Charlie's First Thanksgiving

Charlie, the great black blob

Charlie has noticed that something's going on in the house. We put up the Christmas tree, which fascinated him ("A tree, for me??") and he doesn't like it when Munchie lies under it on the new tree skirt, or beside it, on Charlie's steps. At all. he considers it his territory! Munchie takes great glee in antagonizing him.

Munchie, the Thanksgiving turkey

It will be interesting to see how Charlie reacts to us having company over for dinner. That will be a first for him. And we know that the smell of turkey in the air will keep him occupied sniffing for hours. Munchie will probably just hide in the bedroom again, like he always does. At least it will give Charlie a 'taste' of what Christmas is like, and all the fun associated with that holiday!

I know tastes of turkey will be a big hit, and that he will also enjoy a bit of gravy on his dry dog food, but we'll have to be careful that none of us over-indulges. Easier said than done with a feisty little black blob of a dog who can be too cute for his own good!

What he enjoys best is settling between us on the couch to be petted as we watch TV and I am sure there will be some of that going on, too this holiday season, as I hope you take time to do during your holiday. We are thankful for him and for Munchie: for all the love they give us and all the times they make us laugh and smile.

However and wherever you enjoy  your Thanksgiving, be well, be happy, be loved and don't forget your furry little (or big) friends in the excitement!

Happy Thanksgiving!

You Can Teach a Young Dog New Tricks

 You Can Teach A Young Dog New Tricks

Charlie and the Giant Fish that Mike bought him

Dachshunds are supposed to be notoriously stubborn and difficult to teach. Cocker Spaniels are intelligent and loving dogs. Charlie, a mix of both, is changing all the rules as he settles into domestic bliss in his home. Sure, he still pulls at the leash, but he also listens to verbal cues and definite non-verbal tugs on the leash when we have a different destination in mind. He also knows the meaning of "car-car ride" and "going to the mail box" or "let's go to the garbage," heading in the right direction without needing us to guide him. He's also learned to be a real clown.

Charlie has discovered that nothing is more fun than making us laugh. I have to admit that I often find myself chuckling and even chortling at his antics, which makes him so happy. Tongue out, he runs around the apartment, only to return and poke his nose at me to make me laugh again.

Guess who?

He's also found out that "Where's Charlie?" can be a great game to play when I am making the bed. He thinks he sneaks under the blanket without me seeing him (yeah, right) and then he wriggles around in delight, covered, until I say "Where's Charlie?" By the third repetition he can't contain himself anymore, looking more and more like a sand worm from Dune as he rears around, nose poked up, waiting for my "Peek-a-Boo!" as I uncover him. We don't get out much, ok? We need to make our own entertainment!

He's also turned into "Daddy's Little Boy" at the computer. It isn't enough to have his own chair by our computer chair - oh no! He complains until Mike takes him onto his lap while he's playing his games or fixing up his fantasy football or horse racing stats. I have often caught them with Charlie lolling on his back, tongue hanging out, while Mike absently pats his chest or stomach. He calls him "Good Luck Charlie" or "Bonus Charlie" when he hits a lucky slot play online. What characters! And me, the only girl in the house!

When we watch TV, he is often between us, soaking up attention. And forget my crocheting when  he wants to flop down on his back on my lap: he just clambers on up over yarn and project, staring me right in the face until I put it down and then he throws himself backward into the crook of my elbow for me to talk to him and cuddle with him. When we go to bed, who crawls into the valley we create? Sometimes I have to wonder who's training whom, and who's learning the new tricks, anyway, but I have to admit, for love and enduring entertainment value, there's nothing like a Charlie in the house! And, between you and me, it's given Munchkin a new lease on life. I actually caught him rubbing his head against Charlie the other day. It lasted a brief moment, until Charlie started chasing him again, but still.....

Charlie's Olympics

Charlie's Olympics

Dreaming of fame as he waits for the Wrestling or Reverse Chase Events?

