Ginger and Chip- Our Adoption Stories

Hi there!!! Sorry to be so late posting these stories, but we have had a big year!!! First Dad was transferred to Ohio from Albany, NY and Dad, Mom and Ginger lived in the La Quinta Inn hotels for 8 months. Then We moved into our new home on Mom's 47th birthday. Then the plumbing problems began. Mom's Dad died suddenly in September and THEN Chip was adopted. I was supposed to be adopted Labor Day weekend, but Mom's Dad became very ill and then died two weeks later. Lucky for me, Dona Jo Snow of DRNA was able to keep me until after the funeral. Ginger was originally an owner surrender from the Pittsburgh, PA area who started her DRNA journey with Dona Jo Snow, then was adopted, and surrendered again. She then ended up in NY where she was adopted by Mom and Dad from Michelle Warg, another DRNA foster mom, in March 2008. Chip's origins are relatively unknown. He is 8 and was a DRNA adoption, but it did not work out-- he had to go to the vet a lot, but still made his mark in his adoptee's home. His previous adopter was very good- she got him ready for us and we are very grateful to her for all that she did for Chip. Chip is very thankful for her too- without her and her obvious love and concern for Chip, who knows what would have happened to him. She surrendered him and he ended up with Dona Jo Snow of DRNA, and we adopted him in September of this year. HE is no where near as shy as his bio suggested and has taken over the neighborhood completely.

The first story is Ginger's Happy Tails from DRNA.org (from July 2008):

"Dear DRNA,

Just wanted to drop you a line to tell you that I am doing quite well. I have finally gotten my forever home family trained the way I like them. I now have my own queen size bed, which I generously share with Mom and Dad, I have a Toyota Rav4 in which I am chaufferred about, for my subjects to adore me from a proper distance, and I have my own couch from which to watch tv, and on which I take long naps. (It is so difficult staying so beautiful, but I make the sacrifices necessary). I even have my own car blankets and pillows, as well as pillows for the couch. Mom bought me some more blankies, but I still prefer the one that came with me. My new one from IKEA is nice, and I love to roll up in it, when my other one is in the wash- It gets washed every week, so it doesn't smell bad for me. (Mom is convinced that I have a sensitive nose!!)

I am definitely a Daddy's Girl- I simply while away the daytime hours until he gets home from work, and then I take him on a walk. I still sleep on Mom and play on the computer with her- I really like Webkinz and wish that they would finally make a dachshund!!!! I have quite a wardrobe now, and I have a pink collar, pink harness and a pink leash, to go with it. (Pink is my signature color). All of the dogs in the neighborhood know that I am in charge here. The kids love me, and always want to pet me. I am busy protecting Mom from the nefarious mailman and UPS man.
ginger sleeping
We are now down to two cats- my friend Max died a few weeks ago and Mom was very upset. He was almost 19 years old, and I took care of him when he started to get sick. I still chase Liffey, the girl cat around, but Bear, the other boy, and I are great friends- he is always sneaking out when I have to go outside. When Mom is feeling better, we go for long walks around the neighborhood, so I can visit all of my favorite smells. The other dogs know to stay away from me, too. Dad and I walk almost every night.

I have done a lot of traveling lately. I even have my own cooler for my food and treats, and my own suitcase for my clothing and bankies. and my pillows come along. (Dad leaves one in the car at all times, since I never know when the next adventure will happen!!!!)We went on vacation to New Jersey, so I could see my grandparents, the week after Memorial Day. I had a blast- their house is huge, and has a great backyard, but the above ground pool isn't open yet. I got to play with my aunt Gingie, a long furred doxie, and we guarded the house while everyone went to Strasburg to ride the steam locomotives. Then, the following weekend, I went to Boston, and am going to be in a movie!!!. Dad's company sponsored a charity event, and we went to work on it. We painted score boards for the baseball field. I of course supervised, and had my first night in a hotel and rode a bus for the first time. Then I was in a video that the company was making, with my Dad- I was the belle of the ball, and my stage name is Ginger De Mille. I was very good- I really enjoyed having my picture recorded for posterity, especially the closeups!!! I was very popular

Mom and Dad have finally figured out that I do like canned food mixed in with my dry- it only took five different types of dry for them to do so, but I am content. I also get dog vitamins, so I am extra healthy. I prefer Wendy's to McDonalds, and like pizza crust and vanilla ice cream. I don't like fish, though, but I am very well behaved at meal time. I still get fed twice a day, and my treats are very limited,because I sometimes get a taste of what is called "people food". I don't know what that is, but it tastes better than what I get in my bowl!!! I do share my bowl with the cats, and sample theirs, so make sure that is is safe for them to eat. I also help Mom make Dad's dinner. I love raw carrots and cucumber!!!

