Wiener Dog Blog

(by Andrea Cordle, Southwest Editor - October 31, 2012)

The boys are back in town

 

Well, we moved. Now, we’re back and the boys couldn’t be happier.

 

The wieners and I moved out to Indiana and things just kind of fell apart (long story).

Frankie and Meeko at ease back in Ohio and with a new sofa.

 

When I moved, I was concerned about how Frankie and Meeko would behave. We were going from a small house with a fenced yard to a garden apartment on the lower level. The boys were AWFUL!

 

I knew it would be an adjustment for all of us, but they made it clear they were not pleased with their new surroundings. If things had worked out and we stayed, I am positive I would have been evicted eventually.

 

Every time someone walked down the hallway, the boys would erupt into barking fits. You could hear the neighbors who lived above us. More barking - non-stop barking.

 

When I would open the front door, Frankie would run out into the hallway barking. He just ran up and down the hallway. Then, they would whine quite loudly at the door when I left.

 

When I would take them out for a walk, the boys would bark at literally every person that came into view. They never do that. Normally, we walk all the time and encounter plenty of people. The boys typically don’t bark at them. They were stressed and upset and letting me and everyone else know it.

 

Everyone kept telling me the wieners would get used to it. They obviously don’t know who I am dealing with. Each time I went outside the apartment with the boys, the first thing they did - run up to my car as if to say “I’m ready to go home now!”

 

Fortunately for all of us, I still had a place to come back to and a job. I didn’t move back just because of the dogs, though they didn’t help matters.

 

What was funny though was when I brought the boys back to our original home, they immediately relaxed. They went right into the house and got back to normal. They were calm.

 

One good thing came out of the whole fiasco though - the new couch. Before I moved, I got a new couch; one where the back of the couch is basically four large pillows. The boys love this couch. They love all the pillows. They are now very happy that they are home, with their new sofa.

 

Farewell from Frankie and Meeko

 

The wieners and I are moving. They do not know it yet, but I can guarantee they will not be happy.

Frankie and Meeko are moving. It is doubtful that they will be thrilled about this.

 

I am moving to Indiana. I was offered a job as a reporter at a daily newspaper. I am probably more concerned about how the boys will react to this change than I am about moving to a new state and starting a new job.

 

I took the boys out of state only once before. We went on vacation to Gatlinburg. We returned home the next day, cutting the three-day trip short. I came back because my dogs were so awful. They were stressed out, scared and just unhappy about the new environment. They followed me around, whining the whole time.

 

It is going to be a rough couple of weeks, but I’m hoping the little wieners will adjust. They will have new parks to explore, new furniture to ruin, new neighbor dogs and cats to harass. In no time at all, they will establish ownership of the new neighborhood. Hopefully.

 

Keebler cookies are a real steal

 

Frankie has a new habit - of course it’s a bad one.

Frankie likes to take cookies out of the fridge.

 

He has figured out that when the refrigerator door is open, he can peek in and possibly get a treat (or several) for himself.

 

I admit, I am one of those people who pull something out of the fridge and leave the door open until I put it back. It’s only open for a few seconds. That’s all it takes for Frank.

 

Recently, Frankie popped his head in the fridge and came out with a Keebler fudge cookie. Chasing him and trying to get the cookie away is totally pointless. He will win. I will lose.

 

A few days later, I had a pack of Keebler fudge stripes. Frankie got into the fridge and snatched some of those. Only this was not just one cookie. A group of five were stuck together. He came away with a huge stack of cookies in his mouth.

 

I do not want him to eat all those cookies, so I give chase. He runs away. The stack of cookies in his mouth. Drool dripping onto the carpet. I tell him to drop it, which is about as useless as ordering him to fly.

 

Frankie took a big chomp in an effort to swallow the bundle of fudge stripes before I could pry them out of his mouth. He bit them in half. So, I got half. He got half.

 

I either need to keep cookies out of the house or keep the refrigerator door shut. Two bad habits of mine result in a bad habit from my pooch.

 

 

My dog hides his vomit?

 

Meeko is weird.

Meeko has some strange habits and I just found another one.

 

The other day I saw him eating something in the backyard garden. I went out to investigate.

 

He was eating grass. He usually eats grass when he wants to vomit. So, shortly after he eats the grass, he starts to throw up. He gets sick a couple times in the same area in the garden. What happens next is what concerns me.

 

After he is done, Meeko begins to stick his nose and face in the garden in order to move dirt over the pile of vomit. He spends a few minutes nudging dirt over the vomit.

I’m watching this thinking, “What are you doing???” Why is he trying to cover up his vomit? I have never seen a dog do this.

 

Not only does he spend ample time covering the vomit, he pats the dirt down to make sure the whole pile is out of sight.

 

When he gets sick inside the house, Meeko prefers to go inside his crate to do the deed. Then he moves the blankets over it, but I just thought he didn’t want it in his space. I didn’t think he was trying to hide it, but I guess that is what he does.

 

So I do the only thing I can think to do - I Google it. The only thing I found is that a dog hides its vomit because:

 

A - He thinks you will be upset

B - It’s just his personality

C - He sees vomit as a weakness and is trying to hide that weakness

 

Well, I am careful not to get upset over vomit. I don’t want my dogs to think they will be in trouble when they get sick.

 

So, I guess that leaves a personality thing or Meeko is trying to hide his “weakness.”

 

Whatever his reason, that’s just weird.

 

 

Lack of interest earns affection

 

Maybe cats are dogs are not so different?

 

Cats can sniff out that one person in the room that doesn’t like the feline kind. That cat will then go up and lavish attention on that person.

 

My boys are very similar.

 

I took Frankie and Meeko to the park for our daily walk. We come across two teenagers sitting on a bench. The teens do not even glance at us. They show no interest in the dogs whatsoever.

 

Of course, Frankie has to go up and demand attention. The teens comply and one gives the little wiener a good scratch on the neck. I had to pull Frankie away.

 

During the same walk, we come across a 6 or 7-year-old girl. She told me I had the cutest dogs she has ever seen. As we walked further away, I heard her repeatedly ask her mother if she could follow us and pet the dogs. She was not allowed, but we encountered the little girl a bit later. At this time, she was allowed to meet the “cutest dogs in the whole wide world.”

 

This little girl was so excited to be around the walking wieners. She could not wait to pet them. I kneel down and tell her how to approach them. She does as she is told. Meeko comes close and sniffs her, then allows her to pet him. Frankie wanted nothing to do with her.

 

This was very unfortunate because I suspect it was Frankie she was pining for. Kids like him because of his spots.

 

She tried several times to pet him. He ran away. If Frankie does not want you to touch him, he will try to avoid it at all costs.

 

The little girl got sad and gave up and I was left making excuses for my bratty little dog.

 

A teen who could care less - yes, please pet me! A kid who wants nothing more than to pet the pooch - don’t touch me!

 

 

The turtle and the dachshunds

 

The wieners had their first experience with a turtle.

 

We were walking at the park when they found something interesting. At first, I thought it was a rock. Then it moved.

 

It was a very small turtle, just strolling along the walking path. My boys were just dumfounded. They went up and sniffed it. Then it moved and they both jumped back, startled. I imagine they are thinking, “What is this thing?”

 

Of course, they have to go back. They are very curious hounds. So, they both go in for another sniff. The turtle moves again and they jump back.

 

Now, the little wieners are getting excited, thinking this could be prey. They both start sniffing it frantically. Naturally, I start to worry they are going to kill the creature. I try to avoid this and pull the little wieners away.

 

Pulling them away from something interesting is more difficult than one would think. They are strong and stubborn dogs.

 

I pull them back, then Meeko takes off, running after the turtle. Luckily, all he does it smell it, rather forcefully. Then he backs off. (Sometimes, Meeko listens to me.)

 

Frankie, on the other hand, started to obsess, which he does when he finds something to hunt. It took a little time to get Frank away. I finally accomplished this after he experimented and tried to put the small turtle in his mouth.

 

Thankfully, the turtle walked (slowly) away unharmed and I learned another lesson - the boys will hunt reptiles too.

 

 

It's so hard to be a dog

 

Frankie is so dramatic.

This is one dramatic dog.

 

This is a dog who goes wild when I get home from work because he knows it’s walk time. He runs all over the house, just going nuts at the prospect of going to the park for a walk.

 

Lately, when we arrive at the park, his excitement just dies. Why? It’s so hot!

 

The past few days have been quite warm, especially for this time of year. The wieners are not ready for 80 degree weather yet. Give them some 50s and 60s so they can transition into the hotter temps.

 

The past few days, Frankie has been lagging behind the walks. He has been walking so slow, a turtle could keep up with him. Apparently, it’s just too hot to put forth much energy.

 

It’s actually kind of embarrassing. People ask me if he’s old and it’s hard for him to keep up. One guy even commented on what calm dogs I had. That made me laugh. My boys are not old and they are certainly not calm.

 

The whole time we are walking, Frankie just strolls in the back and looks at me like I’m torturing him. Yes, this is the same dog who could not wait to get his harness on and get in the car. The same dog who flew out of the car, ready to go. I guess sometime after he gets out of the car, he realizes the heat is just oppressive and the little prince does not like it.

 

Until a cold front moves through, I guess I will have to wait until later in the evening to take them out.

 

 

My backyard has become destination domination

 

I feel like I am living in Testosterone City.

 

It is now a nightmare to simply let the wieners in the backyard to go to the bathroom.

I have two male dogs. My direct neighbor has two male dogs, and the family two doors down has two male dogs. Talk about destination domination.

 

Each dog wants to be the big man on the block. This has gotten so out of hand, even Frankie is being aggressive. (Meeko is normally aggressive in his territory. Frankie is not - usually.)

 

This is how a trip out back goes. I let Frankie out. The next door neighbor dogs are out. They are always out! The youngest male dog runs over to the fence to bark at Frankie and run up and down the fence with him. The older male dog then tries to mount the younger one. I’m assuming they are trying to establish who is the dominant one. Anyway, the younger dog does not like this mounting, then gets a little snippy with his friend.

 

The two neighbor dogs start fighting. Not a full-on dog fight, but some snarling and knocking down. This behavior gets Frankie all wound up.

 

So we have three dogs running up and down the fence. Two half fighting over dominance. Of course, Frankie feeds off this and wants to join in. He actually tried to bite one of them through the fence. Frankie never bites!

 

I cannot even let Meeko out. I have tried to take him out with the leash. Normally, he is fine - alert, but fine. When those boys start mounting, he goes into the Red Zone. I don’t even exist. I cannot get him to calm down and come in the house. The little wiener wants to go prove he is the “biggest” dog in town.

 

Then, when the dogs from two doors come out and all of them are out - it’s like gladiators in the arena. Thank goodness for fences.

 

 

Dog diets are difficult too

 

Meeko has been on a special diet for about a month due to his allergies. I have been recording what he eats and how itchy he is in a daily journal.

 

After reviewing several entries, I realize managing what he eats is rather difficult. I also realize that I have a bad little dog.

Some entries go like this:

 

Jan. 13

Kibble with a little wet food

Kibble with salmon and pumpkin

Snatched half corn bread muffin off floor

Jan. 17

Kibble with tuna

Grilled salmon with sweet potato and pumpkin

Ate half of large frosted shortbread cookie he stole off the table

Jan. 19

Kibble with wet food

Kibble with salmon and pumpkin

Unidentified food object eaten off ground during daily walk

Jan. 21

Kibble with salmon

Kibble with grilled salmon and pumpkin

Unidentified bone matter eaten off ground during walk

Jan. 24

Kibble with wet food

Kibble with tuna and pumpkin

Stole chunk of cookie from me

 

I try my best to keep Meeko on his special diet to see if it improves his allergies. But it is hard when I have little piranhas that race to the scene when they hear something has fallen on the floor. The little wieners are fast too.

During walks, Meeko is three inches from the ground. He gets to thrown out food a lot faster than me. Most of the time, I only see that he is eating something. I usually have no idea what it is. If you think the “drop it or leave it” command works - think again. Not when he finds a prize.

 

 

Meet the most expensive dog - ever

 

Meeko is a money pit. He is, by far, the most expensive dog I have ever had.

Meeko requires a special, expensive diet.

 

This boy has to go the vet all the time for one thing or another. He has allergies. He constantly gets ear infections. He has a deformed paw. And let’s not forget his torn knee surgery!

 

Now, he has this reoccurring skin condition due to allergies. He gets this bacterial infection all over his undercarriage throughout the spring and summer. I take him to the vet. They give me meds. He takes them. He gets better. Then it just comes right back.

 

Since the weather is colder, the skin issue has improved, but now he just has rashes. He spends tons of time licking and biting himself. Once again, back to the vet. Seriously, every time I leave the vet’s office, I feel like I’m going to vomit due to the cost.

 

This time, the vet gives me more medication, but suggests I change his diet as he may be allergic to something in his food.

