Meet Duchess: Cuddle Bug

Every week, Midtown Patch visits an area shelter and highlights the story of an adoptable animal that might otherwise get overlooked.

Duchess was found wandering around in mid-March and brought into the Gwinnett County Animal Control as a stray. Usually, in such cases, the hope is that the owner will come forward to claim the lost animal.

Nobody showed up for Duchess. If someone had come in, Gwinnett County probably would have charged the person with animal cruelty. Instead, she got sent to Atlanta Pet Rescue and Adoption in Midtown.

When the 4-year-old dachshund arrived, she was still so emaciated that every vertabra in her back and tail stuck out like a little marble underneath her skin. Because she didn't have enough muscle or fat to cushion her bones, she'd developed raw pressure sores on her behind and tail. Flies had chewed a lacy edge on her flappy ears.

Cathy Roth, shelter manager, guesses that Duchess was kept outdoors and neglected, then abandoned. The dog had rubbed off the hair on her nose and developed a white calloused patch, probably by repeatedly rubbing it against a metal cage or fence.

But things are looking up for Duchess. She's been eating heartily -- Red Bandanna dog food twice a day, as much as she wants -- and fattening up quickly.

"Her sores are healing up. She looks fantastic. She's got a completely clean bill of health," said Roth.

Duchess is spayed, up-to-date on shots and available for adoption. Her fee is $250. She'd do well in a home where she can be around people a lot since she's a real "people-watcher," Roth said, and always jumps up to investigate and greet visitors at the shelter.

Don't be deceived by Duchess' stubby little dachshund legs and hot-dog body. She loves walks and is athletic.

"Dachshunds are bred to be hunting dogs. They have a lot of stamina. Dachshunds love to go for a walk," said Roth.

But she's also happy just flopping out in front of the TV or sunning herself.

"She's very friendly. She's a cuddle bug, a great friend for cuddling."

Remember , the loveable pit bull mix found in Midtown in late January? He's still looking for a permanent home! Deedra Hemphill, his foster, reports that he's doing well: "Loves people. Loves Midtown. Loves cuddling on the bed at night in his sleep. Good news is his 'puppy-mares' seem to have ceased altogether and now you can even catch him wagging his tail in his sleep. So cute! When I'm home working, he decides when I've worked too long and climbs into my lap."