsie picnic gatherings. It didn't take long for me to become envious of all the fun people were having with their fur kids. I needed more Dachsie fixes.

In 1999 I held our first Pacific NW Dachshund Picnic in Hazel Dell Park in Vancouver, Washington. Proceeds from that event were forwarded on to Dachshund Rescue groups. After five years of struggling to put on this event with only a handful of volunteers, we have finally been able to form a nonprofit organization which we have named Dachshund Outreach Group. Our doors are open to any volunteers in the Vancouver/Portland area who would like to help our beloved breed.

All of this exists because dear, sweet Aunt Vernetta followed her heart. Her legacy continues on in Dachshund rescues every day. And that is the wonderful end to a story which began long, long ago.