With the end of the Olympics, it's become evident that we have had some Olympic-qualifying events going on in our home and we didn't even realize it. Here, in a humorous vein, are events or accomplishments that should be included in the next Games. Please take note <ahem>:

Munchie, his greatest competitor on the course

1. The Reverse Chase. Charlie begins the course with a taunting and teasing of Munchie, only to have Munchie finally begin to walk away in disgust. In a surprise move, he tugs on Munchie's tail which causes our cat to suddenly reverse direction and the chase in on! It's an epic course - over couches, under coffee tables, around toy obstacles, through Munchie's tunnel and into furniture (ouch) before things calm down. Ah, but once you think it's done, it's Charlie in pursuit of Munchie, who does the smart cat thing: He climbs his cat tree and sits there eating treats, smugly looking down on Charlie! The winner of the gold has yet to be determined. [This looks like the Steeplechase event, with the obstacles changing on a daily basis]
2. The Toy Throw. Charlie's favorite night-time game is to bring his favorite toy and place it ON your foot. He stands there, staring until you finally look down. Let the games begin! When you slide his toy on the floor, he slides after it, trying to get it before it hits a wall or the door. He brings it back, waiting patiently for you to do it again (if you don't respond, he pokes your bare leg with his wet little nose, or gently nibbles at you until you play the game). This continues until he finds another interest, hits the food bowl or plops down to go to sleep.
3. The Throw & Cuddle. This is a new event in our home. Charlie has begun to throw himself backwards onto the crook of your arm when you are seated on the couch, to have his belly rubbed and have you cuddle him. If you ignore him, he stands on your lap and stares you in the face, catching you with a quick tongue if you are not quick enough to escape. Munchie finds this disgusting, and gives it a "0", but who is he to judge, when he is the master of the Insistent Nudge?
4. The Insistent Nudge. This is Munchie's premier coup. When he wants attention he will either stand on the computer desk and nudge you, weave through your legs and nudge (or nip you) until you give him attention, or silently steal your seat and wait for you to make the "ACK" noise as you try to avoid sitting on him. He also has been known to emit a loud "MAAA!" to get your attention and attempt to make you levitate off the bed.
5. Running in Circles (aka Laps). When Charlie gets excited, I would challenge any Olympiad to match him for laps! Ears waving, eyes wild, tongue hanging out of his mouth, he runs in circles at the end of his tether until we either laugh so hard we have to sit down, or until he is done and plops on the ground. Sometimes a team event with his friends Abby or Duchess. He prefers this because the leashes get tangled and he may have the opportunity to escape.
6. Hurdles. Charlie can leap over or onto pretty much everything in the house, except the cat tree. He is still in training. His forte: Levitation for 5 or more feet as he jumps from the foot of the bed in pursuit of Munchie (often followed by the Reverse Chase). His downfall: Crashing into Mom's legs with an oomph when he's looking behind himself instead of looking where he's going! His triumph: This doesn't stop him at all as he changes course and chases Munchie.
7. The Bark and Talk. While other dogs rush the window to bark, when Charlie is shushed, he is working at dialogue with his humans. He "talks" with different pitches   and sounds to get his meaning across, and has been known to stealthily creep across the floor to poke his nose through a window slat before emitting a loud "BARK" that reaches approximately 2 decibels. Often followed by Hurdles as Charlie tries his own Great Escape. I wonder how he would do on that TV show??
8. The Sneaky Tongue. We never know how long Charlie's tongue was until we witnessed him standing on the floor, trying to sneak his tongue sideways into our dinner plate one evening. This may not be an Olympic Event, but it's worthy of any spy - a real covert affair. Maxwell Smart, eat your heart out!
9. The Tail Chase. This event has only occurred once or twice since we adopted Charlie, but it is worthy of any greyhound or horse racing event. When he chases his tail, his solid little dachsie body contorts to resemble a doughnut as he spins, first slowly then ever so quickly to catch that elusive tail. He caught it once...and had no idea what to do with it! I can only imagine that many dogs would enjoy competing in this event. He is currently training with Munchie by use of The Reverse Chase.
10. Wrestling. His favorite Olympic Event. He waits for you to catch him on the bed, and flips over to wrap his paws around your arm. Emitting sounds (much like a bear) he wrestles you for possession of your limbs. When you flip him over and press him down again, he loves nothing more than to take your hand in his mouth and suck on it. Well, maybe that's not the best idea for an Olympic event, but he sure loves it! Also takes place on the couch, the floor, the chair....

