About Us

Alicia Duval is a Tampa native who has been involved with DARE since 2007 when she found DARE through mutual friends after the passing of her beloved doxie of almost 15 years,Gator. She started out as a volunteer for transports and fundraising. Alicia decided to become a member and then a foster home in 2010 and was later asked to become 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. It is now considered THE Doxie Event in Florida each year and it is attended by over 1,000 people annually. 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 and is owned by multiple fur children, one of whom is a social media celebrity as well as being a DARE ambassador. Forrest even promotes himself as a "Celebrity-Entertainer". Gumps antics have gardened him worldwide attention, loyal fans, and even his own personal legal council. (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, as well as fundraising to make the public aware of DARE and its mission, which is to save Dachshund and Dachshund mixes in need.

If there is any part of you that wants to help DARE you are encouraged to reach out to us via our website. Volunteering all starts with just one small step, one small offer to help, and one big heart.

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's involvement with DARE began in 2007, when she went to a DARE adoption event to help her mother-in-law pick out her first dachshund. Her mother-in-law was so worried about how she would know the "right" one for her. When she sat down, one particular doxie came up to her and jumped up in her lap. She would place him down on the ground but he kept coming back; so she said, "Well I guess he picked me." At that same event, Pat had the chance to meet others who were with the DARE rescue group and hear their stories. It sounded easy enough to help so Pat and her family got involved. Initially, she and her family volunteered with transporting, fundraising, and working events. Then in later dates, Pat went on to foster rescued Dachshunds, and ultimately joined DARE's Board of Directors. Professionally, Pat has been a banker for over 35 years, with her current position being an SVP at a local community bank. Pat says, "I love being able to help with the rescue and adoption of the dogs. I also enjoy shopping for doxie items that I can donate for the e-bay site I have become a doxie shopping fanatic. We have so many people that donate really great items, and finding those great deals to donate can become an obsession." (Just ask her husband.) In Pat's "spare" time, she enjoys reading, crafting, and Florida beaches! She believes DARE is a great organization and does great work. Pat says, "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.