Transition day

Today is a big day for Luna and Topper. They are currently at the veterinarian's office for their "transitions" to adulthood. Translation: Topper is being neutered and Luna is being spayed.






Topper: Do you really have to take them? I mean, don't you think you should pass the genes for this mug on to the next generation of dachshunds?????










Luna: Spayed? What does that mean? Does it mean someone takes a shovel and goes after my innards? Hey! I don't like the sound of that at all!










Luna and Topper: Maybe if we take a nap, it will all go away. Maybe it's all a bad dream.














Emma: Don't worry Topper, it's really not all that bad. I don't even remember it.

Topper: But you're a girl. It's just not the same. No one can tell they've neutered you. I'm losing the family jewels!








I miss my puppies. I want them to come home soon!

Worldwide Puppy Wrestling Federation

In this corner, Luna, an Isabella and Tan miniature dachshund puppy weighing in at 7.6 lbs. Luna is totally intent on maintaining the status quo of her being the alpha puppy of her litter.










In the other corner, Topper - Luna's little brother; a chocolate and tan miniature dachshund puppy weighing in at 7.5 lbs. His main goal in life thus far is to achieve world domination and to take over every warm lap in the household.









Referee Emma gives the rules of the match.

"There will be no spitting, tickling, or biting of sensitive body parts! I want a clean match and no excessive drama out there."










Emma:

"Follow me to the wrasslin' grass and stay in your corners until I call you in to play."















Topper:

I'm gonna win this match, I just know it! I have a few tricks up my sleeve that will catch Luna off guard.









Luna:

Bring it on, Topper. I can whip your butt!









Emma:

I don't know why they insist on this every single day. When are they going to outgrow this stage of life? Puppies! Sigh.

(I wish I were still that flexible. . . )






Luna:

Must warm up! Run, Luna, run!











Topper:

Oh yeah? Well, I'm faster and smarter and better looking than Luna, at least in my own mind, that is.







Luna:

Fix your ear, Topper. You're embarrassing the whole family.

Topper:

Stuff it, Luna. I'll do whatever it takes to get all the attention.






Topper:

Take that!

Ouch! Not the ear! I told you to leave my ears alone!









Topper: Not the tag! I told you I don't want any more teeth marks on my pretty tag!

Luna: Oh stop being such a wussy!

Emma: I'm outta here.








Luna: Whatsa matter, Topper? Can't stand the heat?










Luna: I didn't mean it! Really, I didn't. Don't bite my leg. Emma! Topper is tickling me! Where's the ref???

Topper: Take that! I win! You're pinned and down for the count.









Topper: Shake it off, man. I hate it when she goes for my ears!










Topper: Emma! Did you see it? Did you see me pin Luna? I WON!












Luna: Ok, maybe you won that round, but I bet I can win the foot race! Tag! You're it!












Much later. . . ZZZZZZZ!

Who dat?

Who dat?, originally uploaded by andiwolfe.

Luna was playing outside in the rain last Sunday. The big splotchy drops made her look like a dapple, rather than an Isabella and Tan dachshund. She was very curious about the big lens and flash I was using to take her picture. I love how intently she studies everything that is new to her.

Jingle-jangles

One of the things that keeps all the backyard critters a bit ahead of Emma's hunting prowess is her set of jingly collar tags. Emma likes having her collar put on in the morning - it seems to define the start of her day.










Luna and Topper received their first piece of jewelry this week after getting their rabies vaccinations. Luna acts as if her new jewelry makes her more grown up and dignified.








Topper gets a bit distracted by the shiny tag and tries to play with it. Have I mentioned that Topper is the embodiment of T-I-double Guh-R, ala Tigger of Winnie-the Pooh? He's bouncy, trouncy, and fun-fun-fun! It got him into trouble last night, though, since he would not settle down for bedtime. I had to hold him tight in my arms and softly stroke him until he became drowsy.

