Dackel Princess

One For My Scrap Book

The other day I picked up our local paper to check out who is running for various town office’s in our March election. You all know that I am, but still, seeing my name in black and white made the event all that more real for me.

When I went out the other day I picked up paper, laminating sheets and a clip so I can make myself a “Hi I’m Maribeth ******running for Library Trustee.

I plan to get up early, do a full make-up job, wear my long underwear and then stand outside in the candidate area to shake hands with people as they come to vote.

I want people to know who they are voting for. I want to meet the people in my town face to face. I just hope when they see this face,

they won’t run screaming from the polls! Hopefully they will see this face and feel comfortable voting for me. At least one thing is for sure, I won’t be some anonymous name on a paper ballot. I will be the strange woman in the parking lot smiling and shaking hands (and freezing her butt off, I’m sure)! The election is March 9th.

Bogey On The Town

What a busy day!

It started a little earlier than usual because Fritz woke me up. I no sooner had let him out and then gotten him back in, and crawled back into my nice warm bed, when the dackels woke me up. I dressed quickly in my long underwear, jeans, turtleneck and wool sweater, got my coat, hat and gloves and Bogey and I went out into the 10 degree weather! The winds were swirling around, and yet Bogey wanted a nice long walk. So walk we did!

By the time we got back, the coffee was all made and I sat down with all four dackels sitting around me and my computer in my lap! It must have been quite a sight.

Anneliese and Bogey had such a good time playing today. They really are cute together. Bogey is bigger than his Mom now, but she still babies him.

And Bogey loves to play with her. He follows her everywhere and they jump up and down and all around, and she has such patience with him.

Greta likes to watch. She sat on top of the sofa most of the day. She watched the playing pups, and the birds outside and was just happy most all of the day. I think she is feeling much better.

Later in the day, as the sun set Bogey started looking out the window all on his own. He is definitely feeling at home now.

It was fun to watch him, until a commercial came on the TV. It was a barking dog and Bogey turned to watch!

I took Bogey out to the Post Office today and stopped to see some friends who he’d met when he was a wee little puppy. In fact they have his baby picture on their wall! They couldn’t believe how much Bogey had grown, nor could they believe how handsome he is!

All in all I think it was a fun day for both Bogey and me!

Doggy-Land

It was quite a busy day here in “Doggy-Land” today. Everyone was a bit restless, despite the 10 degree weather and 30 mile an hour winds. You should have seen me at 6:45 this morning. I got up and pulled on my fuzzy bathrobe over my flannel pajamas, I put on two pairs of socks, and then headed to the kitchen with all 5 dogs following me. Once there, I put on my coat, hat, scarf and gloves, hooked the leash onto Bogey’s collar and headed outside where the wind, despite my careful dressing, just froze me.

We headed back in and by the time we returned the coffee had finished dripping into the pot. Once I got everyone settled and removed all of my wintertime clothing, I raced to the pot and poured myself a big one! Ahhhh, the rich taste of hot coffee on a frosty morning! There is nothing like it!

Hubby went off skiing and I decided to make use of the time by catching up on the laundry. By 10:30, I had several loads done and had been out for Bogey walks at least 5 times! He just loves it outside, even in the freezing cold!

Around 11:30 I lit a fire in the hearth to take the chill off my bones. I had a tough time getting the fire to go, but soon Hubby came in and it took him exactly three seconds to get the fire blazing! I think in his last life he was a pyromaniac!

We watched the news about the explosion in Connecticut, as well as a few movies. Last night we watched a great old movie with Steve McQueen. It was called Bullitt. I tried not to watch it, but it is a good suspense, crime drama, and WOW could Steve McQueen act! It’s sad that he died at the young age of 50 from cancer!

After lunch I took Fritz and Bogey out for a walk in our neighborhood. Fritz is so good that I do not need to leash him. He follows my every command. The dachshunds will look at me and laugh and then run the other way, so they had to stay home with their Daddy while I walked Bogey on a leash. Bogey and Fritz enjoyed the walk, but I froze. Really it was that cold!

Bogey came back in and played with Anneliese, running around the house like a wild man. He is so darn cute in all his young puppy-ness, and Anneliese is having the best time with him.

