Road Trip!!!!

We hitched up the weenies & headed out on a road trip this morning!

First stop



Xena - checking out a local grasshopper!



A view of the Charlottetown harbour, as seen from Ellen's Creek!



A rowboat sitting idle!





Kritters took a few minutes to stop and enjoy the trail.




We dropped into the local market - yum, fresh corn!







We continued on into the heart of the city - a huge cruise ship had just arrived on the waterfron and there were hundreds of passengers milling about! Some were taking tours on the double decker buses, others chose rides in the horse drawn wagons.

You never know who you are going to run into! It's Ann of Green Gables!



One of the double decker buses!



This is a huge spud located outside Founders Hall - it's made of sand!



The cruise ship had just come in with the tide!



The longest wiener ramp ever!!



A great lobster market and restaurant!



A pretty flower garden we passed on our walk back to the truck.



Xena was tired from being out and about socializing with everyone!



It was a great outing, unfortunately the sunny weather only lasted a few hours - thundershowers moved in - so it was time to head for home (and a great afternoon for a much needed nap!)

There's A New Kid in Town!

And his name is Micky! Unfortunately, I don't have any pics of him, as of yet but hope to have a couple later in the week.

A couple of weeks ago, while out on poop-patrol, before bed, we noticed that Madeline (a lovely woman in our neighbourhood) was walking with only one of her dogs. Of course, I had that sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach, so we stopped to chat and inquire about the absent dog. Seems her little one succombed to congestive heart failure. As tears welled up in Madeline's eyes she told us to "love our little ones as much as we can, because you just never know when something is going to happen." And how much they are like family to us. We offered our deepest sympathy, it is such a difficult time for anyone who has lost a companion.

So, imagine my surprise, when again, on poop patrol - we meet Madeline, not only with Corky, her yapping Pom but a little long legged black something or other at the end of a leash! Upon further investigation, Madeline shared how this little mixture of questionable origin was given to her by some women claiming to have "found" him days before & could not locate his owners.

Madeline quickly realized this poor pup was horribly underweight, filthy, and severely matted - whoever he belonged to - he was terribly neglected! So, she took him under her wing & named him "Micky". His vet appointment was yesterday - seems he is a mere 8-9 moths old - and severely malnourished! Yet loving and warms up to anyone in a hearbeat!

I spoke to a friend of Madeline's this morning (Madeline & Mickey are away for a few days - a trip planned before his arrival) & she reported that Micky is doing wonderful, however needs to gain weight & get stronger before his neutering. We have a gift bag of goodies ready to deliver to Micky - a soft doggie blanket, tug & squeaky toys and a bag of treats - a welcome to the Neighbourhood from the Wieners!

I am one of those people who believes that things happen for a reason - and Micky came into Madeline's life, when she needed him most. Seems they needed each other.

We'll be seeing you out and about, Mickey! Welcome home!

1000 Dachshund Seized

http://kdka.com/pets/Dachshunds.rescued.Whispering.2.805378.html

They Say-You Never Forget Your First!

What an emotional evening! The first dachshund I fostered & adopted out, as a volunteer with rescue, dropped by to say hello! It's been five years since Kara left me for her new life - she is now a frosty face ten year old! I've kept in touch with her adopters via emails and phone calls, but it was wonderful to see her again!

She is definately a Daddy's girl! (apparently only when Mommy is not around!)






I was pawsitively thrilled to see her!

Poem - I Adopted Your Pet Today

This poem really touched me, so will share it with everyone......

I Adopted Your Pet Today


I adopted your pet today...
The one you left at the pound
The one you had for ten years
And no longer wanted around.

I adopted your pet today...
Did you know that he's lost weight?
Did you know he's scared and depressed
And seems to have lost all faith?

I adopted your pet today...
He had fleas and a little cold;
Guess you don't care what shape he's in
— You abandoned him I am told.

I adopted your pet today...
Were you having a baby or moving away?
Did you suddenly develop allergies,
Or was there NO reason he couldn't stay?

I adopted your pet today...
He doesn't play or even eat much
I guess he's very sad inside and
It'll take time for him to trust.

I adopted your pet today...
And here he is going to stay
He's found his FOREVER home
And a warm bed in which to lay.

I adopted your pet today...
And I'll give him all that he will need
Patience, love, and security,
So he can forget your selfish deed.

Author Unknown

What's Up Dox?

Anyone up for a Piece of Pie?

Pie-bald that is! How cute is Oskar. doing what he loves to do best!



Another awesome weekend spent outdoors, chillaxing on the deck, swimming in the pool, barbequeing burgers, enjoying fresh garden veggies & wrapping it all up with long strolls before bed!



Although it wasn't all play, hubby and his trusty side-kick & carpenter extraordinaire daughter, tackled the on-going pool deck!



Why is it weekends go by so fast and Mondy to Friday seems like 12 days?

Xena-Hot Doggin' It!

Xena had the honour of being the first wiener to christen the pool! She doesn't look too impressed!

The looks says, "Mom, I'm a dachshund - the only water I want to see is in my bowl!"!

Whohoo!! Summer Has Finally Returned!

The weekend weather sounds amazing! Finally, the weeks of rain has moved out and the warmer temps are returning! We'll be building the new deck around the pool and taking much needed swim "breaks"!

Thank Dawg For Cats!!

