Dachshunds- The gift that just keeps giving!

Merry Christmas from Sandie, Spaatz, Peaches and Foozie

Dachshund's truly are the gift that just keeps giving. They truly have been my support staff as I try to get everything done for Christmas. Their devotion is unwavering and bountiful, and no matter what they keep me laughing every day. Mind you it's not all fun and games. I went to the back door to let the dogs in the other day a caught Peaches and Sandie killing a bird. You wouldn't think a height challenged dog could do such a thing, but here I am yelling to Peachy and she looks up to me with feathers in her mouth. But day after day they're  here by my side, keeping me sane while I try to get holiday projects done. There is humor too. You may have seen Dinnertime with Foozeball .Well the other morning it was still a bit dark and Fooze was doing his spinning routine as usual, but this time he wasn't watching where he was going and he crashed into a pair of my husbands boots and wiped out. You probably have to be there , but for me, it was hysterical. Almost 8 years of watching this dog spin around like a top for his meals and he crashes.
We'd like to wish you and yours the very Happiest of Holidays and a prosperous new year.

Is it Christmas yet?

Thanksgiving with 8 Dachshunds

Last week we went to Florida to see our kids and mother in law for Thanksgiving. That meant that there had to be the great convergence. Of dachshunds that is. My 4 and my daughter's 4. I know, it's like a sickness. Unfortunately I failed to get the"portrait" of them. Just went into relax mode after dinner.  I do have a little video of them cleaning up the carving platter after the bird had been stowed. You may note there are only 7 dachshund here. Little Olivia, a rescue, sometimes misses out on events because she is very shy and prefers to keep her feet on a rug not tile.

 There was a lot of barking as one would expect at first, then they settled in. Six of them have met previously. Love to run a muck in grandma's backyard, after a lizard or two, maybe a squirrel. A couple years ago we had a Christmas dinner at my mom's house in Sarasota, and after dinner we had enough dachshunds for everyone to hold on their lap. Isn't nice when you have enough for everybody? No one has to feel left out, including the dachshunds.

The Fig Newton Incident

Peaches the bear

We went to Florida for Thanksgiving. We drove down, roughly a 2500 mile round trip with 4 dachshunds. That may sound crazy, but we don't have teenagers at home to watch them because they don't want to go places with us. Now we have to drive long distances to see our twenty something children. So we try to make it in two days. First day went real well until the hotel we were planning to stay at had changed their pet policy last June. Then we were trying to find one that would without charging 25 dollars a dog or limiting the number of dogs. We found a place, but didn't get precise about the number of dogs we had. They were good, only one woof out of all of them (Fooze) and no accidents. However the next morning we had the Fig Newton incident. We left pretty early, planning to stop for breakfast, (no buffet available). I had wanted to go to McDonald's so we didn't have to get out of the car. Missed the exit, next exit few options. Okay, let's go to the Waffle House, it'll be quick. I could write a whole story about how screwed up breakfast was, but I'll get to the point.

Road Ready

 I was going back to the car with a piece of bacon when I quickly realized something was amiss. Miss Peaches had gotten into the sealed container we had snacks in, and she had taken out an almost full package of Fig Newton's and consumed them. I'm not sure that the other dogs got any. She's not one to share such booty. Besides that Sandie was in the front seat and both the boys were in the way back making like they had no part of this situation. Needless to say no one got any bacon. I cleaned up  the wrappers and crumbs, some scolding went on and we went on our way. Peachy kinda laid there like a beached whale for most of the day, but I know she would do it again in a heart beat. We have decided we need a bear proof metal box to keep our snacks in because Peachy is a marauding bear when it comes to anything edible in the car.

Drabble knows his dachshund- Wally

close to home

 Naturally Wally got up early because we turned the clocks back. Well, it's been the same thing here too. Spaatz and Foozie especially. I find myself kinda awake too because we're used to the dogs eating and going out and back to bed. So I'm awake, and my bladder is full, and there's a dachshund standing on me adding to the pressure. I'm not waiting any longer, their tummy alarm went off and I gotta go.