Charlie the Champion at rest (or is he just waiting for the next Throw & Cuddle?)

Charlie's Split Personality Problem

Charlie in "Play" mode

Lately, we've been noticing a change in Charlie's personality. He's beginning to shy away from some people, even folks he previously greeted with enthusiasm. In discussing this with other dog parents in our community, we  reluctantly agree that he is growing up. He still happily greets his favorite people, especially the dog-owners he got to know and love when we first adopted him, but he won't approach strangers or people he fails to recognize. And he won't go to anyone who has anything in their hands.

Not unlike babies. who enthusiastically gurgle and goo, smiling at everyone they see when they are infants, once they reach 18 months of age or so, most "play shy," recognizing individual features and faces. I think Charlie has reached that stage of development.


When we adopted him, he was so starved for affection that he loved everyone. He rushed to greet the world with wagging tail and a big smile. Now, he realizes where home is, he recognizes us as his family, and things have changed. He's not fearful, just wary. And being part dachsie, he is also very, very stubborn. You can't FORCE him to like someone, or to go against his grain and even accept their pats. Really, you shouldn't force a pet to go against their instincts like that because they may even bite or snarl, and we don't want to start that reaction.


As our neighbor said, maybe it's a good thing in some ways. You don't want him to go to just anyone. I still have to figure out how, but I guess that there is his safety factor to consider. So I suppose the "running away to join the circus" or whatever is now out of the picture.


He and Munchie are now closer, too. At least as close as protagonist-friends can be. Charlie gets so excited when Munchie goes by, and Munchie waits for his playful attack. If Charlie makes a move and Munchie doesn't react, then Charlie will even go so far as to tug at Munchie's tail! THEN he gets his reaction and cat and dog are chasing each other around the apartment. He darts, he teases, and Munchie watches, tail swinging. Then, once the opportunity presents itself, Munchie swipes at Charlie and the chase is on! They are even sleeping in the same bed occasionally, which is a true miracle that we never thought we would see.

Charlie's also starting to vocalize a lot more. I don't mean bark, I mean "rawr rawr" with definite intonations, like he is trying to talk to us! It's really obvious, especially when we are on the computer and he is on "his" chair beside us. Maybe he wants to get onto Facebook to chat with Buster or Chewie, or maybe he just wants our undivided attention, but whatever the case, quite often it's followed by nibbly ticklish pokes to my legs or Mike's ankles. That gets him his attention! He also "talks" to Munchie a lot. Munchie has lately taken to answering with small growls and yowls of his own. The place is like a zoo sometimes: yapping and yowling, bodies flying across the floor. We wouldn't have it any other way.

I have read that Dachsie's are tenacious, stubborn, insistent canines, and I can't argue with that. But if Charlie is any indication, he's also strong, independent, loving and very affectionate. With that comes a strong protective instinct. 

He's still the best "investment" we ever made, and any love we give him is returned tenfold. Once again, all I can do is urge you to visit your latest shelter and adopt a little chatty friend of your own. Life is sure never dull in our household, and we wouldn't have it any other way.

Note: Our pet daddy friend, Buster's owner, laughed when I told him about the vocalizing: he said maybe Charlie would be the type to "sing" and play the keyboard. Dang, I knew there was a reason I wanted a stool for my keyboard! America's Got Talent, here we come!

Life Lessons Learned from a Little Dog

There are many things that are impossible to comprehend unless you have experienced the love and devotion of a dog. When non-dog lovers look at our furry little friends, many of them see is a lot of work or ties that keep you from doing what you want to do. A restriction on freedom.

Nothing could be further than the truth!

