Second Week of Advent

We had a very busy weekend- first Chip and Ginger, our beloved dachshunds and bloggers at http://DachsiesWithMoxie.blogspot.com, had to see Santa Paws at PetSmart. We managed to get them dressed in their outfits- Ginger was an Elf and Chip a reindeer, and get to PetSmart. Upon their arrival, a hush fell upon the expectant crowd as they made their way into the store, in their plush luxury cart. The peasantry were respectful- the men pulled on their forelocks and the women curtsied as Their Majesties went by. There was a hush in the store as the Royal couple patiently waited their turn to see Santa- none of the nonsense of pushing their way to the head of the line!!!! The oohs and ahhs of envy at the attire they were modelling- they did set quite an example with their stylish panache. . No other canine or feline had dressed appropriately to see Santa- even their Daddy wore red. The rest is history- the photos were taken and even Chip looked at the camera. Afterwards, we ventured to Medina Square to see the gazebo and the tree. Again, photos were a success and we had a great time, even in the cold.

Sunday, Chip and Ginger supervised the construction of the Christmas tree and the adding of the lights. Blue, white and silver are the Bullock family colors for the tree lights and ornaments, with touches of red and green scattered about with abandon. Geoff's trips into the crawl space to uncover our Christmas treasures were closely monitored by Their Majesties.

While this is Chip's first Christmas with us, and Ginger's second, we have not had a full sized tree since 2006, living for 2007 and 2008 in an apartment in Slingerlands, NY. This year, in the vastness of our VRWC bunker in Northeast Ohio, the works are planned!!!

Geoff also put out a garland on our front porch, as wellas two topiaries. More lights to come this coming weekend, as well as the ornaments themselves on the tree!!!

Dachshunds and DRNA.org

Many of you may be surprised, but I love this wonderful breed. I disliked them intensely when I was a child, and I no longer recall why, but when I met Geoff in 2001, and was introduced to his parents, I was reintroduced to dachshunds. At the time, his parents were owned by two- a short furred doxie named Nutmeg, and a long furred named Gingie. I had been forewarned that neither would take to me as strangers were beneath them. However, to the surprise of all, on the day that I met his parents, Gingie immediately bonded with me. (She was supposed tobe more vehemently opposed to strangers on her turf) Nutmeg even warmed up to me. So, my middle age love of dachsies began.

Nutmeg died of heart failure three or four years ago, to FIL's devastation. (Nuttie was his shadow, and went wherever he went) Gingie was more MIL's dog and she and I loved each other to pieces. She is still thriving in New Jersey, but the plot to free her from unlawful captivity is still active.

So, what does Geoff do- he goes on the Internet to find me another Gingie of my own. We found Dachshund Rescue of North America (www.drna.org), and in March 2008 Ginger joined our family. She is the light of my life- follows me everywhere, if you know what I mean. Since we lived outside of Albany, New York at the time, we would take her to the BLessed Kateri shrine. There is a very steep and long hill to reach the well, and Ginger and Geoff would just take off running, and I would trail respectfully at a distance. She took over so much of our lives that she has blankies and pillows in the car, and lots of toys in our new home. She was a doll in the hotels this year for the first 8 months too.

So, in August, we started our search for another dachsie in dire need of spoiling (Ginger is very good with our cats Bear and Liffey, who are still with my inlaws due to my Dad's death and the never ending plumbing problems here in Ohio). We found Chip, an 8 year old male who needed us. Nevertheless, he finally joined us this past Saturday and what a joy he has been. Ginger and he wrestle all of the time, and chase one another up and down the stairs, and keep me company on the couch. (I will definitely NOT get cold this winter- both munchkins sleep under the covers, behind my knees.) Chip was supposed to be very shy and the opposite is the truth. No fighting over food either- Chip has his bowl and Ginger hers- he only helps her out when she is finished. He is teaching her his bad habits, and she is teaching him hers. Privacy of any kind is gone for good. He loves going in the car, and this Saturday, one week after he triumphantly joined us from the wilds, we will be taking Ginger and Chip to PetSmart. Lots of photos will follow, I promise.

Christmas will be great, as the inlaws will be joining us, with our cats and their Dachsie Gingie.