Eventually we'll all adjust to the new time. It never ceases to amaze how accurate their tummy clocks are to the minute. Like the other day I was in the kitchen making a cheesecake and they were just watching and waiting. Then all of the sudden Miss Peach comes up to me and gives me the look, and sure enough, it's 5 o'clock on the nose. This happens all the time, a body clock accurate to the minute.

HAPPY HALLOWIENER!!

So I had to do it. My daughter sent me a photo of the Hallowiener dog and it was pretty much a lock I would get one. I mean come on, I'm surrounded by dachshunds and all things dachshundy. Although  it's not worrisome like some collections I've seen.

Step aerobics not for dachshunds

I once knew a lady with a panda obsession. I'm talking thousands of them, an entire room devoted to them. There is a smattering of dachshund things about the house, but if you look around and always see one it's probably a real one.

Ole' blue eye

I thought the hallowiener was good because that was all the decorating I was going to do this year. I think it says it all for me. I also have a Christmas wiener too, it's a little bigger though. That will make it's way out after Thanksgiving.

Miss Peaches, dreaming of biscuits

Maybe someone will come up with a pilgrim themed dachshund for Thanksgiving, Then I could keep it going all through the fall and holiday season. Think about it, what other breed consistently pops up in holiday decorations? A generic dog maybe, but everyone knows the wienerdog

Sandiepoo getting a better view

So Happy Hallowiener everyone! I have to go now, I  have a wire haired dachshund in my lap and smoothie behind me in the chair, and I'm typing with one hand. My left hand. Ah, the life of a dachshund owner, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Dachshund Can't Navigate the Blankets?

A dachshund that isn't an absolute professional at infiltrating any sort of bedding or blankets? Well, it would have to be Sandie. She is my "not the sharpest tool in the shed" dachshund. When Sandie comes to get under the covers she stops short, not sure what she should do. Now with the other dogs I just lift the covers and they scoot underneath, heading to "their spot". Everyone has a spot. Foozer will sometimes take Peaches spot and that doesn't go over well. She will come back out of the covers and may make several attempts to get to her spot and doesn't  understand why he's still there. She eventually stuffs herself next to him. Spaatz likes to sleep with his head on my shoulder. Then there is Miss Sandie, she stops and I go to help her and she turns into a rag doll, unable to move on her own. This where I grab her and stuff her under the covers like that last item you stick in your suitcase as you run out the door. Then she might try to take Spaatz's place, also not happening. Eventually everyone settles down and all is well.

Professional Blanket Navigators

   

Early Signs of Dachshunds

I have mentioned before that my husband is the dog warden for our town for the last 14 years. Recently we picked up a dog and the owner didn't notice the dog was missing for over 24 hours. This was a smaller breed that spends time inside the house. This scenario I personally can't imagine. First of all if you have dachshunds there is a good chance that they sleep by your side. Second, even before you wake you may be acutely aware  of their presence. I may have a dog tucked under each arm, or sometimes when it's about time to get up it feels like someone is standing on me. Not a person of course,but I feel four, sometimes eight feet walking around or just standing, and you know your being stared at. This is just Spaatz and Foozie standing on me, hoping I'll get up. Not that there is much choice in the matter.

The other day, when I opened my eyes there was nothing but this big dark shape before me blocking my view of almost everything. What is this? The zombie apocalypse? No, how silly, but Spaatz was laying so his nose was a half inch from my eyeball. Ooh, a little early for the close encounters. Then there is always Miss Peachy who will not growl, but grumble I would say because it IS time for her to be patted, and she will complain until I comply. I usually just need for her to get closer to my hand so I can rub her scruffy head without actually getting up.  Once you get up, when you want to make the bed you may find you have some sizable lumps in it and you have to ask them to leave. Even then the lumps may return when your not looking. So not noticing the dog was missing, not possible. I feel oddly alone if there's not at least one dog in the room.                                  