Mom broke her ankle two weeks ago, while we were out walking. I stayed with her until someone came to help her home, and until Dad got home and the ambulance arrived to take her to the hospital. Dad and Mom told me that I was a very brave dog, and that they were very proud of me for taking charge of Mom when she got hurt. (No, she didn't trip over me or my leash- her foot found a previously undiscovered hole on our morning walk.) She has a pretty pink cast, and goes to the doctor once a week, so I am in charge of the house while she and Dad are gone. Mom and Dad are very proud of me for my help with Mom- I even help her walk on her crutches- she looks so funny. We get lots of snuggle time too- I sleep on her lap of on her shoulder, until Dad gets home from work. Someone has to take away the pain from a broken ankle, and Dad says that no one can do it better. Mom and Dad even got me pink sunglasses called Doggles to thank me for my special help.

I have visited the Blessed Kateri shrine in Fonda twice, and Dad blessed me with some holy water- I really love going there- I love running up the hill to the well. Mom can't keep up with us, but she tries. (We have to slow down for her)

I just wanted you to know that I am safe, loved, and content. Thank you for taking care of me. I am also sending some pictures of me from the Boston movie location and from home."


Now Chip's Hapy Tails story from DRNA:

"Dear DRNA,

Chip, tag 5934, reporting in after a month with my forever family.

You have sent me on a very tough assignment (undercover, of course). I don't know what will be the end result, since this family was clearly suffering from that dreaded disease, lack-of-doxie-itis. Yes, I know that Ginger (tag 6406) was sent in last year to lay the ground work, but these people simply are overwhelmed by this disease. At least two dachsies are needed for proper dahshund supervision. Thankfully, Ginger called for reinforcements!!!! It also helped that Ginger and I started our DRNA assignments at the same foster home, Fort Dox run by Dona Jo Snow. The training that we received there will help us with this assignment.

Thank heavens for DRNA- what would these people do without doxies? Ginger has told me the horror stories of being the lone doxie with these two people. Since when do people think they are able to drive a car without our help? Who else is supposed to taste their food to make sure it is safe for them to eat? How else are they supposed to know if the bed is warm enough for them? And the couch situation- how are the people supposed to know where they can sit if we don't tell them? What about the laundry- how else is Mom supposed to know when she can fold the nice warm laundry, fresh from the dryer, if we don't test it out for her first? Answers to these and other such questions can only be answered by Dachshunds!!!! It is why God made us. Who else will protect Mom from the nefarious UPS man and mailman? Who else will snuggle up to Mom when no one is looking, to make her feel better?

After the first week, in which I laid down the law, things improved greatly. Ginger could relax and enjoy her toys while I kept guard over Mom while Dad was at work. Morning walks have been beneficial for Mom, since the arthritis in her back has gotten worse, and we have been meeting all sorts of dogs and the smells are divine in this neighborhood. Mom takes us to the dog park to conduct the weekly inspection and boy do I get to have fun. The mud and dirt are custom made just for me. (Ginger prefers to stay clean for some reason- will have to bring her up to speed at our next after action report) I have a really great front and back yard- perfect for rolling in the grass and the leaves. Dad decorated for us for Halloween, and I learned, while conducting my security checks on the house, that Christmas entails even more great things for us. Dad and Mom took us to PetSmart and that was great- I now have my own car seat, a Snuggie, and a new leash. Mom also bought a sweatshirt and coat for me- doesn't she realize that I am undercover and this will blow my cover? I have lots of blankets to burrow under and pillows to sleep on when I get tired and it is Ginger's turn at guard duty. Mom and Dad bought me my own bed and put it next to the front window for me, since they know that I have to work on my tan. We spend a lot of time on the front porch, where I have my own chair. I get great food, and Mom makes me take vitamins and glucosamine (YUCK!!!), but it makes her very happy when I eat them.

Ginger and I get along very well- we are each others shadows, and take turns on guard duty. We have become inseparable, and follow Mom everywhere. We do everything with each other.

In fact, Mom loves so much that she started a blog dedicated to Ginger and myself, and has listed us on the dailydoxie website:
DachsiesWithMoxie.blogspot.com
dailydoxie.com/showuser/GeoffsWife1962

I just wish she would chill about the pupparazzi stuff- I can't have my cover blown!!!!

