I was heading from the kitchen back to my office the other evening when I looked over and saw this Dachshund line-up in the living room. That's new arrival Belvie by the wall, then little Daisy on the cot in the middle, and Bailey in the foreground. Bailey is sleeping on his friend and occasional arch-rival, Mr. Caterpillar.
What's missing from this photo is the white fluffy stuffing that the Doxies and their friends are always ripping out of the soft squeaky toys. Usually our living room floor is covered with white tufts, so Alayne must have swept it not long before I took the photo.
What's interesting is that although all the stuffed toys get their innards pulled out eventually (usually within 8 hours of us handing them out), Mr. Caterpillar has managed to survive fully intact and fluffy for months now. I mean, if there was ever a tempting target, it's Mr. Caterpillar. It's not his size that makes him immune, because Bailey personally had a major role in de-fluffing Mr. Bear, who was very big, too. So Mr. Caterpillar has a certain je-ne-sais-quoi about him.
(Click on photo for larger image.)
Bailey and Mr. Caterpillar -- you just can't explain some relationships. My mini schnauzer has had a stuffed mini schnauzer toy for nearly nine years. She plays with it every day and it is still in great condition. If I ever find a Mr. Caterpillar in the store I'm buying one -- it's a hoot!
Posted by: WeeBlindDog | July 03, 2007 at 10:43 PM
I've been reading about your rescues all evening (I came online to read more after reading about you in Women's World). Bless you, indeed! Callie's story about broke my heart. (And Lena's story. And others.) But such happy endings! I have to agree with the other doxie owners...white fluff everywhere from the hapless stuffed toys!
Posted by: Zee | June 30, 2007 at 02:34 AM
I have 8 doxies, 4 are mine, the rest I foster, anyway they are all the same, I put down toys and I see white fluff in a matter of minutes, but that is ok, that is what toys are for to tear up and start on new ones, a normal dachshund trait. I love you have 3 they are so cute. Keep up the good work, we need more people like you two. God bless you both, for all the wonderfull things you do for these animals.
Posted by: Vicky Pauli | June 21, 2007 at 02:17 PM
Those cots do look very comfortable!
Bailey could be a spokesdog for Mr. Caterpillar's manufacturer. It's only the toughest, yet softest, toys that can withstand a rough and toothly tumble with a dachshund!
This post brought out the sunshine in my day.
Posted by: Boundforglory | June 21, 2007 at 09:25 AM
How very sweet and cute. Obviously Mr. Caterpillar is in a league of his own or at least for the time being!
Posted by: Shirley & James | June 21, 2007 at 02:24 AM
Our Beagle has shredded everything in sight, except the one we call her "puppy." It apparently is her cuddly friend and not in the same category as the other stuffed animals.
Posted by: Bruce Small | June 20, 2007 at 10:53 PM