Although this looks like just another Dachshund sunning himself, there's a little more significance to this photo. That's blind Willy, who came to us last November after several twists and turns along the way. Willy is kind of an odd duck, a little fellow who keeps to himself and lives in his own world. He's formed an attachment with Alayne, but otherwise that's about the only connection he's made. We wonder if he doesn't have a canine version of autism, because he just doesn't interact like a typical dog. (And most disabled dogs, even blind-and-deaf ones, interact like non-disabled ones.) He's fine with the other dogs, but it's because he ignores them, as if they aren't even there.
When we put Willy out in the yard, he spends hours just zooming around, in constant motion, heading one way and then suddenly switching direction. What is driving his erratic navigation we're not sure, though presumably sometimes it must be smells. It took months before he finally ventured up the ramp and onto the front porch, though he rarely stays there. He's much more likely to be on "cruise control" in the yard, going back and forth across the grass.
Thus it's a rare moment when he finally just stops to lie down and enjoy the warm sunshine. I was putting other dogs out the other morning and noticed him lying there next to the gate. He had one ear back, in that Dachshund way, and was clearly enjoying the moment. But once he heard me out there, after I had taken a couple of photos, he was up and going again.
"To each his own," as the saying goes. Willy seems to be in his groove here, and though his social universe is much more limited than the one the other dogs enjoy, it's of his own choosing. So all we can do is provide a supportive, loving environment and see if, over time, he's willing or able to engage more.
Your description of Willy zigging and zagging reminds me of butterflies. In her book The Prodigal Summer, Barbara Kingsolver writes about butterflies and moths navigating by scent. They sample the air here and there, zigging and zagging along. Since a dog's most important sense is scent I wonder if that is what Willy is doing. He is a cute guy and his aloofness does remind me of my brother (who has Aspberger's). Not so much anti-social as he prefers to be alone. I would think that would happen with dogs too.
Posted by: Lynne Parker | August 14, 2013 at 11:07 AM
I understand where Willy's coming from, I'm a lot like him. Alas, I'm at my doggy quota right now with four. Enjoy being different, Willy; I always have! :o)
Posted by: patty c | August 13, 2013 at 09:30 PM
Ahhh Willy!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | August 12, 2013 at 12:03 AM
Willy is adorable. As some people tend to be loners, maybe this is the case for Willy. I had a dog in the past who just liked to spend her time by herself rather than with the other dogs. She was also aloof with humans as well. That's just the way she was. I hope this is the case with Willy, rather than something medical. Please let us know if you find out if anything is going on with him.
Posted by: Ann | August 08, 2013 at 12:16 AM
What RDF is all about. Disabled, maybe, but loved and appreciated, absolutely.
Posted by: Janet in Cambridge | August 07, 2013 at 09:53 PM
Viva la difference!
Posted by: Linda | August 07, 2013 at 08:50 PM
I know of nothing to say to RDF other than thank you again and again over and over. Thank you for efforts made and gratitude for the little souls such as Willy.
Posted by: Mary H. | August 07, 2013 at 08:29 PM
I re-read Willy's story, and again was impressed by the twists and turns he had to go through before reaching you. It sounds like he is very happy in his own little world now.
Posted by: Tonya Allen | August 07, 2013 at 05:50 PM
Willy is a handsome boy, much sleeker than when he arrived! Thank you for giving him a home and the 'space' he seems to need.
Posted by: Shirley and dachshunds Sunnie & Dieter | August 07, 2013 at 02:25 PM
I had a dachshund that was very tightly wound and very prey driven, she chased the ball 27/7 when she was a young punk. As she aged and her eye sight grew dim, she did a lot of "patrolling", especially if she was in pain. It took me awhile to figure this out -- there were various things over the years but the last one was her teeth. After a dental cleaning she stopped wandering so much and slept in the sun more.
She was not social and she didn't really like to be held or petted unless she was cold but a squeaky toy would brighten her day. I'm sure you've had Willy's teeth checked and he has plenty of squeakie's available -- he might just be one of those strong predator types.
I lost Mitzi a couple of months ago after 14 years of a great friendship and I know that Willy is loving what you provide for him, even if he's not a cuddle bug.
Posted by: Celia Brown | August 07, 2013 at 01:59 PM
Good Morning 'Rolling Dog Family' with a ((( BIG HUG )) going to dear Willy.....a marcher to his own drum.....
Posted by: Valerie | August 07, 2013 at 11:57 AM
awww, Willy is a sweetie. He's just a doxie that marches to his own drummer. A non-conformist! A breakout king! Love ya Willy!
Posted by: Penny | August 07, 2013 at 11:44 AM
Willie is certainly a handsome young man. I have a 14+ year dachshund that is beginning to show some of the signs of dementia, one of which is the pacing and zooming you are talking about. Could this be sweet Willie's problem? As long as he has your love and understanding, his life will be good.
Posted by: Kathleen Rivard | August 07, 2013 at 10:06 AM
Thank you, thank you for loving him.
Posted by: diana k | August 07, 2013 at 09:43 AM
Seems to me that Willy may be a good candidate for adoption where he can live in a home and be the only dog and get lots and lots of attention from his humans. He may not be a gregarious fellow and may prefer to be an only dog. Either way, he's a sweet little guy.
Posted by: Barb Ribinski | August 07, 2013 at 08:26 AM