The Promised Land Dachshund Sanctuary

08/05/2025

Howdy Team Trooper. I’m so sorry we weren’t able to live stream Daddy’s memorial service on Friday. I’m going to post some of it that we were able to capture and make available to you. I know many of you are grieving with us. This is the video played at the beginning of the memorial. The song was one of his favorites. 🤍

Please read the words said about him in his obituary (in the description of the video and below). He was an intense man, but he brought endless laughter and joy with him as well. He wanted us to celebrate the life he lived. And he wanted us to keep helping dogs who need us. 🤍

Remembering Rick Eicher

Dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, mentor, and friend, Richard (Rick) Allen Eicher I, took his first heavenly breath on July 29, 2025. He passed peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, endlessly cared for by his best friend and wife of more than fifty years, Connie Jean Hinson Eicher (and snuggling his shadow, a chihuahua named Beth). Rick and Connie's house, constantly filled with the many sounds of beloved rescue dogs, grew still and quiet at his passing. His time on earth is done; his mark on this world remains.

Rick was born in Roswell, NM on September 12, 1952. He became an educated man of many talents - he spent years in the oil field, farming pecans, and fabricating metal. He loved old cars and fixing up engines, building things and achieving the impossible. Breaking bricks with his fist in Tae Kwon Do was a favorite pastime. His retirement years were spent working with dogs - both at his final entrepreneurial venture, Gardendale Country Kennel, and at his true life's work, The Promised Land Dachshund Sanctuary. Rick could rehab a wild bobcat cub, enthrall an injured fledgling, or tame the wildest critters, but nothing demonstrated his gift with animals quite like his work with dogs. The most traumatized canines - those others gave up on because they were too broken to fix - those were "Rick's dogs." Whether it took hours or weeks, each of them fell under his spell. They'd learn to trust. To love. To live.

He wasn't quiet. He wasn't subtle. His presence was felt, seen, and heard. Rick lived with intensity laced with jest. He spoke his mind, but he also made all those around him laugh. His years were sprinkled with stories of mentoring young men to work hard and never give up. Tell him he couldn't do something, and that was his next action. We grieve because we don't get to tag along on his greatest adventure.

Rick is preceded in heaven by his father and mother, Tharen Howard (Ike) Eicher and Thelma Louise (Tiny) Akin Eicher, as well as his oldest daughter, Monica Eicher, his youngest sister, Kathy Eicher, and more beloved animals than we can count, notably each of his six "Christy" dogs. He is survived by his wife Connie; his son Richard Allen Eicher II, daughter-in-law, Jennifer, and their three children and one grandchild; his daughter Jessica Jean Eicher Smith, her husband William (Billy), and their children: Samuel, Sapphire, Hunter, and Katherine; siblings Mike and wife Sharon, Dana and husband Ronnie, Paula, Monte and wife Suzanne, sister-in-law Nancy, and several generations of beloved nieces and nephews who enjoyed unending laughter alongside their mischievous "Uncle Rick." We are all part of his story, and his story lives on in us. We celebrate this man because it seems ungrateful to do anything less.

The memorial service will take place on Friday, August 1 at 2pm, with Pastor David Newton officiating, at Crossroads Church: 6901 East State Hwy 191, Odessa, TX 79762.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Promised Land Dachshund Sanctuary:
• PayPal: paypal.me/promisedland
• Zelle: (936) 285-6191
• Cash App: $PLDSTexas
• Mail: PO Box 150, Shiro, TX 77876

Dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, mentor, and friend, Richard (Rick) Allen Eicher I, took his first heavenly breath on July...

08/03/2025

PUPS ON THE MOVE!

Many thanks to Sarah, Christine, and Tammy for transporting these two angels to Trooper’s Dream on a Sunday.

08/03/2025

Looking for help from Plainview to DFW area to rescue Jetrmiah’s dog, Sam. Jeremiah had to abruptly move and was unable to bring his Sam.
Any help from Plainville TOWARD DFW would help (Vernon, Abilene, Weatherford). Sam is a golden mix, 2 years old and about 50 pounds. Unfortunately his shots were due in the Spring and are not up to date so paid transport is not an option.

Family is happy to cover gas costs. Please respond here if you can help. Thank you.