Will report in next month, after Halloween- I hear that I am going to be a pirate this year."

All in all, a very good year for the Dachsies With Moxie!!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

Wow, it's here!!!!!! We get people food and everything.

Mom says that she is thankful for the magnificent Dachsie duo, and so is Dad. I guess we are thankful that we get to try the Thanksgiving feast!!!

Photos of Dad with "The Major Award"

Can you tell which one is the real one and which are the two at our house?

Monday

The strain was too much for me, I just HAD to do it!!!. Yes, I marked the new rug in the basement!!! Boy, is Mom upset- what was I supposed to do, go outside? It is COLD out there!

The rug has been in since mid October, and it feels so good to roll on. Today, it was a stealth marking run- Chip lay on the back of the couch while I snuck downstairs before Mom did. Is it my fault she stepped right in it?

Sunday

Finally a day of rest for us poor worn out dachsies with moxie!!!! Mom is finally done with this round of shots, so maybe she can move a little bit better and without as much pain. Dad is on call this weekend and we have not seen very much of him. The couch from IKEA (guard post number 1) is looking a little worse for wear- rumor has it that Mom will be washing out bankies!!!!

Last night, horror of horrors, we were fed dry food mixed only with water!!!! Have to file a grievance with the dachsie union. While the food was great, what about our canned food? Are we to be forever deprived? I overheard Mom plotting with Dad late last night- seems she wants to only feed us the canned food with our breakfast- something about an experiment to see if Ginger will eat the dry dog food alone. I smell a rat here- Tuesday afternoon she has to go to the vet to pick up a 24 can case of this yummy mix of pork liver, beef chicken and rice!!! I showed her- slept at the foot of the bed, without even touching her. Wonder if she knows why I did that? Will she crack under the strain?

DRNA

Seems that Mom and Dad's application to foster dachsies for DRNA might be approved. We heard from Dona Jo Snow, our foster mom, and it looks like we will be working with her as a dachsie refuge!!! I heard Mom tell Dad that we are going to need an industrial strength rug shampooer as the Dachsie Bot is wearing out. (The Dachsie Bot is the so called Spot Bot that gets dragged out every time one of us re-marks the rugs- yes, we are potty trained, but come on. Ginger is the bigger culprit here, and specializes in re-marking right after she has water or has come in from answering a call from nature) Dachshunds have sensitive bladders, didn't you know?

Dad had to work again last night, so we stayed up protecting Mom. We took turns under cover, so to speak, and got Mom up at 7 this morning when Dad got home. She gave us nice treats to thank us, while she fixed Dad some scrambled eggs and toast. Ginger supervised in the Mom Cave, and I got some shut eye on the back of the couch. Right now, Dad is getting some shut eye, and we are in the computer chair helping Mom on the computer. She keeps hinting that there really needs to be a bigger office chair made- like the bed there is barely any room for her in the chair!!!

Mom and Dad decided that the new dachsies are going to share our bed- something about being cruel and unusual punishment if this did not happen.

Life is so hard!!!!

Sorry that we have no pictures for the last two days- Dad "borrowed" Mom's camera for work today. I for one am glad since Mom has blown my cover!!! Ginger on the other hand seems to love having her photo taken and spread on the Internet. Me, I am just happy to sleep on Mom while listening to Rush Limbaugh and Laura Ingraham on the computer. I have to catch up on my rest so that I can conduct my security inspections thoroughly. (Last night, Mom let in my girlfriend's father and I had to bark at him- it is my job, you know) Seems we may be going to downtown Medina for something called a Candlelight Walk and the lighting of the Christmas Tree. Mom is very excited about this, since she can't get to Columbus to see Sarah Palin tomorrow night.

IMAO, the sofas from IKEA are just perfect for dachsies. Mom and Dad bought one before they moved to Slingerlands, NY two years ago, and the back cushions are the best place for power naps. They fold down perfectly and are completely cushy- glad Mom was thinking of dachsies when she picked it out. Our couch has a denim slipcover which makes it easy to keep clean- treats and rawhide chewies can get messy. Also, if you don't install the feet, they sit on the ground, at the perfect height for dachsies to jump on and off without back injuries- it is hard for the humasn to get on and off, but they know who is boss around here!!! Also, the back cushions make it easy to go undercover while on duty- the mailman can't see me but I can still see him.

The new food is still very good- Ginger is eating hers, and I love it. Mom mixes it quite nicely and makes a nice gravy. Just wish she would leave out the glucosamine tablets (I let Ginger have mine)

Last night I slept on Mom's chest while she tried to read a book- I have never done this before and it was nice. She did not realize that I was really pulling surveillance and protecting her from the local squirrel and chipmunk mafia.