 

The vet gives me a sheet of recommended food. Almost all of the food is prescription dog food, which costs $35 for a small bag of kibble and nearly $5 for a small can of wet food. I have two dogs who will eat the food. That won’t last a week. I am not spending over $150 per month on dog food!

 

Then there is the special shampoo Meeko needs. I spend more on shampoo for my dog than I do for myself.

 

Back to the special diet. Based on the list of “safe” foods, I choose a new brand of the over-the-counter dog food Blue with limited ingredients. I also go to the store and buy cans of salmon and tuna, as that is allowed in the special diet. Of course, the natural food is more expensive than the regular food he had.

 

He truly is the most expensive dog - ever! But, what can I do? I am responsible for his health and welfare. I can’t allow him to be miserable. Plus, I love the little guy and want him to be a happy dog.

 

I just may have to start a “save the wiener” fundraiser.

 

Take your dog to work day

 

I brought Frankie to the office with me the other day. We had a guy putting in bathroom tiles at home and Frankie needed a break (or more likely, the guy needed a barking break). Anyway, the work trip did not go as planned.

This face makes working, close to impossible.

 

At first, Frankie was a little scared of being in a different environment with new people. After about three minutes he got over that and decided to explore.

 

He had to sniff every square inch of the building. Frankie even wandered into our advertising manager’s office where he stuck his long face into the guy’s lunchbox. Thankfully, there was no food for him to steal.

 

At one point, I tried to get Frankie back over at my desk. He started running from me and I had to chase him around the office.

 

Then Frankie decides he wants to hang out in the front of the office to look out the wall of windows. This would not be a problem if it wasn’t where the front door was located. I didn’t want Frankie greeting the people as they came in or running out into Sullivant Avenue.

 

Eventually, he calmed down a little to sit on my lap at my desk. From this view, he is able to see the front door and all the people who came in. Not a problem, if only he didn’t bark at every person who opened the door. Like it was his castle.

 

I soon realized the take your dog to work idea was not a great one. Frankie was at the office for about an hour. In that time, I was able to edit a photo cutline - a full three sentences.

 

Frankie had to go back home to harass the worker so I could get some actual work done. I take the blame for this one. My idea, albeit a bad one.

 

 

A trick for a treat

 

Halloween - a night filled with barking and candy grabbing.

 

We get the candy bowl ready. We put it on a stool by the front door. Unfortunately, Frankie, being the longest dog in the world, can extend and reach his head into the candy bowl. He takes a piece of candy and runs away with it. We have to chase him and battle to take the candy away.

 

Meeko just sits by the bowl and begs (and looks like the cutest thing doing it).

 

Once the candy fight is over and we move the bowl to higher ground, the kids start coming and the excessive barking begins.

 

Little ghouls and goblins ring the doorbell and stroll the streets. The barking eruption starts and just doesn’t seem to stop.

 

Then kids come to the door and see the wiener dogs. Suddenly, candy is not so important and petting the dogs become the main goal. One kid opened our door even further and stuck his hand inside to pet Frankie. Of course, Frankie wanted no part of a little monster touching him.

 

Thankfully, the trick or treat event only lasts two hours.

 

 

Stimulation overload

 

My sister, the wieners and I took a day trip down to Old Man’s Cave in the Hocking Hills State Park.

Frankie and Meeko at Old Man's Cave.

 

I was a little concerned about the boys navigating the rock cliffs, but I would soon realize my concern would be for my own safety.

 

I figured they would stick to close to us, being in a strange place. Nope. They got out of the car and were ready to party. It’s like they smelled they were in a natural setting and they reverted to their wild ways.

 

For those of you who have visited Old Man’s Cave, you know you have to go up and down numerous sets of rock steps. They require caution. My sister and I were actually afraid for our safety. The little wieners were running as far in front of us as they could - like they picked up on a scent. Dedra (my sister) and I were being dragged down slippery rocks, near cliffs. It was dangerous!

 

Frankie and Meeko, however, had no trouble with the trek. They were like goats capable of climbing steep mountains. You would think with such small legs, they would need to take the cliffs at a slower pace. There were large dogs that had more trouble with the path than the wieners.

 

The entire time, it was as if they were hunting. Running down cliffs, sticking their heads into holes, climbing onto boulders, even trying to jump up into caves. Like wild beasts.

At one point, Frankie had half his body wedged into a hole. I had to climb up onto a large tree limb to pull him out.

 

The trip was meant to be fun. A chance to get outdoors, see the fall colors and get some exercise. I didn’t get to spend a lot of time taking in the scenery; I had to watch to make sure the boys didn’t jump off a cliff. It actually turned into quite an adventure - a challenge to keep up with the wieners.

 

 

 

The wieners and the bison

 

Dachshunds are typically fearless. They think they can take on anything. My little wieners proved this when they chased bison - yes bison!

Don't they look so intimidating?

 

My sister and I took the boys to Darby Creek Metro Park. We decided to go on the trail that takes you out to see the bison. I have been out there a few times before, and I have never had a good look at the bison. They are always hidden or too far away.

 

Well, this time, they were right by the fence - just a few feet away.

 

I thought the boys would be curious about the large mammals. Never did I imagine they would challenge the thousand-pound animals.

 

There were two fences separating the bison from visitors. The first fence was a standard wooden fence, with horizontal panels. The second fence, the bison were behind, was a large chain fence.

 

The little wieners used their short size to get under the first fence to get as close as possible to the bison. Of course, we had those stupid flexi-leashes, which gives them more room.

 

One bison was right up against the fence, looking at the boys. You would think the sheer size would intimidate the wieners. Nope. They barked, whined, growled, did everything they could to get at the bison. Seriously? At one point, there was even a stare-off between the largest bison and Frankie.

 

Then the pack of bison started to walk along the fence line. Frankie and Meeko chased them like they were going after a rabbit. They were in their frantic, feral, hunter mode. They were actually trying to hunt bison!

 

The boys had no idea that they were no match for a bison. They just thought it was dinner.

 

 

Loudest dog ever

 

I may have the loudest wiener ever!

The only time he's quiet is when he has a bone in his big mouth.

 

Dachshunds, along with beagles and a few other breeds, are known to bark. Meeko really takes his noises to another level though. He loves to bark - a lot.

 

He sits atop the couch and looks out the window. I call this neighborhood watch. He feels that he needs to make his presence known when anything moving comes near the house. It's constant, high pitched barking. If I lived in an apartment, I would be evicted.

 

Meeko's bark is so loud that you can hear him probably close to a block away. Once, for one reason or another, I took Frankie for a walk around the block without Meeko. When I turned down our street, I heard barking. I thought it sounded like Meeko, but it couldn't possibly be him. It's a long street and we were pretty far away. Sure enough, it was Meeko.

 

Sometimes, just for extra effect, Meeko throws his head back to get an even higher pitch. It's truly ear piercing.

 

It's not just barking. He howls. It's like a siren. It can be heard from far away and the neighbors probably think we are beating the dogs. Meeko only howls when one of his women come home and they are taking too long to get in the door (like if I have to stop by the mailbox).

 

Meeko even makes a lot of noise when he yawns. He lets out a little scream when yawning.

 

He is, by far, the loudest dog I have ever been around.

 

A superiority complex

 

Dachshunds have an "I rule the planet" attitude. My boys certainly think they are superior

to just about everything. I have grown up with wieners and they have all been like this.

 

My sister went out to cover the Soggy Dog event in Grove City. She came across a dachshund there. While swimming, a man was in front of him. Instead of moving around the strange man, the dog just swam through his legs, into a restricted area. When my sister told me this story, I thought, how typical.

 

My dogs never move for people. When walking at the park, they will not move when someone walks by. The person must walk around them. I try to pull them over. Sometimes it works. Sometimes not.

 

It's almost like they are trying to trip people.

 

The other day, I was curled up on the couch. Apparently, Frankie wanted to sit where I was. He nudged his body behind my back, literally trying to move me so he could have the seat. He learned this from Meeko, who just sits on top of Frankie waiting for him to move and give up his seat.

 

Most dogs live to serve their humans. Dachshunds live to be served.

 

 

Here comes double trouble

 

It's that time of year again. Time to take the boys in for their annual vaccinations.

 

This year, the visit brought out a different side to Meeko, the side very protective of his brother Frankie.

 

Meeko had already been up on the table. The blood already drawn. Shots already administered. The hard part was over, right? Apparently, it was more difficult for Meeko to watch and hear what was happening to Frankie.

 

Meeko was back on the ground and Frankie was on the table. Meeko was intently watching. It was too funny. He sat on the ground staring up at Frankie with a tilt in his head, a concerned look on his face.

 

Then it happened.

 

The vet put the needle in Frankie's paw to draw blood. Frankie yelped. Meeko sprang into action.

 

The little wiener actually jumped up on the vet tech and started pawing at her legs. I thought for a minute he might bite her in the butt. Luckily, he didn't, but he was mad.

 

Just moments later, the vet gave Frankie his shot. This also made Frankie cry out. Once again, Meeko jumped up, pawing at the vet tech's legs like he was saying, "Leave my brother alone!"

 

Finally, it was over. I left feeling embarrassed. The little wieners have earned themselves quite the reputation at the vet's office. Double trouble!

Wieners and woodchucks just don't mix

 

I have always had a soft spot for animals, but a recent attempt to help a critter resulted in two very upset wiener dogs.

 

I was on my way to work when I came across a young groundhog trying to walk across the street. It would walk a little, then tip over to the side. I do not know what happened to the little guy, but I assumed he was hit by a car.

 

I couldn't just leave it there to struggle and wait for someone else to hit it. I got out of my car, threw a towel over the groundhog then put it in a cloth suitcase I had in my trunk.

 

After this, I'm thinking, "Now what?"

 

I was two streets from home so I took it there to figure out what to do. I walk in the door with this woodchuck in a bag. My boys went nuts!

 

They were jumping up to the bag, trying to get to whatever was inside. I took the groundhog to my back patio and let it out of the suitcase, with the boys inside the house. However, they could see out the glass back door. They were not happy pups.

 

I made some calls, trying to determine what to do with the injured animal. While I was on the phone, the boys were growling, crying, howling and scratching at the back door.

 

I decided to take the groundhog to the Ohio Wildlife Center. My sister and I went out onto the patio to try to put the groundhog into a cardboard box for the trip to the center. While we were trying to secure the critter in the box, I looked up and saw my dogs. OMG! I was actually afraid of them! Frankie had this crazy, wild look in his eye that said, "I want to eat that!" He had his lips curled up, licking the glass door. Meeko was just watching, like a silent predator stalking its prey.

 

My sister told me after I left she let the boys out. They pounced on the bag the injured animal was in, then obsessively sniffed the patio for hours. Even now,  weeks later, Frankie still goes out there sniffing the areas where the groundhog rested. They are hunters.

 

The wildlife center just contacted me. Sadly, the little groundhog didn't make it.

 

I have learned one lesson - if my hounds hunt it, don't bring it home.

My dogs dissed me

Aren't dogs supposed to comfort you when you are sick? Love you no matter what?

I have to earn Frankie's affection.

Apparently, my boys missed that memo.

Last month, I had to have surgery to remove a tumor from my upper spine. I knew I would spend time in the hospital and away from the boys. I also knew recovery would be tough and I would not be able to take them for our usual hour-long walks. So, my sister got the dog walking job.

When I got home from the hospital, of course, the little wieners were happy to see me. They could also sense something was wrong. I thought perhaps this was the reason they gave me space, but it could also have been that they sensed weakness and rejected it.

During my first week home after the surgery, my boys were pretty much ignoring me. I spent most of my time sleeping on the couch like a worthless slug. I thought they might want to curl up and cuddle with me. Nope! They wanted to be with my sister. The one who was spending time with them and taking them for walks.

I admit, I was jealous.

Finally I was back in their good graces after I went for a walk with them. Well, my sister walked them and I just tagged along.

I was not supposed to walk the boys because as my surgeon said, "Dogs walk people. People do not walk dogs."

Now, I am back where I am supposed to be - walking with my boys. My sister still has to  help out though. She walks Frankie, the more difficult one to walk, and I walk Meeko.

Apparently, I have to work for their affection.
 

Bad mood can cause a bite

I should have known better.

I had to take Meeko to the vet for a bacterial infection on his skin. We spent hours there, so the employees could scrape his skin to find out what was going on.

He was not happy.

I thought I'd take Meeko and Frankie to the park for a walk after the long vet visit. Bad idea!

Meeko is not social with other dogs. In fact, on a good day, he tolerates other dogs. So, we are at the park in a grassy area away from the main walking path. Two women approached us with a hyper toy Yorkie. The dog wanted to greet my boys.

I told the ladies that the dog could greet Frankie, but not Meeko. I really try to keep Meeko away from greeting hyper dogs.

