Riverwind Dachshunds

Welcome to Riverwind

Longhaired Dachshunds of Distinction

Everyone knows the Dachshund - the long, low, lovable "sausage dog" of cartoons and movies. But few people know more than that about the Dachshund. Actually, the Dachshund-type dog dates back to hieroglyphics in an Egyptian tomb, skeletons in Inca burial grounds and illustrations in 15th century books. The modern Dachshund has enjoyed popularity since the 1890's in England and Europe, and in 1970 was third place among all breeds of dogs in the U.S. for individual registrations. The name Dachshund means "badger dog" in German and field trial rules in Germany require the Dachshund to trail wild boar and deer, drive badgers and foxes from dens, and retrieve ducks from water. Even miniature Dachshunds were bred to hunt and flush rabbits from burrows. The American Kennel Club standard for the breed states that the Dachshund "should be clever, lively and courageous to the point of rashness, persevering in his work both above and below ground..." In conformation shows, Dachshunds are judged in the Hound Group. There are two sizes of Dachshunds - Standard and Miniature - in each of the three coat varieties - smooth, longhaired and wirehaired. Cross breeding of size and/or coat is not permitted in Canada. The miniature should weigh 11 pounds or less while the Standard usually weighs 18 pounds and over. The "Smooth" Dachshund has short, thick, smooth hair; the "Longhaired" Dachshund has a soft, sleek coat reminding one of an Irish Setter; and the "Wirehaired" Dachshund has a tight, short, thick, rough, hard coat with a bearded chin and bushy eyebrows. The most prominent colors are red, in various shades, or black with tan points, although some breeders also have chocolate, dappled and brindle Dachshunds. The Dachshund's temperament has helped account for his popularity. While bold and jaunty, his good temper and sense of humor add to his reputation for being patient with children. Even though today's Dachshund is usually a companion or house dog, he has not lost his sturdy independence and desire for fun and adventure.

Family Photos

The Traveling Dachshund

NEW MEXICO - LAND OF ENCHANTMENT

OR

DIARY OF A TRAVELING DACHSHUND

Dear Diary - Today was one of excitement as The Father came home with the news that we have been transferred to New Mexico. The Mother said we could not go as the shows are few and far between and besides, there’s no hockey there. Guess who won.

Dear Diary - We went to a show in Seattle this weekend to say good-bye to all our friends here. Tina did well at the Specialty for The Mother, winning lots of stuff. We leave in two days now and we’re all anticipating a great adventure, even The Father. The Mother is still hoping something will happen at the last minute and we’ll get to stay.

Dear Diary - Lots of ladies came today, now we have boxes everywhere. We all get to sleep in the house together tonight as The Mother and Father have taken our kennels apart. Crates, bowls, rugs and other stuff have been packed into the van in every available nook and cranny. We’re just hoping they left room for cookies and toys!

Dear Diary - A big traveling box came this morning and all day things have disappeared into it. By evening the big house, and our little house, were all bare. The Mother loaded us all into the van; the plants and birds came too. The Father was mumbling something about “Wild Kingdom”, whatever that is. We got one last look at our house as we rolled out the driveway. The Mother was crying, it was raining, the wind was blowing and so we were off on our Great Adventure!

Dear Diary - Today we spent traveling to The Grandparents house in Utah. We will spend a day or two here before resuming our journey to the New Land. We all like to visit here, as The Grandfather is always good for an extra cookie or two when The Mother isn’t looking.

Dear Diary - The weather here is really nice. We worked up a good game of tag in the backyard, and then had a nice nap in the cool grass under the trees. This evening The Mother and The Aunt Diane threw the ball for us. They were tired long before any of us were. Tomorrow we leave for our new home.

Dear Diary - We began our journey early today. They Father wants to get as far as we can before nightfall. Good-byes were said to The Grandparents and we were off! All of us are excited to be on our way again, The Mother does not shared in this however. We stopped in the afternoon for some R & R at a rest stop somewhere near a place called Albuquerque. We were enjoying the beautiful day when The Mother went over to read the small white signs placed about every 4 ft. along the road. This ruined everything! They said, “Watch For Snakes””. I have never before seen The Mother move with such speed. We were all back in our places in record time. The Father was laughing, but The Mother was not. Good Things we have Tiffany along, she is expecting, so we get to stop real often, but now The Mother checks for those little white signs!

