As many of you may know, we were blessed to share a part of our lives with Sizzle, a fun loving, affectionate black & tan miniature dachshund.

Sadly, literally overnight she was struck down with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), a neurological spinal condition that affects various breeds of dog, most commonly those with a longer back and short legs of which the dachshund is particularly known for.

Despite the best efforts of some wonderful vets and our 4 times/day physio sessions with her, she remained a grade 5 warrior and her back legs were paralysed.

Dedicated to Dachshunds with IVDD (charity number 1199050) are a small charity based on South Wales that specialise in providing help and support and the loan of equipment, such as strollers, pens, bellybands, drag bags and wheels to dogs affected by IVDD, or have heart and mobility issues which enable them to set get out and about, be part of their family and enjoy a good quality of life.

Sizzle loved going for walks in her stroller - especially in the winter and in the rain when she could snuggle under the blankets to keep warm and dry! She was still able to join in some of the local dachshund walks and be one of the gang, have trips to the beach and go on holiday.

Tragically 5 months after being diagnosed with IVDD, Sizzle developed an unrelated illness which led to septic peritonitis and heartbreakingly for us, she had to be put to sleep. She was only 3 1/2 years old.

In her memory we are trying to raise funds for Dedicated to Dachshunds with IVDD and taking on a couple of challenges this July.

Richard - 5th July The Fan Dance. A grueling 24km SAS Selection Test March (for civilians) in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), over Pen y Fan, Jacobs Ladder, the old Roman Road and back again - all with a 25lb loaded Bergen (plus compulsory food and drink of approximately a further 10lb. For those that know this area, you'll appreciate how hilly and uneven the terrain is, but carrying this weight takes the challenge to another level.

Rhona - 19th/20th July Ultra Challenge Gower Peninsula. A 100km walk over 2 days from Penrice Castle taking in The Mumbles, Gowerton, Oxwich Bay and Rhossili Bay. Fortunately no significant weight to carry, but still a long way to walk and over 2,200m of ascent.

If anyone would like to sponsor us for our challenge we would be so grateful and it will spur us on to know we are helping a future generation of dachshunds and other breeds.

Thank you

Richard & Rhona