(Based on pics, he is an EASY RIDER)

08/01/2025

Hello, friends. We have joined forces with CUDDLY, an animal welfare fundraising platform, to raise funds for vetting the Roadside Seven and the Grateful Eight, together called the Crockett 15, whose stories you have been following since May.

In addition to fostering needs, their vet bills are estimated to approach $15,000. Read more here: https://cuddly.com/donate/4951465/the-crockett-15

Please share that link with your network. This will help us reach beyond our faithful community and invite others to join us in saying yes to new futures for this joyful, enthusiastic bunch.

We are so grateful to have you along for this mission, of saying yes to healing for the Crockett 15.

08/01/2025

Our apologies . We will not be able to stream Rick’s memorial service.

07/31/2025

🌟 FOSTER HOMES NEEDED 🌟
Sixteen dogs. One sanctuary. Open spaces in short supply.
Can you make room for one?

Despite our grief this week, the dogs still need our help. The need for foster homes is increasingly pressing, along with a new fundraiser that will go live tomorrow.

We’re looking for a dozen foster homes right now, to help some very special dogs get their next chance, and to give Crystal and the on-site caregivers a little more bandwidth for our other residents.

🐶 The Puppies:
We’ve got 8 right now, and they need to grow up with lots of hands-on attention.

Dachshund Mix Puddles is ready to fly solo and would love a cozy lap. About three months old.

Puddles' siblings Disco & Wishbone are a cuddly duo that stick together like peanut butter and jelly. About three months old.

The larger-breed Shoebox Puppies are also ready to start their next chapter. All dark and tan. We think they will be best fostered two by two. About six weeks old.

🐾 The Enthusiastic Bunch (aka the Grateful 8):
Eight one-year-old dachshund-ish pups who’ve never lived in a proper home.

These adorable pups are intense as a pack, but respond well when separated, so they can learn manners and loving relationship with people. Each will go to a separate home.

Some are black, some are white with spots. Some boys, some girls. All are energetic and have so much love to give. All are worth the time and attention to set them up for a great forever home.

🌻 Here’s what we need:

Foster homes within driving distance of Midland, or elsewhere in Texas if you’re ready to commit.

People with patience and calm energy, especially for the enthusiastic Grateful 8.

Dog-savvy homes for the pairs of pups.

A soft place to land for anyone ready to start over.

We provide support, vet care, and guidance. You provide love and a safe place to grow.

👉 Start by filling out our foster application:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd_zEZXk_SckHNO6Mf4fFkoGueok_hUvkKGz4CppiJx5E9xgg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=114431311288722035772

When you apply, let us know which group you’re interested in helping.

Let’s get these dogs out of survival mode and into homes where healing can begin.

They’re waiting. And we can’t do it without you.

07/31/2025

It’s hard to describe what his life was like in words, but this comes as close as anything. 🤍

** I believe there will be a livestream of the memorial service for those who cannot make it. I’ll post those details as soon as I have them.

Share Memories and Support the Family.

07/31/2025

For anyone wishing to pay their respects, and who resides nearby, services for Rick Eicher will be this Friday, August 1 at 2pm at Crossroads Church: 6901 East State Hwy 191 Odessa, TX. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to The Promised Land Dachshund Sanctuary to support the work Rick began and was so passionate about. Please continue to hold the Eicher family in your thoughts and prayers.

You can make a donation in any of the following ways:
- PayPal: paypal.me/promisedland
- Zelle: (936) 285-6191
- Cash App: $PLDSTexas
- Mail: PO Box 150, Shiro, TX 77876

07/30/2025

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our founder, Rick Eicher.

Rick was the kind of person you only meet once in a lifetime. A legend of a man who never stopped looking out for animals in need—not even when his own body was growing weaker. His heart beat strongest for the dogs who had been mistreated, forgotten, or simply needed someone to say “yes.”

Together with Connie, Rick built the foundation of what would become The Promised Land Dachshund Sanctuary. His work helped hundreds of dogs find safety, healing, and a place to call home. And along the way, he built something just as important: a community that believes in second chances, in everyday compassion, and in showing up for the most vulnerable.

Rick passed peacefully, surrounded by his family and dogs, especially one very faithful Beth, who stayed by his side to the end (and will likely follow soon).

