Murphy - Wiener number 5.

We have had dachshunds going on for 24 years now.  Having one, two, or three at the same time.  All of them, except for Muprhy, have passed into history, each one taking a piece of our collective hearts with them.  

Murphy is now four years old.  He has got another 10 years in him, hopefully, and we have toyed with the idea of getting another one.  The problem, of course, is that dogs don't fit well into the lives of people interested in travelling.  We have flown with him, you can get a time-share or motel room in some cases for an extra fee (at $20/night, the costs add up), and then there is the need for frequent stops while driving long distances.

Yet all of these things, inconveniences really, pale at what is achieved long term.  These are some of the benefits:

• I go for walks with him daily.  In fact, he reminds me that something needs to happen around four o'clock in the afternoon (he gets fed upon our return - that may have something to do with it).  
• Who needs a doorbell when you have a doxie?  It's an active 24-hour perimeter alarm with a loud bark that will let any would-be assailants that a vicious beast lives within.
• Washroom activities are now completed with a trusted friend that will never leave you alone, regardless of any offending odours that may be produced.
• You can kiss a short-haired dachshund without getting fur stuck in your mouth; a real bonus for pet-loving affectionate sorts.
• With my lovely wife being somewhat housebound, I can go out knowing that she is not alone at home.  All of our dogs have provided real company to each of us.
• A dog will always listen to you.  It's quite funny, actually.  When I talk to Murphy, he turns his head to look at me and lifts his ears up about half an inch.  Every time.  
• The sound of a splat in the kitchen is often followed by the padding of little feet and then spirited licking sounds.  Murphy likes to sit just under my two-year-old granddaughter's highchair.  No need to sweep there.
• Most dogs are very playful.  Fetch.  Tug-of-war.  Gut-the-stuffie.  Of these, Murphy excels at Gut-the-stuffie.  He gets a thorough 5-minutes of intense play with a new toy and then we get to pick up the various dismembered innards.  We have had to buy extra tough squeaky toys to get any duration out of them.

Life would not be the same without having a dachshund.  Who knows, maybe we will spring for another one some day.  Not today, but maybe soon.

Thanks for reading. 

Eric Svendsen     www.ericspix.com