My husband turned the big 5-0 this month. He’s a low maintenance guy who enjoys the simple things; woodworking, canoeing, avocados, and dogs to name a few. All he he wanted for his birthday was to add 10 pounds permanently, in other words, adopt our little foster dog. Papi was rescued by Central Texas Dachshund Rescue last year after he was dumped at the night drop box of Town Lake Animal Center. We think he is a chiweenie. We think he might only be a quarter chiweenie though, perhaps his dad was a full blooded dachshund and his mom was half dachshund and half chihuahua.

We have fostered over a dozen dogs in the last the last couple years, and we fostered Papi the longest of all. I guess because he doesn’t quite look like a purebred dachshund (legs a little too long and funny ears) no one was interested in adopting him, until now.

Allan got his birthday wish, and he said it was the best birthday present of his life. Here’s a little slide show of Allan and Papi from last December, just a few weeks after we started fostering him. Enjoy!

Fostering is very rewarding and easy! You provide food, shelter and lots of love and the rescue group pays for any medical bills. Central Texas Dachshund Rescue has to frequently turn down dachshunds in need because we don’t have enough available fosters. Please consider fostering or donating your time or money today!

Central Texas Dachshund Rescue
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Pet Passions: Staying very close to his Hospice Mom.

Pet Peeves: Photo shoots with reindeer costumers in August.

Breed: Dachshund

Buy the 2009 Central Texas Dachshund Rescue Calendar featuring Skippy!

Skippy’s CTDR Story On Calendar: Skippy came to us after being passed around to many homes. We just can’t imagine why anyone would want to give up this laid-back guy. He is a happy boy who loves to smile! Skippy has a variety of health issues, so even though he is only about 9 years old, we decided to make him a Hospice Care dog.  This made him smile even more because he just adores his foster mommy and doesn’t want to move to another home ever again!

More: Yes, it was August when we made Skippy get into the warm and fuzzy reindeer suit. Allan and Skippy’s foster mom took turns taking pictures at this photo session since I was out of town. They did a great job.

Note: CTDR’s Hospice Program is always in need of funding. All donations are tax deductible and very much appreciated.

Central Texas Dachshund Rescue
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Pet Passions: Treats and her Hospice Mom.

Pet Peeves: When her brothers and sisters get too pushy.

Breed: Dachshund

Buy the 2009 Central Texas Dachshund Rescue Calendar featuring Ellie!

Ellie’s CTDR Story on Calendar: Ellie came from a shelter in November 2004. Previously she had been used for breeding. They cut out a piece of her ear so that they could quickly tell her from the other dogs. A malignant mammary tumor and advanced lung disease landed her in our Hospice Program. She recently was diagnosed with Oral Melanoma and is receiving the latest treatment.  Miss Ellie is all Southern Sugar and wants nothing more than your love. We are so thankful that we are able to help her.

GUESS WHAT?

You might think we’re crazy, but we think that Ellie is Martin’s Mom! They look so much alike and Ellie was a breeder for years in the area. I can’t get over the fact that they cut out a piece of her ear so they wouldn’t accidentally sell her. It’s amazing how happy she is considering all she’s been through. I’m so glad that CTDR has taken her into their Hospice Program. She’s worth every cent they have spent on her! We love Ellie, or as we call her, Martin’s Mom.

Note: CTDR’s Hospice Program is always in need of funding. All donations are tax deductible and very much appreciated.

Central Texas Dachshund Rescue
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Pet Passions: Exercise, Play, Action!

Pet Peeves: Getting up early for agility classes.

Breed: Dachshund

Buy the 2009 Central Texas Dachshund Rescue Calendar featuring Chiquita!

Chiquita’s CTDR Story on Calendar: Chiquita found herself at the pound through no fault of her own.  This high energy, playful gal has just a hint of mischievousness in her.  She loves to jump over hurdles in her agility workouts and is the official director of playtime in her foster home.  But she wants you to know that she doesn’t really care for “cute” pumpkin costumes, even if they are for the good of the group!  Chiquita is patiently waiting for her forever family and is available for adoption now.

