EDITORIAL: PUPPY LOVE

If you know me at all, then you would know how much of an animal lover I am. Like most people, my favorite animal is a dog, more specifically, the Dachshund. The word Dachshund is German and means ‘Badger Hound’. They were named this because of their ability to scent, chase, and flush out other badgers and other “burrow-dwelling” animals. The miniature Dachshunds were bred to hunt smaller animals like rats, mice, and rabbits. Dachshunds, also referred to as ‘Weiner Dogs’ or ‘Sausage Dogs’ because of their long, short body, grow to be about 5-7 inches tall and anywhere from 6-11 pounds. They are bred in three sizes: Regular, Minatare, and Toy. They are also bred in three hair types: Short, Long, and Wired. Lucky for me, I have three of my own: Belle, Boomer, and Bandit.

I think that Dachshunds are excellent family dogs. My parents had two before I was even born, a Chocolate short-haired girl named Hootie and a Copper long-haired boy named Bailey. Hootie passed away just before I was born. However, I grew up with Bailey. He was a much laid back, well behaved, patient, lap dog. I had lots of good memories with him as a child. When I was around the age of five we adopted a Chocolate and Tan short-haired puppy, and I named her Belle (after my favorite Disney Princess of course.)  Bailey passed away a few years ago at the age of 15. Belle is still living (now 11) and has brought many great things with her, such as rabbits on the front porch steps, a trail of dog food from her bowl to her bed, and multiple litters of puppies (which we always seem to grow attached to and keep one). We have two of her own now, Boomer and Bandit. They are a handful, but we love them anyways. From the belly rubs, to the different pitched whines for whatever they want, to being woken up by a wet nose in your face,  to the countless circles ran around the coffee table, they are by far one of the best breed of dogs that you could have.