We take comfort in imagining the homecoming on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. His precious Christies greeting him. So many dogs who knew his love—and so many more who knew only kindness because of him—waiting with tails wagging. And the smile that had to be on his face as he saw them and heard the words, "Well done." Jess said it best: it must have been a sight to behold.

We ask for your prayers and gentle thoughts for Connie, Jessica, and the entire Eicher family in the days ahead. We'll share information about services soon, including how to honor Rick’s legacy if you wish to do so.

Rest easy, Rick. Your love changed the world.

07/30/2025

***MODEL MAYHEM*** 📸 🐾

Our annual calendar contest is in full swing, and we're on the hunt for the most paw-some pup pics! We know there are many budding models out there itching to be featured in the PLDS calendar!! 🤩

⏰ The sooner you upload your photo, the sooner people can start voting on it!! Voting ends on August 31st.

As a reminder, the top 14 pics with the most votes will score a spot in the 2026 PLDS calendar. You may select a day when you want to honor your fur baby (for only $8) to ensure that he or she is featured!

Go here for all details:
https://www.gogophotocontest.com/pldscalendar2026

Your participation in this contest helps us cover veterinary costs, food, and other regular needs for our rescues. Snag your calendar for only $25.

So ... what are you waiting for? Get those pics. in, go vote, and pre-order your calendar today!!

Please help us promote this year’s contest by sharing this post. 😃

07/29/2025

Please SHARE: Likes do not help with Facebooks algorithm . Thank you.

Meet Riley. Through some vagaries of fate, Riley needs a new home. He is about ten years old and weighs 14 pounds. Riley is a wire-haired Dachshund. He gets along with other dogs and cats. He is SE of Ft Worth in Granbury. He is a pleasant little man! He will need heart meds as he has a murmur.

Please indicate interest below, noting whether you have adopted or applied for adoption before.

A reminder: Facebook prioritizes out posts based only on Comments and Shares. Likes and loves are nice but don’t spread the message.

07/23/2025

🌈 In Loving Memory of Midgie
We said goodbye to someone we loved.

Midgie passed away on July 8, surrounded by love and held by his person, Haylee. Though his little body gave out, his big personality will never be forgotten.

Midgie came to us last August as part of the “Grapeland Five,” a group of senior dogs (including Tiny Tot, Bubbie, Little Red, and Big Red) whose owner had lost quite a lot and wanted to make sure her beloved dogs would be safe. From day one, Midgie made his presence known. He was tiny, but mighty. Grumpy, but only in the way that made you love him more.

He stayed with Jessica the first few days, where Sam quickly bonded with him. Later, Midgie moved to the Sanctuary and eventually became a medical foster with Haylee. But as we already know, their connection was deeper than that. Earlier this year, it became official: Haylee adopted him and brought him with her to start a new life in Corpus Christi.

We shared that happy news just a few weeks ago, celebrating his sun-soaked porch days, pup cups, shopping sprees, and wardrobe full of outfits. “He loves wearing clothes,” Haylee told us, “even when he’s being grumpy.”

Midgie’s life was full of love and care, just as every dog deserves. When he passed, Haylee and her family buried him with all his favorite things. Her niece insisted they pray for him at the gravesite, certain he is now running healthy and free in heaven.

As Haylee wrote, “The house is a little too quiet without him tip-toeing around.”
And we feel that quiet too.

Midgie, thank you for reminding us that some of the smallest dogs leave the biggest holes behind.

You were loved. You are missed. You were truly home.

If you'd like to honor Midgie’s memory, consider a gift to support other senior dogs who are waiting for their person:
🔗 PayPal.me/promisedland

More about Midgie:
July 2, 2025 Happy Adoption Pupdate: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/171X1uDxNx/
June 14, 2024 Adoption Announcement: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Q7pBQe6nN/
February 5, 2025 Foster Announcement: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GvSSgWSHN/
October 1, 2024 Too Cute Tuesday: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19qGcJa6Vw/

Grapeland Five Intake:
August 15, 2024: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ASoXPmV38/
August 17, 2024: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1C24xKxwvk/
August 18, 2024: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ZQkWg9FWJ/