dachshunds

Not Missing a Beat

Posted by Barbara Techel

Not Missing a Beat

If you’ve ever lived with a dachshund, you know that they live to make sure you never make a move without them. Even if that means disrupting their beloved time burrowed under the blanket and popping up to sport a temporary dreadlocks look.

Some day’s I only have to move slightly in my chair as way of getting comfortable with no plans what-so-ever of getting up, but Miss Gidget has to be sure as she does her quick scuddle to the surface from below to make sure she isn’t missing out on anything.

Sometimes Gidget reminds me of Gladys Kravitz from the 1970’s program, Bewitched, as she has to know what is going on at all times within our household.

And one of those things that glaringly leaves such an empty space when they move on to the other side. And how you find yourself moving as you did when you had a dachshund, or any dog, or animal for that matter. While we think it is they who should adjust to our lives, we find how we’ve adjusted to make sure they are enjoying the utmost of comfort.

While sometimes it tests my patience that I can’t make a move without my little “dachsling” needing to be at my side, I remind myself to treasure each precious moment.

And today, such a day when I got up from my chair, and she scurried to the surface from her place of rest, with her silly dreadlocks look that my heart melt for the love of her devotion.

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I Couldn’t Have Been More Touched

Posted by Barbara Techel
I Couldn't Have Been More Touched
Elaina with Frankie’s likeness at Bookworm Gardens in Sheboygan, WI

As many of you know my dear Frankie’s memory lives on in a wonderful children’s garden called Bookworm Gardens.

Today I received this photo from my sister, Paula. She is living her dream being a nanny to two sweet little girls. This is Elaina. While recently visiting Frankie at the gardens Elaina bent down and lovingly said to Frankie, “Feel better.”

Well goodness… I have tears in my eyes just writing this! I couldn’t have been more touched.

One thing I enjoyed doing when I visited schools and libraries with Frankie and sharing her message and books I wrote about her was helping kids to understand empathy.

If children can grasp empathy oh, what a beautiful future we have! And dear Elaina is leading the way with her compassion and kindness extended to Frankie’s likeness that continues to spread that message even though she will be gone for five years as of June 21st.

What a gift this photo is as I’ve been giving so much thought lately to the anniversary of Frankie’s passing. And that our loved ones, human or pet, continue to be with us in the most special and magical ways.

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Honest Moments Reflecting on Someday without an IVDD Dog

Posted by Barbara Techel

Honest Moments Reflecting on Someday without an IVDD Dog

Our winter has been mild here in Wisconsin, though it’s been rainy and cloudy for most of March. But earlier in the week it was beautiful and I took advantage and walked our 3/4 acre yard with Gidget.

It was delicious to feel the warm sunshine on my face and let the sun soak in my skin, the wind kiss my face, and watch Gidget wiggle walk through the grass. I truly appreciate simple moments such as this.

After our walk around the yard, Gidget was smart and found the perfect spot to rest on the west side of my writing cottage to soak in the rays and be out of the wind.

As I watched her, emotions rose up in my heart. I’m treasuring my time with her as I’m pretty sure when the day comes and she makes her transition, she will be my last dog with IVDD I take in. It will then be time for me to rest from my service to these special dogs.

It’s taken me a few years to be okay with this. But little by little I’ve come to realize it is time. While I continue to voice it out loud to family and friends as a way to hear it and accept it, I’ve also had moments of tears (and feel emotional just writing this post) thinking about it as my heart will always love these special little ones so much.

In many ways it’s hard to picture my life without caring for a dog with IVDD. But I also know I’m tired and it’s okay to be honest about that.

The simple moments I relish more dearly than ever is in part because of what I’ve learned from my wheelie and IVDD dogs – they have put so much into perspective for me of how precious life is. It was meant to be the journey I’ve traveled with each of them.

Just as it will be meant to be when the time comes to continue on my journey in a new way. For now, I soak in all the love and my time with dear Miss Gidget. And perhaps her soul contract with me during this time in my life was to help me come to this decision with peace and acceptance in my heart. Thank you, little one. Thank you.

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