My dog Felicia impresses me. She is a miniature long-haired dachshund, but even with her short legs, she can walk further and faster than many longer legged dogs that I've known. A few times a week, John and I treat Felicia to a 2-mile walk at a nearby park. The first time we took her there, I was worried that she wouldn't be able to make it. Two miles is a long way for tiny dog to travel without a rest. But Felicia did more than just make it. She trotted along at a pace that gave John and me a workout, too. We thought she'd sleep most of the evening after that walk, but she wasn't worn out or tired from her exertion at all. I can't get over how sturdy she is for being so small and petite. I'm pretty sure it's the German in her breeding that makes her so stalwart. And I'm pretty sure it's the German that helps her make her presence known whereever she goes. Felicia spent this past weekend with her three cousin dogs at my mother's house. Even though all three of these dogs are significantly bigger than Felicia, Felicia outstands all of them in her destructive capabilities. Felicia can destroy clothes, shoes, belts, papers, and toys with one quick snap of her jaws. With only slightly more effort, she destroyed an entire section of carpet in my former bedroom when she was locked up this weekend. It appears she was trying to dig her way out under my old bedroom door. It also appears that she almost made it. While I sometime resent having to stow my possessions out of her reach, part of me is proud of Felicia's fiery personality because I credit it to our common German heritage. Nobody expects such a small creature to pack such an enormous punch. And she does it all while softening hearts with her charming tail wagging and adorable good looks. It's hard to be angry at a such a carefree little animal, even after she shreds your house.
Posted by Kim at November 2, 2005 08:10 AM