Dachshund yin-yang

Dachshund yin-yang, originally uploaded by andiwolfe.

Luna and Topper had their 12 week check-up today. Topper weighs 7.5 lbs, Luna weighs 7.6 lbs. Both are very healthy and happy and have become totally integrated into Emma's pack. They love their big sister and she adores them. It's so much fun to watch them all play together, and to hear the pitter patter of dachshund paws running across hardwood floors. We've had a few stampedes this week that made me laugh out loud. We're soooooo lucky to have these puppies and Emma in the same house.

What can we get away with today?

Luna: Topper! I think the coast is clear. No one's watching us right now! Hurry up, we can do some fun stuff before they catch us!











Topper: Ok, sis - let me just check it out first. Hmmm, I think you're right! Let's go!












Luna and Topper: Where do we go from here? I don't see a way out of this yard, do you?












Emma: Oh, oh - they're up to something again. I wonder if I should go tell Mom?












Luna: psssssst! Topper! Emma's spying on us. I think she's going to go tell Mom what we're up to!











Topper: Nah, I don't think so, sis. I think Emma's on our side. Really, I do!













Topper: See? Emma's taking a nap, she didn't tell on us at all. Let's dig!









Luna and Topper: We love to dig! I bet we can dig a tunnel to China!













Luna: Well, maybe not to China, but I bet we can dig a hole under the fence if Emma doesn't tattle on us.

Settling in with new puppies

As you could probably tell from the May 10, 2010 posting, Emma was less than thrilled to have puppies invading her space. It took about three days for her to "get over it," so to speak. On day 2 she was starting to make some play overtures. Topper took her up on it, but Luna was too intimidated to play with the big scary Emma. Day three was the breakthrough day for the Wolfe pack. Emma not only started playing in earnest, but she also allowed Topper and Luna to crawl over her and to sleep on her. This is a typical morning scene for us while I'm drinking my first cup of coffee. Topper usually crawls up on my lap first, followed by Luna and then Emma makes herself at home in her usual spot. Sometimes Emma claims the spot first and then Topper or Luna, or both, crawl(s) over her to reach the comfy snooze zone.



I've been socializing both puppies on separate days by taking them with me to my museum office. I'm working on a project there that has been slow going for several years. Having new puppies in the house has given me more of an excuse to spend time at the museum, since I can work there with them without too much trouble. I have a nice dog bed and some favorite toys and soft blankets for them to snuggle with - when they're not on my lap, of course.













I think Topper can sleep just about anywhere. Both pups have enjoyed the adventures, and I do believe it's good for both of them to have some time without their sibling. The evening reunion is definitely worth it all, too.

Puppy play time in the yard

Emma:

I have a ball! A slimy, wet, yucky tennis ball! You can't have it, it's mine!









Topper:

We'll see about that. I'm going to get a ball. Here I come!











Luna:

You two sort it out. I'm going to stay out of trouble.









Luna:

Hmmmm, that does look like fun. Maybe I should venture over there just to taste the ball.









Luna and Topper:


Yum! Slimy, wet, yucky tennis ball. The best treat in the back yard, except for all the other yucky and slimy things we can dig out of the wood pile.









Slurp, chew, lick, bite, gnaw - YUM!












Emma:

You do realize I'm only lending these balls to you, right? They really are mine, but I'm willing to let you have my rejects. But, only for a little while. Enjoy them while you can.





Topper:

No! They're both mine! You can't have one - I want them both.









Luna:

Oh yeah? Well, I'll bite your ear off!

Topper:

Go ahead and try! I'll bite your foot off!










Topper:

My name is Topper - that means I get to be top dog sometimes!








Topper:

That will show Luna - I win! Yay! Slimy, wet, yucky tennis ball - all mine!














Topper:

Don't worry, Mom. Luna has the reject ball. See? She's just resting and when she wakes up, she'll find the ball. She's ok.

I win!












Yum!