More: Chiquita has been in foster for a long time. She needs a special family who is willing to commit to give her the attention and exercise she needs. She’s loves to play! Submit an application for Chiquita.

More photos and video of Chiquita running an agility course coming soon!

Central Texas Dachshund Rescue
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Pet Passions: Playing, running around, and the squeaky ball.

Pet Peeves: Not getting chased enough!

Breed: Dachshund

Buy the 2009 Central Texas Dachshund Rescue Calendar featuring Wyatt!

Wyatt’s CTDR Story On Calendar: Wyatt landed in Central Texas Dachshund Rescue in 2008 after living on the streets of Fort Worth. He was scared, skinny, and starved for affection. Today he has gained weight, developed muscle, and feels confident, safe, and secure. His foster parents have given him  extra lovin’ and report that he’s the happiest boy they have ever seen! He can entertain himself for hours with a squeaky ball or one of his toys, throwing them up in the air, off the couch, or across the room. He loves to razzle dazzle!

More: Wyatt was our foster dog. He lived with us for many months and we were so happy to have him in our lives. He is a real joy! We are happy to report that Wyatt has been adopted! He found a fantastic forever family, and even has a dachshund sister now!

Wyatt used to love to hang with Allan at his desk in the morning. He can get very comfortable in a lap if given the opportunity! Here are a couple of shots I got one morning.

Note: Check back to see Wyatt’s video coming soon!

Central Texas Dachshund Rescue
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Pet Passions: Sunshine and the outdoors!

Pet Peeves: Sand inbetween her toes.

Breed: Dachshund

Buy the 2009 Central Texas Dachshund Rescue Calendar featuring Belle!

Belle’s CTDR Story On Calendar: It’s hard to believe that Belle, this stunning bathing beauty, was found wandering the streets scared and alone. But this healthy, active gal is definitely no beach bum! She adores people and playing with her squeaky toys as often as possible. Thanks to CTDR, she is learning basic manners and is gaining confidence around other dogs. Belle is ready to share her sunny disposition with a new family as soon as possible. She’s our Little Miss Sunshine and we love her!

More: Belle is still available! Submit an application for Belle.

Central Texas Dachshund Rescue
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Pet Passions: Fourth of July and squirrels.

Pet Peeves: Baths and ear cleanings.

Breed: Dachshund

Buy the 2009 Central Texas Dachshund Rescue Calendar featuring Winston!

Winston’s CTDR Story On Calendar: Winston joined the CTDR family in May of 2008.  He is heartworm positive, Cushingoid, and had severe dental disease, so he became a candidate for our Hospice Program.  His personality is full of flash and sparkle! Winston loves everybody and everybody loves Winston.  He enjoys his short walkies, snacking on carrots, and lying on his foster parents’ feet while they are on the computer. He especially loves it when his kitty housemates rub up against him.

Note: CTDR’s Hospice Program is always in need of funding. All donations are tax deductible and always very appreciated.

Central Texas Dachshund Rescue
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Pet Passions: Pleasing his hospice mommy.

Pet Peeves: Going on picnics without being able to eat!

Breed: Dachshund

Buy the 2009 Central Texas Dachshund Rescue Calendar featuring Brogan!

Brogan’s CTDR Story On Calendar: Brogan arrived in October 2004 and needed back surgery. After a successful operation, it was clear something still wasn’t right, and a biopsy showed that he had Micro Vascular Dysplasia. Because there is no cure for this, he became a Hospice Care dog. His disease is well managed with diet and medication. Brogan enjoys chewing Nylabones, chasing squirrels, and attending summer picnics. He will do anything to please his foster mom, including dressing up in a silly hot dog bun.

Note: CTDR’s Hospice Program is always in need of funding. All donations are tax deductible and always very appreciated.

Central Texas Dachshund Rescue
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Pet Passions: Being near his people. He loves to be close.

Pet Peeves: Top hats and tuxedos.

Breed: Dachshund

Buy the 2009 Central Texas Dachshund Rescue Calendar featuring Woody!