After dinner they all crashed out around the family room. Me too! Hubby is keeping the fire burning and once the Super Bowl is over we’ll all go to bed! Meanwhile, here is another picture of Bogey making himself at home. I am so glad this has worked out so well.

Good-night everyone!!!

Relaxation!

One thing that can be said about my grand-puppy, Bogart is, he sure knows how to make himself comfortable! As we sat watching the TV last night we looked down and there he was in all his glory!

I wanted to laugh, but I held it in, as I wanted another picture and even a little snicker would have awakened the sleeping Prince!

So I quietly put the footrest down on my recliner, and turned my camera on. Then I slowly crept over and stood above him, and click!

Even when the flash went off, Bogey did not move. He slept happily in his old puppy bed and never once stirred.

Makenna was over and played with the dogs this morning and we took Bogey out for a walk. She could not believe how much he had grown!

Today was also the day that Bogey really became one of the dackel Pack. They have now totally accepted him, even Arnie. Anneliese plays so nicely with him, and then stops to try to clean his ears! Too cute really.

Today is “Super Bowl Sunday”. What are your plans? Any parties out there? What are you serving up? For my foreign readers, do you watch the “Super Bowl” or could you care less?

Comments please!

I’m making Tacos with all the fixings. Guacamole, sour cream, jalapenos, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, salsa and black olives. Oh and Hubby likes refried beans, which are okay, but not my favorite.

Olé!

Who Is Who?

I’ve been enjoying my little grand-puppy. He is relaxed and easy going and such a little charmer. There have been no accidents in the house, and he rings his little bell when he wants to go outside. Now, he rang it about 200 times today, and we took him out each time……I think he should be dehydrated!

Anneliese took over this morning as his mother. I was amazed because it was rather sudden. They were all on the floor chewing on toys and then Anneliese and Bogey started to play. They ran around chasing each other and then she stopped and pinned him down and started to clean his ears! After that she kept an eye on him and one time when Arnie got a little too rough with Bogey, she turned and chased Arnie away! What a good Mommy she still is!

My only problem is that I am having trouble telling the boys apart! I know that this sounds silly, but really, they look that much alike! Look at this picture and you tell me, who is who?

All day I have been looking down and speaking to them and nine times out of ten, I was wrong. In fact, the bell rang, I went to the door, put on my coat and latched the leash onto Bogey and went outside. I was walking along when Bogey lifted his leg and I realized he’d lifted it much higher than before. That’s when I noticed the collar! I didn’t have Bogey I had Arnie!

Everyone has settled in now and they all are getting along as though Bogey had never left the house. I’m really glad it is working out so well.

Oh, and if you are wondering, Bogey is on the left and Arnie on the right!

Here we are watching TV. Bogey, Greta, Anneliese and Arnie.

Bogart Arrives

Bogart arrived this afternoon at about 3 PM. His parents dropped him off, and stayed long enough to make sure he was settled in. They are now off for a wonderful vacation in warmer climes and interesting locations! I hope they have a great time!

The funny thing was, I know Bogey remembered me, and I also know he remembered the house. But here is the real funny thing, he remembered Fritz, and he loves Fritz! He follows him all around the house, lies down with him on the floor or sofa, and kisses him over and over again!

Bogey also spent time sniffing in the puppy room, around the back door where he spent so many hours with his brother and sisters, and the kitchen.

Did Anneliese know that this was her baby? I don’t know, I’m just not sure. I know she watched him quizzically for several hours. But the three dackels, in the end, knew he was one of them.

Bogey is quite the little kisser! By about 4 o’clock he had removed all my make-up! Bogey is a sweet, wonderful boy and I am thrilled with the chance to spend time with him.

Bogart is incredibly intelligent! His Mommy brought his bell, which we hung on the door. I showed him where it was and then after that, he went right over to the bell and rang it! I took him for a walk and sure enough, he did his business!

The first two hours here there was a lot of posturing with Arnie, Anneliese and Greta, but by the time we sat down for dinner, Bogart was a member of the pack.

I took him on a nice long walk after dinner and he and I had a good time. We came in, and he said hello to the other dogs and then fell asleep on Fritz’s bed!