So, you are likely wondering why I'm thanking dawg for cats! It seems while I was away over the weekend, Schatzi took the opportunity to sneak out - on her own - and do some exploring!

Now, we live on one of the busiest streets in the city, it's nothing short of a miracle that she didn't go on the road! But, like the true hound she is - she went in search of Lucy - the cat next door!

Hubby had been outside working & herded the dogs in the house, when he was quick to discover that a certain, very inquisitive black & tan longbody was not in the mix! He quickly harnessed Oskar & off they went in search! Was she under the deck - hunting the elusive Pearl the Squirrel? No. No sight of her there! So, they headed up the back field -until Oskar alerted hubby to a commotion at the front of the neighbour's house!

It was there, they discovered Schatzi had cornered Lucy (the resident feline) under her front step! So, to Lucy's credit - she kept Schatzi rivoted to her spot (all the while, yapping her empty black and tan head off)! Is is for that reason, I thank dawg today for cats (at least one in particular).

And I've credited Schatzi for a few more gray hairs on her Dad's head!

I mentioned that I was away - it was the Annual Flea Market in Sussex, NB - a yearly pilgramage for my sister and me! If you haven't had the pleasure of taking in the market (and it's your thing) - I highly recommend you do so! With over 900 vendors in attenance - there is something for everyone! And you can't see it all in one day! Which brings me to my steal of a deal! I saw an identical ornament on one vendor's table for $25!




I paid a whopping $1. and I'm not even sure what it is (other than a dachshund). I'm thinking maybe a small planter? The seller had a $2. price tag on it, but offered it to me for 1/2 price! It is after all, a flea market - prices are always negotiable!

Oh Yes, It's Tubby Time!

With the never ending and on-going rain we've been subjected to and the quagmire of mud in the back yard from the installation of the pool - it was only a matter of time until the dreaded ritual of bathing was required!

As you can see - a couple of "happy campers" Not! Does anyone have a dachshund that actually likes the water? Or do they treat it like you've dipped them in liquid nitrogen!




Schatzi is more interested in the bath sponge on the floor!




Poor Xena - this is her impersonation of a drowned rat!




This is the heat vent they concregate by - little do they know - there is no heat on - it's summer! They seem to be saying, "thank dawg that ritual is over!"

Sunday Morning Coming Down!

To the waterfront that is! This is Charlottetown at it's finest! We loaded up the kritterkids in the Toyota and headed for the boardwalk! What a gorgeous morning for a hike through Victoria Park!

Everyone is anxiously waiting to hit the road!








And here we are!



While dogs must be on leash, the city of Charlottetown provides dispensers filled with waste bags at either end of the boardwalk!



Oskar checking his "pee-mail"! Lots of messages in his in box!



Schatzi makes a new friend, named "Lucky".



This crane was just hanging out in the harbour.



Now for a hike through the woods!



Back out onto the boardwalk!





Taking time to smell the flowers!



A lighthouse in the harbour.





The Snack Bar (is it too early for an ice-cream cone?)





It was a great morning to get out and about!

A little History about the Wiener Dog!

We all know dachshunds are short-legged long-bodied dogs more commonluy known as a "wiener dog". (The nickname gained notoriety after an American artist (not sure who though) drew a dachshund in a hot dog bun in the early 20th century.) Dachshunds are very popular and within the top 10 most loved breeds. Playful but stubborn, the "doxie" is a member of the hound group.

In the 15th century, Dachshunds (pronounced dax-hund - NOT dash-hound!) were used to hunt badgers, wild boar, foxes & rabbits in Germany. The name "dachshund" means "badger dog". The dachshund's long body allows them to chase and hunt underground.

Dachshunds are strong in front, a characteristic that allows them to work below ground. Their coat can be smooth (shorthaired), wire-haired, or long-haired. They can be one-colored (red or cream), two-colored (black, chocolate, wild boar, gray or blue and fawn or Isabella) . They come in a variety of patterns. Dapple (light areas and a darker base color), brindle and piebald are some common color patterns. (Oskar is a pie bald pattern).

Dachshunds are bred as miniature or standard size. The miniature is 11 pounds or less and about 5" high. Standard dachshunds range from 16 to 32 pounds with a height of approx. 10".

Dachshunds are outgoing and strong-willed – AND stubborn. (can't stress that enuf!).

They are prone to (but not limited to) intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and back problems. They may develop ruptured disc(s) and must be monitored closely for signs of back issues. Immediate treatment is of the utmost importance when symptoms of a back injury or problem occurs. (see previous post on IVDD for possible symptoms). Peridontal disease is another common problem for dachshunds.

Dachshunds are a wonderful breed, however they are not for everyone. Although they can be great companions with children, it is extremely important to teach children the proper handling and respect for a dachshund.

Some Happy Wieners!

Now this is how it should be! Dogs chew bones, right? Well, they do if your Momma isn't obsessed with choking! But since I am obsessive about it, my dogs have had to suffer the indignance of chewing Nylabones - until today!

I swung by Global Pet Foods, (my favourite pet supply store) and spoke in length with Maria (who not only is knowledgeable - but is owned by a dachshund!). After much discussion about the benefits and safety of chewing, I purchased three roasted tartar buster bones . I was very popular when I got home!

I can happily report they were in chewing heaven! And I am not quite so anal about anyone choking.