Woody’s CTDR Story On Calendar: Woody came to Central Texas Dachshund Rescue in 2008 after animal control found him roaming the streets. He was a mass of matted fur over skin and bones, covered with fleas, and heartworm positive. Today he is as healthy and handsome as ever. He successfully went through heartworm treatment, put on weight, and his coat is simply gorgeous! His favorite pastimes are belly rubs and cuddling, and he falls in love with everyone he meets. Woody is all dressed up and ready to go with you to his new home!

More: Woody stayed with us for a few days when his foster Mom was out of town. A total sweetheart, well behaved and oh so handsome! I can’t believe he’s not adopted yet!? Submit an application for Woody.

Central Texas Dachshund Rescue
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Pet Passions: Sleeping with friends.

Pet Peeves: Sleeping alone.

Breed: Dachshund

Buy the 2009 Central Texas Dachshund Rescue Calendar featuring the Easter Puppies!

CTDR Story On Calendar: Puppies!  What could possibly be more adorable?  Central Texas Dachshund Rescue took in their mother just a few days before she gave birth. Caring for pregnant mothers and newborns is very time intensive for CTDR.org volunteers. Pregnant rescues need even more love and nurturing to make them feel safe and secure, many for the first time in their lives. Thanks to CTDR, all the pups from this litter are happy, healthy, and flourishing in their new forever homes!

More: Don’t you just LOVE the smell of 12 week old puppies? It was fun to hang out with these little pups. There were 6 in the litter, but, by the time I got there to photograph, there were only four left. I am totally kicking myself for not taking making a little video while I was there!

Central Texas Dachshund
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Pet Passions: Belly rubs and kisses.

Pet Peeves: Not getting enough eye contact.

Breed: Dachshund

Buy the 2009 Central Texas Dachshund Rescue Calendar featuring Chandler!

Chandler’s CTDR Story On Calendar: Chandler arrived at Central Texas Dachshund Rescue when his family could no longer care for him.  Once his heartworms were treated, he was up and ready for action, running in the fields of green!  This charming wheaten wirehair is always first in line for kisses and  loves to have his belly rubbed too. Just look at those big, brown, irresistible eyes! Chandler is hoping a little Luck o’ the Irish will find him a new home, and CTDR plans to match him up with the perfect forever family.

More: Chandler’s eyes just knocked me over. He was such a doll to photograph! A wirey, snuggly doxie, with just a hint of teddy bear! He’s been adopted and is very happy in his new home! Yay!

Central Texas Dachshund Rescue
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Pet Passions: Roses, Love and Kisses.

Pet Peeves: No being able to eat any Valentines candy!

Breed: Dachshund

Buy the 2009 Central Texas Dachshund Rescue Calendar featuring Hazel!

Hazel’s CTDR Story On Calendar: Hazel took Central Texas Dachshund Rescue by storm in May 2005.  She was heartworm positive, had numerous tumors, bad teeth, and a false pregnancy. We planned to make her comfortable in our Hospice Program, but this old gal had other ideas, and came to flourish under our care.  She became our most famous dog, as she has been featured on a greeting card, our business cards, as well as magazine covers!  She is everyone’s favorite Valentine!

More: This sweetheart has touched a lot of hearts in the last couple years. Check out her earlier post here, She is also featured on one of our most popular holiday cards!

See Hazel’s Verysupercool Holiday card!

Central Texas Dachshund Rescue
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Pet Passions: Being included in the party! Being with people! Being part of the action!

Pet Peeves: When all the designer diapers are dirty, and all the champagne is gone!

Breed: Dachshund

Buy the 2009 Central Texas Dachshund Rescue Calendar featuring Scooter!

Scooter’s CTDR Story On Calendar: Scooter came to Central Texas Dachshund Rescue in April 2005 in need of back surgery.  After many months of intensive rehab she was finally able to walk, but never regained control of her bladder.  A bout with drug resistant e.coli left her immune system ruined so the final decision was made to make her a Hospice Dog.  She loves to chase the tennis ball and race around the yard. Scooter always shows her style and loves to wear designer diapers.