I heard from another one of Anneliese’s puppy owners today. Baron’s Dad sent me a picture of Baron via my cell phone.

Baron

He is so cute, but looks more like Anneliese than Bogey.

So we’re getting settled and the dogs are getting used to each other and I am truly amazed at how much a puppy remembers. It makes me happy that they don’t forget their Granny!

After all, I’ll never forget any of them!

Dogs Are Love

It was quite a day for me as I took care of a lot of business. I started my day at Weight Watchers where I lost 1 & 1/4 pounds! What did I do differently this week? Every time I felt like eating, I ate fruit! I’m starting to think this is a good thing to do in the future.

I wore my new coat, the one I got at LL Bean along with a pair of jeans for Hubby for $7.29! I love this coat! Here is a picture of what the coat looks like.

After Weight Watchers I did a few errands in the next town before coming back home and getting the mail. I also stopped at a local ladies clothing shop and decided I am not old enough to wear their clothes. Now isn’t that a nice feeling!

I came home to four happy doggies. I took them all outside for a run, and then brought them in and started making lunch for Hubby and myself. Today’s weight loss encouraged me, so I made a nice salad with a stuffed tomato and mandarin oranges.

Hubby got home in the early afternoon and we talked while we ate the lunch. You are probably wondering what we chatted about over lunch….well, tomorrow our Grand-puppy, Bogart is coming back to us for 10 days! We are very excited about this. Earlier in the day I had gotten a picture from his Mama Alex and I was so shocked! Bogey and Arnie could be twins!

Arnie is on the left and Bogey on the right! Amazing!!!

Greta was a little bit sore when she got up this morning, but by the mid part of the day she was doing so much better. I took her outside myself today and didn’t allow too much running around.

Anneliese was pretty funny too. It seems she plays this little game with Greta. When Greta moves she dives right in an swipes her rawhide bone. They are pretty funny to watch and give me so much joy!

I never thought that I would be the owner of 4 dogs. I’d considered three because when I had Shubi and Fritz, we got Greta and three dogs was no more work than two. However, 4 dogs….well I must be just a little bit crazy!

Despite the work, and the cleaning up and the feeding, etc., I must say that these four have brought with them more love and fun and joy than I thought was possible. I never planned this. Arnie just happened to lose his home before he had even been picked up (The new owner changed her mind). What was I to do? He was, after all, “Little Orphan Arnie” then, and my heart was taken. I thought I could do it. I thought I could send him off to another home, but I couldn’t let him go.

So although I know many of you think I am mad, for me it works.

A Doggone Good Day

Monday was one of those days where I spent most of the day waiting on, cleaning up after, and pampering the dogs. The medicine makes Greta feel so much better that she wants to run outside and chase every, leaf, cat or mouse that she sees. More than once, when she went outside, she took a run and of course this meant that I also went on a run. After her!!! So If Greta went out, so did I, just to watch her. At least she is feeling somewhat better.

The other two dackels were their normal adorable selves. Especially my buddy, Arnie. That boy is just the sweetest thing! This was the boy I had not wanted to keep all those years ago. I had planned to sell him and now, I cannot imagine my life without him! Look at that face! Isn’t he the handsomest guy?

Anneliese is a bit more independent, but she likes to hang out with me as well. She is funny though because she will be very affectionate when no one is looking. Her favorite time of day for sweet kisses? Dawn! Oh well, somehow the tenderness she shares with me makes the time of day acceptable, most of the time!

Fritz really hangs tight with me when Hubby is gone. It’s so funny because as soon as Hubby gets home, Fritz suddenly forgets who I am. It’s okay. Fritzi is a sweetheart and I love him just as he is!

Hubby skied for half the day and then went working on a project at the library. He arrived home just in time to eat dinner before I was out the door for a meeting.

I’ve joined a Women’s Organization called Altrusa. The women in this group are dedicated to community service. I’ve been looking for a way to serve my town and this feels like a good outlet for me. The other women are terrific and I enjoy the time I have spent there.

The day is coming to a close as we put each dog out for their last walk of the night. Always an exciting time. Next is bed.

So ends another Doggone good day!

