I have always had dogs in my life, from Great Danes to Beagles. I love all dogs except for the Cocker Spaniel that bit me when I was small…I’ll never forget that mut, Snowflake, named for the one white spot on its chest on an otherwise all black body. Mean? You bet! But I’m getting off track here.
I have entered the realm of “puppydom” once again three weeks ago. I just got a Miniature Dachshund who I aptly named Chico. He is all ears and just perfect in every way right down to his jet black nails – one sign of a purebred. Chico is not the first Dachshund in my home, an Old Spanish home in Coral Gables. That title goes to Canela, a four year old who is just thrilled to have a new buddy to play with.
I have to be very careful with Chico’s dog training. Already he is exhibiting signs of confused identity. And I don’t mean sexual identity. Already at only 11 weeks of age, he is trying to cozying up to chair legs, pillows, etc. He’s got that part down pat. But because his association with Canela is limited to play time inside the house (Canela normally stays outside), Chico spends more time with humans and 3 feline buddies inside the house. When it comes to food, well he prefers the tastier cat food, of course. He plays rough with the cats and they all love it, chasing each other around and around. He’s still too small to be housebroken, but has been seen using the cat’s litter box from time to time. And when it comes to bedtime, forget the cage. Chico has to be in bed with the humans. He’s a great cuddler!
Right now as I write, he is fast asleep beneath my desk. Stay tuned for more, as Chico develops.