More: The truth is, Scooter scoots around alot, she doesn’t have a lot of choice sometimes. Her legs occasionally just give out, but that doesn’t stop her, she just drags them behind.  She has to wear a diaper all the time and she’s a lot of work, but she still has a zest for life. She’s amusing, she’s fun, she’s a little diapered sweetheart! P.S. There were skid marks on the floor after Scooter left the photo shoot from where she was scooting around on the hardwoods. I think the diaper leaked a little. Eeewwww!

Note: CTDR’s Hospice Program is always in need of funding. All donations are tax deductible and always very appreciated.

Our boy went to the cardiologist yesterday to have his heart murmur checked out. Turns out it’s grade 5 and it’s pretty serious. The doctor said it was good we came in because he could have cardiac arrest at any moment from the looks of his echocardiogram. (NOTE: Video below is just 37 seconds long.)

We found the only board certified veterinary cardiologist in Austin, Dr. Charla Jones, and she was great. She has a wonderful facility and staff and they took plenty of time to explain everything to us. The main problem with Martin is that his left atrium is over twice as large as his right and they should be exactly the same size. Martin’s diagnosis: chronic valve disease.

Martin whined and groaned through the entire procedure, even though it didn’t hurt him at all. He was just scared. He’s on medication now that will hopefully slow down the heart disease and make his heart a little more efficient. We’re hoping for many more years with Martin, even though we found out he’s older than we thought. He’s at least eight years old, maybe older, and there’s no telling how stressful the first part of his life was before Central Texas Dachshund Rescue took him into their care. Martin was an owner surrender. His previous owners said they had too many dogs at their house so they wanted to get rid of the old one.

Pet Passions: Playing with other dogs, (especially young ones with lots of energy), going on walks, meeting new people, and getting to be up close and personal to the nearest human in the room.

Pet Peeves: Being ignored. (But luckily now that he has a new family, that rarely happens!)

Breed: Boxer

Age (at time of photo session): 4 years

New Story: Collin was adopted and now his name is Major! His new parents are so happy to have him. He had to go through heartworm treatment, which is never fun, but he’s a trooper and he’ll be just fine. Thanks Austin Boxer Rescue for helping Major find his new family!

Original Story: This flashy brindle boxer was found as a stray in San Antonio, Texas which landed him in a small cell at the local shelter. No one claimed Collin, so Austin Boxer Rescue got him out before he would have been euthanized. Amazingly, he doesn’t appear traumatized by his experience, he’s super sweet, very well socialized, and LOVES other dogs. He loves people too, he was all wiggles when Allan came into the studio. It was impossible not to fall in love with him while he was here. It’s just so hard to understand how he could have been with an owner who didn’t care much about him. The good news is, he’s in great hands now!

Collin will make someone very happy as it’s easy to see he’s got a lot of love to give. He was malnourished when Austin Boxer Rescue took him in, but now he’s very healthy and his coat is beautiful. He is heartworm positive, so he’s looking for a caring family that won’t mind helping him with his treatment.

We hope to see Collin on a Verysupercool card in the future. We only feature dogs on our cards after they have found their forever family, so let’s hope he is adopted soon! Be sure to check back to see what his new name will be, and hopefully we’ll have a video of him too!

Please visit Austin Boxer Rescue to see all the great dogs they currently have available. And, if you want this sweet boy with an underbite to be part of your family, just go to his page and fill out the online application!

I just got a call from my good friend David, Clifford’s Daddy, today. He told me about the great article that Melissa Gaskill wrote about Clifford in the April issue of The Good Life magazine! I just had to post it below for Clifford’s Fan Club. Enjoy!

David DiTraglia lived an active life for years in Alaska, spending time outdoors, chopping wood, and raising St. Bernard dogs. Today, he is in a wheelchair, the result of inoperable scar tissue that formed following a broken neck. He lives alone in a small house just off the main road in Wimberley, with a garden and fish ponds out back. Well, he doesn’t really live alone. He shares the house, and his life, with Clifford, a shiny, black hundred-pound mostly-Labrador retriever. Clifford is more than good company, although he is certainly that. Clifford is a trained service dog from Texas Hearing and Service Dogs (512-891-9090).