12 Hours

I’m not sure what happened to Monday. It seemed the day had just begun (6:45 AM-thank you doggies!), and before I knew it, I put the last dish into the dishwasher and turned it on, made the coffee for tomorrow and sat down.

So between 6:45 AM and 6:45 PM, what have I accomplished?

I made three meals for Hubby and myself, and I am mad at myself because the ribs were overcooked! Hubby ate them without saying a word, but I knew I could have done better.

I brought all three dackels to the Veterinarian’s office for shots, nail clipping and to have Greta examined. She has been having trouble with her neck and I got very worried after my trip because she was having an increase of these painful episodes.

So I brought her in and they examined her completely. They could feel a small lump around the back of her head and when they were doing the exam she showed that she was having some pain.

Greta has always been a very active runner and jumper. I have trained Arnie and Anneliese to use the doggy stairs that I have all over the house. Greta will look at them, and then jump by them! She has also taken a few tumbles off the bed and I am afraid she may have hurt herself doing something along those lines.

In any case, we are treating her with anti inflammatory, and pain medication. I will also try to keep her quiet and let things settle down. It won’t “fix” the problem, but it will make her more comfortable.

Dackels are so prone to these sorts of things, and they tend to be their own worst enemy, as they jump up and down and put so much stress on those long, low backs.

After the Vets, I came home, did some paper work (I still can’t believe I actually have to deal with papers I do almost everything via the computer now), and decided to go in search of hidden dog bones.

I retrieved 5 bones that had been expertly hidden by the three dackels! But I also found some dust bunnies, so tomorrow I will have to get out the vacuum and get those dust bunnies out of here!

Then it was time for dinner and so the day ended. Twelve hours and I was amazingly busy, I got a lot of things done, but the time, that seemed to just fly by.

Goodnight Moon!

Eyes

Many of you have asked, so I decided that today was a good day to fill you all in on the latest on my eyes.

Most of it is good news, so sit back and relax while I fill you in.

During my doctors visit three weeks ago, I was not given the chance to ask any questions. The doctor was busy, and he said a few things and was off. I took what little he had said and went on a search for answers. You know, I went to Dr. Google!

From what Dr. C. had said I believed I had a condition called Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). This is not a good thing and I envisioned myself slowly going blind at an early age.

I started wondering if I could train a dackel to be a seeing eye service dog. Could they do that for me?

This past Friday I went to see my doctor again, and here is the full report:

My right eye, which had the retinal detachment in December is slowly healing. He reminded me that I am perhaps expecting too much from that eye, as it has been just a little over a month since my surgery. However, everything in that eye looks good and I should get almost all of my vision back in that eye. I will need glasses now all the time, but heck, what does that matter?

My biggest concern is for my left eye. I knew before the right eye problems that I had a membrane growing across the retina on that eye and suddenly I was panic stricken that I might lose the vision in my left eye and be left with the newly problematic right eye.

Really, my family calls me “The Worrier” because I worry about everything. And this is true. Even I have to admit that. So here I sat, day after day, worrying that I would lose my vision, and wondering if a dachshund guide dog would be accepted by the Guide Dog World. Really, my dreams were not good ones and I fell into a bit of a depression.

Then on Friday I went in to see Dr. C. I was prepared with a printed sheet of questions and most of all, I wanted to know for sure if I did have Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR).

Much to my relief I discovered that I DO NOT have PVR in my left eye. I do however have a problem called Epiretinal membrane (ERM), also known as macular pucker. This involves growth of a membrane similar to scar tissue across the macula. Eventually it will thicken and need to be removed. In the meantime, the vision in the left eye will continue to deteriorate until the membrane is ready for removal.

The first thing I asked was, can I go to Germany in May/June to breed my dog? Yes. He does not think that the surgery is imminent, and the trip to Germany should be okay. Before I leave I will be sure to have the Retina Specialist in Berlin’s phone number, just in case. (See what I mean about being a worrier?)

Should anyone of you need someone to worry about something for you, please let me know. My husband tells me I’m not happy unless I am stewing about something!

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Here is a picture of our lake on Sunday morning. You can see the ice fishermen out early on the lake. Also that is the Wolf Moon setting at dawn.