There are some truths in this world that cannot be denied. One of them is that cuteness protects many pets from their actions. It is certainly the truth here at Winterpast. What one of our “fur babies” doesn’t think of first, the other has already done. Worse than twin toddlers, these two are a handful. I assure you, it’s exhausting at times.
Oliver is a 5.5 year old, 30+ pound, green-eyed, cream and tan piebald, standard wire-haired dachshund with liver accents. In short, Oliver could be a pretty good stand in for Falcor.
This adorable little pup couldn’t be much trouble. Right? Pictured here at 4 months, he hadn’t gotten up to speed yet. Adult Oliver eats rocks, solar lights, and irrigation emitters. He loves leather wallets, but only if he can eat the money inside. He eats beading off expensive handbags, ID sticks for growing garden plants (wooden and sharp), and Wookie’s food.
Oliver has a weight problem, as well. At over 30 pounds, he’s not a small and cuddly doxie but a Standard Dachshund on the hunt for badgers. As badgers don’t live in our area, he’ll settle for anything else that has a crunch to it. He can and will eat all day long if there are things for him to chew on. He also loves any kind of rubber, cloth toys, and the trash bag if it’s left on the floor. He absolutely adores HHH’s favorite new hats. Winner, winner, chicken dinner!!!
Oliver is the pup on the right. I mean, really? How can your heart not melt even under the worst offenses. He has cuteness dialed in.
As for the Wookie, she’s not without blame. A high-octane designer-dog beauty, this one needs a racetrack for her antics. Running like the wind, she darts to and fro, as Oliver gives his little legs a work out. He does his best to catch her, but with her long legs, it’s impossible. Even though they weight the same, the difference in height gives Wookie the advantage every time.
She love to counter surf and dance on the dining room table. The other day she got lucky and stole a 1/2 pound pork chop out of the kitchen. As a past time, she loves watching television. Watching her is more entertaining than most of the shows we watch. Her head will turn from character to character as she listens. We’re still trying to teach her that jumping up on the brand new entertainment center for a better look isn’t a good thing. We’ve had the entertainment center for two months now.
Between the two dogs (always on high alert), we can be sure that strangers won’t get to the front door without a frantic alarm. The two jump, spin, bark, howl, and race every single time we come home creating quite a bit of turmoil in the laundry room. It will be a long time before they have run of the entire house when we’re gone.
We aren’t new dog owners. Each of us have a long list of pooches we’ve befriended throughout the year. For me, I’ve never, ever, ever had a dog as difficult as Oliver. Ever. From Shepherds to pugs, doxies to labs, Oliver is the worst of them all, hands down. I can’t speak for HHH, but as for me, I saved the worst for last. As for the Wookie, I have also never owned such an intelligent dog. Brains and beauty.
After HHH had been robbed of his wallet and money by the little cream thief, he pointed out something very true. We need to suffer through and keep Oliver forever. There aren’t two other people in this world that would put up with him. HHH does have a point there. As the human pets of two crazy canines, HHH and I get gold stars for patience.
Whatever you do today, appreciate and be grateful for your quiet and sweet pets. If you aren’t cleaning up a ripped garbage bag or trying to piece together two $5 bills, be thankful. If you do have a difficult pet, practice patience and forgiveness. They are great traits to have when living with cuties like we do.
More tomorrow.