THSD provides service dogs to help those with hearing or mobility challenges. These amazing animals are trained to alert their deaf owners to a telephone, crying baby or smoke alarm, and can open refrigerator doors, push buttons, pick up dropped items, and even tug off clothing for those with mobility impairments. All the dogs are obtained from shelters, and trained for about a year at a cost of roughly eighteen thousand dollars. They are provided to people like Di-Traglia free of charge.

“There’s a long waiting list for dogs and they are very selective,” DiTraglia says. “It is also an exhaustive process to get a dog.” He found out about service dogs through his grown daughter, and although some people wait as long as a year for a dog, DiTraglia got a call about three months after applying. Clifford was too big for the person with which he was originally placed. THSD interviewed two other people besides DiTraglia for the big black dog. “There were about five people interviewing me, and then they watched me with Clifford,” he says. “It was love at first sight. After St. Bernards, he certainly wasn’t big to me.”

Once DiTraglia was selected to receive Clifford, THSD staff visited his home multiple times over the first year. “You have to keep up the dog’s basic skills. Some of his skills I use all the time, and others I don’t use,” he says. “Also, if my needs change and I need something else from him, I just call and they would be out here to train him to do it.” As an Assistance Dog Partner, the official designation of those who have one of these animals, DiTraglia has other responsibilities in addition to maintaining Clifford’s training. These include treating the dog with appreciation and respect, making sure Clifford behaves properly in public, keeping him well-groomed and cared for, and providing preventive healthcare and vaccinations.

DiTraglia has use of his upper body and limited ability to stand, so he can transfer easily in and out of the wheelchair. Clifford leaps up when called, and once leashed to the chair, pays attention to his human’s every move. He won’t cross the threshold of the door to outside until DiTraglia tells him to. He once stood for quite some time with his nose inches from a table laden with Salt Lick barbecue while DiTraglia, unaware of Clifford’s dilemma, visited with friends. Clifford never took so much as a tiny sample. One of his few transgressions involved running off after some deer, and DiTraglia admits to having strayed too far from the dog in the first place. In short, Clifford takes his job seriously.

“Having a service dog is an amazing thing. These dogs do a lot. They are trained to do things you can’t, but more than that, they are a companion. It is like having a goal in life. You get up in the morning and, rather than zero in on your disability or pain or whatever, you zero in on the animal. You have to care for it. You have to take it out or arrange for someone to do it, which makes you get in touch with people around you. The support the dog gives you is amazing. My life changed a lot having him, I feel stronger with him around.”

If DiTraglia drops something, Clifford picks it up in his large but gentle mouth. He can close or open doors in the house, or open and close the refrigerator. He helps DiTraglia get back into his wheelchair, and can pull the manual wheelchair if needed.

“If he could drive, it would be really great,” DiTraglia jokes. “He’s two dogs, a service dog when he has his uniform and his leash on, and a companion dog. When we’re out he’s usually a gentleman, well-behaved. The beauty of these animals is that they love you unconditionally. They can use love, too.”

THSD uses positive training methods, including fun and rewards. Force, punishment or correction are never used. DiTraglia carries an ever-present store of treats in a fanny pack. People who apply for a service dog have to fi rst want a dog, Di-Traglia says. “Do you want a dog? That’s the first question. They are still dogs, not robots. He’s ninety percent obedience, and ten percent like a five year old.” Service dogs can go anywhere with their humans, just as Seeing Eye dogs can, by Texas law. DiTraglia has an ID card with his and Clifford’s photograph on it. He is rarely asked for it, and has only been seriously challenged about bringing the dog once.

People who encounter a service dog and dog partner out in public should always ask if they may pet the dog before doing so, and if the answer is yes, follow the person’s instructions. This shows respect for the person and the working dog. DiTraglia has Clifford lie down for petting. The pair visit the THSD training facility in nearby Dripping Springs often. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate THSD and the people, their mission and the place,” DiTraglia says. “I’m like a Jewish mother with Clifford. They tell me he’s fat and I say, no, he’s fluffy. He’s big-boned.”

THSD has a new program, Assistance Dogs for Military Personnel, created to provide dogs to servicemen and women injured in Afghanistan and Iraq. This and all THSD programs are funded by donations.

