Howl-O-Weenie 2011

Warning! In keeping with the subject matter, today’s post is looong, but you’ll be rewarded with some cute dog photos, like these of my grand-dogs Special Agent McGee and Federal Agent Chutsky:

Special Agent McGee and Federal Agent Chutsky -- on a stakeout.

Catching some Z's after an exhausting day of fighting crime.

Today Writing in the Buff offers the naked truth about wieners---those long, strong, lovable Dachshunds. Here are a few fun facts:

• Dachshund means “badger dog” in German, which is fitting since they were originally bred to hunt badgers and exterminate vermin in general.
• Dachshunds are one of the most popular small dog breeds in America.
• Dachshunds are bred in three different coat varieties: smooth, wire-haired, and long-haired. They can be miniature, up to 11 pounds, or standard, 16-32 pounds.
• Dachshunds are playful and energetic.
• Dachshunds require only moderate exercise and adapt well to most living environments.
• Because of their instinct to burrow, Dachshunds will tunnel beneath your blankets and pillows, and sometimes under your shirt.
• Dachshunds love to cuddle and are extremely affectionate.
• Dachshunds adore the company of other Dachshunds.

The following quote on Dachshund temperament is direct from the American Kennel Club, and is so true of my daughter's two mini Dachshunds that I laughed out loud when I read it. Please note that the words in parenthesis are not part of the actual quote, but are those of my grand-dogs, thrown in for good measure:

Temperament
The Dachshund is clever, lively and courageous (“Why, yes, I am!”) to the point of rashness (“I must protect my human mom from that 100 lb. Rottweiler!”), persevering in above- and below-ground work (“I’m not hiding under the blanket to avoid a bath; I’m badger hunting!”), with all the senses well-developed (“Did you hear that? Three blocks from here someone just flipped the cap off a can of Easy Cheez!”).  Any display of shyness (“Is that even a real word?”) is a serious fault (“Fault? You must be talking about the neighbor’s Chihuahua.”).

That quote explains why the Howl-O-Weenie Festival is possible. Picture a field full of Dachshunds costumed for Halloween, all ready, willing and able to participate in contests such as Dunking for Wieners, Tail Wagging, Face Licking, and Best Costume. Oh yeah, and there are Weenie Races, too.

One of my posts in October of 2010 detailed last year’s Howl-O-Weenie Festival. If you missed it, you may want to check out the photos. Here’s the link:  Click HERE.

Howl-O-Weenie is sponsored by DREAM (Dachshund Rescue, Education, Awareness and Mentoring). This organization does an amazing job of rescuing, fostering, and finding forever homes for Dachshunds in need. My grand-dog, Federal Agent Chutsky, is a DREAM rescue, just one of the hundreds of furry companions saved and protected by the loving volunteers who keep this non-profit organization humming. For more information on DREAM, click HERE.

This Festival is such fun, and the dogs, along with their human companions, are a joyous bunch with whom to spend a fall afternoon. It’s hard to beat Dachshunds when it comes to good, goofy fun. These little furries are game for just about anything. Without further ado, here are some photos we took at the 2011 Howl-O-Weenie Festival.

 

Captain Jack Sparrow

Why, that little doxie -- she's a barmaid!

 
  

The Red Baron

This good-natured Great Dane enjoyed himself.

Ahoy!

Las Vegas showgirls.

Clever take on that mysterious airline hijacker.

The littlest soldier.

Thinking inside the bun.

Thinking outside the bun.

Thinking about the bun.

"I could've sworn my Harley was over here somewhere!"

Livin' the label, baby. Livin' the label.

"Maybe Mom will dress me up next year, after I grow into my nose."

 

So now you know the naked truth about wieners. Well, the fun stuff, anyway.  I didn't mention that 1 in 5 Dachshunds has the potential to develop back problems, some severe enough to require a wheelchair. The dogs don’t know they’re disabled and continue to live joyful, loving lives, but of course special treatment by their human companions is required.  For more information, visit Dodger’s List by clicking HERE.

Please check back next Wednesday for the true story of Bailey, an endearing  Dachshund who suffers from IVDD (intervertebral disc disease). He doesn't recognize his disability, but knows a lot about love. Here's a pic of Bailey, enjoying Howl-O-Weenie:

Thanks for visiting! I hope you had fun.

Lisa

P.S.  There are many organizations available to pair you with a pooch if you're looking to bring an animal companion into your home. DREAM is one of these, if a lovable Dachshund is your choice, but consider also Collie Rescue, Golden Retriever Rescue, Labrador Retriever Rescue, and many others.  And please don't overlook mixed breeds.  All furry kids need a good home!

DREAM for the Weenies!

 Special Agent McGee, Party Animal

Last Saturday my family and I spent the day at Brook Run Park in Dunwoody, Georgia, home of the 2010 Howl-O-Weenie Festival, sponsored by DREAM (Dachshund Rescue, Education, Awareness and Mentoring).