Peachy the Mouser

Miss Peaches, the wire haired dachshund is known for her hunting abilities. She has taken down snakes, squirrels, chipmunks and tag teamed a woodchuck or two. Over the past weekend while staying with relatives, she earned her keep once again. Out in the Connecticut country we were staying with my husband's sister and her taller than average husband. We always have fun when we're together. Their home is a converted dairy barn. As one might imagine, it's fall, the mice are starting to move in.The same thing happens at my house. After being shown a place where a mouse had been previously removed Peach got on the case. Sniffing and snuffling around and letting it be known where the best place to look. A cabinet was moved and she ended up killing two mice and pointing out (with her nose) a nest, or mouse house as we call them, was also removed. Good job Peachy! Usually when we go there, she concentrates on critters out in the yard and has only managed to get extremely dirty. This time, in closed quarters she she came up aces and eliminated the vermin. With dachshunds, when they can't find a badger, anything that moves will do.

There was a lot of barking over the weekend, but all is quiet now.

  

DANGER- Tripping Hazard

Say it isn't so. Little Sandie, a tripping hazard. Well, as it happens, it is true. Now all dachshunds are a tripping hazard, but when when you are used to having them around it's not that big a deal. One tends to shuffle around so as to just push little doggies out of the way instead of tripping over them. This is especially a good idea when you have a bunch of them, there is a really good chance there is one of them in the path of your next step. Now my husband and I know that Sandie Poo isn't the sharpest tool in the shed. Unlike Spaatz who can actually have the thought process to be devious. Sandie is very sweet and a little dumb, but that's okay except when she actually decides to run between my feet when I am walking. I am not quite as graceful as I once was and this, well it's hazardous. She's nearly taken me down a few times. It's mainly when I ask the dogs if they would like to go out. Which is really a dumb question, unless it's raining. 

Anyway, they all start running for the back door, and on occasion Sandie will decide to run between my feet whilst I'm walking. Fortunately I haven't hit the ground yet, and trying to tell her not to do that. You know, Sandie, blah blah, blah blah blah. Got that? Good.

My moon and stars

All's Well in Dachshundville

Miss Peaches

In general it's been a great summer here in the Hudson Valley. Not nearly as hot and stinking humid as usual.
We did have an incident that did not leave the dogs unscathed. There is a lot of woods behind our house, so it's not unusual to see an assortment of woodland creatures. Of course the dogs really like this, it gives them a reason to bark and occasionally chase said creatures. A few weeks ago they cornered a woodchuck. Unfortunately this was a really big one, bigger than even Peaches.It was a crazy standoff with 4 dachshunds barking and howling and 1 big woodchuck not to be taken down by the likes of these guys. My husband was going to dispatch the critter, but a gun that would shoot a proper bullet was locked up and couldn't be retrieved with the urgency of the situation. Then as quickly as it started it was over. Mr Chuck had managed to get away and it was very quiet again. Head count, everyone to the house. Only three dogs. That's bad. I quickly got Spaatz, Fooze and Sandie in the house. Here we are freaking out calling Peachy again. It was probably only a couple minutes, but I hate that feeling. Then before my husband was going to excavate a chuck hole I saw her on the other side of the yard. We figure when the chuck ran she went after it. Then it's apparent she's been injured. I took her straight into the laundry sink to wash up, along with Sandie who had blood on her although no wounds herself. Peach had a bad tear from the side of where her nostril curls around the side of her nose. I thought that was the worst of it, but upon a vet exam she had several punctures in her chest, one went clear through the skin. They shaved her chest, no stitches, but I had to keep the wounds clean and give her antibiotics. Rabies update just in case. Well, I'm happy to say she is all better, a scar on the side of her nose. Spaatz got a couple of scratches on his neck, Fooze, one puncture between his nose and lip and Sandie apparently didn't get close enough. Mr Big Chuck has not been seen since, and I hope he wised up. He's not welcome in Dachshundville.

Unfortunately, they'd do it all again

Hounds of Awesomeness

Where ever I am 

They are.

Kitchen , bathroom

even the car

Lifting my spirits if they might be down

The Hounds of Awesomeness

are always around.

