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.

Cheese Dog Biscuits

Homemade dog treats are fun to make and healthier than many of the store-bought treats. This is one of our favourite recipes someone sent me a few years ago!

Cheese Dog Biscuits

1 cup oatmeal
1/3 cup margarine
1 cup Boiling water
3/4 cup cornmeal
1 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons chicken or beef flavored instant bouillon or consume
1/2 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 egg, beaten
2 - 3 cups flour.

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees. Grease cookie sheets.

In large bowl, combine rolled oatmeal, margarine and boiling water; let stand 10 minutes. Stir in cornmeal, sugar, bouillon, milk, cheese and egg, mix well. Add flour 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition to form a stiff dough.

On floured surface, knead in remaining flour until dough is smooth and no longer sticky, 3 to 4 minutes. Roll or pat out dough to 1/2 inch thickness, cut with bone shaped cookie cutter. Place 1 inch apart on greased cookie sheets. Bake at 325 degrees for 35 to 45 minutes on until golden brown. Cool completely. Store loosely covered. Makes 3 1/2 dozen large dog biscuits or 8 dozen small dog biscuits.

Storing Dog Treats

You should store dog treats the same way you store people cookies. SThere are no preservatives in these treats, they mold or spoil much faster in humid or very hot weather. Refrigereate or freeze in zip lock bags. Thaw completely before use.

Our kritters give these four paws up!

In Loving Memory of "Murray"

It has been nearly a year since Murray was struck and killed instantly. Allow me a few moments to share with you his story.

Murray was dropped off at the SPCA here - the owner claimed he was a "stray" that she had been feeding for a few months (yah - a 40 lb. stray). After consultation with the SPCA Manager and shelter Director, I convinced them to allow him to be surrendered into rescue, where we would see would become healthy and be placed in a wonderful new home.

Since he was a "stray"-no one knew his "real" name. On my first visit to the shelter to see him, I dubbed him "Murray" (since the lady who brought him to the shelter was from a place called Murray Harbour).

I took Murray home, with doubts in my heart- how would I ever get him strong & healthy enough to adopt. He was extremely overweight and lethargic. But, it was Murray who proved to be the strong one. First order of business, was a trip to the veterinarian (poor Murray, his mouth stunk so bad, we had to drive with the windows down). He immediately was put on antibiotics (the vet wouldn't touch his mouth until he had 48 hours of medication in his system) thyroid tested - which rendered that his thryoid was barely functioning. I remember DH carrying Murray outside to pee - Murray could hardly walk - I sat on our steps and cried.

But within a couple of days, Murray was lumbering around the house, then around the back lawn with us. He was so obese, he couldn't lay down without having a throw or blanket rolled under his head to balance him!

After his dental (he lost 6 teeth) & the thyroid medication started to work -there was no stopping this boy. We massaged lotion on his body & feet (his paws were cracked & bleeding) then we used baby socks & rubber bands to hold them on, to help them heal. He loved his walks although there was no such thing as "walking" - Murray ran every where he went!!

Murray stayed with us for nearly 4 months - then he went to the most loving, wonderful family. I drove Murray to meet his adoptive Mom & Dad - it was one of the most difficult days. But to see the look on their faces - it was instant love-I knew Murray was truly home. I got in my car - took one last look in my rearview mirror- and cried all the way back to work. It was so hard to say good-bye.

Murray thrived with his new family & there is not a shred of regret in placing him with them - they adored him & were devestated by his loss. Unfortunately, visiting company inadvertently let him out and he was struck by a passing vehicle.

Murray will always hold a special place in my heart - and know you are now truly.........home.

What to Feed Your Dachshund and How Much?

I receive a lot of inquiries on what to feed dachshunds. As a rule of thumb, higher priced dog food is so for a good reason. These foods usually contain no fillers and are balanced nutritionally They provide specific diets for overweight and senior or dogs as well.

If you have purchased your dachshund from a breeder, ask the breeder what they are currently feeding so you continue with the same food. Suddenly switching foods can cause an upset stomach.

While it's unusual to feed your dog the same food it's whole life,it's personal preference. If you do need to change, slowly blend in the new food over a few days until the old one is completely replaced.

Extreme care should be taken to avoid letting your dachshund get overweight.(can't stress this enough!). Weight problems can and likely will affect your dachshund's back. Controlling your dog's weight should be a combination of regular exercise and food. People tend to think dachshunds are "lap" dogs. And while that may be true, they require daily exercise (and not just running around in a fenced yard). Daily walks during seasonal weather are a must to keep them happy and healthy.

I feed my dachshunds twice daily, with snacks at noon and before bedtime. And I feed them the same time each day. I have read it is supposed to be "practical" to feed them at the same time we eat, supposedly to minimize begging. (Good luck with that! - ha-ha! These are dachshunds-begging is second nature!). Of course, water should always available.

Veterinarians recommend use of either stainless steel or glass bowls to minimize the risk of infection caused by germs in the dog's dish. Bowls could be placed in the dishwasher to ensure they remain clean and sterile. Each dog should have his/her own bowl, as well (for those of us with multiple dogs). That way, we can ensure each dog receives proper and balanced meals.

How much to Feed?

Each dog is unique, but I feed 1/4 C twice daily (along with snacks). (they weigh between 12-14 lbs). You should consult your Veterinarian to find out how much to feed if you have any questions or concerns.

Some dachshund owners have great success with feeding RAW. But that is a whole nuther topic and one that I am not particularly versed in. My vet is strongly opposed to feeding RAW, but I tend to adopt the adage, "if it ain't broke - don't fix it! My dogs are well fed, healthy and content.