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!!!!!
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