The park was overrun by Dachshunds, most in full costume to celebrate Halloween and raise awareness (and money) for pet rescue. My grand-dog Special Agent McGee dressed up as a Party Animal, complete with Hawaiian shirt and grass skirt. The skirt embarrassed him until he saw other Dachshunds dressed as pirates, peacocks, Spanish dancers, Robin Hood. . .the list is endless. One trio of doxies made up Gone With the Weiners, a tribute to Scarlett and her pals. Another sported Skippy's Hot Dog stand, a lightweight contraption attached to his doggy wheelchair so he could participate in the festivities, and the old fella basked in the attention. Take a look:

Skippy's Hot Dog Stand -- he trotted around on two legs and two wheels like he owned the place!

Lady Dog-Ga, I believe.

Dachshund Hood, ready to fight the Sheriff of Doggingham

Prince Charminghound

Gone With the Wieners (well, 2 of them anyway. Rhett must be away charming some little doxie...)

Anybody seen my castanets?

And lunch---need you ask?  Hot dogs, of course!

Doxies are an interesting breed.  Consider that the Dachshund was bred to hunt badgers.  Badgers are stocky, fierce omnivores related to weasels and otters. When a badger retreats to his den he backs in, facing out.  Dachshunds plow into the hole and nab the sharp-toothed badger by the snout and drag him out.  According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) they were bred to "fight to the death" with the troublesome badgers. That takes some serious strength and courage, and little Dachshunds have both.  Not that you would believe it after seeing those photos from the Howl-O-Weenie Festival.

Contests on festival day included best costume, face licking, weenie races, and howling, among others. The Dachshunds were game and their families played along. It was a fun time.

During the course of the day we met a lovable fella rescued by DREAM from a terrible animal hoarding situation.  Two of his paws are deformed and he bears scars from mistreatment.  Surprisingly, his temperament is calm and affectionate, and he made fast friends with our Special Agent McGee. Stay tuned for a future update on the miniature red doxie my daughter dubbed Chutsky (if you're a fan of the Dexter books, you'll get the connection).  Here's a pic of McGee and Chutsky.  Pretty handsome pair, huh?

If you think you might want to rescue a dog, keep in mind that there are many organizations available to pair you with a purebred should that be your preference. DREAM is one of these, if a lovable Dachshund is your choice, but consider also Collie Rescue, Golden Retriever Rescue, Labrador Retriever Rescue, and many others.  And please don't overlook mixed breeds.  All these furry kids need good homes, so please keep them in mind if you are ready to love and be loved by a precious pooch.

Happy Howl-O-Weenie month!
Lisa

Dog Days of Summer!

Surviving the dog days of summer is a breeze! Just ask me and I'll tell ya!  I am a miniature Dachshund and my name is Special Agent McGee.  Here I am, all afloat, enjoying a day at the lake!

Whew!  Sometimes being a real hot dog is too much to handle.  Time to take the plunge!  C'mon in!  The water is fine!        

Sometimes, a guy just needs his mom!

Gotta dry out these ears before taking a nap.  Don't worry.  I won't fall out the window.  Mom holds me and keeps me from sticking my badger-hunting nose too far out.

Aaaahhhhh.....time to snooze.  Gotta love these lake days!

Admit it....I'm one cool hot dog!


(This blog post courtesy of Special Agent McGee, my grand-dog.  He's a sweet little guy.)


Enjoy the final days of summer, y'all! 

Til next time -
Lisa. . .and Special Agent McGee

Hot Diggity Dog!

Last year I posted a bit about my daughter's miniature Dachshund, Special Agent McGee. At the time, he looked like the picture on the right.  All 2 pounds of him.

Well, he's grown up now, so I thought you might like to see him in all his hot dog glory.  He's a whopping 10 pounds 8 ounces, near his maximum expected weight of 11 pounds, and he remains a hit with the other dogs in our household.  In the top photo we found him using Rigby as a pillow.

McGee no longer resides here since his mom, my daughter Stephanie, moved into her own apartment.  I do dog sit, however, and when Steph comes over to visit or do her laundry, McGee comes along. He considers us his pack, even though he's guarding his own place now. He's a Rottweiler trapped in the body of a bratwurst.

McGee wagged his way into our lives less than a year ago and he's offered nothing but affection and laughter, and the occasional present on the carpet.  A gentleman by the name of Ben Williams is quoted as saying "There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face."  I'd say that about sums it up.

I'd be lying if I didn't admit that McGee is a pain in the butt sometimes, but if you ask my kids they might say the same of me, so I would be in good company.  I can think of worse things than being compared to Special Agent McGee since he's a funny little guy with an abundance of charm.  He really is one hot little dog.

Woof!

Lisa