dachshund

The White Masked Lab Makes Friends Easily

Posted by Barbara Techel
The White Masked Dog Makes Friends Easily
Kylie and Larry

Late yesterday we got to meet our friend, Jon’s new little dachshund puppy. His name is Larry. Don’t you just love it?

Larry had absolutely no fear what-so-ever about bounding right into Kylie’s kennel. Of course, after he took about a million spins racing into the living room and flying around the corner into the kitchen. Oh, the energy he has!

And here’s the thing about Kylie – I’ve never had to worry about her around other dog’s. She is completely open and acceptable. I swear she is a saint in disguise in a dog body. She is a gentle giant with a very soft and compassionate heart. She makes me want to be a better person every time I’m around her.

Gidget on the other hand, well, she was pretty good. But just a wee bit jealous. Apparently my lap is just for her. She made sure I knew this and that I don’t forget it.

When I brought up this photo of Larry and Kylie on my computer I was taken aback at how white Kylie is getting – sort of looking like she has a mask on like raccoon’s, but in white instead.

The older she gets the sweeter she becomes. And the more she tugs at my heart. I can’t imagine a day without her, but I know it will come.

But moments like this and how loving she is toward others pups made me love her even more — I really don’t even know how that is possible — because every time I’m with her, my heart spills over with immense joy.

She is truly one the sweetest dogs I’ve ever known.

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A Friendship All Because of a Dachshund in a Wheelchair

Posted by Barbara Techel
A Friendship All Because of a Dog in a Wheelchair
from left: Ron, Cameron, Karin and Barb

If it wasn’t for bug spray, a book about a dachshund in a wheelchair named Frankie, a young boy who loves dachshunds, and a best friend who had “connections” well, I’d have never met this wonderful family, the Thein’s.

As is their tradition, every year between Christmas and New Year’s, the Thein’s make the trek from their home state of Illinois to Wisconsin to stay at one of our local resorts here in Elkhart Lake.

Okay, so I live in Wisconsin and you are perhaps wondering why bug spray is involved in winter, right?  Well, there was the time the Thein’s were here when it was warmer, and the skeeters were something fierce! And that is how this all began.

They wondered into the Feed Mill Market that once housed a grocery store and still has a retail shop and deli, looking for relief in a bottle of spray to keep the bugs away.

Instead of bug spray, young Cameron found my children’s book about my paralyzed dachshund Frankie. He was immediately drawn to her because of his love of doxie’s.

As he carried the book in his arms, the manager of the Feed Mill Market, Victoria, who is the best friend of the author of the Frankie book took notice. Oh, and I guess I might add, it would be me that is the author of said dachshund book (in case you are new here).

Victoria told young Cameron that she knew the author and Frankie, and she was pretty sure she could arrange for them to meet us. And yup, she was right. I was more than happy to make the short jaunt down to the market with Frankie after she called me.

And ever since then, most every year except for last year, when John and I went out of town after Christmas, I’ve gotten together to catch up with them.

The only thing missing the past three years though has been dear Frankie who passed away in the summer of 2012.

But each year when I spend a little time with the Thein family, I get this warm feeling inside that Frankie is wagging her tail in happiness that a friendship she helped to create continues to build memories.

Safe travels back home Thein’s and wishing you the best year ever in 2016!

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Peewee Gains Mobility for Two Days…Before Rolling Off into the Sunset

Posted by Barbara Techel

Peewee Gains Mobility for Two Days…Before Rolling Off into the Sunset

As you know, it always brings me such joy to help a paralyzed dog gain mobility again which I’m able to do because of the generous donation from others to The Frankie Wheelchair Fund.

Peewee is the 48th dog the Fund had the honor of gifting the freedom to walk again….

even if it was only for two days. But it was the happiest of two days this little one had, his ears flying once again in the wind…before he rolled off into the sunset.

Because of complications with other issues, Peewee’s loving guardian did what was best for him and helped him cross to the other side.

Though I’m sad for his passing and for his caretakers broken heart… there is joy in that Peewee got to be all dog again and go for a few walks in his new set of wheels.

It’s such a beautiful reminder of enjoying each precious moment we have here on earth.

And the gift that Peewee received will now be passed on as a gift to another paralyzed dog in need.  Bless you dear, Peewee.

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Peewee’s wheelchair custom made by Eddie’s Wheels and his wheelchair funded by The Frankie Wheelchair Fund.