The Yorkie and Frank are sniffing and running and having a good time. I'm keeping Meeko back and he's barely interested in what's going on. That is until the little dog got too close.

Before I knew what was going on, the Yorkie was yelping and Meeko had a hold of his face. The ladies and I get the dogs apart and the poor little Yorkie's nose is bleeding. I felt awful!

Then to add insult to injury, as I am apologizing profusely to the owners, we look over and Meeko is having a grand time rolling in some stinky stuff in the grass!

Too many irritants in a short time for Meeks. I should have known not to take the little wiener out when he was in such a foul mood.

He's not fat!

So, the other day I was walking the boys at the park. There was a young girl standing under a tree with her father.

He's not fat, just a little big-boned.


She said, "Daddy, look at the wiener dogs!"

The dad says, "Yeah, look at that one with his stomach almost on the ground - the fat little wiener dog."

I wanted to punch the guy in his mouth! You would think he just called me fat. I was so offended.

Let me clear this up. Meeko is not fat. I know he was talking about Meeko because Frankie doesn't have an ounce of fat on his lean body.

Meeko's belly is close to the ground, but that's because he's a dachshund; his legs are short - duh!

Meeko is not as thin as his brother, but he is by no means overweight. He is what I call sturdy. He looks like a sausage. But, if you feel him, he has a lot of muscle and very little fat. It's like the people who are called big-boned.

When this doofus said that, my mouth fell open. I could not believe it! I also could not believe I didn't come back with an equally nasty comment. So, here is my comeback to that rude guy a few days late.

"Jealous of my wiener?"

These are not "weenie" dogs

I recently took my boys out to Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park to see the bison. We went on a warm weekend, so there were a lot

They may not look like the athletic type here, but they are.

of people there with the same idea.

The bison were ok. They were pretty far away and not moving. Not too exciting.

One thing that did interest me was people's reaction to my dogs.

It is a little over a mile on the trail to get to the fencing where the bison are. Then you have to walk around a large area, trying to find them. Some people could just not believe my dogs could make such a trek. Really!

On our way back from seeing the bison, one woman asked me if my dogs made it all the way out to the large animals.

Yes - they did and if it were not so warm that day, they could have easily kept on going.
It's funny to me that people seem to think wiener dogs are not active. Yes, they have small legs, but dachshunds are very strong and athletic.

I take my boys out for walks all the time. They could go for hours and not get tired. I wish they would, but they don't. I outweigh both of my boys by over 100 pounds, but they can still pull me like I'm not even behind the leash.

Despite their name, dachshunds are not "weenie" dogs. They were bred to hunt badgers for Pete's sake! Who wants to take on a badger - really?

Mind games

My dogs like to play little games with me. Like they want to remind me they do not have to listen to me or they are just smarter.

Whenever I am ready to take the boys out to the park, I get Frankie's harness on. Meeko hides so he doesn't have to have his harness on. He does not actually mind wearing a harness, it's just a game he likes to play. He stays hidden until Frankie and I walk out the door.

So I take Frankie out to the garage and put him in the car. By the time this is done, Meeko is waiting by the door, ready to come out and get in. I let him out, put his harness on, then load him in the car.

Each day, he plays this time consuming game.

Meeko is not the only one who likes to mess with his humans.

Each evening, we sit down at the dining table for dinner. Around this time, Frankie goes to the back door like he wants to go outside. He doesn't really want to go out.
Each day, we get up and open the door. Then the little wiener runs off. I'm sure he's laughing inside.

Why do we go open the door every day? Because Frankie might really have to go outside. He never does though - he just likes to remind us that he is the superior being.
The sad thing is, while I am no Einstein, I consider myself a semi-intelligent woman. I have a bachelor's degree. I am an editor of a newspaper.

Yet I am outsmarted each day by my two wieners!

We really are butt buddies

I have spent way too much time in an undesirable area - Frankie's butt.

The other night, I noticed Frankie licking the area. No biggie, dogs love to lick their butt. After some excessive licking, I decided to check it out.

Poor Frank's rear was red, swollen and bleeding. I spent a good deal of time holding a tissue to his butt to stop the bleeding, but it just kept coming. I put witch hazel and Balmex to help. Still, it bled. I actually put a doggie diaper on him. That stayed on for about 20 seconds before the little wiener ripped it off.

So I put a towel under him and went to bed. The next morning, the issue was still going strong; not bleeding as much, but still it looked bad. I took him to an animal hospital.

Turns out, poor Frankie had a near ruptured anal gland. They had to sedate him and flush the area. They sent us home with several medications.

For the past few days, I have given Frankie his antibiotic and anti-inflammation pill. I have also had the distinct honor of holding a warm compress with topical medication on his butt - twice a day. Such a bonding experience!

Thankfully, Frankie is back to his normal, trouble-making self and his butt looks better each day. All it took was a little medication and my dignity.

One trashy pup

It's amazing what dogs can learn - or choose to learn anyway.

Look what Frankie can do!

When Frankie and Meeko were puppies, I took them to a puppy obedience class. It didn't take too long for them to learn to sit. Sit and stay took a while. Come when called, well, I'm still working on that one five years later. Lay down, the instructor gave up on them completing that task.

Dachshunds are stubborn. If they complete a command, it's because they chose to do it or the reward is super awesome. But, if they don't want to do something, chances are they're not gonna do it.

However, bad behavior seems so easily learned. For example, the other day Frankie figured out he could extend his abnormally long body, lift the trash can lid with his nose and pick out treats.

He ran away with a piece of garbage. I chased him and eventually got the item away from him. Do know what he did next? That's right - ran right back down to get more treats from the trash. How quickly he picked that up!

He was also quick to learn that he could steal things from the refrigerator when the door is open. It's only a matter of time until he figures out how to open the fridge door!

Scootin' all over

Having dogs can be wonderful. They give you unconditional love. They make you laugh. They can just brighten your day.

Time to address those glands.

Having dogs can also be totally gross.

The other day I had to take Meeko to the vet to have his anal glands addressed. Oh, what fun!

For weeks, Meeko has been paying way too much attention to his butt. He would sit on the carpeted floor and just scoot his rear all over the place. Nothing was safe. The couch, my bed. It was all scooted on.

I finally took him to the vet to take care of the issue. Lucky for me, I got to stay in the room and watch the poor woman stick her fingers up Meeko's butt and squeeze. Then not only did I get to see the goop come out, but I got to smell it too!

It was worth it though. The carpets and upholstery are safe, though obviously in need of a deep, thorough clean. Most importantly, Meeko feels so much better. He didn't pay any attention to his butt after the procedure. He actually seemed to be happy.

Like I said, having dogs can be wonderful!

Nose to the ground means human nearly hits the ground

Once again, the little wieners tried to kill me.

I took them for a walk around the neighborhood. They picked up on a scent and went into hunter mode.

I have very little control over the dogs when they are in hunter mode. They run as far in front of me as they can with their noses to the ground.

I stop and wait for them to stop pulling before we continue. So, they stop pulling and we start walking again. Then they start running again, in turn pulling me.

Their mind is focused on the hunt. They need to find the source of the scent. I do not matter. My need to go slower does not matter.

I slipped on the ice probably half a dozen times. Luckily, I caught myself before face-planting. If I did fall and break my leg, unable to walk with the wieners, they would likely keep their nose to the ground. In fact, they would be happy the dumb human was no longer slowing them down.

Eventually I saw the target. A woman was walking her German shepherd. I have talked to this woman and know she has a female dog. Of course, it's about a girl!

I'm not dealing with wuss dogs

To walk, or not to walk? That is the question.

The frigid temperatures make this decision difficult for me. The little wieners need their daily walk. However, when the temps drop to 15 degrees with an even colder windchill, what is a girl supposed to do?

The little monsters are low to the ground, so they will be even colder with snow covering their belly. They have short hair - so they get cold.

They don't mind snow, but they don't like the death blast of freezing wind.

Here is the dilemma. If they don't get their exercise, they behave badly - very badly.
Meeko gets cranky and Frankie gets into everything. He drags the mat out the bathroom to tear it up. He gets into the trash to tear things up. He runs off with toys, socks, fabric softeners, pretty much anything he can get, to tear it up. A bored Frankie is a destructive Frankie.

Because I am a Cesar fan, I have tried to get the boys on the treadmill. This did not go over so well. The boys were pretty much terrified. So that is a no go.

I have kind of enacted a rule. If the temps are 23 or above, with little wind, we go. If it's colder, but the sun is out, we go. After all I'm not dealing with wuss dogs.

I just have to tell myself not to be a wuss.

The bread is for the wildlife - not the wieners

I am always amazed as what my boys will eat. They are like little vacuums - especially Meeko. If I drop anything on the floor, even a piece of popcorn, the little wieners will run for it, like they are competing for Olympic gold.

They also like to find dirty treasures outside. For example, I take my boys to the local park. People tend to leave out stale pieces of bread for the wildlife to enjoy. Well, the wild wieners also enjoy it.

My dogs go after pieces of old bread like it was prime rib. They will even dig chunks of bread out of a mound of snow. Unfortunately, they are so low to the ground, it's being consumed before I can do anything about it.

I really don't want them eating crap off the ground. Once I found grapes on the ground. Grapes! They are like poison to dogs! Luckily, the boys did not go for the grapes, but they went for the rotten bread surrounding the grapes.

When we walk around the block or at the park, occasionally we come across food items people have thrown out of their cars. (BTW, trash cans are not hard to find!) More treats for the dogs. Once Frankie got an entire bologna sandwich. Meeko got a half eaten burrito from Taco Bell. Frankie got a breakfast sandwich from McDonald's.

The little wieners are not abiding by the 10 second rule either. This crap has been on the ground for who knows how long!

It's as if they don't eat at home. Trust me, they do.

Of course, after the get a hold of the crap food item from the ground, I tell them to drop it and try to pull it from their mouth. That's about as effective as trying to put out a fire with gasoline.

The Christmas experience

I took a chance and brought the little wieners along for the big family Christmas get together.

Frankie and Meeko find the holiday spirit.

My sister and I drove to Centerburg in Knox County with the dogs in tow. A 50 minute drive with the wieners is not too fun. Frankie likes to stick his head out the window - like most dogs. This cannot happen when the vehicle is going approximately 70 miles per hour. He doesn't understand this, so he whines - a lot.

Then we arrive at my aunt's house. About a dozen relatives were on hand. At first, the boys were nervous to be in a strange house with strange people. But eventually, the nose takes over.

After a few minutes, the boys decided they needed to sniff out every square inch of the house. They ran up stairs, down stairs, all over, to explore. Of course, they ended up in the kitchen where all the good scents were.

Frankie and Meeko were actually good for a while. Then, they started to get more comfortable and people started feeding them.

Meeko runs over to where my mom is sitting. She puts him up on her lap while sitting at the dining room table. Not a good idea! My aunt brings out a loaf of an ice cream cake and places it close to Meeko's reach. I'm just watching and waiting for it to happen. My mom puts him down and all is okay - for now.

Just a few minutes later they attack my grandma for her pumpkin pie. It was inevitable. They would steal someone's food. It was just a matter of who.

My grandma sat down on the couch with a slice of pumpkin pie on her plate. The second she sat down, Meeko pounced. He grabbed just a small piece of pie. The next second the beast (Frankie) made his move. This boy can jump and he is super fast. He grabbed a large chunk of grandma's pie. They found someone to take advantage of. They would strike again, within seconds. They tried again for the pie, but grandma moved the plate, though that really does not deter them.

I knew at this moment, it was time to take the little monsters home. They had enough food and excitement for the day. When they got home, they were both wiped out. It was such a Merry Christmas!

The Christmas burrow bed

My Christmas present to my boys came early. I ordered them a burrow bed online.

They are on, not in, the burrow bed.

This should be the best present in the world. They are dachshunds; they are bred to burrow. We have had the dumb bed for a few days. Do you think either of the little wieners have burrowed in it or even used it for that matter? Nope!

I pulled the burrow bed out of the package. I set it down in front of the boys, presenting them with their big gift. First, they sniffed it. Then Frankie grabbed it and started tearing away. After tossing it around, Frankie rested on top of the bed, but has yet to burrow.

I put treats in the back of the bed to get them to go in and give it a try. They stuck their heads in and got the treat, but that's about it. What a waste of money!

I am keeping the bed out in the hopes that the little wieners will give it a try. But, why burrow in their own bed when they can burrow in my bed? It's much bigger and warmer.

The things you do for your dog

Do you ever see yourself doing something not cool, but you just can't seem to stop yourself?

The other day, I took Meeko to Petsmart to have his nails trimmed. (It's easier to have someone else do it. The wieners act like I'm trying to kill them.) When the employee took him, I waited outside the grooming center. There is a big window so you can see what's going on.

