Have you noticed that the only thing "small" about small dogs is their body size? Everything else ... from their attitudes to the volume of their barks to their own self-image ... comes in extra-large.
In Bailey's case, this also translates into an inner need to subdue the biggest toys in the house. From the once-formidable giant bear, now only a rag of its former self, to the new giant caterpillar, Bailey wants to dominate the big guys. He does play with smaller toys, but nothing gets his competitive juices going like a few rounds with the giant toys.
We were feeding the dogs this evening when we suddenly noticed the caterpillar being dragged across the living room floor. We looked around the corner and saw Bailey with a mouthful of caterpillar, lugging it over to his favorite dog bed. (This was Pappy's bed, which Bailey has now taken over. Have you noticed how small dogs prefer the extra-large beds, too?)
The caterpillar recently arrived in a big box of soft toys that Heather D. from New Hampshire was kind enough to mail to us -- thanks, Heather!
I went to the office and got the camera. As soon as Bailey saw I was ready to take photos, he started giving the caterpillar a beating. (He loves to show off for the camera.) In the first photo he's delivered some solid body blows, right in the mid-section. In the second photo he's shaking the daylights out of the caterpillar (notice Dachshund ears in motion). In the third photo, the creepy caterpillar has been flipped upside down and finally subdued. Our exhausted warrior Dachshund is taking a break by triumphantly resting his head on the caterpillar's body.
Elapsed time on battlefield: approximately 45 seconds.
Bailey will stay like this quite a while, often falling asleep in the process. Because of his spinal problem, he typically can't stand or sit still without his back legs cycling, and for some reason propping his head on a toy or pillow helps keep his legs still. We haven't figured that one out yet, but it works for him!
(Click on photos for larger images.)
Way to go Bailey! You got that caterpillar! Such a warrior!
Big hugs,
ginger & Tobias
Posted by: ginger & Tobias (the greythound) | March 12, 2007 at 08:04 PM
Bailey and the caterpillar!! He's such a cute dog.
Posted by: Roz | March 12, 2007 at 03:34 PM
I'm not sure what makes me laugh more...the pictures or the story. Have you ever thought of writing a book?
Posted by: Mark | March 12, 2007 at 03:20 PM
We had a pet rat who had that same problem. The vet told us when she held her head a certain way, it caused her nerve impulses to go nuts and her back legs would literally spin in circles. If she held her head like Bailey's on the toy, sort of tucked under instead of straight out (as rats usually do), she was fine and could move sort of normally.
It's so amazing that the critters find ways to make their lives so full even when they have what seem to be insurmountable problems. I watched the coolest video the other day of a dog in Indiana who only had 2 legs. They were both on her (I think she was female) right side as she had been injured by a car and the two left legs had to be amputated. I was speechless to see how well she got along and how much she played with her canine and human friends. A true inspiration.
Posted by: G in INdiana | March 12, 2007 at 12:25 PM
How funny ! Thanks for making me laugh this morning, I needed this.
Posted by: Karen | March 12, 2007 at 09:55 AM
What a riot!!
The caterpillar must be enjoying itself too; it just can't wipe that smile off it's face.
I'm amazed Bailey can tackle such large prey!
Ceasar Millan from the wonderful TV show The Dog Whisperer, talks about little dogs being little only in body size as well. It's quite interesting.
Posted by: Leilani | March 12, 2007 at 07:25 AM