My Pack Is Celebrating

As the proud mom of four adorable dachshunds, every day feels like a celebration of these lovable little hot dogs on legs but, National Dachshund Day on June 21st is an extra special occasion to honor our furry family members - Snicker, Doodle, Delilah and Blu.

From the moment I first laid eyes on the dachshund breed, I was instantly smitten by their long, low-built bodies, floppy ears, and bright, inquisitive eyes. These cute canines just have a way of burrowing right into your heart (and your bed) with their comical antics and gentle, devoted natures.

Our dachshund dynasty began nine years ago when I brought home the two newest members of our family, a brindle and a classic black/brown, dachshund pups Snicker and Doodle. As they say, dachshunds are like potato chips - you can't just have one! Those little fur balls stole my heart from the very first day with their bold personalities and penchant for squeezing into the tightest spaces and tiniest crevices. Our days of chilling on the couch with an empty lap or a full plate were most certainly over. We also no longer had to worry about being offed by friends, visiting family, our Amazon driver or mailman as the largest barks were uncontainable inside these tiny packages. No more going to the kitchen (or bathroom) without my tiny bodyguards.

A few years later, Snicker and Doodle were joined by their rambunctious brother Blu and lovely sister Delilah, both long haired dachshunds. Despite their small statures, this dynamic duo filled out the remaining spaces in our home with an endless amount of energy, entertainment, and unconditional love and it wasn't long before Blu quickly became the apple of his Opa’s eye as “the boys” formed their own mini-pack. Chasing “accidentally” dropped Cheerios, cleaning placemats and plates and protecting us from wandering Florida wildlife, our foursome took their self assigned family responsibilities very seriously and they made sure we knew it! They also tell time better than Big Ben, especially when it involved breakfast, dinner or their human sisters arrival home from school.

Every single day, our quartet of low-riders make us smile and laugh with their larger-than-life personalities and hilarious antics. From their epic squeaky toy demolition sessions to their impressive burrowing abilities under blankets, they keep us endlessly entertained with their hotdog hijinks.

Of course, living with not one but four dachshunds means our floors are rarely free of fur tumbleweeds, as they have worn out not one but two Roombas. Personally, I’ve embraced that "dog hair life” and am never anywhere without a lint roller in my bag. Small price I joyfully pay for being able to experience the endless amusement and companionship of our goofy little gang.

So, on this National Dachshund Day, I'll be shouting my love for the dachshund breed from the rooftops and spoiling my little four-pack with special treats, new toys, and lots of tummy rubs and snuggles. I may even “accidentally” sit a plate of their favorite crumbs on the couch and walk away for a minute.

Happy National Dachshund Day!