Since Peachie, our 14-tear-old Labrador, left us in October, the house has been quiet. Of course we still expect to see her every morning, and there is the downer of discovering that she is not sleeping nearby. So, we were excited to babysit our grand-dog daughters, Lila and Millie, this weekend.
Millie is a “Chiweennie,” half Chihuahua, half Dachsund. “Designer crossbreed” doesn’t do her justice. She evokes broad smiles with her big-dog attitude wrapped in a small package. Lila is a new adoption and, to all appearances, a whippet- elegant, gazelle-like, faster than a Japanese monorail. And, she has those beguiling, angelic eyes.
Lila was slow in warming to us. Dainty, modest and shy, she had that cautious, quizzical, deer-in-the headlights look in her eyes-, and played hard-to-get until the weather came to our assistance. The temperature dropped from daytime highs in the seventies into the 30’s with winds like razor blades. Lila has a thin, silky coat and needed protection. We rummaged through Peachie’s old things and found a seldom-worn, too-small sweater. Gray with pink polka dots, it hung loosely on Lila’s ballerina frame-but it was warm.
This left Millie. We cut a sleeve out of an old sweat shirt and fashioned a less-than-stylish ski outfit from it. Revealing at one end, it was snug at the other, around her neck. And, so we were off! Millie took the lead and never looked back. Invigorated by the cold air, Lila bounced around like a kite on a short string, snarling our little gypsy band with her leash.
By the time we returned home, Lila had changed her mood,. Subdued and cold, she snuggled up to us and went sound asleep. From then on, she was bonded to us. Of course every hour or so I had to let her into our fenced yard where she leaped and sprinted for ten minutes. Then it was up the ramp and slam-bam through the doggie door into the warm house for another nap.
By the time the kids returned from their weekend trip, we had all settled into a lazy winter routine of cocoa and naps, our bedroom arrangement of dog crates, quilts and dog toys reminiscent of scenes of hillbilly decadence from Tobacco Road or Lure of the Wilderness. Walter Brennan would have felt right at home.
Lila, discovering Peachie’s toy box, managed to tear the squeaker out of them one by one, leaving little cotton balls strewn everywhere. We watched the film National Velvet and dew-ed up when an adolescent Elizabeth Taylor won the Grand National riding her horse “The Pie” (trained by orphaned stable boy Mickey Rooney). She caused a sensation when it was discovered she had disguised herself as a male jockey, becoming the first female to win the race. The dogs slept through the best scenes. As a rule, dogs don’t watch much TV.
We felt a little deflated when the kids arrived Sunday afternoon to retrieve our grand dogs. And, they surprised us by showing up with their latest family addition, “Savannah,” a teacup- sized chihuahua puppy, one of a litter being given away at a Walmart near Georgia’s first city. They are a soft touch.
Shivering, as chihuahuas will, Savannah inspired our nurturing instincts. We are such suckers. It was one of those a-w-w-w moments as we took turns holding this diminutive darling. Our next babysitting assignment promises to be fun and challenging. How can only two people give three dogs all the one-on-one time they require?
Meanwhile, we will be clued to the Dog Whisperer reruns, hoping for useful advice.
Dear Joe –
It has been too long and so many times I meant to write and then turned to other obligations. We miss you. We miss both of you. Sorry you lost Peachie – glad you got to spend time with the grand-kid doggies. Now that Ia m a subscriber, I will drop in from time to time to catch up and do some enjoable reading.
Blessings.
Dr, Ast,
So glad to have you as a subscriber. Wish I could figure out how to create links so I could add your site. I know my readers would enjoy your stories which, though very different, have much in common with mine-family memoirs in historical context with refelctions on nature, sanctuary and art. Hope all is well with you.
Joe
Well, since it appears you enjoyed dog sitting so much, maybe you and Karen should go into the dog sitting business! We have two duchsunds that could keep you company while we take a two week trip to Alaska. We do require references but I am sure you would be approved. 😃
Martha,
Couldn’t we just be dog carriers and companions on the cruise? I will put your request in the Boss’ inbox. I see where many airlines. complaining they have become Noah’s ark with so many people getting abord with their dog, horse or anteater and a note from the doctor saying the animal is an “emotional support” for the passenger. New rules will only allow dogs that are service trained-I read somewhere that it costs about $10,000 to train such dogs. How about I charge you $10,000 (times 2) to train your dachsunds so you can take them with you? Just a thought.
Joe
Any chance you could add a picture of Millie? I can’t quite wrap my head around the “Chiweenie” concept (designer dog or no) and would appreciate a visual aid. . . .
George, I added a photo thatincludes Millie. You are right, it is hard to imagine the merging of such disparate gene pools. It has helped that she has filled out a bit, so that what she makes up for in height she compensates somewhat for in width.