The Dackel Princess

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.

Dogs, Fish & Memories

I woke in the night and the dogs took advantage of the situation, by getting me up to take them out. It was -4 degrees (F) and so I did not even bother to go out with them. I just opened the door and they ran out. Moments later, they ran back in! I hadn’t doubted that for a minute.

We all went back to bed and as I lay on my side Anneliese came up and settled herself under my chin. I did snuggle with Anneliese and she was very sweet. She fell back asleep and I could feel her soft, even, breaths and a few times she sighed in her sleep. It was very sweet. It is times like that, that I understand why I have all these dogs. Each one, in their own special way, brings such love into our home.

Naturally, I could not get back to sleep. I just lay there and listened to Hubby and the dogs all making their sleeping noises. It was peaceful and nice. Unfortunately I couldn’t join in their sleeping! I was up at 6 with a mug of coffee in hand.

The day was beautiful, but very cold. I felt badly for the fishermen who are currently up for the annual Ice Fishing Derby!

Last year our neighbor won, both first and second place. A new fishing boat on a trailer and an All Terrain Vehicle! Woo-hoo!

Here is this years tote board. This is where they weigh in and hang the leader’s fish. The event lasts until tomorrow. Hopefully there will be bigger fish than what you see here.

I worried that we wouldn’t have as many people come out this year due to the extreme cold, but they are all out in their long underwear and snow suits! Many bring their “Bob Houses”,

so they can get in out of the cold, but some just drive their trucks right out on to the ice. I’m not sure I would be brave enough for that!

The kids love it because they can bring down their ice skates and practice their hockey moves. I always love to watch the kids!

I have to thank Hubby for these photographs. I am really bothered by the cold. It just gets to me. Hubby is not bothered as much, so off he went. Thanks, Honey for all the pictures.

One year it was 30 degrees (F) and just perfect for a walk out on the lake. I went with my old doggy Shubi and we walked all through town going from one lake to the next. Shubi found a little fish on the ground and she picked it up and wouldn’t put it down. All the fishermen laughed at the little wire-haired dackel with the fish sticking out of her mouth! Shubi really did love fish! Here she is with another fish.

She was my first wire-haired dackel and what a girl she was. It’s hard to believe she has been gone for almost four years. It was, after all, Shubi that made me love dackels.

My Eyes

At 7:02 this morning the temperature here was 4 degrees (F) with 55 mile an hour winds! Yeah, it was cold! So I got on the computer and sent a Twitter message to our local weatherman and about a half an hour later he mentioned that “Dackel Princess in ***** New Hampshire, reported in with 55 mile an hour winds and 4 degree weather!”

I’m such a kid, really. I was so excited that I jumped up and down and started screaming! “That’s Me!” And the only one here to witness this were the dogs!

Here is Greta witnessing the great event!

Before we knew it, it was time to drive over to the doctor’s office for my eye exam. I was nervous due to the fact that I am a born worrier. I was also concerned because I needed to step up and let my doctor know that I needed him to talk to me, and not rush me through my appointment.

Hubby drove me because of the high winds and blowing snow, and I was glad that he did. We chit-chatted all the way over and I felt pretty relaxed. I’d brought my computer with me because the last time I went I learned that the hospital now has free WiFi! So instead of reading 3 year old magazines, I sat and read my email, sent a message on Facebook, and surfed the web.

Finally I was called for my appointment and I must say I was very happy at the end. I felt I really connected with my doctor, and the news on my recently detached retina was good. It’s recovering right on schedule. My left eye (which had a detached retina 7 years ago), has been diagnosed with a macular pucker (also known as Epiretinal Membrane, ERM). In time I will need to have this membrane removed, and I should retain some if not most of my vision in that eye! He said I would probably need glasses for the rest of my life, but who cares? As long as I can see!

We drove home in the cold, talking and listening to the radio, and as soon as I got home I started a fire in the hearth. Oh how lovely that has been. Warm, bright and nice. At one time or another all the dackels have been in front of it. Fritz, who is afraid of fires, is hiding in the mud room bathroom.

Tonight is the Wolf Full Moon. I got on my coat, hat, scarf and gloves and went out and took pictures. It is lovely.

So my day was a good one, and it is ending nicely as well, despite the 50 mile an hour winds that continue to blow. Tonight I feel relaxed, happy and at peace.

Thoughts On A Snowy Day!

It’s snowing! My husband is a happy man!

Earlier this week we had a torrential rain storm, which resulted in much of the snow base in the mountains being washed away. The groomers worked hard to break up the ice that formed when everything froze and turn it into something ski-able. But the snow, which has started to fall, and is forecast for the next few days, will help replenish the slopes.

Meanwhile I want you to picture this. I let Fritz outside and then got busy doing things around the house. My cell phone rang and my sister needed me to assist her with a computer problem, and before I knew it, quite a bit of time had passed. I noticed that the snow had really picked up. I started to notice that things were pretty quiet. One, two, three dogs. Uh-oh, one dog short!

I looked outside at the top of the steps that lead to our driveway and there, sitting quietly, waiting for his Daddy, completely covered in snow, was Fritz! I called him in and spoke to him sweetly. After all, I am the mean old Mommy that forgot him in the snow!

Now before anyone reports me for doggy abuse, remember that Fritz’s coat is thicker than any winter coat on the market, and if I was forced to wear it, well, let’s just say it wouldn’t be a pretty thing to see! Me sweating like crazy, especially during a hot flash! Oh yes. At times I am my very own tropical island.

I digress!

I actually love snowy days like this. The flakes of snow are falling gently, and it makes for a pretty event to watch. The sun even came out for a while, during the snow storm, which made it even prettier!

A friend of ours from Vermont came by and we had lunch out at a wonderful Diner. The food was good and the company even better. A meal that usually takes half an hour to eat took us two hours, but it was worth every moment as we talked and laughed and joked.

I’d offered to give him one of our old desktop computers and when we got home, I fired it up to show him how easily it worked. Well, what do you know, the machine is screwed up and needs to have the hard drive wiped and the programs reloaded.

At first I thought I would take it in to my new favorite repair shop, but I started thinking and I decided that I would try the work myself. If it all goes south, then I will bring it in with the discs and beg for help. However, I think I can do this! I’ll keep you posted.

The winds have come up now and it is still snowing outside. I hope that the snow stops as I have to drive to my eye doctor’s office tomorrow for another exam. It’s just over 50 miles and this time I am on my own.

Happy Friday Everyone!!!

Getting Back To Being Me

Today I got out……alone. After Weight Watchers I drove to the next town and gassed up my Jeep, picked up Hubby’s favorite salad dressing, and then shopped for the foods to make me thin.

Yogurt, fake eggs, and new low sugar instant oatmeal! I’m not sure how that will taste, but I am hoping that it will be good. I also hit the vegetable isle and loaded the shopping cart with all sorts of yummy vegetables, and fish. I got the most delicious piece of Swordfish that Hubby and I shared for dinner.

By the time I got to the check out register I realized I was feeling pretty tired. Make that extremely tired. It then dawned on me that I have not done so much since early December. This was a first.

So I drove home, stopping for our mail and picking up a salad for my lunch. I came into the house and was greeted by excited and happy doggies, who I immediately let out to run. I put away the frozen foods, and once I got the dogs in, I sat down and had my salad.

Hubby arrived back home from skiing and he carried the groceries up for me. What a doll! After I put everything away, I sat down, pulled the blanket over my lap and fell asleep for about an hour. I woke feeling groggy, with three dackels draped all over me.

The best part of the day was that I actually did get out. I did get the shopping done, and I got the groceries put away. I’m getting back on my feet and that is a very good thing.