ivdd

What is It About Gidget’s Eyes? Come Hear What Others Are Saying.

Posted by Barbara Techel

IMG_1910 bwWhen I first saw Gidget’s photo, after finding her via a Google search for dachshunds with IVDD, I was drawn right into her soul through her eyes. I felt this immediate connection. 

Feeling a connection is so important to me. I had looked at other IVDD dogs I found via searches and while I wish I could take them all, I didn’t feel a connection like I did with Gidget. There was just something there—in those tiny, almond shaped eyes. I truly believed we were destined to find each other.

Once I knew it was official that I would be adopting her, I made a collage of photos of her that the owner of rescue had sent me. Call me strange and peculiar, but every day, usually a few times, I’d stop and look at the pictures of Gidget. I’d talk out loud to her and tell her I loved her. That I couldn’t wait to take care of her and be her friend. Though I already felt like we were friends.

I’d often sit for minutes at a time (and still do) looking into her eyes and wondering, what is it about those eyes of hers? I wasn’t quite sure. All I knew, was that I was head over heels in love with her and I felt a strong bond with her.

Once I had her home and started taking photos of her, posting them here on my blog and on Facebook, did her eyes start intriguing others. It started with one person saying her eyes are so intelligent. Then another said smart. Someone else said wise. That was it!

It’s as if she is an old soul that has been on this planet before. Like she is this wise Buddha having been here thousands of years ago. Now I imagine she has returned in the form of an endearing, quirky, little wobbly doxie body, to share some great bits of wisdom with me.

She is just the most interesting little creature and I marvel at her uniqueness everyday, often pinching myself that she is really mine.  I am planning on having my animal communicator friend, Dawn do a reading with her as I’m anxious to hear what Gidget will share with me. I just need to set some time aside to do that, so stay tuned.

Gidget may also take part in a group talk during an animal communication workshop Dawn and I are planning at my home in March.  I’ll be working on the information and including in a future blog post for those of you in the area that would like to attend the workshop.  It is going to be great fun!  I can’t wait.

Last, but not least, stay tuned to a blog post I’ll be doing tomorrow as I’ll be making another special announcement!

800 x 100

Ramp Training for the IVDD Community by Dodgerslist

Posted by Barbara Techel

Today I want to share with you a wonderful video and article done by Dodgerslist for Ramp Training your IVDD dog.

Choosing a Ramp Offering your dog a ramp to assist him on getting onto furniture or onto the bed seems like a simple idea, but actually getting the dog to use the ramp could be more challenging that you may expect.

As a professional trainer and behavior consultant living with several Dachshunds, including some who have suffered back injuries or ailments, I have taught many dogs to use ramps.  I am happy to share these ideas with others in hopes that it will help people assist their dogs in becoming accustomed to using these helpful tools.

Read rest of article here.

Have Arms, Will Snuggle. Gidget the Love Dog.

Posted by Barbara Techel

cam and gidgetCameron and Gidget

There are many things I’m enjoying and loving about Gidget. I’m also relishing in her sweetness and go with the flow attitude. One thing I especially love about her is how she easily adapts to new people around her.

Last Sunday we had friends, Karin, Ron and 9-year old, Cameron visiting from Illinois and staying at a local resort. We had them over to watch the Packers/Bears game. Yes, I admit it, we let Bears fans in our home…. but after all, they are friends, even if they do love those Bears.

I first met them after Cameron, a lover of dachshunds, discovered my first children’s book about Frankie that a local gift shop carries and sells for me.

My friend, Victoria, was the manager at the time and spied Cameron walking around holding a copy of Frankie’s book.  She said, “I happen to know the author of that book and the real Frankie. I just might be able to arrange for you to meet them.”

That was almost five years ago. Since then we’ve gotten together just about every year when they visit our little village of 947 people.  Cameron still working on talking his Dad into a Dachshund, has gotten his dose of doxie love from Frankie, then Joie, and now Gidget.

Karin, Cameron’s mom, took the photo above of Cam and Gidget getting to know each other. Gidget made herself right at home snuggling her little head into Cam’s hands for a good dose of petting. Cam, being the young gentlemen, didn’t say a word about the fact she was wearing a Aaron Rodgers Packer jersey!

It seems no matter who comes over, or no matter where I take Lil’ G she easily finds her way into the laps of those wanting to pet and snuggle with her.  Yesterday she was happy and content to be in our dear friend, Cassy’s arms, as we spent some time at her apartment and she made dinner for us.

Not only was it a treat to have Cassy cook a delicious dinner of taco’s for us, but to see how happy, content and comfortable Gidget is wherever we seem to go, really does my heart good. She is really getting to be quite the love dog. But I suspect she always was.

cass and gidgete