Hopefully will have photos from tomorrow night. Mom has her last round of bilateral facet joint shots for her arthritic spine tomorrow, so will have to make sure she gets some rest today. She never lsitens, but what can you expect from a two legger?

Cant Handle the Flavor

New food

The prescription Science Hill C/D was a hit last night and this morning. Chip wolfed his down (1/4 cup dry mixed with a soup spoon of the canned, and a dash of water to make gravy) and Ginger attacked hers (same combo) but she concentrated on the wet and the gravy. Both bowls were licked clean- not a speck left. Same thing occurred this morning.

One would have thought that Chip and Ginger were being starved to death. In fact, Chip now weighs 14.6 lbs, with Ginger holding steady at 16 lbs. No falling for the big sad soulful eyes either by Mom!!!!!

Dad's 40th Birthday Weekend

Sorry that we did not blog Saturday or Sunday, but Dad turned 40 on Saturday, and we celebrated both days. Dad returned home from two late night calls Saturday around 9 AM, had breakfast and opened our gifts to him before he took a nap. Ginger and I had Mom pick up the Ice Age 3 DVD set and the UP DVD set. Everybody knows UP is about the talking dogs- I still don't know why there weren't any dachsies, but we watched it Sunday in our pjs. After Dad's nap Saturday, he and mom went to Mass and then to Build a Bear and to Yellow Tail for sushi. Yesterday, Dad and Mom took us to Cleveland to see the house from Dad's favorite movie, "A Christmas Story". We behaved ourselves in the car, and Mom bought Dad his very own Major Award real size leg lamp. It now is in our front window. It looks kind of cool and Dad loves it. We weren't allowed in the museum, but we protected the car while our parental units were inside. Dad was very happy-

Chip, Chip, Chip, Chippy!!!!

Yes, today I did great at the vet. Mom cried when she dropped me off for my x rays, but I stayed cool as a cucumber!!! NO STONES!!!!! I don't have to have surgery!!!!. When Mom picked me up, and also picked up my new Science Diet CD prescription formula, she was embarrassing at the office. Sheesh- she could not stop crying, telling me that she was sorry, etc. She only felt better when I jumped in her lap and licked her face. Well, we are back home and helping Mom on the computer- Ginger was glad to see me, but still stole my vitamins. The nurse, Sandy, learned that we are very close neighbors- we have to get rid of the Milk Bone dog biscuits, and Mom said that Kayeme, the German Shepherd across the street was going to get them (Don't tell Mom, but she is my girlfriend). Sandy recognized the name of my girlfriend, and then it was old home week for Mom and Sandy.

Thankfully we arrived home safe and sound. Mom is all cried out and probably will take a nap today. She needs one, since she didn't sleep well last night. I slept like a log under the covers, keeping her feet warm.

Chip, Again!!!!

Mom got some great news yesterday- apparently the vet had two tests run on it- one being normal and the other showing the crystals. I still need the xrays, and will be on a prescription diet for the rest of my lief due to the crystals, but I can now behave like a gentleman when answering nature's call!!! Today when Dad brought Mom home from her outpatient back procedure (something to do with needles- poor Mom), I was back to my old tricks of jumping and running around. Mom was almost in tears when she saw that. I still have my xrays Monday, and may still need surgery, but the fact that I am able to answer the call of nature again apparently negates a stone in my plumbing!!!

Pars III: 06 - Canon Missae II.

Mom and Dad love this Mass- it is how they met in 2001

Chip

Mom just learned that I had crystals in my sample!!!! This means that I have to have x-rays, since the vet has to determine if I need surgery to have them removed. I go in for the x-rays on Monday, 16 November and Mom scheduled me for surgery on Wednesday 18 November, just to be on the safe side. The surgery will be between 150 and 400 dollars- sheesh, that's a lot of treats. At least Mom and Dad now that this is not something that they did- this takes a long time to happen to a dachsie. Mom asked about getting me a prescription, since I am walking around with my tail tucked, and because I still can't make water. The medicine should help with the pain and maybe the waterworks problem. At least I get to cuddle with Mom- she has to carry me around to get me to go outside to take care of business. (I leaked a little in the big bed this morning, but Mom cleaned it up for me- boy was I embarrassed)

Ginger is hanging out with me and Mom, making sure that I feel ok. I just want to lie around on the couch and sleep. Mom has to pick me up to go outside since it is too much of an effort to go. Am eating my Milkbone treats, but no food in the bowl. Mom even has water by the couch for me.