I got Meeko's attention while he was on the table having his procedure done. I was kind of clapping and telling him what a good boy he was.

There were plenty of people around and yes, I realized I looked like a crazy person. I couldn't stop though. I kept making googly eyes at my little wiener and mouthing "good boy!"

A nail trimming is a major thing for dachshunds. They hate it! I felt like I had to be somewhat comforting, even if I made myself look like a fool.

Welcome to the neighborhood!

We have new neighbors - a human and a furry black dog.

Frankie was a little less than welcoming to our new neighbor dog.

He went outside. The black dog spotted Frankie. He trotted over to the fence. They both stopped a short distance from the fence to size each other up. Both very tense, tails sticking straight up.

They move closer to the fence and sniff one another for a couple seconds. Then it happens - Frankie lifts his leg and pees basically right in the dog's face!

I was shocked. Frankie has never just urinated on another animal before. Then Frankie walks about two inches away and pees again. This line, not directly in the dog's face, but close. How rude!

I guess after they settled that matter, they were okay. Both were walking close to one another along the fence line, not playing, but not being aggressive either. I suppose it was Frankie's way of saying, "This is my property. I'm the man - get used to it."

So, one greeting is out of the way. Meeko is territorial and aggressive. His least favorite thing is a dog too close to "his yard." He has major issues with the dogs from two doors down.

I have not introduced Meeko to the new dog yet. When I do, I'm sure I'll have another blog. I can only hope for pee in the face with that one.


Can't touch this!

Approximately once a week, Frankie makes a young child cry.

Look, but don't touch.

It is always the same scenario. I'm walking the little wieners at the park. A young child asks me if they can pet my dogs. I say, sure. Then I tell the kid what to do around the dogs.

"Keep still and hold out your hand. Let them come to you and sniff you," is what I typically say.

First Meeko will come up. He is a bit more social than Frankie. Meeko will sniff the child's hand then perhaps let the kid turn the hand to pet him.

In some cases, Frankie will do the same. In some cases, he will not. He usually sniffs, then backs up when the child tries to physically touch him. Frankie thinks he is a treasure, meant to be seen - not touched.

Sometimes, he will let a child pet him. Other times, he wants nothing to do with the kid. I don't know what makes one kid more tolerable than the next one?

Sure enough, we start to walk away and the child begins to cry. I told him/her they could pet the dog and they didn't get to do it - at least not to both. And it is usually Frankie they want to pet. (People tend to fuss over Frankie because he's spotted and unusual looking.) I then leave it to the parent to soothe the kid. I admit, I know nothing about children - I have enough problems with dogs!

Just the other day, I put Frank in the car right after he made a little girl cry.

I said, "Well, Frankie you made another child cry. Are you happy?"

He seemed to be.

I can't throw for crap

Last week, I was totally embarrassed. I blame the wieners.

We were walking at the park. There were a group of young adults playing football at the top of a hill. The wieners and I were walking at the bottom of the hill.

Right in front of everyone, Meeko decides he needs to poop. I wait for the end and do my duty of picking up his crap. Okay, kind of embarrassing, but it happens.

This is where it gets real bad. One of the people throw the ball and it lands down the hill, by me. They apologize, then ask if I can throw the ball back up to them.

I'm thinking "Oh crap!" I have two dogs and a bag of poop in my hands. I will have to make this throw one-handed. I have very small hands. Gripping a football is not easy for me - I need both hands to get a decent toss. I'll put it this way, Tom Brady I am not.

So I pick up the ball one-handed and attempt to throw it up the hill. The dumb ball probably went less than 15 feet! I was so embarrassed. I just apologized for my lack of athletic skills then walked away as fast as I possibly could, which wasn't fast due to the dogs who need to stop and sniff everything!

While the shame lies with me, I still don't feel out of line blaming my dogs. If Meeko had not stopped to dump right there, I would have never been in that position.

They'd rather eat dirt

Dogs do a lot of disgusting things. My boys are certainly no exception.

The little wieners are now licking dirt. This odd behavior just started.

I took them out to a park with baseball diamonds. I have taken them to this park countless times before. I let them run on the field if no one is playing. They seem to like chasing each other on the dirt.

The other week after running on the diamond, Frankie stopped to lick the dirt. Meeko decided it must be a good idea and joined in. I figured something was on the dirt, maybe some left over food or soda. Ever since, they run on the dirt and stop for a treat.

I truly have no idea what could taste appealing about dirt. But then again, I don't see the tasty value of dried worms, grass and most anything else the wieners eat.

The best part, Meeko decided to try licking dirt the day after I had his teeth cleaned. Here he has these pearly white teeth and fresh breath. Apparently, he would rather eat dirt.

Tis the season

 

Sometimes I cannot believe what the wieners will get into.

The other day, Meeko was sitting on my sister's lap by the kitchen table. We have a small pumpkin on the table as a seasonal decoration. I saw Meeko just staring at this pumpkin, perhaps trying to determine if it was something edible.

My curiosity got the best of me and I put the pumpkin closer to the little wiener. First, he sniffed it, then he licked it. Apparently, he decided it was worth something. He started to chew on it. He was really trying to get the stem off, which he accomplished.

Then, the pumpkin rolled off the table and onto the floor, where Frankie was waiting. The other wiener ran off with the pumpkin in his mouth. He then started to chew on it.

I couldn't believe they actually wanted to chew on a pumpkin! They seemed to be having fun with it.

Once Frankie really started biting into it, I had to break up the fun and take it away. It would only get worse and that would be a total mess.

Now I worry that during a walk someone will have a small pumpkin sitting out and the boys will steal it, now that they know it is such a fun challenge to tear up.

My first shower with a dog

I made a really dumb decision the other night - and Meeko suffered because of it.

Meeko hiding in the towel after his awful shower experience.

First, let me say that Meeko has some kind of bacterial infection on his skin. He is taking medication and requires a medicated bath a few times a week.

The other night, I was supposed to give him his medicated bath. I was so tired. All I wanted to do was shower and go to bed. I thought, why not just put the little wiener in the shower with me?

Bad idea!

So, I get the shower going and put Meeko in with me. He gets pelted in the face with the water. This did not make him happy. Had I not been so tired and perhaps thinking straight, I would have known that would be a problem.

Meeko tucks his tail between his legs and starts shaking like someone is trying to kill him. It's like he was trying to curl in a ball and disappear.

I washed him with the special shampoo and tried to get him out as quickly as possible. The whole ordeal took less than two minutes, but that was two minutes of total trauma to him.

Of course, my warm shower was ruined.

He was pretty mad at me - or seemed to be. I should have known better. My needs do not come first.

An accidental slap

Something bad happened the other night. I accidentally hit Frankie.

We were playing with a stuffed dog toy. Frankie was jumping up to get it and I was trying to keep it away from him. Somehow my hand slapped the tip of his nose.

It was horrible! Right after the incident Frankie squatted down and looked at me with the saddest face, like "what did I do?!"

This little wiener has never been hit before! It was probably shocking to him.
I think I felt worse than him though. I immediately got on the ground with him and hugged him, apologizing for about 15 minutes. Then I scratched his belly and cuddled with him for another 10 minutes.

I know it was an accident, but I felt horrible. It took a few minutes of serious affection, but I think he forgave me.

The wieners get a kick when the human is sick

Dogs are supposed to make you feel better when you're sick - right?

Well, last week I was sick. I had a sinus infection and strep throat that kicked my butt. I spent almost a whole week lounging around with a box of tissues. When you're that sick, your dog is supposed to lay by your side and just be with you. Of course, my little wieners are not your typical dogs.

The boys took total advantage of my weakened state. Because my throat was sore, I had to eat something soothing. There I am, sitting on the couch eating a popsicle. Normally, when I sit on the couch and eat the boys will sit right by me and beg. Not this time. The little brats just climbed all over me and took my popsicle right out of my hand. It's like they sensed I didn't have the strength or energy to fight them off. So, they took full advantage.

Frankie also decided to take tissues out of the box then tear them up. When I went to stop him, he would run upstairs with the tissues. He knew I couldn't chase him. By the time I got upstairs, it was too late. The tissues were shredded and I was left with a mess to clean-up. Believe me, this seemed like a big chore at the time.

You'd think the wieners would give me break!

I will give the boys some credit. They did spend a fair amount of time snuggling up to me. It at least made me feel like they cared.

They were probably just near me because I had all the blankets and it was more comfortable for them.


They make no "bones" about it

The boys and their bones.

Meeko with his bone.

Like most dogs, my wieners love bones. Their bone behavior is a bit odd though.

I give both boys a bone - at the same time. Meeko runs to one side of the room, Frankie goes to the other. Meeko actually chews on his bone. Frankie just guards his prized possession.

Poor Frankie gets easily distracted. While he intends to guard his bone with his life, he eventually walks away from it to investigate something else - it's a hound dog thing.

Then Meeko pounces. Meeko will go get Frankie's bone, then go back to his bone; one bone he chews, the other he keeps under his paw. Every once in a while, he will leave his chewed bone for the fresh one Frankie had guarded, but not touched. Then Frankie will get his leftovers.

If Meeko takes possession of both bones, which is normally the case, Frankie just lays there, looking sad. He stares at Meeko just waiting for him to leave. Then he'll run over, get the bone, then actually chew it.

Meeko is very clever though. He always gets the bone back. Meeko will lay on the couch and pretend he's sleeping. He's not.

Frankie will eventually walk away to get water or something. He thinks it's safe. The second Frankie walks away, the "sleeping" Meeko jumps off the couch and gets the bone.
Frankie goes back to pouting.

It reminds me of children. They want what they have, but they want what the other kid has more.

Frankie just steals the show

Do dogs get jealous? If so, Meeko must be seething with jealousy of Frankie.

Frankie is a real looker.

Almost every time we go out for a walk, someone comments about how cute or unique Frankie looks. Meeko is not as eye-catching as his sibling.

The other day my sister and I took the boys to the park. Six people came up to us, just gushing over Frankie. They say, "I've never seen one (a dachshund) that looks like him or I like the one with the spots." If dogs had egos, Frankie's would be massive!

A family approached us and just went wild over the little spotted wiener. The father even said Meeko "just looked like many other ones."

So here we are, a family surrounding Frankie telling us how adorable he is, while poor ordinary Meeko just sat off to the side - being a good boy might I add. My sister and I felt so bad for him. After the family walked away, we told Meeko how beautiful he was too.

I will admit, Frankie is not your typical dachshund. He draws attention. But come on, Meeko may be your average black and tan wiener, but he is one gorgeous pooch.

Of course in my opinion, I have the two cutest dogs in the world. (I'm not biased or anything!) Maybe one day it will be Meeko's time to shine?

The feeding frenzy

Meeko has a rather bizarre dinnertime ritual.

Meeko guards his favorite toy.

After Meeko eats his meal, it's like he gets a surge of energy. About five minutes after eating, he starts running all through the house. First, he has to find his favorite toy - a stuffed brown and white bone. Then he tosses the toy around, then chases it.

This will go on for about five minutes. He's upstairs, then downstairs. Back upstairs. Back down. It sounds like a herd of buffalo running through the house.

Eventually, he gets bored with his toy and wants something that will play back. So, he will run after Frankie. He jumps on Frankie, pulls his ears and just antagonizes him. Frankie will run away from the crazed wiener, but that is part of the fun. Meeko then chases Frankie all over the house. Talk about a herd of buffalo!

This outburst of energy is over in less than 10 minutes. It happens everyday, right after dinner. Maybe I need to look at what's in his dog food?

The 'you know what' hits the fan

The little wieners really went above and beyond the realm of gross.

The other day, my sister and I took the boys out to Three Creeks Metro Park. This is not a park we normally go to. I thought it would be a nice change for the boys.

So, we're walking and go by a pond. The boys were hot and I allowed them to cool off in the water. Before we went to the pond, there was a flock of Canada geese. I figured the birds would go into the water as we approached. I was right, but the large birds left behind plenty of disgusting bodily fluids and more. Of course, the wieners couldn't resist.

Before we could do anything about it, Frankie and Meeko were rolling their entire bodies in a pile of goose feathers and feces. Once we got them on their feet, the smell hit. Oh my God!

I didn't even want the little wieners in my car they smelled so bad. But, I had no choice. My sister and I had to keep our heads practically out the window to breathe. It was a vomit inducing odor.

Then I had to spend the rest of my evening cleaning - vigorously cleaning. Of course I had to bathe the boys. They each got several rounds of shampoo. Then I had to clean the bath tub, then all the towels and clothes the stinky dogs had come in contact with. I washed their harnesses. Even the detergent could not remove that vulgar smell.

I had to run up to the pet store and purchase new harnesses and additional cleansing cloths - so I could really rub their faces. Then I had to shampoo my car. Even after a shampoo and Febreeze, my car still smelled bad. It took days to get that smell out of my car.