Four little dachshunds

here, by my side

for sleep, a walk

especially a ride.

A comedy team

Therapists Supreme

Hunters of vermin

like you never seen.

Ready for action

or maybe a nap.

A biscuit, or cheese

sugar peas that snap.

Snausages, yogurt,

did I mention the cheese?

These dachshunds of mine

are easy to please.

Devoted, 'tis true

Vigilant little crew

Knock on my door,

They'll be barking at you.

They'll bark and bark,

seems they can't get enough 

It's their job you see

to protect their people and stuff.

They may make you crazy.

They will make you laugh 

The Hounds of Awesomeness

Sure are a gas.

The ever awesome...
Foozie, Sandie,Spaatz,and Peachy

The Other Reason Dachshunds Have Short Legs

We all know that the dachshund was bred to hunt vermin down low and underground, which is why they are the low riders they are today. My theory is that they have developed the short legs to make the distance to the ground shorter. I have noticed when I go to pat my dogs that before my hand gets to their back they've

flopped down on their backs and are offering the belly for a good rub. So the real reason for the short legs is to prevent injury, whilst increasing the amount of belly rubs immeasurably. Then when you stop patting them they will stay in that position and give it a little wriggle that is an invitation for more of the same.

This tactic often works. It does with me anyway. They know how to work it. Eventually you have to get something done, but they will keep drawing you in with their cuteness that is hard to resist.

It's okay, you can justify it. I'm just lowering my blood pressure. It's almost like exercise. Yeah, that's it. Think of the health benefits. Just a few rubs makes you feel better and the dog happy too! It's all good. Now go out and find yourself a dachshund and reap those benefits that are there for the taking.

Hitchin' Up The Team

That's what we call getting the dogs ready for a walk. Oh, and don't say the "W" word in front of them unless you mean it. For that matter don't say "ride" or "treat" or "biscuit". Dogs tend to assume your talking about them. Anyway, once it's been decided your going, there is a little change that comes over everyone just to make the whole process of getting the harnesses and leashes on more difficult. Peachy, who is older and kinda laid back, turns years younger, starts pickin up toys giving them the death shake then picking on the other dogs. Messing with them. Sandie will start to tousle with Peach, they usually don't interact too much. Spaatz, who's the most out going of the group, turns into a dweeb, hating having the harness put on. Even though we're always gentle, and once we get going he's the happiest leading the pack. Foozer just figures he'll be difficult and go sit in the crate. I have to fake leaving without him so he comes out, or just yoink him out in the dog bed he's curled up in. So basically everyone really wants to go, but they have to turn into jerks so the whole harness thing is extra difficult. Peach will even lay on her back while you are trying to put it on. Once we're out the door it's all systems go. In fact, yesterday they thought they saw a critter down the road, when they took off after it, they about chirped my tires.When we got close, that's all it was. a piece of tire.

Ride, Walk, Ride, it doesn't get better.

Spaatz- One handsome Lad

Look out you varmints!

Spaatz is my miniature black and tan dapple,one blue eyed dachshund. He is handsome dude. I am biased naturally. He's very devoted, he's sitting on my lap right now. That's where he likes to be. Even if he is just using my lap as a lookout, as he scans the backyard for any kind of movement. Then he will take off as if shot out of a cannon in the hopes of eliminating one of the chipmunks that populates the world.The "chippy's" as we call them, are real good at getting to some little place where dachshunds can't tread. Even when they are being pursued by 4 dachshunds. They just hunker down. Spaatz was out there around the the wood pile for hours over the weekend. Entertainment? A pile of wood and a chipmunk. Spaatz was so involved, he had a piece of wood in his mouth, trying to move it. He finally realized I was standing there, dropped it. Looked at me as if to say "oh, hi Mom, didn't see you there". Then he was back to chippy hunting.

All tired after running, swimming, killing

We knew we were going out to a big family shindig down in the city, so I wanted to make sure the dogs got good walkies in so they wouldn't mind being cooped up for awhile. So we took them out to run at the farm down the road. They always have the best time there because they can really run at full speed off leash and burn off that nervous doxie energy. They ran out to a pond and went in, Peach and Sandie, the wire hairs, got totally wet as usual, the boys didn't go all the way in.