There is so much we can learn from our pets. We have learned these and more life lessons from our little Charlie, just by watching him and experiencing his unconditional love:

1. It's ok to be silly. Playing with Charlie: chasing him around the house, tussling with him with his favorite toys, playing fetch or even taking him for a walk, allows us brief moments of pure joy and silliness. And it feels great!
2. Sharing is caring. When Charlie places his little bone in our shoes, he is showing us how much he loves us. When Charlie brings us one of his toys, and looks up at us with bright shining eyes, he is giving us the only thing he has to share: his love.
3. Laughter is good for you. We have done more laughing since Charlie came into our lives that we have in years. Watching him play with Munchkin, the 2 of them chasing each other, or watching him sleep sprawled on his back (looking like a grocery store chicken) has literally brought us to tears of laughter. 
4. Everyone is a friend (until proven differently). Look at people through your pet's eyes: everyone is a potential friend: a loving hand, a kind voice. Even when pets get more wary with age, they still wag their tail before barking. Pets don't judge because of age, appearance, culture or size. Be wary, be watchful but be kind.
5. Family first. Pets love their people before anyone else. They will protect you, put up with your foibles and quirks, adjust to your schedule and always be waiting for your return. That's the power of unconditional love.

We've also learned that he loves us in the morning, when our hair is sticking straight up and at night, when we are so tired that we can barely make that last evening walk with him. He doesn't care what we look like, how we dress or how little money we have. When we give him his "good boy" treat, he is thrilled with whatever he gets. We've found that we, like other dog walkers in our community, stagger out our door with coffee cup in hand every morning, wearing our sweats or pj pants. Pride goes right out the window (and it helps when your neighbor looks no better than you!).

Next time: Charlie's new tricks.

Charlie on the Hunt!

Charlie at his window post

                                                                   

Charlie has discovered the joy of the hunt. Lately, whenever we are outside, he can stand and inhale a scent for 5 minutes and then set off in hot pursuit of the next scent...or maybe the same scent in another location? Whatever the case, it has him captivated. Usually I have the patience to stand and wait for him to finish, but other times it's a case of "will you get on with it already!?"


It's gotten to the extent sometimes that he foregoes play with his "Friends" and politely declines a pat from his human admirers ("No thank you, I am busy pursuing this most captivating scent but will get back to you later...") Why is it that whenever I think of him having a human voice, it's British? Is this strange? Oh well...


I looked up the history of the dachshund, his main breed. They were bred long and low in Germany to hunt badgers (Dachshund = badger dog). I can believe it. He's pretty tenacious. His gentle nature comes from his Cocker Spaniel side, but, then again, Cockers were also used to hunt as gun dogs, so I guess he gets that from both sides of his breeding. The Cocker is a happy, little tail wagger, a devoted, intelligent and gentle breed, while the Dachshund is curious, mischievous, intelligent, devoted, affectionate and performs tricks. This breed is also pretty independent, which Charlie demonstrates on a daily basis. I can definitely see both sides of his breeding in him! It's an interesting cross!


He can entertain himself with his toys, looking out the window, running around the house or napping for long periods, but then he gets lonely and he climbs into our laps and gazes into our eyes. We flip him over and cradle him as we rub his chest. His mouth hangs open and he gazes into space. It's pretty cute. That's his favorite form of cuddling. Then he's off again to his other pursuits, usually chasing our cat Munchie or (more likely) being chased by Munchie these days. They are quite the pair as they sit on their respective dining room chairs looking out the windows!


When I see how watchful he is, I can definitely recognize the watch dog in him. He won't approach a person if they have anything in their hands. And he is quite protective of me when we go on walks. But he's always friendly and ready to play with his friends, or make the acquaintance of a dog he doesn't know. Right now Charlie is a little upset with me, lying beside me as I type with his nose buried in his blanket. All because a dog that isn't allowed to play passed near us and I didn't bring Charlie close to play with him. There are a few whose owners prefer to keep at a distance. And that's the prerogative. But try explain that to a playful pup! It's almost as bad as telling a little kid that Billy doesn't want to play with him! To make it worse, Munchie chased him when we came inside again. And I just realized that I forgot to give him his "good boy" treat. Whoops. Triple whammy!


My previous dogs were a purebred mini poodle and a terri-poo. Their temperaments were very different. They were eager-to-please dogs who were exceptionally territorial and protective. They tended to sulk in their dog beds when upset and were slower to forgive than Charlie. They pranced more and were more like little circus performers. But they were also very intelligent dogs who learned quickly and did their best.


That's what I like most about canines: their unconditional love and devotion.


That's it for today. Next time, we'll take a look at a few other dog breeds and see how they are the same and different, and there will be more on the adventures of Charlie Dog as he explores his world.