This is what I get for trying to be a nice dog owner and taking the boys to a new, fun place to walk. I will never let them get remotely close to Canada geese again!

Fireworks are such fun - not!

I may be in the minority on this, but I do not like the typical festivities that go with the 4th of July. Much of this is due to my dog, Meeko.

Fireworks terrify poor Meeko.

I am not a big fan of fireworks. They're loud, stinky, boring and they upset my little wiener.

Meeko seems to think he's in a war zone when fireworks are going off. So this weekend should be fun!

The city will have its annual fireworks event, then people in the neighborhood will be sure to set off their own for several days afterwards - illegally. My poor dog will be terrified, and I'll be annoyed.

Meeko will hide under the bed or curl up in the bathroom, shaking. Sometimes, he even hides under the computer table. I just don't know what to do with him. I want to comfort him, but I don't want to reward the nervous, frightened behavior.

Now, I am planning ahead. Before the "big boom" festivities, I will take the boys for a long walk - in an attempt to wear them out. Then I will put on the radio or tv louder than normal, to drown out the explosions. Of course, I could resort to doggy Xanax?

I guess we'll just have to wait it out and wait for the fireworks to lose its appeal. For me, that happens about two seconds after the first one goes off.

Progress made at K-9 Carnival

My sister and I took the wieners to the K-9 Carnival at Fryer Park in Grove City.

This is an event that had the potential to be a disaster. Hundreds of dogs are out with their owners. There is a large off-leash play area. Outside that area, dogs were supposed to be leashed, but some were not.

The boys were greeted by basset hounds, mastiffs, greyhounds, labs and of course other dachshunds. They did really well. Frankie was quite social. He greeted many dogs. Meeko does not really initiate a greeting, but he tolerated other dogs coming near him. This is actually a big accomplishment.

At one time, I thought there might be a problem. We were walking the wieners around the path. There were two big dogs off-leash in a nearby grassy area. One of the dogs zeroed in on the wieners. I knew he or she was coming over. Normally, both the boys are very uneasy about loose dogs approaching them. Especially, loose dogs that are bigger. (The boys don't like to be reminded they are not the biggest dog in the world.)

We were heading into the lake. The next thing I know, the big, loose hound dog was pouncing into the lake with us. I tried to remain calm and not let on that I was nervous about what I thought was going to happen. Of course, he went right up to my little wiener with the attitude problem. The big dog was looming over Meeko, bending right over him with a face-to-face greeting. I was terrified!

Too many times a face-to-face greeting has turned into a fight. Meeko, my good boy, greeted the dog and went about his business. He even allowed the dog to hang out a while in the water with us.

After the dog left, I grabbed Meeko and told him how proud he made me. He was such a good boy! He honestly made my day.

It was a good day. We made a lot of progress.


Hot dogs bring on bad behavior from the hot dogs

Over Memorial Day weekend, I took the wieners to my grandparent's place for a cookout. They were not good.

Frankie was a very bad boy at grandma's house for a Memorial Day cookout.

Most of the time when I take my boys to a strange place, they are quiet and stay by me. Not this time.

Frankie was into everything. I found him once in a closet. Found him another time on my grandpa's bed. He went to the bathroom and tried to pull the rug out. He pulled a small stuffed animal off a shelf and tried to tear it up. All this is bad, but it only got worse when the food came out.

Meeko had been a good boy up until the food was ready. He was even sweet to my grandpa and laid on his lap.

So the hot dogs came off the grill and the other hot dogs went wild. Frankie jumped up on my grandma trying to steal food from her. Meeko jumped my grandpa (who he had just bonded with) for food. Frankie kept stretching up to get food off the table. He almost got a hot dog too.

Then we had cake and ice cream to celebrate my birthday. Of course, the boys wanted in on the celebration. Frankie jumped on my grandma and grabbed her fork to lick the icing. Meeko got the leftover ice cream from my grandpa's plate.

My grandparents thought the dogs were funny and actually commented on how good they are. What?!! My grandma said the boys are welcome back any time they want. Typical grandparents.

The wieners want their car back

The wieners will not accept my rental car.

I was in an auto accident (not my fault) and needed a rental car. I did not know I needed to take the dogs for approval.

The other day, I was going to take the boys to the park. This involves them getting into the car.

They go out in the garage and discover the unfamiliar vehicle. They actually started barking at the car. Then they ran back to the door, wanting to go back inside the house. They wanted nothing to do with this strange car.

I decided to put a familiar blanket in the back seat to comfort the dogs. After some coaxing, the wieners got closer to the car. I opened the door. Things did not go well.
Frankie got up his courage and jumped into the car. He was so nervous. He was crouched down, tail tucked between his legs. Then he jumped out. He jumped back in, then back out. Back in, back out. This went on about five times.

Eventually, he stayed in the dreaded car. Then I was able to get Meeko in.

Once we got to the park, they boys couldn't get out of the horrible machine fast enough. Then when the walk was over and it was time to get back in the car to go home, Frankie played his jump in and out game a few times. It was quite an ordeal.

I never knew they had such an aversion to Kias?

One nutty situation

The other day I spent over an hour trying to get a squirrel out from under the hood of my car.

Why was it there? The wieners.

After a walk at a local park the boys, my sister and I were ready to leave. As I was loading the boys into the car, Meeko ran right over to my driver's side front tire. I knew something had to be there. There was a squirrel. Of course Frankie had to investigate. Then I had two crazy wieners trying to get a rodent on my tire.

I guess the squirrel had no choice but to find a hole and get up into the engine area. My sister and I tried to get it out. We lightly poked it with a stick and flicked water at it. It didn't want to leave. All the while, the boys are safely in the car going insane.

Then strange people came up to help and see what was going on. Of course this upset the dogs. They could not protect their women.

Finally the squirrel came out, with the help from two guys. Then the rodent ran from my car and up into the car the guys were driving!

We were finally able to get back into the car, then the boys could calm down. I could tell they were upset so I stopped at Dairy Queen and got them a puppy cup. They didn't get the squirrel, but they got ice cream. Not a bad deal.

Oh, and sorry I can't tell you the outcome of the squirrel. The guys took off with the animal in their car. Maybe it got out, maybe not?

When the human is away, the wieners will play

What is that saying, "When the mom is away, the kids will play?" Something like that.

Apparently, the same is true for dogs.

I took a little trip and left the boys in the care of my sister. I almost came home to a shaved dog.

My sister, Dedra, took the boys out for a walk. So far, so good. Then, while tending to Meeko, Dedra notices Frankie rolling in something. She's not too concerned. The little wieners love to roll.

Dedra discovers Frankie is actually rolling in wet asphalt. He had black goo all over him. It would not come off.

My sister calls the vet and asks what to do. The person she talked to said they were not sure, as this doesn't happen often. They said Frankie might need to have the area shaved. It was over half his body!

Knowing I would come home and flip out if my dog had been shaved, Dedra opted to try Dawn. It works on ducks caught in oil spills - right?

Luckily, with a lot of Dawn and little bit of vegetable oil, the wet tar substance came off.
When I got home, I noticed Frankie smelled like a stinky dog salad and he was still greasy from the oil.

Just what I want to do when I get home from a trip, spend hours bathing the boys. Of course, Meeko got asphalt on himself too and had to get an oil treatment.

If I had one wish, it would be that the boys did not have the desire to roll on the most foul, stinky, and in some cases sticky, crap they could find. It would make my life so much easier!

It's hunting time!

Meeko (above) is so happy to hunt the backyard birds. Frankie is ready to dive, face first, into a small hole.

The warmer weather has turned the backyard into a hunting ground. The targets - anything.

It's like Frankie and Meeko revert to their wild ways once the temperature reaches 55 degrees. Meeko chases and stalks birds. We have a bird feeder in the yard hence we have birds. Meeko hates birds!

He chases them up and down the yard. The birds stop to perch on the fence. The little wiener tries to climb up the fence. The birds hang out in the bushes. Meeko tries to jump up into the bushes.

Frankie will join the bird hunt for a while, but he gets bored. He will find other things to occupy his time. Frankie, like a true dachshund, likes to dig. He will try to find any kind of underground creature. He will stick his long nose into any small hole he can find. Then he will obsess over what could possibly be in that small hole.

Of course, other dogs, cats and children get close to the yard. This makes them targets, too. The boys must chase them away from their kingdom.

Another fun thing that comes with warmer weather is the non-stop barking. Especially Meeko; he loves to bark. Loudly.

I love spring.

 

 

 

Overwhelmed with anxiety?

For three days Meeko was acting traumatized.

He kept flopping his ears, acting as if something were biting him, shaking and cowering under furniture. He gets scared like that during thunderstorms, but there have been no storms.

After the third day of this odd behavior, I decided to take him to the vet. Maybe he had an ear infection? Maybe he was just having an emotional breakdown? I was hoping it was something physical that could be a quick fix.

Nope, nothing wrong with him. The vet said it sounds like he's having some problems with anxiety.

What does he have to be anxious about? I wish I had this dog's life!

I asked the vet if the problem could be his hair. Meeko had surgery on his knee about six weeks ago. They shaved his leg and other parts of his body. The hair is still growing in, which could be very itchy and irritating.

The vet said that was a possibility and I should try to give him a benadryl.

We get home from the vet. I give him a benadryl. The little bugger is fine after that. I had to pay nearly $70, when all I had to do was give him a benadryl, that I could buy for $3.99.

I think I'm going to be the one who needs medication for anxiety!

Frankie turns feral when outdoors

Something happens to my dog when he steps outside.

Here, Frankie takes advantage of his warming blanket on the couch. You'd never know, he turns into a feral wiener.

He reverts to his wild ways and becomes feral Frankie.

When the little wiener is in the house, he enjoys all the comforts of domestic living - and then some. He lounges on the couch, sleeps on the bed and cuddles up to me when he gets the chance. He even forces me to give him daily belly rubs.

Then I put the leash on him and something just clicks. We go out for a walk and it's like I do not exist. He doesn't hear me, see me or even seem to give a crap about me. I could fall in a hole and I truly don't think he would notice.

The entire time we're walking, his nose is to the ground and he turns into the hunter (feral Frankie). It's like he is on a mission to track and find anything. I tell him to stop or come, no response. I try to kneel and get him to come, he looks at me like I'm wasting his precious time.

Afterwards, we go back home and he turns into my cuddly wiener dog. I guess I should take advantage of the time when I exist.

The wiener got stuck and I went nuts

What started out as a simple dog walk ended with me losing it and chastising two 9 year olds.

It has been two weeks since Meeko's surgery. We are still working through physical therapy. He can go for a few 15 minute walks per day.

I decided to take him to the park for a quick walk with Frankie. They have not been out for a walk together in months, since his injury.

The walk went well. On the way home, things took a turn.

I'm driving along the road when suddenly my windshield is blasted with a snowball. Two little brats were throwing snowballs at cars along a 45 mph road.

I was startled and slammed on my brakes. Meeko went flying and ended up right between my two front seats. The problem - Meeko is a bit thick and he got stuck. And he got really stuck.

I tried to push him back while driving. That did not work. I had to pull over to push him. Still no luck. Meanwhile, he is flailing his legs around in the back, including the leg that just had surgery.

I had to get out of the car and get in the back to try to pull the stout wiener out. Still not working. As another fun thing, Frankie is trying to get out of the car.

Finally, I pulled my driver's seat up then was able to get Meeko free. Why does this stuff always happen to him? Such a poor wiener.

Afterwards I had a truly "old lady" moment. I tracked down the two brats throwing snowballs. I have to admit, I was mad. Normally I would have been irritated with the kids, but I would have let it slide. Not this time.

I went up to the door and demanded to speak to their parents. They were not home - allegedly. Then I proceeded to lecture the demons about the dangers of throwing things at moving vehicles and how people could get hurt.

I had one hand on my hip and was shaking my finger at the same time. I had on a bright pink hat. My face was probably the color of my hat as I'm yelling at them.

I'm sure the kids had a good laugh after I left.

Getting better means more trouble

Meeko had surgery a week ago. He is doing better each day, which is good and bad.

Meeko totally hates his cone!

His recovery time is 8 to 10 weeks. So, for more than two months, the little wiener is not supposed to run, roughhouse, jump or climb stairs. Yeah right!

After three days he was trying to run. At five days, he jumped on the couch, while I was leaning down to pick him up. That same day, his brother, Frankie got wound up so Meeko dove off the couch to play.

I don't know how I'm supposed to keep him out of trouble for eight weeks if I can't even do it for one!

I have blocked off the stairs, thinking he can't get into that much trouble if he stays in one room.

He is not allowed to lick or chew at his sutures. The little wiener goes for them every chance he gets. I have to watch him like a hawk when I'm home. When I'm not home or have to do something, he gets to wear the beloved cone. He hates it!