People can also help by volunteering, either at the training facility—bathing and playing with dogs, working in the office or at special events, or keeping up the landscaping—or by serving as a foster trainer. Foster trainers keep a dog in their home for three to four months, socializing the dog to living in a home and helping them learn to be comfortable with various public places such as restaurants, offi ces and sporting events. Dogs have already had four to six weeks of training before going to foster homes.

Occasionally, THSD offers for adoption dogs that need a career change—who, in other words, for some reason just don’t cut the mustard as a service dog. The organization also provides speakers who are experts on education and training, and the web site (www.servicedogs.org) includes regular training tips. After all, all dogs are, in a sense, service dogs.

Melissa Gaskill was very impressed with Clifford, and thinks it would be great if every single returning military person could have a service dog. You may e-mail Melissa at mgaskill@goodlifemag.com. Readers may also be interested in San Antonio-based Guide Dogs of Texas (210-366-4081), which provides dogs for Texans who are visually impaired. For more information, visit www.guidedogsoftexas.org.

This article was printed in the April 2008 issue of The Good Life magazine and was written by Melissa Gaskill.
Photo credit: Barton Wilder Custom Images.

Pet Passions: Chasing birds and squirrels, long walks, snuggling anytime, any where, but preferably in someone’s lap, ANY lap!

Pet Peeves: Loud people, loud and high pitched noises and singing up close. She really doesn’t like it if someone tries to sing a Whitney Houston song to her, especially “I Will Always Love You”. It makes her a little crazy!

Breed: Dachshund Mix

Age (at time of photo session): 1.5 years

Story: Little Lucy was dropped off at the Town Lake Animal Center in Austin, Texas because the owners thought she was pregnant and didn’t want to deal with puppies. Turns out, little Lucy was just a little on the chunky side, and not pregnant at all! (some people, eh?) The great volunteers at Central Texas Dachshund Rescue got Lucy out of the shelter and into their care as soon as they heard about her. CTDR paid for Lucy to be spayed and get a full medical check up. Then they put her on a little diet and hooked her up with a foster family. Now look at this beautiful brindle sweetheart!

Lucy was our tenth foster dog since we became members of CTDR.org. and she was a joy to have around. Such a submissive easy going lady, very low maintenance and low profile! : ) Captain, our other foster, and Lucy loved to wrestle and play together, and it was always very entertaining. (video snippet to come)

Little Miss Lucy Lu was adopted today! YEAH! She left in her new matching harness and leash and we were told she was going to be dressed up and ready for her first day in the office with her new Mommy tomorrow! Yeah for Lucy, the littlest lobbyist!!!

We think Lucy is Verysupercool and we’re so happy she found a great new home. Captain will miss her, but he still has Martin to pick on, I mean play with, until he finds a new family to care for him. Lucy, we will always love you!

Be sure to check back to see more photos of Lucy sporting some of her summer outfits, or maybe just hard at work in the office.

Pet Passions: Water and tennis balls. Tennis balls and water! Oh, and of course rough housing with his much younger brother Morgan, and swimming every chance he can get!

Pet Peeves: When it’s raining and we can’t play outside.

Breed: Golden Retriever

Age (at time of photo session): 10 years

This love is silent. ~ T.S. Eliot

NOTE: Eliot is named after T.S. Eliot, (the famous poet, dramatist, and literary critic) because he is smart, gentle and full of passion.

Story: Eliot’s world is all about getting and giving love. He is an extremely active senior who is also a bit of a love bandit (he ingratiates himself by sticking his head in your hand). He loves his little brother, and he loves to swim and play fetch with tennis balls. See Morgan and Eliot in the photos below. They almost look literally joined at the hip in the first photo! They really enjoy a big pool when they can get in one, but they have just as much fun horsing around in their kiddie pool in the backyard. These dogs truly know how to live simply and don’t need much to keep them happy, just each other, some water and a tennis ball. That is the golden retriever’s nirvana.

P.S. Don’t tell the other dogs, but Eliot has been seen on several occasions playing with, an occasionally napping with… kitties! He’s just a big sweetheart, and doesn’t have a aggressive bone in his body.

