This is our new arrival, blind Sophie, who has this adorable way of sitting up on her hindquarters to beg for food from the table. Given her plump, oblong shape, this is not an easy thing to do. Gravity is not her friend, so she often wobbles around on her rear legs before coming back down to earth. Nevertheless, she loves doing this, and truth be told, it is hard to resist. She is also relentless -- one morsel from the table convinces her that this is a surefire way to get more treats, and she'll keep hopping up and begging as long as we're at the table. She kind of reminds me of prairie dogs popping up out of their holes, although the prairie dogs are, I admit, more elegant in their movements than Miss Sophie. She often looks like she's going to tumble over at any moment.
There are times I end up putting her out on the front porch or in the dog wing while we eat, so as not to end up either a) giving away my entire lunch or b) feeling guilty that I'm not giving away my entire lunch to the bouncing beggar.
Now, while I was taking these photos of her at lunch yesterday, blind Widget made her usual appearance at the table, and had a lesson for Sophie. Widget thinks begging is really kind of pathetic. She's shown us that she thinks stealing food is better than begging for it. I imagined the conversation went something like this:
"Look, you overfed, long-haired Dachshund, have some self-respect. Stop begging. Start demanding. You have a right to their food. Act like it. Watch how I do it."
"See, I get in their face. Climb right up, put a paw on their legs, and stare at 'em. I got short legs too so I know you can do this. Then, start howling. It annoys the hell out of them, especially him. They feed me just to shut me up. I get fed and keep my dignity intact. If it works for me, it'll work for you."
Not having quite absorbed the how-to, Sophie wandered down the table and tried all over again:
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Hey Steve,
I tried to share this link on fb and was not able. Any suggestions? I'll try again tomorrow. Thanks for all you and Alayne do for the precious souls you help. Thank you also for sharing your stories with the rest of us!
Posted by: Gwen Craig | September 23, 2011 at 01:49 AM
I truly admire You Two for all that You do! And Sharing it with All of Us! Thanks so much,these photos are too cute!!
Posted by: Joyce Rushing | September 22, 2011 at 11:44 PM
It would be great if Sophie's old owner could see how well she is doing now -- but I realize that may not be possible...
Posted by: Francene Starr | September 22, 2011 at 03:18 PM
Oh dear........resist resist
Posted by: Evelyn | July 19, 2011 at 05:20 PM
A pup's gotta do what a pup's gotta do to get food! What ever works - cuteness, pathetic looks or just plain stealing.
Posted by: Becky in Bedford NH | July 17, 2011 at 08:05 AM
Love love love Sophie! The second picture of her prarie dog begging style is absolutely hilarious! She fits right in with the quirky crew :)
Posted by: Kate & Luke | July 17, 2011 at 12:24 AM
Have you considered getting Widget a patch to round out her pirate look? ;)
Posted by: Kelly | July 16, 2011 at 10:23 PM
It is not possible to resist a Dachsie baby sitting on their bum. I miss that look. Enjoy her.
Posted by: Lori Leduc | July 15, 2011 at 11:35 PM
Sophie LOVES Carrots! And green beans too! I found it hard to resist her too so I made sure I always had some Sophie friendly treats for her. She came to me with that dance down pat. First day she just stood right up - funniest thing I had ever seen! Give her kisses from me-
Posted by: Ashley | July 15, 2011 at 06:20 PM
Gondo's addition makes this post even funnier. Thanks for the laughs, both of you!
Posted by: Lynn (in Louisiana) | July 15, 2011 at 04:31 PM
What a wonderful story. Thanks for introducing Sophie and guest starring Widget.
Posted by: Regis Dalton | July 15, 2011 at 02:53 PM
These pictures are so funny! Widget has obviously been taught to share her talents!
Posted by: Linda Murphy | July 15, 2011 at 12:57 PM
How super super adorable...LOVE your post and your little sweethearts...umm...have you ever thought of writing a book on your precious bundles of joy?? Your writings are beautifully compiled....have a think on that!! Cheers, Valerie up in southern Manitoba xo
Posted by: Valerie | July 15, 2011 at 12:44 PM
Who has who trained? Way to go Sophie and Widget. Keeps your mom and dad on their toes!
Posted by: Penny | July 15, 2011 at 12:40 PM
Awwww,Sophie - that Steve admits he banishes you to the porch! - but we know he is a marshmallow at heart! Stick with Widget - you will be Miss Assertiveness in no time. Enjoyed the laugh and adorable pictures.
Posted by: Angela | July 15, 2011 at 12:34 PM
Isn't Sophie adorable (yes, Widget, you're adorable, too:-))?
Why is it that the most irresistible of dogs are those who need to lose weight the most?
Life can be quite unfair...
Have a great week-end!
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | July 15, 2011 at 11:58 AM
I always enjoy hearing the antics of the dachshunds- such funny, loveable characters!