In addition to watching him like a newborn, I get to do physical therapy with him. Every day, I have to take him out for a five to 10 minute walk. Then we have to do his leg exercises. Then I have to put his little leg on ice for 10 to 15 minutes. This has to be done three times a day.

I could really use an assistant, since I still have to put out a newspaper.

Each week we add time to his therapy walks and we add new exercises.

Luckily, he likes the walks and tolerates the range-of-motion exercises. He even lets me keep the ice on him.

By April this will all be over and things will be back to normal. That is of course, unless the little monster injures himself again.

Out of surgery!

I can breathe a little easier. Meeko is out of surgery and doing as well as can be expected.

I will be able to pick him up and take him home tomorrow. Then the "fun" will begin.

The recovery process will take 8 to 10 weeks. Over two months of trying to keep the little wiener from getting into trouble. What a chore! It seems impossible, but I will give it my best.

Hopefully, by spring both my little wieners will be out and about.

Time to prep for surgery

The possibility has become a reality.

Meeko will need plenty of rest for the next two months.

My little man, Meeko, needs surgery. He goes under the knife this week. I am very nervous.

While playing, Meeko tore something around his knee. Now, he has a luxating patella (a knee that pops out of place). Apparently, the only fix - surgery.

I have to drop him off at the animal hospital early in the morning. Leaving him there will be so hard for me. What if he thinks I'm leaving him for good? I know it's irrational. I know he will be in good hands. I just can't help myself.

He has to stay the night too, for observation. I am going to have one full day without Meeko. One full day of a frantic Frankie, whining because his brother is gone. (I wonder if they'd let Frankie stay too?)

It's Meeko's recovery I am most nervous about. It will take a long 8-10 weeks. The first two weeks, he will have a cone around his head and will need to stay calm and quiet in a crate or something. He will not like the cone at all!

For six weeks, he is to go outside on-leash only. He cannot run, jump or climb for at least a month in a half. This would be so much easier if there was not another wiener ready to play. Plus, the surgeon told me, Meeko will feel better and want to play, but he still cannot.

After six weeks, he will have a check-up. At that time, I may be able to take him out for short walks. Still no running or jumping for a few weeks after that. The problem - I have two very active wieners. Meeko will not like this. Plus, I cannot be present 24 hours a day.

Did I mention the surgery itself will cost close to $2,000! This does not include all the vet visits, surgery consultation and follow-up appointments. My bank account is taking a huge hit.

I look forward to the spring, when he's fully healed. Until then, wish me luck!

Depression kicking in

Frankie is sad.

His partner in crime is out of commission. Now he's bored and that means trouble.
Meeko's leg is still injured I am waiting to find out if he will need surgery. We are in the wait and see if it gets better phase. The vet thinks he may have torn something in his knee. Meeko cannot go for walks, run, jump or play.

I still have to take Frankie out for walks, but he lacks his normal enthusiasm for outdoor exploration. Usually, Frankie is happily running 10 feet in front of me with his nose to the ground. Now he lags behind. I have to coax him to walk.

I actually have to kneel down on the walking path with my arms open encouraging him to walk to me. Eventually he does, but I suspect he just wants to go home to be with his brother. He even whines in the car. It's quite the display.

At home, Frankie is bored. Meeko has to stay put and Frankie seems to know he's injured. He doesn't initiate play with him, but with me and household items instead.
His new thing is to drag the kitchen rug (which is bigger than him) into the living room, roll on it then bite it. I put the rug back. Five seconds later, it's right back in the living room.

I try to indulge him and chase him around the house. He actually gets bored with me pretty easily. How insulting!

I guess I'm no substitute for Meeko.

I am even trying to get a work friend meet me at a park with her dog so Frankie would be motivated to walk. This may work, but I suspect once again it will be no substitute for Meeko.

I really hope Meeko heals soon for the peace of the pack.

 

One injured wiener, another in need of attention

I don't know what is worse, caring for an injured dog or trying to make sure the other dog gets enough attention.

Meeko still cannot put pressure on his right leg. I have to try to keep him from running, jumping, etc. On top of that, his pain medication is making him sick to his stomach. So quite often (and several times a night) I have to carry him outside to take care of business.

Needless to say, Meeko is getting a lot of attention.

All this Meeko attention is not sitting well with Frankie. In order to get some extra attention, Frankie is getting into more trouble than usual and being even more demanding of affection. What is a girl to do?

I thought I could make it up to Frankie by taking him out for a long walk - just the two of us. He's happy on the walk, but when we get home, he still wants all the attention.
I don't know which one is taking more of my time.

Frankie is also not helping matters with Meeko. I take Meeko outside. He hobbles around, and then Frankie comes steaming by, knocking Meeko out of the way to go bark at something. What does this do? Makes Meeko try to run over to where Frankie is to join in the barking fun.

I just hope Meeko recovers soon, so Frankie can have his partner in crime back. Then I can have a little peace!

An emotional trip to the animal ER

Earlier this week, I made my first trip to an animal emergency room.

The boys were playing, when all the sudden Meeko could not walk. It was after 10 p.m. so of course my vet was out of the office. I was worried his leg was broken. I took him to the ER.

While driving Meeko to the hospital, the roads were bad and it just kept snowing. He was shaking and heavily panting from pain. By the time we got there, I was a nervous wreck.
We were in the exam room waiting for the vet. I heard someone come in crying hysterically. I did not know what was going on, but I knew it could not be good.

After about an hour, someone was able to see Meeko. They took him into the back and sent me to the waiting room. While waiting, I saw a couple there and another two women. All of them looked very upset.

The vet came to get me and told me she wasn't quite sure what was going on with Meeko, but said his knee was not where it should be. Either this injury would heal on its own, or he would have to undergo surgery. They were going to send him home with some pain medication. Before I got him back, they were going to give him an injection of pain medicine and a sedative. I was to follow up with my own vet for x-rays and the next course of action.

Once again I was in the waiting room. First the vet techs brought out the pet of the two women in the waiting room. Their pet was inside a large cardboard box. Then they brought out Meeko. He cannot walk on his right leg and he is loopy from the injection of meds, but he is alive and coming home with me. Shortly after Meeko and I were reunited, the couple got their pet back. It was also in a cardboard box.

Meeko and I had a long night. He is hurt and it has been a challenge to care for him. But I am so thankful that I left that ER with my dog - and he was not in a cardboard box.

A book all dachshund fans will love

For those dachshund lovers out there, check out the book "Flawed Dogs" by Berkeley Breathed.

I believe it is young adult's book, but dachshund fans, and dog lovers, will enjoy it.

The book takes you through the tough journey of one special wiener dog - Sam. He starts off as an award winning dog, impressing dog judges with his unique dancing ability and one-of-a-kind appearance.

Sam thinks he has it made. Everyone thinks he is perfect and he has the love of a young girl. But little does he know, a jealous poodle, Cassius, plans to sabotage Sam and sends his good life to the gutter.

Sam has to fight for his life and endures true hardship. He then decides to get revenge on the poodle who ruined his perfect life.

Sam and a group of "flawed" canines hatch a plan to ruin the Westminster Dog Show, where the stage is set to crown Cassius Best in Show.

"Flawed Dogs" is funny, sad and truly touching.

It's a quick read so if you have a free day and need a laugh, check it out.

Frankie vs. the rodent

We had a mouse in the house.

This little critter was with us for a few days - that I know of. We tried the humane mouse trap, but it was not fooled.

Once I was watching a movie and I saw the mouse in the kitchen, just running around. I tried to get the two wieners to see it. They were not interested. I began to think, maybe I should have gotten a cat.

But, one of the wieners came through. The mouse made the mistake of coming out if its hiding place in front of Frankie. Once he saw it, he was relentless. I felt bad. He pretty much tortured the mouse.

He caught the mouse. One would think one bite would be all it would take. But Frankie lacks the killer instinct. Oh, he can hunt and catch, but the killing is normally done by my other wiener, Meeko.

So Frankie had the mouse in his mouth and seemed to be chewing it. Then he dropped it and just stood over it - guarding his prey. Well, the poor thing was not dead. It then tried to get away again, to no avail. Frankie pounced and it was back in his mouth. It was dropped again.

The little visitor laid there barely alive, but still trying to get away. At this point, I'm yelling at Frankie to bite the thing and put it out of its misery. So, that is what he did. Not because I told him so, but because it was still moving and what a fun game.

It was finally over. That poor mouse died a pretty awful death. If only Meeko had caught it - or gotten out of bed when all the action was happening. He would have made it quick.

I'm just glad Frankie was not interested in eating it. Once, I had to pull a dead bird out of Meeko's mouth. It was disgusting! I was not looking forward to playing tug-of-war with a rodent.

Nothing fits!

Even the Snuggie is too tight for the wieners.

I am not the type of person to buy clothes for my dogs. It is a hassle to get them on, the dogs hate it, and it is just a waste of money.

I do have coats for the boys. Not because it is so cute, but because they need to walk daily, they have short hair and it is cold outside. Meeko can tolerate the cold. He has very thick hair and he is one stout wiener. Frankie on the other hand, is just skin and bone. The temperature dips and he runs around shivering.

I've tried to buy sweaters and other items for Frankie, but nothing fits. Someone needs to make dog clothes for dachshunds. They are not exactly shaped like other dogs.

Most people think of dachshunds as small dogs. They are not - at least not the two I have. They are medium-sized dogs with short legs. I buy a medium and it's too small.

Everything I buy is too tight around the chest. Then they really look like stuffed sausages. I can't imagine a large would fit. That is for big, tall dogs.

So I broke down and bought a Snuggie for Frankie. I got a medium. It is too tight around his chest. It won't even fit around the girth of Meeko. What is a girl to do? I would say it was a waste of $10, but seeing Frankie in it was worth it.

Bath time blues

My little wieners hate getting baths. You would think I'm torturing them, by simply pouring soap and water on their bodies.

They know it's coming. They hear the water running. They see me get out the big beach towels and the shampoo. Then I come for them, one at a time.

Meeko, the sly little wiener, will run and hide under a bed or another place where I cannot reach him. Frankie will just fight with me. Literally kicking at me while I'm trying to pick him up.

Once I get them in the tub, they are alright. They even like to be toweled off. Meeko likes the blow dryer too.

But once out of the bathroom, Meeko is fine. Frankie just goes nuts. He runs around the house at 80 miles per hour rubbing his face and body against anything he can find. This can last up to 15 minutes. Occasionally, he will stop and just breathe heavy and snort. He snorts when he's not happy about something.

I guess this is his way of telling me the little prince is not happy about what just went down. He's trying to gain the control he lost.

Unfortunately, the wieners need baths fairly often. They are low to the ground and love to get into anything dirty and smelly. If they could stay out of trouble, this would not have to happen nearly as much. Why don't they learn?

Turkey drives the dogs wild

What is it about turkey that drives animals wild?

When I was growing up, my family had a Siamese cat that would literally sit in front of the oven for hours, while the turkey was cooking.

This year at Thanksgiving, my dachshund Frankie went crazy. When the turkey came out of the oven, it was placed on the counter. He decided to make a jump for it - actually a few jumps. He really tried to reach the countertop to grab the meat.

Then when he couldn't succeed, Frankie went into a loud crying fit. His body was visibly shaking, with wanting the food so badly. It was quite the scene.

He even tried to jump on the table to get his feast. Meanwhile, my other wiener, Meeko, was sitting and waiting like a good boy. I only hope he doesn't pick up on his brother's bad behavior.

The wieners did get some turkey, after all it was the holiday. I don't know what makes turkey so much more alluring than say chicken, but it's something.

A 'crappy' way to start the day

Talk about a rude awakening.

This morning, the boys go outside, then crawl back into bed with me. At first I smelled something kind of stale, but couldn't decide what the smell was or where it was coming from. Eventually, I fell back to sleep.

Then I roll over to hit my snooze button when I feel something hard, like a rock, under my leg. I pull out the object to discover it is an old, dried up piece of crap. Disgusted, I toss it - further onto my bed.

I don't know which little wiener brought me this present or why. I only know that I rolled on crap, picked it up, then threw it back onto my own bed. To say I needed a shower would be an understatement.

What a way to start the day! The most disgusting things I have encountered in my life, have revolved around my pets. The joys of having animals.

The sun salutation

We all know someone who worships the sun. Well, my dog, Frankie, does too.

The sun worshiping only goes on in the morning. He goes in the back yard and just sits there, staring at the sun. He looks so peaceful and relaxed while doing so too.

Could he be meditating, unwinding from a stressful night? I don't know, but that wiener loves the sun.

Sometimes I will call him in while he's in the middle of his sun ritual. He barely acknowledges me. He gives me this side glance, like I'm really bothering him, then goes back to staring at the sun. (Not that he normally listens to me.)

I keep waiting for the day he breaks out and does an upward facing dog yoga pose while sun worshiping. At least he's getting his daily dose of Vitamin D.

