About Us
Dachshund Adoption Rescue and Education, Inc. (DARE) mission is to increase public awareness through education against animal cruelty, related issues, and overpopulation while rescuing and re-homing displaced and unwanted dachshunds and dachshund mix dogs in the state of Florida.
We do this by:
1. Rescuing and socializing abandoned, neglected, abused, orphaned, and/or surrendered dachshunds and dachshund mixes by providing temporary safe shelter and medical/dental treatments as needed.
2. Procuring temporary foster homes and permanent new homes for rescued dachshunds that will provide a safe and nurturing home environment.
3. Ensuring no dachshund shall be adopted for the purposes of breeding or scientific/medical experimentation.
4. Providing education to the public on the dachshund breed, puppy mills, and responsible pet guardianship including, but not limited to, humane animal care and spay/neuter practices.
5. Displaying courtesy, respect, and fellowship toward all volunteers in appreciation of services and support rendered to dachshund rescue and to promoting enhanced teamwork among all rescuers.
Alicia Duval, President
2014- Present
Alicia Duval is a Tampa native who has been with DARE since 2007 when she started out as a volunteer for transports and fundraising. Alicia became a member, then a foster home and was later asked to serve as the Fundraising and Volunteer Coordinator. In that role Alicia took our annual fundraiser Dox-a-Palooza (Doxapalooza.org) which is always the first Saturday in November to new heights. Doxapalooza is considered to be the dachshund event of the year in Florida and is attended by over 1,000 people annually from in and out of Florida. Alicia was elected to Vice President in 2013 and has served as President since 2014.Alicia’s passion for DARE and the success of the rescue as an organization is matched only by her love of the dogs.
Alicia lives in Tampa with her wife Lena and they are owned by multiple fur children, one of whom is a social media celebrity as well as being a DARE ambassador. Forrest Gump Duval even promotes himself as a “Celebrity-Entertainer”. Gumps antics have gardened him worldwide attention, loyal fans, and even his own personal legal counsel.(Yes he is a legend, even if only in his own mind.)
Alicia’s main goal as President is to focus on building a network of quality foster homes in all parts of Florida, maintaining healthy and happy fosters, educating the public about rescue; the dachshund breed and fundraising to make the public aware of DARE and its mission, which is to save Dachshund and Dachshund mixes in need within Florida.
If there is any part of you that wants to help DARE you are encouraged to reach out to us via our website. Volunteering starts with just one small step, one small offer to help, and one big heart.
Heather Honer, Vice President
2023 – Present
Heather Honer has called Tampa home since the age of 6. Her journey into the world of animal welfare began in 2008 when she fell head over heels for dachshunds after adopting her first fur baby, Mocha. Little did she know, this newfound love would shape her life in more ways than one.
Heather’s commitment to the well-being of dogs led her to become actively involved with DARE in 2008. It was through her dedication to this cause that she crossed paths with her now-husband, Mike Honer. Together, they have been the fortunate parents to over seven dachshunds, creating a lively and wagging household. Professionally, Heather has a diverse background spanning product management, marketing, market research, and event planning.
In 2023, Heather took her commitment to DARE to the next level by volunteering her time and skills to help maintain the DARE website. Her dedication did not stop there; she also took charge as a co-chair for Dox-A-Palooza where her innate passion for organizing and executing events became evident. Her exceptional leadership, knack for getting things done, and, of course, her love for doxies led to her becoming the Vice President of DARE later in 2023.
Heather is an example of how a deep passion for a cause, coupled with professional expertise, can create a meaningful impact. Her journey from a devoted dog parent to the Vice President of DARE reflects not only her love for dachshunds but also her commitment to making a difference in the lives of animals and those who cherish them.
Pat Duval, Treasurer
2014- Present
Pat has been with DARE since in 2007 and joined DARE’s Board of Directors in 2014. Professionally, Pat was a banker for over 35 years, with her last position being an SVP at a local community bank. Now that she is retired Pat spends most of her time with her grandsons, granddogs and volunteering for DARE.
When asked how others can help? Pat said “as I get older I help from behind the keyboard more and more but there is a role for everyone if you have the commitment to helping these dogs. Each dachshund has a story and being a part of that is rewarding. I believe everyone can help DARE continue its mission; it’s just a matter of finding out which niche is for you and letting that passion take off.”