dachshunds

Rent a Weenster

Posted by Barbara Techel

I’ve met some of the nicest people over the years because of my three disabled dachshunds. Among them are Lynn and Perry Phillips. They belong to these two adorable wiener dogs— Winnie, the English cream and Greta, the black and tan. Greta is a therapy dog and goes to work with Perry. I was so happy to run into them at the Farmer’s Market today!

It was a year ago that Winnie went down in her backend. I remember talking with Lynn trying to guide her at the beginning. After surgery and a bit of a rough road, Winnie is walking again. Yay! Lynn said she walks kind of like a drunken sailor, but she’s walking! Having loved and cared for three drunken sailors myself over the years, I completely understand.

Perry was holding Winnie in a dog carrier that hung around his shoulder. As we got to talking and Lynn and Perry expressed their sympathy for the loss of my Gidget, Perry slipped Winnie out of her carrier and handed her to me. I’d not held a weenster since Gidget passed the day before Mother’s Day.

Whoosh…the tears came and a flood of emotions. It felt good to hold sweet Winnie in my arms for a few moments.

Lynn and Perry both said I could rent one or both of them for a day when I feel the need to get a weenie dog fix. Rent for free Lynn said, though Perry kiddingly said it would be a quarter.  😉

It was enough for me today to pet both Winnie and Greta. I know someday I will want another dog. But for now, I’m feeling content with where I’m at. Though I still have my moments of wanting to hug my little Gidget just one more time. 

But that is what it’s all about. I’d still not trade the depth of love I experienced with all my dogs to avoid the time of grief.

And I’m grateful for the Farmer’s Market and being able to spend some time with the Phillips – two and four-legged!

P.S. Later on I ran into a friend who is a vendor at the market. She asked if I saw Winnie and Greta and commented about Perry who carried Winnie in a dog carrier around his shoulder, “That to me is a real man who will carry a dog around like that.” I could agree more. The Phillips truly love their dogs!

XO,

Barbara

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This Gift Captures It All

Posted by Barbara Techel

Oh, the depth of heart within this artwork!

I cried hard as a smile slowly came across my face. This precious gift is from my mom and now hangs on my living room wall.

The picture in its entirety – I had to crop top one for Facebook requirements

Sometimes it’s hard to believe this is a complete chapter in our lives that lasted almost twenty years. A path I didn’t plan on taking but that I would end up caring for three special needs dachshunds.

I love gazing at this as a reminder to reflect on all the beautiful memories and profound teachings I gained from three sweet souls. I know with absolute truth that I wouldn’t be who I am today without Frankie, Joie, and Gidget. Nor would John.

I feel blessed to have captured the teachings of each of them in three memoirs, Through Frankie’s Eyes, Wisdom Found in the Pause – Joie’s Gift, and the one I’m currently finishing, I’m Fine Just the Way I Am.

While I don’t know what the next chapter in my life will be, looking at this picture brings me into a space within my heart that feels gratitude…so much gratitude.

There’s really not much more I can say about this special gift because this is definitely a case where a picture speaks a thousand words (times three!!).

XO,

Barbara

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Signs of Spring. There’s a Dachshund in Here Somewhere Too.

Posted by Barbara Techel

Signs of Spring. There's a Dachshund in Here Somewhere Too.

This past Wednesday, the first official day of Spring, I was brought to tears when I pulled the goddess Gaia from the Power Goddess Oracle deck. I couldn’t take my eyes off her. A swirl of emotions spiraled through me.

This card couldn’t have been more perfect. Not only for the changing of the season and one of re-birth but also the self I’ve given birth to over the past year. I saw myself in Gaia and I liked what I saw.

A year ago this time was quite different as I was moving through such an intensely emotional time. As I continue editing my latest book, I’m Fine Just the Way I Am, I’m able to witness through the words I’ve written and of how far I’ve come. 

This spring feels and looks quite different to me. The light is absolutely freeing and brilliant. The smells and sounds, from birds singing, to the church bells ringing, and children playing in the park have me feeling enthusiastically alive. And so very grateful that I am.

The second card I pulled Wednesday morning from a deck called Moonology fit beautifully with Gaia. As I saw it as a reflection of when we do the hard work of working through what isn’t always easy, it truly is a re-birth that occurs, as we can’t help but be changed.

And in being honest, I had a brief sad moment, of which I’ve had before, especially the older I get, that I’ll never experience giving birth to a child. But I allow it to surface and acknowledge it. And then I remember all the different ways I have given birth. This was my journey to walk. I have no regrets.

And it’s in the simple pleasures of gathering up the bedding this morning and once through the washing machine to hang it all on the line, I find grounding and a peaceful space within. I never tire of this. It feels like a ritual from long ago and echoes of others who enjoyed this too, though I can’t quite hear, but yet I feel them near.

It also may only be in the mid-40s as I write this to you, but I just couldn’t help but put a pair of flip-flops on. I’m most happy in either boots or flip-flops – nothing in-between. As silly as it may sound, there would have been a day I’d not felt comfortable in sharing a photo of my feet without my toenails painted. It feels so freeing to let go of some of the inhibitions that can make life more complicated than it needs to be.

The sun streams through the bedroom windows at new angles with the changing of the light and the season. And one not to miss out is Miss Gidget. And add to her sweet spot soaking up the sun is burrowing her way into the sheets that lay on the floor before they found their way to the laundry room.

And this…this provided me another simple pleasure that made my heart happy. And as promised in the title of this blog post, I did say there was a dachshund in here somewhere. Anywhere there is sun and blankets or sheets in this case, is the perfect place for a wiener dog to nestle.

Signs of spring abound. And it’s understanding the darkness as a gift that makes the light all the more profound and beautiful.

XO,

Barbara

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