Help me from "hunter mode"

Help me, it's rabbit season!

When I walk my two dachshunds, they sometimes encounter "prey" items. This includes birds, squirrels, rabbits and groundhogs. They will chase a bird or squirrel, but they turn into something else when they spot a rabbit or smell a groundhog. They go into what I call "hunter mode." They are totally uncontrollable.

They see or smell a rabbit and it's like I don't exist. They don't hear me at all. I am only in their way, as I'm holding them back from running as fast as they can. In fact, two 20 pound dogs drag me around like nothing. I outweigh them by over 100 pounds!

When we spot rabbits or groundhogs, it takes me about 10 minutes to get control of them - somewhat. They are relentless in tracking the prey. Dachshunds are not even bred to hunt rabbits or groundhogs - they are bred to hunt badgers. I only hope we never have that encounter!

Maybe I should just take them hunting, though camouflage is not really my thing.

The boys ruined my relaxing get-a-way

I had such grand dreams of a fun, exciting yet relaxing vacation. That didn't happen.

When deciding where to go, I had to factor in the two wieners. I wanted to take them. What better place than the mountains?

I decided to take the boys to Gatlinburg, Tenn. I've never been there and I heard it was beautiful. I rented a log cabin in the woods, thinking the boys would just be in their element. Nope!

We made the drive, which was nearly eight hours factoring in rest time for the boys. I was worried about them in the car that long. They weren't great, but they weren't awful either.

It was the cabin that created problems. I think the boys were afraid of the floors. It was hard wood laminate, not laid well. It had bubbles in it and they just seemed terrified. They wouldn't leave the one area in the cabin that had a rug. If I walked away into another room, Frankie went wild; crying and carrying on.

His anxiety got so bad I was worried about his health. I thought he might have a heart attack or something. His body was hot, he was shaking and his heart was beating really fast - it seemed. I didn't know what to do. I tired to comfort him. I tried to be firm and tell him to stop. Nothing worked.

So, I made the decision to cut my non-fun and non-relaxing trip short.

What a waste of time and money! Thanks boys!

The "not so little" wiener problem

The things you have to deal with when you have dogs. This blog is a bit delicate.

The other morning Meeko woke up and was (how to put this?)... excited. People who have boy dogs know what I'm talking about. Well, normally this "excitement" goes away after a few seconds. This wasn't going away.

Meeko was very excited and swollen for a while. So much so that his back was arching and he was having trouble walking. This has not happened before - for this long of a time. So I freak out. Only one thing to do - call the vet. My big problem, how to explain this.

I call the vet and speak with the technician. I tell her my little wiener has had a problem in "his area" for about 10 minutes. She tells me that I should take his sheath and pull it over the extended part, then walk him around outside to see if the "problem goes down."

I am horrified at the thought of having to do that. That is his private area and I don't feel I should be messing with it. I would rather just take him to a professional and pay for the deed to be done.

Luckily, after I walked him around outside, the "issue" went down and the lipstick went back into the tube.

So, I call the vet tech back and tell her the problem went away and we didn't need to make an emergency stop in. She told me it could be a urinary tract infection, but more than likely "he's just a little boy and sometimes little boys get excited."

On a side note, I had to contact my boss and let the people I work with know I was running late because of Meeko's penis problems.

Meeko must have been having one good dream. I guess boys will be boys!


Frankie was here

Do you know those dogs that have to pee on everything just to say "I was here?" Well, I have one of those dogs.

Frankie lifts his little leg to just about everything outdoors. A fire hydrant, a decorative yard rock, a neighbor's toy in the yard - anything is fair game.

My mom was heading out to a plant sale at the Gardens at Gantz. I thought I'd go along with the boys so I could walk them. Well, they wanted to go to the plant sale too, since that was where the action was.

Volunteers were walking around tending to the plants. Then Frankie comes along. He lifts his leg to a plant and some ladies (almost in slow motion) yell "No, Doggie No!"

You could no sooner stop a thunderstorm from coming. The marking was complete and my mother and I were left mortified.

At least the gardens got some plant sales out of it.

I think they try to embarrass me

Why do the boys like to embarrass me?

The other day, I took the pups to the vet for another annual vaccine. It came with a warning that the dogs may be lethargic for a few days.

So the next day, I take the boys to the park for a short walk. Meeko is fine the day after his shot, but Frankie is tired. Normally, Frankie is a bundle of excitement when we go to the park. This time, not so much.

He still wanted to roll in stinky crap, however. It is hard to get the boys out of roll (like a crocodile in a death roll - maybe not). Anyway, they fling their sausage-like bodies on the ground and they don't want to get up. They want to absorb themselves in the nasty stench.

As Frankie is rolling, in slime on concrete, I pull on his leash thinking he will flip over and get going. No, he was too tired for that. He just laid in the crap and when I tugged on the leash I ended up dragging him a bit on his back.

Of course, people were around and probably looking at me like I was abusing my poor dog who just wanted to scratch his back. So I end up physically flipping the sausage over. Then try to walk away quickly because I was embarrassed.

This probably made the little wieners happy. If anyone is abused in our relationship - it's me.

Pool party poopers!

The boys are not happy in the pool.

I recently went on an assignment to take photos at the Soggy Dog Swim, sponsored by the city of Grove City. After finishing my job, my mom stopped by with the wieners. I figured they like the water; they will have such a good time. I was wrong.

This event was at the Big Splash and dogs could just run around, swim and play. Hundreds of dogs were there having the time of their lives. Why should the wieners be different?

We bring the boys in. We try to get in the water. They don't want to. Keep in mind, they have no problem jumping into creeks and lakes (the dirtier, the better).

Finally, the wieners get into the water, by the shallow end. This was only after my mother and I got in the water too. Instead of frolicking like the other pups, they clung to our legs. I heard this dog crying and realized it was Frankie. He was shaking and crying like a baby. He wanted out - and now!

Meeko was better, but still very uncomfortable. He kept jumping on my legs. He does this when he wants me to pick him up.

After about a half hour, of what was probably torture to them, we left. They ran out and ran straight to the car. They could not get inside and away fast enough.

Of course, I would have the only dogs in the place not having a good time. Oh well, at least they didn't poop in the pool!

Do I have a macho man?

The other day Frankie did something odd and I don't know what it means.

While at the park, another dog came up to greet him. After the initial sniff, Frankie rammed his long nose into the dog's face and ran off.

What was that about? I have never read anything about dogs nose bumping. I think it is some kind of weird macho dog behavior.

It reminded me of when two guys are about to fight and they bump chests. I guess this is a my pecs are bigger than yours thing.

Anyone have any ideas why my wiener is ramming other dogs with his nose?

The lawn should be cut to size

I have recently noticed the little princes are bothered by high grass in the yard. Talk about high maintenance!

When I mow the lawn, I nearly die from my allergies. So I have two pre-teens do it. However, being young boys, they don't exactly work on a contract and are not the most reliable. Sometimes, the grass can get a little high and the wieners just don't like it.

They have no problem diving head first in a pile of weeds or brush at the parks, but high grass on their turf - no way.

They will go out the back door and poke their way through the yard, looking very uncomfortable the whole time. But once the lawn is cut to size, the wieners run out and play.

They are pretty low to the ground so I could see how higher grass blades might bother them, but then why are they willing to run through high grass elsewhere?

I guess, like humans, they hold their place of dwelling to a higher standard. I only wish I could live up to their ever so high expectations.

The bite is worse than the bark

Well, it has happened. One of my wieners bit me!

It all happened over - get this - more wiener dogs.

My sister and I were walking the boys and a young boy turned the corner with two out of control dachshunds. He had them on a long leash and they ran at my boys with a lot of excited energy.

I knew Meeko would have a problem with this and the dogs were too close to move away. So I scooped Meeko up. (Those dogs were boys too so there was a lot of male dominant stuff going on.)

The two other wieners ran towards Frankie and got a little too wound up. Frankie got nervous, then Meeko got mad. He is very protective of his brother. Then the dogs came close to where I was holding Meeko and he just started biting. Unfortunately, my arm was in the way.

Meeko bit my arm probably four times, but I don't think he knew he did it. He was just trying to get at the other dogs. (Yes, I know I'm making excuses for him.)

I have two really nasty bruises from the "incident."

Of course, I was upset. Mostly, I was upset with myself. This aggressive behavior is my fault. But how do I fix it?

I've taken them to training class. I am careful of the energy I project around them, when around other dogs. Usually, if I'm calm they will be calm. In this incident, I was calm. The other dogs were not and Meeko is one reactive pooch.

I'm glad I picked him up though; otherwise there would have been one bad wiener fight.

My own neighborhood watch

Meeko (right) focuses on what is going on out the window. His brother (Frankie) comes and goes, but Meeko has a job to do.

In my job, I hear a lot about communities or individuals wanting to form a neighborhood watch program.

Well, I have my own neighborhood watch - my dachshund Meeko.

Meeko sits on his perch (the side of the couch) and watches out the window for any suspicious activity. And by any, I mean any movement or any sign of life. He takes his job very seriously.

If a squirrel is in the yard, I know about it. If a cat or dog walks by, I really hear about it. He will bark crazily until the "threat" is long gone.

He does not desire children or adults walking by the home. There are neighbor kids who run across the yard. Meeko really does not like this. Of course, he still wouldn't like it if they were so kind as to use the further away sidewalk.

Believe me, and my neighbors, his bark is loud enough to scare most away. Even with the doors and windows closed, I have no doubt the offender (be it another dog or person out for a walk) can hear the warning from Meeko.

Of course I still need alternative protection. Meeko only sits on his post during the daytime. After hours, he is busy eating, playing and sleeping.

It's all because of the puppy cup

Normally, I blog about how my two wieners embarrass me. I find I don't need their help at all.

Like most pet owners, I talk to my dogs. I ask them if they want to go outside or go to the park. I even find I tell them about how I'm feeling.

"Mommy feels like crap today so we can't go for a long walk," is a one-sided conversation I might have.

But in some situations, it's just not called for.

The other day my sister and I decided to go out for Dairy Queen. We took the boys along. We went through the drive thru and got our treats when the boy working asked if the dogs would like a puppy cup.

Instead of acting like a rational human being, I turned around and asked the wieners (in my normal high pitched dog voice) if they wanted a puppy cup. Then they wagged their tails and licked my face, so I had my answer.

My sister was mortified and the boy could hardly contain his laughter. Immediately afterwards, I felt like a doofus. Of course they want a puppy cup of cold soft serve ice cream. What dog wouldn't want one?

I also find I talk to the boys when on walks too. I explain to them why they can't do what they want - like run after a cat or jump into the water on a cooler day. Normally, I try to tone down the conversation if another person is around, but sometimes people hear.

I wish I could blame the wieners for this behavior, but I can't. It's all on me. I just need to know when to shut up!

More trouble at annual vet time

It's that time of year again - time for the annual vet trip.

Oh, what a time it is. The little wieners always find ways to make me look like a truly unfit pet parent.

We walk through the doors and the boys finally realize where they are. Then they turn around and pull me right out the door. Then I get them back in and on the scale after a few minutes of fighting and tangled leashes.

Then comes the exam time. How fun! While Frankie is up on the exam table, Meeko jumps on the vet and her technician and scratches at their legs. It's like he's saying,
"Leave my brother alone!"

Luckily, the vet and her staff think this is funny, despite the fact Meeko is basically attacking them.

When it's Meeko's turn, Frankie just runs around whining. Then when it's done, the boys reunite like they haven't seen one another in ages.

The vet staff calls them double trouble. I always leave the office wondering if they think I'm the worst pet parent in the world.

Oh well, I don't have to take them back for a few months. Maybe by the next visit, they will be better trained - yeah right!

I am not a beagle!

Though many people think I'm a beagle, I'm not. I'm a wiener.

There seems to be some confusion about what breed of dog Frankie is. He is not a beagle. He is a dachshund - or so his papers say.

Almost every time I take Frankie out, people ask me what kind of dog he is.

"I've never seen a dachshund that looks like that," is what they typically say.

Truthfully, I haven't either. Frankie is one of a kind. People think he is a beagle/dachshund mix or a basset mix. I admit his coloring is more like a beagle or basset hound. His face is bigger, like a beagle. His nose is probably more like a basset nose; his sense of smell is remarkable and bassets have the second strongest nose in the dog world.

But, as far as I know, Frankie is a wiener.

Frankie allegedly came from the same litter as my other wiener, Meeko. I say allegedly because I did not witness the birth and do not know their pooch parents. According to the breeder and their papers, they are brothers.

Meeko does have a typical dachshund look (black and tan). No doubt, what breed. His personality is typical dachshund. Frankie also has typical dachshund traits. He is stubborn and does not listen, just like every other wiener I've had or known. He burrows and digs up the yard. The only trait he doesn't possess is the "I have no problem biting your head off" attitude.