We were headed back when they decided to cut through the woods to the other pond where we like to go fishing. All of the sudden we heard a melee ensuing, sharp, high pitched barks. We knew something was up, so we started to make tracks towards the ruckus. Mind you Foozie was hanging back with us. Not so sure it would be good to get involved. When we got close we could see the had something in the field. Well, it turned out to be a bad day for a medium size woodchuck. Pretty much wrong place, wrong time to be eating some clover in the farmers field when three dachshunds happened along and did him in. Next, was to distract them whilst my husband disposed of the body.As we headed back home we saw the farmer who was heading out to make hay. Told him of the dogs dispatching of the woodchuck, he seemed to have a whole new respect for the noble dachshund and mentioned there was another chuck hole by the stone fence. Anyway, after their adventure that included lots of running, swimming and a little killing I knew they would be napping while we were away.

Peachy likes to dig.

This is what happens when your dog likes to dig. She gets ANOTHER bath. Miss Peaches is a sweet doggie, but she can't shut down the dachshund instincts. It's okay, I'm prepared with a vinyl apron and dog shampoo. The laundry room sink is the best place to do it.

She knows it's coming. She was digging at the edge of the fence, in the garden. I wish I had a new plant handy because the hole was deep enough. That chipmunk was long gone. At least this time it was just the face and paws. Sometimes it's one or the other.Then other times it's has been the whole dog, caked on mud, stem to stern. A lot of rinsing just to get down to the dog.

In the end that's just Peachy, she's the only real digger in the group. Spaatz like's to hunt, Foozie would rather lay in the sun. Give him a call if you catch anything. Then there's Sandie who likes to hunt, sun and Roll! And we know what happens to dogs that like to roll............

One freshly dried Sandie

There's Actually a dog Under all that Fur

We went to England, had a wonderful time , but now we are back. I felt that it was time to give the girls their summer cut. This was a new thing for Sandie as far as I know, she's still the new kid on the block around here. As you can see Sandie-Poo is pretty much a mop. If I could only get her to walk under the bed in a grid pattern we might have something here. Although she does like to spend a bit of time down there, she doesn't quite get the job done. So I got the electric dog shaver out and got down to business.

 I must say she's a whole different dog now. It was a lot of work, and she was really good for her first time. She did get a little fed up towards the end. There was so much fur, and I was covered with it. I did Miss Peaches next. She was a breeze. She's been done many times so she just lays there and lets me do it. Took a fraction of the time.She didn't start out with as much fur though.

So we're ready for summer, trimmed up, got the cushion on the lounger, here comes the dog days of summer

Does Your Dachshund Do This?

That is "The Dachshund Faceplant". Out of my 4 dogs Spaatz is the only one who does it. Interestingly enough, Spaatz's sister Loreli, who is owned by my daughter does the same thing. I have also seen pictures of other dachshunds doing it. It kinda feels like they're trying to smother you because they take the side of their face and neck and press it right up against your mouth, sometimes covering your nose as well. With Spaatz it's like he tries to disarm you temporarily, then when you try to catch some air he swoops in to clean your nostrils for you. That's where I draw the line. Snuggle if you want, just no tongue up the nose. One other downside is you can't see the TV either which is usually where I am when he tries this maneuver.

Now just hold still Mommy

Good Morning Handsome

Spaatz is often the last thing I see before I sleep and often the first thing to get my attention in the morning. Usually because he needs his body rubbed. He is very handsome so he just gives me the blue eye and I'll rub his chest and scratch his back.

Miss Peaches can be very demanding about the morning belly rubs, and will in fact insist upon them. She is wagging her tail at me because I'm patting Spaatz, figuring she will be next. She actually is resting her chin on Foozie, who tends to be a late riser, but will be out for his share soon. Miss Sandie will wriggle her way over too and then I find I don't have enough hands and have to keep switching from dog to dog to keep all happy