Smudge - cute, but not the sharpest tool in the shed.

Smudge was doxie number three.  Since mom and Leanne both had one, Josh felt that it was his time to also acquire a 4-legged wiener.  Now, this came about totally accidentally, as we were not actually looking for one.

While camping one summer down in Washington, we were out for a drive exploring the area.  As we came around a corner we saw what could only be providence; a "Puppies for sale" sign.  Dachshund puppies.  If only you could hear the "Oohs" and "Aahs" at the sign, an omen really, you too would be compelled to turn into the indicated driveway.  And once there, the children and wife burst forth from the car as if the Hoover Dam had just been demolished.

There, in front of the throng, was the most glorious collection of puppies and adult doxies you have ever seen.  Needless to say, the love was almost palpable, and it wasn't long before my son wanted to buy his very own puppy.  The problem was, he didn't have the money for it.  He could have, like his sister, saved for such an eventuality, but money had the property of water to him and it just flowed through his fingers.  

Being similarly enamoured, my daughter offered to put up the missing component.  And so, after a family discussion and a generous round of nodding and lengthy promises, we made the plunge.  Thus began the legacy of Smudge.

He didn't have the wits of the other two, but there was never a more loving dog.  He was faithful to his owner and spent many a long hour on his lap.  The dogs got along well and there was a particular tradition they established that always made us laugh.

At our dinner time, we would sit around the kitchen table and enjoy our meal and together time.  The three dogs would go to separate corners and start the process of hide, seek, and chase.  No one would be visible until a head popped out behind a couch or island or some other edifice.  A glorious chase would ensue with the third one waiting to join in the festivities.  Then, as quickly as it began, it would become quiet again and another round started.  This would go on for the entire meal.

Smudge and Kiesha had puppies together, which was part of our original discussion way back when we considered the pros and cons of such an arrangement.  Two of the three pups lived and the children (heck, the whole family, neighbours, friends, and a few strangers) loved to hold, watch, and play with them.  When they were old enough, we sold them (the puppies, not the children).

Smudge's legacy was short-lived.  At four years old his back went on him and his hind legs became paralyzed.  There was nothing that could be done.  Given the demands in the family we decided it was best to put him down.  I will always remember that day; we were all in tears and commiserating loudly in our combined grief.  Smudge, the friendly wiener dog, was no more.

Thanks for reading.

Eric Svendsen     www.ericspix.com