Crabby Munchie Cat at his vigil (watching Charlie)

                                                               

Peace in the Valley

We have achieved some kind of peace in the valley over here. Munchie permits Charlie into the bedroom now, where he is vigilant in standing guard over us while we sleep (heaven forbid the cat should jump onto the bed!) and Munchie patrols his old hunting grounds in the living room once again. Sudden moods still cause chaos and a general flurry of excitement. But we can now leave the bedroom door open. Personally, we think Munchie has discovered that Charlie's "Bark" is worse than his "Bite."

Charlie, the original hot dog after running around outside

Unfortunately, Charlie has also managed to chew through another cord leash. We won't be using those anymore. It's just too easy for those teeth to chomp right through!


He gets great pleasure in running outside. He and his friends love to do laps around and around us pet parents, snagging us in the leashes if we're not careful and causing a lot of laughter.  One thing we've definitely discovered is that there is a lot more laughter now in our home than there used to be. Oh, we were always happy, but now you can hear us laugh out loud a lot more often.


Charlie likes that!


He's getting more snuggly now that he's more comfortable with us. He loves to lie on his back, cradled against Mike, and have his chest rubbed. He likes to lie beside me in bed (yes, he still sucks and chews my fingers - some things never seem to change!) and nestle behind my knees. That's just what my "old" dog, Brandi used to do. I've missed that!


He and Mike have a new game. Mike gathers all Charlie's toys, and when Charlie starts poking his cold wet nose against Mike's leg, he plays the "go find your toy!" game with him. I can hear them playing late at night, sometimes. Charlie and I play the "run like fools around the house game," with me chasing him and going "GRRR" to make him run. Good cardio <wheeze wheeze>. 


So, for now, there's peace in the valley indeed. Life is good.

Charlie Takes Over the Apartment

Waiting for Mike to come home

We knew the day would come...Charlie has officially taken over our apartment! We came home to find him lying on the back of the love seat the other day. He had discovered it to be a wonderful place to spot passing dogs and their owners. I can only imagine the yipping and yapping during our absence. He also loves to lie there and wait for us to come home.


He has made his presence known in many ways: toys strewn throughout our home, dashing out the outside door when it's opened, sneaking into the bathroom to investigate the litter box (ewww), finding his favorite sleeping spots and spying-on-the-cat places. He and Munchie have been in the same room at the same time for the past couple of weeks now, without incident. The only time he really takes exception is when Munchie sniffs his dog bed; the only thing Munchie doesn't like is when Charlie curls up on the bed beside Mike. 


We have moved the furniture lately, and Charlie has discovered the joy of my new rocking chair, too. We vie for the seat now. He usually wins, since there's also a couch and love seat for me to sit on (and besides, he looks so CUTE sitting there!)

Charlie the Cute Dog on my rocking chair

He also leaves little "love offerings" - no, not the negative kind, just sweet little things. Toys in your shoe, little chewie bones between couch cushions, placing a toy on Mike's foot when he is at the computer, stuffed toys on the kitchen floor, things like that. We get a kick out of it. He really feels at home now, and shows it in every way.

We've learned to watch where we step (there's quite a "squeaker" on several of his toys!),  to pet him and give him attention while watching TV, to interrupt our use of the computer or while I knit, to take him outside or just rub his ears and jaw (he really likes that). Mike sings and does a little dance with him (I really have to get that on camera one of these days) and I talk to him...a lot...while working around the kitchen or cleaning up the place.

He's not fussy about the vacuum, but he has a reprieve. It's given up the ghost temporarily so we also have the pleasure of little tufts of black hair everywhere. It helps that he loves being brushed (another form of attention?) but I can't keep up with it! The joy of a long-haired dog! Now we have orange and white fur from Munchie AND black tufts from Charlie. *Joy*.

He is Mike's navigator when they come pick me up. Mike's talking about bringing him to work with him on his security job to keep him company - once Charlie settles down a bit, of course. They are devoted to each other, and nothing could make me happier. Charlie is my daytime buddy and he's Mike's night-time companion. Works out well all the way around! 

Yes, he's part of our lives now, and we are delighted with the little dog who was once hiding, overwhelmed, in the back of a cage and who now runs our home. Like Mike says, he really is "The best investment we ever made!"

"Love offering" in my walkies shoe