Chip

My big guy is under the weather. While we were walking today, he had to stop every five feet or so to make water, but nothing came out. I called the vet, where I learned that he either has a UTI or crystals in his water and that a sample was needed. That was fun to obtain- taking him out every half hour with a cup underneath, hoping he could make water. After two hours he did and the three of us (Ginger, Chip and I) rushed it to the vet's office for testing. Now we have the overnight wait for the results. Thankfully, Ginger should not be affected as she just finished a course of antibiotics for the infection that she had in her mouth- a benign growth that will be removed when her teeth are cleaned on 7 December.

What a week for my babies!!!

Leaves

Yesterday Geoff and I, well supervised by Ginger and Chip, spent three hours raking up the copious supply of leaves in the backyard. Actually, I watched while Geoff did the hard stuff, and I attempted to keep our dachsies out of trouble. Both Ginger and Chip were in their glory- rolling in the leaves and jumping through the piles to get to the other side. In the backyard we have two large maple trees, which blessed our yard with thousands of leaves, and Geoff raked and dragged, via a tarp, to the front yard for pickup. In the front we have a magnolia, and its leaves are the same color as Chip, who relished rolling in them- he prefers these leaves to the maple. Ginger rolled in whatever she could, and then was off on one of her secret agent missions into the neighboring yards. Can anyone say "The Great Escape"? Wait until our cats arrive dor Christmas- Bear is an orange tabby with a very short tail who obviously thinks he is Squadron Leader Bartlet in feline form, and who also believes he is a dachsie. Liffey is definitely feline. What a great Christmas this will be!

Awesome... FOX Sports NFL Crew Broadcasts From Afghanistan

My lovable dachsies

Today I had the first of three bilateral facet joint shots in my lower spine. The intake took four times longer than the procedure itself. When Geoff arrived to take me to South Pointe Hospital, there was a mad rush by my dachsies for the front door- they knew that we were "going car" and did not want to miss out on this adventure. Sadly, hospitals in Ohio do not allow dachsies in with their stafff for visits.

The procedure was relatively successful- reduction in arthritic pain and pain in my herniated discs. Upon our return home, Chip did his wonderful homecoming dance- jumping as high as he can to reach my face to lick it. I swear- he must be a high jumper. He and Ginger "helped me get into my nightgown, and I have been surrounded by them since that time. What a great way to recover from anything!!!!

November is here!!!

Right now, Ginger and Chip are recovering from their Howlowein exertions- Only one round of barking during trick or treating, but it is so difficult staying so good for two hours, didn't you know?

After morning Mass, whereby I am forced to abandon them for a whole 45 minutes, I am greeted at the door by half crazed dachsies who must walk me around the block. Smells must be investigated!!!! These walks have helped my back a little this week, so maybe the facet joint shots that I start tomorrow will work.

Chip is full of energy- just looking at him makes me tired. He jumps everywhere- onto the couch, onto our bed, onto me- he can get as high as my chest and I am 5'10. Our vet says that he is very athletic and in superb shape, so not to worry about his jumping or activity level.

Ginger is still a Daddy's Girl- loves to be waited on hand and paw, as is her royal prerogative. She loves to wear sweatshirts, and is doing well on our morning walkds, as long as it isn't wet outside.

While Geoff is at work, I am fully supervised- even while blogging onthier behalf- both are curled up in the chair, which makes typing challenging, as they wiggle about and try to get me to hold both of them
.

We have been raking the leaves in the backyard, and making mad dashes through the piles, jjst to see who is buried in the piles. Squirrels have been spotted and cahsed away from the Dachshund Kingdom, so we are quite safe from an invasion.

We will be having a quiet weekend due to my medical issues, but I know something exciting will still happen- Dachshunds create their own mischief and these two are master and mistress in this house.

Martha Stewart idea

Go to www.marthastewart.com/article/the-wall-pet-photo. to get the instruciton of how to do this- Chip and GInger will love it!!!

Howlowein, part 2

My favorite hot dogs!!!!

HOWLOWEIN!!!!!

What a Howlowein!!!! Dad dressed up as the Deranged Easter Bunny from his favorite movie "A Christmas Story", Mom was the Dachshund Rescue lady, and Ginger was a hot dog with mustard. I was the dreaded "Weiner Pirate of Medina" and of course Mom made me wear my hot dog with ketchup costume. Lots of kids came for candy and I was so good- no barking at all.

Holiday For Drumsticks (1949)