Eliot has had a great life and we hope he’s around for another ten years! We love photographing the sweet, senior snowy muzzles, and it doesn’t get any better than his. Just staring into those Eliot eyes for a few moments can melt away anyone’s troubles. We think Eliot is Verysupercool!

EVEN MORE ABOUT ELIOT….

Stay tuned for video of Eliot swimming later this summer! (and maybe we’ll get to see some of his tricks too!!)

Pet Passions: Wrestling and playing tug of ward with his brother Mac. Jumping, cuddling, and being held like a baby while watching dog videos on YouTube.

Pet Peeves: Going to bed when he’s not tired and having to get up when he wants to sleep in.

Breed: Dachshund (Tweenie)

Age (at time of photo session): 1.5 years

NOTE: Stay tuned for a very funny video of Tosh coming soon!

Story: Tosh found his new forever family with the help of Central Texas Dachshund Rescue

Even more about Tosh: Tosh (previously known as Captain) was our ninth foster dog. He was turned into the pound when he was approximately one year old, we’re not sure why because he’s the cutest, cuddliest little doxie. He has beautiful marking and red highlights on his ears.

We were very excited that we managed to train Tosh to ring the bell to go outside and do his business! We have some poochie bells hanging on the door, (why aren’t they called tinkle bells????) and he actually got the idea!

Pet Passions: He loves the basics: food, sleep, and affection. He’s an avid sailer (see photos below), loves long walks, car rides and networking at the Pug Meetups.

Pet Peeves: When the kitty bugs him while he’s trying to get some serious sack time. Doorbells make him crazy, as he is determined to protect his family even though he’s never quite sure which way to go.

Breed: Pug

Home Turf: Austin, Texas

Age (at time of photo session): 6 years

In Moses’s case, The wrinkles are the window to the soul.

Story: Moses loves everyone, period. He’s a very personable, social and incredibly handsome Chinese Pug. When he was two years old, he lost his eyes while playing with a larger dog. The dog didn’t mean to hurt Moses, but he sustained injuries that resulted in him having both eyes removed. Don’t feel sorry for him though, he’s had a great life and he’s a very happy boy. Directly after the accident, Moses fell into a deep depression as it was undoubtedly confusing for him to understand why he couldn’t see anymore, he might have even thought he was being punished. His family rallied around him and nursed him through his physical and spiritual healing process, and in no time his spirits lifted, and then soared. Today, Moses lives in the moment and doesn’t spend one minute of the day feeling sorry for himself or being upset that he has no eyes. He’s too busy making new friends, begging for treats and taking time to smell, and then tinkle on the roses. For the past four years he’s been lifting the spirits of everyone who comes in contact with him. Moses has a positive outlook on life that reminds us all to live in the moment. We love him!

EVEN MORE ABOUT MOSES…
I met Moses at my favorite neighborhood grocery, Thom’s Market. Moses is the official mascot and frequently hangs out behind the counter where he is the official greeter. When I first saw Moses and learned he had no eyes, it made me so sad, but as I got to know him better and heard his story I found it inspiring. Mose’s dad considers himself Mose’s service dog. He helps Moses and shows him the way when he needs assistance, which incidentally isn’t that often!Moses’s family lived on a sailboat for a year or so and they were kind enough to let me post some photos from their journey. Bill plans to publish a children’s book one day about Moses and his sailing adventures! Moses loved being on the water and would take long naps on deck while enjoying the fresh ocean air. They claim that Moses occasionally took the wheel, helped in the galley, assisted with navigation, and checked the lines.(see photos below).

My favorite photo is of Bill and Moses sitting on deck peacfully looking out over the water and keeping an eye on the ducks. One would never know that Moses can’t see a thing.

Photographing Moses was really quite fun. It was a bit strange trying to get Moses to look at the camera, when in fact there is no real “looking” going on in Moses’s life. I’m just glad I got to know him a little better, he’s a super sweet boy with great character. Below is a silly little video I threw together for those that won’t be able to visit Moses in person.

If you live in Austin, go by and see Moses at Thom’s Market, 418 Barton Springs Road, near Zilker Park. He’ll be sure to lift your spirits and bring a smile to your face!