So, just so we are clear, Frankie is 100 percent wiener - until DNA proves otherwise.


Dogs have mood swings? Mine do

I know this sounds weird, but my dogs have moods. Today, they are in a really rotten mood.

We got a new oven in the kitchen. So of course, two men had to deliver it and take the old one away. The boys are not fond of visitors, especially men carrying heavy objects.

The men arrived and I leashed the dogs. This does not stop them from barking their little heads off. The men were there for no more than 20 minutes, but I will feel the wrath all day.

After the delivery men left, Frankie went upstairs and almost immediately got into trouble. He got into the bathroom trash and starting ripping up tissue. He also kept snorting - which seems to be the noise he makes when he does not approve of something.

Frankie will be destructive and snorty all day.

Even a few hours after they men left, Meeko kept barking at every little noise. He is particularly moody and will be angry until tomorrow. Now I have to be careful on his walk. When he gets in a mood like this, he is more apt to snap at other dogs or kids on skateboards.

I have had dogs my whole life and I have never had dogs that are so temperamental and pouty. This is not just in my mind - this is how the little wieners behave.

Making mommy proud

Meeko made his mom very proud at the canine carnival. He held back his quick temper to display his sweet side.

I recently took my two wieners to a canine carnival.

For those who follow my blog, you are aware the boys are not the best behaved or most social dogs in the world. This trip was a big deal for me. I knew there would be hundreds of dogs there, so plenty of opportunity for social interaction or trouble.

I was going to the event to take photos for the paper. I decided to bring the boys along.

As I was driving, my stomach began to knot. I was so nervous the boys would get in trouble.

I was mostly nervous about Meeko. Sometimes he is fine around other dogs. Sometimes, he just goes after them. You never know what the little wiener is going to do - I think he's bipolar.

At first, Frankie and Meeko were a little wary. They were out of their element. But after a little while, they began to swim and sniff with all the other dogs. Both of them even made a few friends, which is a really big deal. Meeko, who normally is antisocial at best, actually greeted dogs. He made friends with a golden retriever and a basset hound.

Frankie found some girlfriends, which is not unusual. The ladies love Frankie!

Overall, it was a really nice and fun day. After I left, I was so proud of the wieners. I nearly cried - such a proud mommy.

Of course, the next day on a walk around the neighborhood, Meeko snapped at another dog. One day at a time - right!

 

The wieners actually like to smell bad

My boys want to stink.

Almost daily I catch them rolling their long bodies in foul stuff. I don't know what it is or what they smell, but they pick up the scent then toss themselves all over it. My favorite is when they do this right after a bath.

I recently read that this is a common thing among hound dogs. Hounds are hunters and they roll in smelly crap to hide the "doggy" scent, therefore tricking their prey.
Meeko will usually roll in smelly crap that's in grass. If there's a dead fish by the lake, Meeko wants to smell just like it. Once, I caught him rolling on a dead snake! (He got a major bath after that one.)

Frankie rolls in this nasty stuff too, but will also go for concrete. Just the other day at the park, there was a stain of something in the parking lot. I imagine it was motor oil or something leaked by a car. Frankie couldn't resist and I couldn't get him clean enough.

If what I read is true, then prey animals would be fooled by something that smelled like motor oil. That doesn't seem like it would be a common smell in nature.

Dead fish and grass, I can see, but goo from a parking lot?

I wish dogs could reason. For instance, I wish the boys could understand that actions have consequences, and think "If I roll in this yucky, smelly stuff, then I get an awful bath."

Why don't they learn?

Are the dachshunds planning my demise?

Sometimes I think the little wieners are trying to kill me.

For my physical and mental health, I practice yoga. For those who do not know, this is a series of slow controlled movements. Let me tell you, upward facing dog and downward facing dog take on a different form in my house.

Apparently, the poses invite dogs to play - hence the name dog pose. When I am in downward dog, Frankie frequently runs up to me and jumps at my face. Meeko does too, but he is much more gentle. Meeko will just lightly jump to lick me. Frankie is like a mack truck and hits you with full force. If I don't want a broken nose or a black eye, I better get out of his way.

So holding myself in an upside down position, jerking away might be dangerous. So much for slow and controlled. I have to move - and fast.

All it would take is a quick movement and there goes my neck or spine. I can even imagine explaining this in the ER.

"Well, doctor, my wiener dog jumped at my face while I was in downward dog. Now I can't move my body!"

Direct body blows are not the only way the wieners plan my demise.

The little darlings sleep with me. I guess I should say, they allow me to sleep in my own bed with them. They get up with me in the morning to go outside and eat. When outside, they like to roll in the grass and dig in the dirt. Then they come in and go back to bed. They burrow their grassy bodies under my sheets.

Occasionally I wake up with my throat closing from my horrible allergies. Hmmm, I wonder why?

Like I said, the little wieners are trying to kill me. At least then, they'd get the whole bed.

Wishful thinking

Many people envy those who have a more expensive home or car or those who are thinner and attractive.

I envy people who have well behaved dogs. There is a couple in my neighborhood with two German shepherds. I see them walking the dogs almost every day. The dogs walk right next to them. They sit before they cross the street. I stare out my window in complete awe.

I enjoy walking Frankie and Meeko (Meeko more so than Frankie), but they are not up to par with the German shepherds. Meeko will walk by my side sometimes, when he feels like it. Frankie is always about 15 feet in front of me with his nose to the ground. I've tried praise, treats, even scolding him - nothing works. Apparently he thinks he is the outdoor leader.

I watch dogs play at dog parks and it truly makes me sad. I wish my dogs were good enough for the dog park. I watch the dogs run and play. They look like they are having the best time in the world.

I don't know what would happen if I turned the wieners loose in an off-leash park. Meeko thinks everything on four legs is a prey item and Frankie gets too nervous around other dogs. He would likely be attacked.

Sometimes I see people doing yard work with their dog hanging outside with them. They don't seem to worry that the dog will run off or bother people walking by.

I don't have that kind of trust with the wieners. I would trust them to run off and create chaos.

I guess we all want what we don't have.

Make them look, then make them cry

Frankie's got the looks to drive a person to tears - literally.

I have just realized Frankie is a tease.

He is like the popular girl in high school that craves attention from all the guys, but then rejects the "undesirables."

When I walk the boys, Frankie feels he needs attention from every person that passes by. It's almost as if he's shocked when someone ignores him.

"How could someone ignore something as cute as me?" is what I imagine he would say.

When Frankie spots a person, he looks at them then moves in their direction like he's happy to see them. He pretty much demands a greeting.

However, when the unsuspecting person gives in to his show, he backs away and will not let them pet him. Like I said, a tease. My other wiener, Meeko, craves the attention too, but he will usually let strangers pet him. He's not nearly as high maintenance as his counterpart.

Frankie has even made a child cry. A young boy really wanted to pet him and it appeared Frankie wanted to meet the boy. This is all part of his game. He just wants to recognition of being "oh so adorable," then he moves on. The little boy went to pet him and of course, he ran away. The boy's mother had to drag the kid away, while he was crying because he didn't get to pet the dog. It was really sad.

Just like the popular girl - make them look, but make them cry!



Chores are bad enough, but dogs make them worse

Here, Frankie wraps himself up in a sheet that was in the process of being folded.

Dachshunds and chores do not go hand in hand.

Every week household chores have to be done. Every week, my dogs make it so much more difficult than it should be.

Take for instance laundry. Under normal circumstances, it should take less than five minutes to gather and sort the laundry. However, my dog Frankie at least doubles this time.

Frankie thinks this is play time. He likes to put his head in the clothes basket and run off with a sock or other item. Then I get to chase him around the house. Then we play tug-of-war with the sock. This tacks on about five extra minutes because like I said before, Frankie is the fastest wiener dog in the world.

After I get the sock and prepare to continue with the chore, it starts all over again as he selects his next item of clothing to run off with.

Stripping and making the bed is another near impossible task. When the sheets come off, Frankie and Meeko think it's a game. They get to wrap themselves under the sheets and find one another.

Making the bed is probably the most difficult chore for me. First, I put the fresh sheet on. This is when both boys jump on the bed and dig. I don't know why, but they love to dig up the clean sheets. Then they roll their hairy, dirty bodies all over my nice clean sheets. Apparently, they cannot stand anything clean.

After they dirty everything up, it's wrestling time. They see the blanket-free bed as a platform for wiener wrestling. They jump on one another and slobber all over each other then roll on my nice clean sheets.

It should take me less than two minutes to make the bed. It takes at least 10 minutes!

I try to get their attention and run away so they will chase me. This works, but they are back before I can get the first blanket on. After the bed is complete, they dig up the covers (dachshunds like to burrow) and undo all my efforts. I don't know why I bother.

I guess they believe in the saying "What's yours is mine."

 

Working to reform the monster

He make look sweet, but this is one menacing wiener. If you have four legs, watch out. Meeko is making strides in his monster behavior and is trying to become a good dog.

I hear parents talk about their children with glowing pride. They are so happy when their kids reach a milestone or achieve something.

I am not a parent, but I'm a pet parent and my heart just swells with pride for Meeko. I used to call my black and tan dachshund "Meeko the monster." He thinks of himself as a 120-pound rottweiler and would take on any dog in his way.

I noticed his aggression with other dogs a few years ago and began to arm myself with knowledge. I read training books, took him to class, watched shows - I tried everything. After many months of frustration, I realized this was not an overnight fix. It is something I will have to deal with for the rest of his life.

What I discovered is that Meeko is not so much aggressive, as he is reactive. Cesar was right. They pick up on the slightest tension from the human. I guess, I'm the problem and I'm trying to fix my behavior when we encounter other dogs.

It seems so simple - if I'm cool, then Meeko the monster is, too. If I'm nervous, so is he. The strange thing is, I'm not intimidated by dogs. I've never been afraid of them - no matter what breed or size. That changes when I have my boys. Then I become scared for them or scared of what the monster will do.

It doesn't make sense, my dog's behavior is my fault, but they made me like that!

Anyway, am working on being calm and cool, especially around other dogs and you know what - it works! I take Frankie and Meeko out for walks daily (their behavior demands it). When we pass other dogs, I don't react, then Meeko doesn't react - most of the time.

The other day, I took the boys to a park. I almost cried when Meeko actually greeted two another dogs without a problem. I was so proud of him - like my boy was finally growing up. There was even a dog that got off leash (normally dangerous) and went right to Meeko. For a second I thought "Uh-oh, here we go," but I was wrong. He was fine - that is until the loose dog started chasing Meeko's brother. But even then, he didn't attack, just got annoyed.

One day a loose dog is going to approach and Meeko will be 100 percent fine. That will be like my child graduating from Harvard and a major cause for a party!

We have to take it one day at a time, but we will get there.

The little wieners are making me crazy

How is it possible to adore something that makes you absolutely crazy?

I consider myself a fairly level-headed and calm person. However, there are two things that bring the insane person out in me - my dachshunds Frankie and Meeko.

I frequently watch the "Dog Whisperer" and "It's Me or the Dog" and try to implement the techniques. As Cesar would say, I am not the pack leader.

Due to this lack of respect, the little wieners run wild and drive me crazy in the process.
Just the other day, I became the crazy lady neighbor. Here I am, doing yogalates and trying to find my "inner peace" when I hear vicious barking. Of course, it's coming from my dogs. I run outside to find out what is going on and see a loose dog that has come up to my fence. Meeko is what experts would call dominant territorial. God help those who get near "his" property.

Obviously, Meeko is not pleased about the presence of this intruder and makes it very clear he wants the other dog gone. This frenzy of barking riles up the dogs from two doors down, who find a way to get under the fence and into my neighbor's backyard. Oh great, more dogs for my boys to fight with.

This turns into a three-way fence fight.

So here I am trying to catch my dogs, with bare feet and yoga pants on. I failed to mention that Frankie is the fastest wiener dog in the world, so no way can I catch him. I start out trying to be "calm and assertive," but that is just not working. Finally, all the barking, running and just plain not listening got to me. Suddenly I become the crazy bare foot lady, screaming at and chasing her dogs.

My manic behavior seemed to have the opposite effect of what I was looking for. Instead of cowering from my wrath, all the fighting dogs became more rattled and the behavior got even worse.

Finally after what seemed like 10 minutes of mayhem, I grabbed the dogs and got them inside. My hair, which was in a ponytail, was looking as wild as I was acting. I looked as if I just came out of a windstorm.

So much for finding my "inner peace."

I only hope none of my neighbors saw the scene. How embarrassing.

Once indoors, the little monsters just looked at me like they were so innocent. The nerve!
A short time later I was a normal person again and the boys were my little angels. How is it that your pets can behave so badly and you can get so upset, but then all is forgiven and forgotten? Just hours after the fence fighting, my dogs were the sweetest boys in the world - OK maybe not.

 

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