dachshund gifts

The Love Behind this Tea Cup.

Posted by Barbara Techel

cupA few weeks before we left on vacation to visit North Carolina, I noticed a chip in my favorite tea cup.  I’m not even sure how it got there. I actually felt sad when I discovered it.  To add to it, it was right where I’d sip my tea from so there was no way getting around not noticing it was there.

It didn’t really have all that much sentimental value to it. I had bought it at a garage sale years ago. It caught my eye, sitting there all alone on the table, because it is my favorite color periwinkle. Looking at the sweet little cup and saucer just made me so happy, so I had to bring it home. I don’t even recall what I paid for it. But I’m sure it wasn’t much.

I couldn’t bear to throw it out for a week or two. But then when I thought about our trip and what treasures I might find while there, it hit me!  I could look for a new tea cup! I trusted I would find a new one, so laid the old one, who served me well all these years, to rest.

Asheville, NC is full of culture, art, and interesting people. One very cool thing they have done is taken an old industrial park and turned it into an arts district, called River Arts District. What a cool idea, right?

It was so fun visiting all the different buildings with many types of artists. Our second stop touring the district was  Curve Studios and Gardens and pottery work done by Maria Andrade Troya.

As John and I walked in I noticed many functional pieces throughout the studio,  including tea cups.  As we walked toward a table that caught my eye because it was all periwinkle (ish) colored pieces, I said to John, “Maybe I’ll find my tea cup here!”

He knew I was on the lookout for a new one.

As I was lost in my own little world of awe in the pottery and hoping with all my heart I’d find the perfect tea cup I heard John say, “Well what if it was your favorite color periwinkle and had a wiener dog on it?”

Without looking at him and continuing the peruse the table of pottery, I said, “Oh,  that would be perfect!”

Just as the words came out of my mouth, I looked down and spotted what he had just described.  I just about squealed like a pig I was so excited! It was perfect!

I was on top of the world having this new treasure that traveled home with me. But more importantly as I thought about that special moment, I felt my heart expand in love again for my dear, sweet husband, who really does understand my deep love of these little wiener dogs. Every morning now when I pour a cup of tea, I am reminded of this and it makes this darling little tea cup all the more sweet.

For all my wiener dog loving friends, you can order one for your very own!  Maria offers shipping!

Custom Rolling Dachshund Ring Holders to Benefit The Frankie Wheelchair Fund Helping Paralyzed Dogs in Need

Posted by Barbara Techel

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Click on the photo to order yours today!

10/17/2013 update:  Grace asked me that I share this info with you:  “I will accept custom orders and personalization at no additional charge. I will match the colors/markings if they send me pictures, and put the doxie’s name around their collar. ” Cool, huh?

Grace has done it again!  Though I continue to be on sabbatical (will return to my blog early November), I just had to share this wonderful offer with you from a creative and talented lady with a big heart.

The sale of the first dachshund ring holder to sell will be donated to the Frankie Wheelchair Fund which helps paralyzed dogs in need of a wheelchair (learn more about the fund here). As you may already know, this fund was started in memory of my Frankie (known as the walk ‘n roll dog) in 2012. For six years Frankie helped me spread a positive message about dogs with IVDD and dogs in wheelchairs far and wide.  The fund has helped 16 dogs to date with wheelchairs who may have never otherwise had the chance to have one.

After the first sale, 10% of all other sales of the ring holders will also benefit the Frankie Wheelchair Fund as well.

Check them out today!  You can order them to your specifications and have one made just like the doxie love of your life.  No doubt these sweet little likenesses of your doxie’s will keep your rings safe — well, that is if they don’t wag their tails too fast!

A Sweet Dachshund Surprise from Santa

Posted by Barbara Techel

I must have been a good girl this year. Guess I had Santa fooled, now didn’t I?  When I arrived home later Saturday morning after spending the night at my friend’s house, there was a package on my front stoop.  I squealed with delight (I wonder if Santa heard?) when I opened it to find these two fun dachshund items inside.  Aren’t they just darling? How on earth did Santa know I ADORE dachshund’s?  He is so very smart.  Though interestingly enough his handwriting looked an awful lot like my sister’s.  And for those of you wondering where these came from because you are chomping at the bit to get a scarf and coffee mug of your own, well, Santa shops at Kohl’s Department Store.