Tonight’s The Night

Life is full of those special moments with your furry friends.

The first day your bring them home,

all fluff and sweetness. The first time they wee-wee on your carpet, or chew on your shoe. The first time they curl up in your lap and fall asleep, with their sweet puppy breath mixing with your own. The first time they run to you because you call their name and they recognize it, and the first time they run away from you when you call them, just so they can see you run!

Yes, our furry friends give us something that no one else is able to, continuous entertainment, laughter, joy and unconditional love.

The day we picked Greta up from her breeder, I remember the wonder I felt at this very small puppy (4 lbs), who was so in control of herself, and the situation she found herself in. She was a brave lass, never crying for her litter mates or mother, it was as if she had bid them all adieu at the gate of the house and then her life as Greta began.

I feared a little for her when we brought her into our home. Would Fritz be too rough with her, would this poor little thing be bullied by him? Ha! I look back now and laugh. Greta came in, took one look at Fritz and Shubi and took over the house. I need not have worried.

The last 2 1/2 years have flown by and here we are. The day I have looked forward to for many, many years. It’s the day Greta will mate with Bernie, and the Dackel Princess Dynasty will begin.

Ever since I first saw Shubi #1

(the wire-haired dachshund owned by our friends), way back in 1989, I have dreamed of having a beautiful, well tempered female like Greta. I wanted to breed this wonderful type of dog. I told Hubby that I would never breed an animal unless I could be assured of two things.

First that the pups would add something wonderful to the American gene pool, and two that they could be registered.

I really had wanted to breed my Shubi

(who was Shubi #2), but her paperwork was not transferable to the AKC and her pups could never have been registered. She would have made a wonderful mother, but I stuck by my promises to myself, and I had her spayed. Then I loved her beyond measure, all the days of her life.

Years later, when we looked for another wire-haired dachshund, we looked for one who could be registered and was all that you hope the breed to become here in the States. And we found our Greta.

As I sit here writing I am nearly overcome with the emotion of love, happiness and eager anticipation.

Bernie and Greta and their babies! That will be so wonderful!!!