My friend Mary's last dachshund was treated for back problems; it cost her over USD2,000 but you DON'T just chuck responsibility. His name was Corny (Cornelius) and he was a very giving dog -- he developed a stomach cancer, but put up with the Vet School at Purdue University working him over to see if various treatments might help other dogs in the future.

Her current dog, Huey, was raised for his first year to be a show dog. We believe it nearly abusive -- Huey will only sleep in his crate, for example.

Dachshunds are pretty danged good dogs, all in all.