dachshund races

Skippy Runs his Final Race – a Tribute

Posted by Barbara Techel

Skippy Johnston Runs His Final Race - a Tribute.

A little dachshund with a huge spirit, Skippy Johnston, loved by so many, ran his final race to heaven yesterday.

The wheelchair dog community lost a very special little guy.  In a wheelchair for almost 12 of his 14 years he ran many races. But better than that, he spread such a positive message that being in a wheelchair was no excuse to not enjoy life.

Sadly, a mis-step he took left him with a broken neck and there was nothing that could be done. It was time for him to hop upon his chariot one last time and make his final trek to heaven.

He was so very brave to the end. His last note on his Facebook page filled with such an uplifting, positive spirit, I laughed and cried:

“Thank you everyone who prayed for me! My miracle has come! My body is whole again! And the streets here may be paved with gold for you guys, but the dog paths are paved with bacon! And my toenails will never have to be trimmed, my glands never have to be expressed (that’ll be Heaven for Mom, too!) I love you all, and we’ll meet again one day! Love for eternity, Skippy J.”

Tears fill my eyes once again as I write this post. Skippy or as he was also called, Skipster, was just that special. He brought so much joy to so many.

I’ll never forget a week after my Frankie passed away and Skippy ran a race in her honor. I like to think of Skippy and Frankie now in heaven together, meeting for the first time, sharing some pretty darn good stories together, tails wagging, and eating all the bacon they want….with a side of green beans for Skippy as those were his favorite.

frankie

I’ll say again, dogs just die way too soon – it never seems fair. But I know they’d not want us to grieve for too long – but to go on loving more dogs, expanding our hearts – and being happy.

Skippy was the happiest little fellow and I just know he wants us to smile when we think of him.  And it’s truly hard not to smile when you look at photos of Skippy because his charisma and charm were truly bigger than life.

Please hold Skippy’s mom, Angela in your heart as she learns to move through her days in a new way without her beloved Skippy. She was Skippy’s angel and now Skippy will watch over her until they meet again someday.

We will never forget you, Skippy J. Never.

skippy 1

skippy 2

skippy 3

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A Day at Germanfest with Racing Wiener Dogs & Dressed Up Wieners. Oh My!

Posted by Barbara Techel

A very special thank you to Petra Theruich who chairs the Dachshund Derby and Dachshund Costume Contest every year, who gave us complimentary tickets to attend Germanfest this year.  It did my heart good to see all the wiener dogs, and I even got to pet a few.  Another special thank you to Father John who did the pet blessing and said a special blessing for Frankie…. which had me holding back the tears.

It is really hard to get pictures of those racing little wieners as they are awfully fast, but here is one good shot I got below. Along with many other shots of the other’s decked out in costumes.  During this particular race that I got a photo of, at one point the doxie’s were all in one big heap in the middle and one rolled over– it was too funny!  But have no fear, as no wiener’s were hurt in the race–  he rolled over just as fast as he was back on all four’s again and headed to the finish line.