Frankie whines like crazy right before her feeding times, like she is absolutely famished and shall perish at any moment. I'm on to her though and know it is all a clever dachshund act. :)
Barbara Techel
Posted by: Barbara Techel | July 15, 2011 at 11:55 AM
I love your posts - they are so endearing. and who could resist those two...wait till they get Dexter in the mix and you will be in BIG trouble!
Posted by: melanie | July 15, 2011 at 11:23 AM
Thanks for the laugh. Judging from the 2 different body shapes, Sophie's obviously been waaay more successful at begging from the table than Widget. Don't knock it if it works!
We adopted a rescue Shih Tzu recently who has obviously been heavily rewarded for her table dancing antics. We've resisted treating her but it's really hard not to smile as she stands on her hind legs and waves her front legs wildly.
Posted by: Carol | July 15, 2011 at 10:47 AM
These two are just too cute for words! Beyond adorable. Oh and Steve I have a beagle, Widget's method of paw then howl, and the occasional steal works on me as well.
Posted by: Shasta | July 15, 2011 at 10:44 AM
No one has to teach a dachshund how to sit up and beg. I am convinced that it is part of the DNA. I have been "owned" by several over the years, and that is the the first thing they learn....sometimes even before the potty training!!! Regardless, it's too, too cute!!
Posted by: Kathleen Rivard | July 15, 2011 at 10:13 AM
Sophie is SO cute! How could anyone resist that face (and that tongue!) and that plump body? I think you just need to make a little extra at meal time so she and Widget can get a few morsels. It doesn't look like she's been to the groomer yet, has she?
Posted by: Barb Ribinski | July 15, 2011 at 10:12 AM
Oh, they are such characters, aren't they? Another blog & pictures to start my day with a laugh.
Posted by: Kathy Hertzel | July 15, 2011 at 08:41 AM
We call it 'Busseling". They sit on their Bussle. (bottom) I had Flossie who used to 'bussle' for us and obviously you have a couple who bussle for you too. Good luck trying to resist the bussle!
Posted by: Kae Norman | July 15, 2011 at 05:19 AM
Oh dear ... with these two in the house I won't need any diets!!
I am such a pushover, my 'little' Corgi-mix has about the same shape as Sophie - that little piece of tongue poking out of Sophie's mouth would just melt me everytime ... so sweet.
Posted by: bregda (south africa) | July 15, 2011 at 05:18 AM
Those pictures of Sophie and Widget are a double dose of cuteness! I'm surprised that Widget would even think of divulging her how-to-get-more-food secrets. I guess she's figuring share and share alike :)
Posted by: Ann | July 15, 2011 at 02:59 AM
And then Madison walked by and added wisely:
"we all have our ways, the methods matter not,
in the end, what is certain, is we get what they got."
Posted by: gondo | July 15, 2011 at 01:28 AM
The fact that Widget looks every bit a pirate these days makes it that much more convincing!
Posted by: Roxie | July 14, 2011 at 11:02 PM
How adorable and cute is that --it looks like somebody feed her way to much from the table--glad you are not!!! ADORABLE all the way around and of course Wiget too! SMILE!!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | July 14, 2011 at 10:07 PM
Hmmm,I think you and Alayne are in trouble now. Double trouble!!! With Widget as her mentor, Sophie will have the routine down pat in no time. Next blog we read you and Alayne will be eating outside on the porch and the dogs will be inside:)
Posted by: [email protected] | July 14, 2011 at 09:28 PM
This was great. I'm surprised Widget shared her tricks of the trade with a rookie.
Posted by: Bob | July 14, 2011 at 08:14 PM
Widget, great speech! You're a real smooth character.
Sophie reminds me of a cute teddy bear when she begs. Looks like someone in her life taught her to sit up and beg for food. My dog is allowed only fiber-rich human food for treats on her vet's orders. Once she adjusted to this, she became a big fan of it and will now do anything for carrots. Maybe Sophie can make the same transition. Widget, however, is incorrigible. :)
Posted by: Moon Rani | July 14, 2011 at 07:49 PM
How can you stand it? I'd cave in too! Wait a minute, I do cave in...to my own dogs, quite regularly in fact.
Posted by: Blind Horse | July 14, 2011 at 07:47 PM
Awww, my laugh(s) for the day!! They are too cute.
Posted by: Leila - Western Washington | July 14, 2011 at 07:46 PM
Sophie is a little plumpkin isn't she! Widget looks good, like she lost some weight...she's ok, right?? How are her heart meds doing?? And lastly, it is awfully nice of you to share your lunch, I am just amazed the whole crew isnt milling around the kitchen, that would be a sight to see.
Posted by: Anne in FL | July 14, 2011 at 07:15 PM
Sophie might say "OK, Widget! But I'm fatter than you!"
Posted by: Mauro Salles | July 14, 2011 at 07:08 PM