Happy Tail Dachshund Rescue
Happy Tails Dachshund Rescue (HTDR) is a volunteer-powered rescue in Arizona, dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming dachshunds and dachshund mixes. Since 2011, our mission has been to give at-risk dachshunds a second chance—whether they’re coming from shelters, neglectful situations, or owner surrenders.
Every dog in our care receives medical care and is placed in a loving foster home. We take the time to get to know each dog’s personality and needs before matching them with an adoptive family. Our thorough adoption process includes home checks, reference reviews, and post-adoption support to ensure a successful, lifelong placement.
HTDR is entirely run by dedicated volunteers—there are no paid staff or executive salaries—so every donation directly supports the care of our dogs. We also work to educate the community on responsible pet ownership and the importance of rescue.
Whether you're looking to adopt, foster, donate, or volunteer, we invite you to join us in making a difference for these wonderful little dogs with big hearts.
Founders - Dennis and Mary Larson
Dennis and Mary Larson are the devoted founders of Happy Tails Dachshund Rescue, a labor of love they launched in 2011 to give dachshunds in need a second chance at life. What began as a small, heartfelt effort has grown into a trusted rescue serving communities throughout the state of Arizona—all thanks to their vision, dedication, and compassion.
Together, Dennis and Mary have poured their time, energy, and hearts into building a rescue that prioritizes quality care and thoughtful placement. Every dog that comes through Happy Tails receives medical treatment, foster care, and a carefully matched forever home. The Larsons lead by example, volunteering their time and ensuring that every donation supports the dogs directly—there are no salaries, no shortcuts, just genuine commitment.
Their hands-on approach and unwavering mission have helped place hundreds of dachshunds in loving homes and earned Happy Tails a reputation for integrity, kindness, and community connection. Whether they were coordinating fosters, working adoption events, or simply cuddling a pup in need, Dennis and Mary are the heart and soul of the Happy Tails family.
Susan Vaughn
We greatly appreciate all our volunteers and want to recognize a volunteer that has been a part of Happy Tails Dachshund Rescue from inception. From day one, she played a vital support role in the rescue: opening her home to countless foster dogs, guiding adopters through the process with care and compassion, and rolling up her sleeves to organize fundraisers that kept our rescue mission moving forward.
Her deep love for dachshunds and unwavering commitment to their wellbeing has made her an invaluable part of our team. Whether she was recruiting fosters, doing home checks, or greeting potential adopters at an event, Susan always led with heart, humility, and a whole lot of dachshund devotion. We have been incredibly lucky to have her as part of the Happy Tails family.
