Meeting the Crew, The littles as we refer to them.
Yes we have 5 minature dachshunds, 5 crazy littles
What is it like having 5 miniature dachshunds? I will answer this question as well as how it all works, How I stay organized and what the day to day is like having 5 small dogs inside our home.
the one who started it all: River
We got our first Little, River, 15 years ago. She was 7 weeks old when we drove across Washington State to pick her up. I found a breeder in Idaho and made the drive in December to pick her up. From the first day we picked her up, I had her wrapped in fleece blankets and to this day she is obsessed with fleece. She has never been a healthy little lady, and we have spent so much money keeping her alive. But, she is totally worth it! She has been with us since we first started dating, she is our little girl and she rules the house!
Stretch
The second Little we got is Stretch. He was quite the little puppy. They say puppies are like infants, they are not kidding! The first week, if he was awake, he would cry unless we were holding him. He grew up to be the greatest and most loyal little man. Anytime we are outside, he is out with us. If my husband is on a tractor or lawn mower, he is riding along or throws a huge fit.
The baby: Tucker
The last little baby we got as a puppy is Tucker. Tucker is 7 years old now and loves being the youngest. He is actually a Chiweenie. Half Chihuahua and half miniature dachshund. He has the best qualities of each breed, especially loyalty. He is 100% loyal to my husband and I as well as our kids. If you are a friend or distant relative, he makes you work hard for your trust.
He is also the greatest farm dog! He loves to have a job to do. Everyday he joins me in completing the farm chores. Rain, shine, or a foot of snow, he goes out and supervises, while I feed the chickens and rabbits.
So we thought we were good with three…
So we thought we were good with three, then my husband was on Craigslist and saw 2 miniature dachshund boys that needed a home. They were being given away for free. They were severely neglected and needed medical care. How could I say no?
We set up for a time so the guy could bring the boys over to meet our other Littles. We didn’t know that he would be dropping them off at that time. Insert Chili and Momo into our lives. Momo didn’t care that the guy left, but poor Chili dog, he lost it. He was so full of anxiety and sadness. It took a lot of convincing him to give us a try and calm down.
the laziest dog we have: momo
Momo was 5 years old when he came to live with us. He was the more neglected of the two. He didn’t know his name he came with and didn’t even know the meaning of no. The sad thing was that he wasn’t even potty trained at 5 years old! From talking to the man who owned him, he was not let out of his kennel very much, so he pretty much spent his life living in a metal cage.
His allergies were so bad, he could not breathe and his poor paws were so filled with yeast and infection that they were stained black. He was in so much pain. To make a long story short, he is now on a daily prescription allergy pill and gets an allergy shot every 4 weeks and he still struggles. They do help keep him breathing and not so itchy.
He has turned out to be the sweetest, most snuggly little boy. He is now fully potty trained, a bit naughty with his new found freedom, but he is such a good boy!
old man chili dog
When we first got Chili, he was so filled with debilitating anxiety and extreme trust issues. Routines have been very important with this boy. He was 8 years old and felt so abandoned. We stuck with our routines so he knew what was going to happen and our original 3 Littles took him under their wings and showed him the ropes.
His nickname used to be Iceman. He really did not like to be touched. It was a very sad situation and I am happy to report that this boy is a totally different little man. 5 years later, he now begs for snuggles and will sit and fall asleep on your lap. His anxiety is pretty much gone and he is so at peace here at home.
These boys have changed so much for the better over the years. And, they continue to change daily.
How do i stay organized with 5 miniature dachshunds?
My paper planner is my life line! I write down when they have had baths, ears cleaned, teeth cleaned and nails clipped. Each time I do these tasks, I write it down. This way I can look back and know when the last time they were done and when they need to be done again. I can honestly say, I am more organized with 5 than I was with 3. I kind of have to be to ensure they all get the care that they need to stay healthy.
What our day looks like with 5 miniature Dachshunds
They get fed at 6am and 5pm every day. River will tell you if you are late. She starts throwing her bowl across the room and hits it against the pantry door where the food is stored.
They love anything warm! We call our fireplace the Dog Sitter! When it is on, I know they are behaving and not getting into trouble. In the summer, you can find them sunbathing on the back deck.
Momo gets his meds at night right before bed. Chili and River both get CBD oil at bed time too. They are both older and it also helps with Chili’s anxiety and River’s attitude and her arthritis and helps them sleep.
These little dogs rule our lives and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
To read more about our goals and how I want to work towards staying home full time with the Littles and take care of our homestead full time, Click HERE.
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