Dear Diary - The Father has us up and on the road before sunrise. We share in his excitement, as today our journey will come to an end. We arrive at our new home late in the morning. I cannot contain myself but begin barking and bouncing around in my crate and soon everyone joins in. The Mother was not pleased with this behavior however and told us so. The big box has not arrived with our stuff so we have fun running through the house and playing hide-and-seek. We even get to sleep on the floor with The Mother and Father tonight. We all agree, what a great adventure this is turning out to be!

Dear Diary - The big box arrived early so we spend most of the morning outside checking out our new backyard. Sabeau finds a hole under the fence and Tina helps make it big enough for us all to fit through, even Tub-o Tiffany. The Mother was not happy to find us helping the mover with our stuff and we spend the afternoon inside and out of trouble. Tiffany barks at the movers and so we get the good ‘ol “seen and not heard” lecture. The house is filled with boxes so this evening our game of hide-and-seek is intense. Somehow we loose Tiffany and a frantic search is launched. Sabeau saves the day by finding her covered with paper in the back of an overturned box. Sabeau has redeemed herself in The Mothers eyes for the backyard caper, so we all get a cookie.

Dear Diary - Our first full day at our new home! The mornings are pleasantly warm so we spend them in our backyard. The Father has fixed the fence good and we find all our tricks to get out to no avail. Our resident hunter and activities director, Sabeau, flushes a little bunny from the bushes and we bark with excitement as we chase it around the yard. The Mother and Father join in the fu, but are after us instead. We are exiled to the house while the poor, frightened bunny regains his freedom. We must spend the afternoons inside, as the sun is really hot here. This proves to be lots of fun, especially when The Mother is busy with the unpacking. We find neat treasures to pack around and lots of nooks and crannies to hide them in. The jig is soon up when The Mother catches Tina ripping apart a feather pillow with Kahlua and Rudy helping. The Mother was mumbling something about not being able to take her eye off of us for even a minute, as she tried to corral the flying feathers. She says we’re up to no good, so we must take a nap in our crates.

Dear Diary - The weeks have settled down into our daily routine of morning outside playtime, mid-day siesta, afternoon house-time mischief and evening yard games. Tiffany presented us with four little girls to add to our family of fun. And so we continue, a happy group with smiling faces. EVERY DAY PROVES TO BE AN ADVENTURE!!

Part II

Dear Diary – Today our activities director, Sabeau, flushed a Gecko for us. These small little lizards are really fast and although we almost never can catch them, they are a delight to chase. Over the lawn and through the flower beds we ran creating havoc in out wake. Suddenly there was a loud thud, sounding like ripe apples when they fall from the tree. (One of our favorite activities is eating apples as the fall. The Mother is not pleased with this though, she says it give us something she calls “The Two-Step Nightmare”.) These missiles were looking more and more like golf balls as they fell to the earth with great force. The Mother called us all in the house and we watched from the windows, as our yard turns white. Rudy sustained a war wound when one of the missiles landed on his bum so it’s off the Dr. with him. We later learn this is call hail and happens frequently here in the spring. The Mother implements a yard evacuation drill in case this happens again.

Dear Diary – Early this morning we were visited by Mr. An-T-Lope. We have seen these creatures at a distance before, but today the early ripening corn in the garden drew them in close. I, being the only one in the back forty this early in the a.m., had a good opportunity to see this guy up REAL close. At this un-opportune time, ol’ loud mouth Loretta rounded the corner. You’d think she’d seen a ghost, so big were her eyes as she emitted a shriek that cold have woke the dead for sure. The whole gang was on the run to find out that was happening. Don’t know who was more hysterical, Mr. An-T-Lope, Loretta, or The Mother who appeared on the scene with broom in hand. By the time The Father came outside cranky because his shower had been interrupted, the scene was much like a rodeo. Mr. Lope held his ground in the garden. The Mother was trying to change his mind with her rapidly swinging broom, supported by hysterically barking Dachshunds sure that this was the chance of a life time fro big game. The Mother was yelling “Mark, DO something!” but The Father, clad only in his towel, was no help at all. Mr. Lope finally decided he had had enough of the demented crew and made good his exit. The Mother said this was too much excitement for 5:30 in the morning and before one’s first cup of coffee. (In my opinion we would have dad him in just a few more minutes!)

Dear Diary – Today was uneventful. We police the area good as our “super sniffer” Peggy detected bunny scent in the yard. It was decided that we would take turns being on “bunny patrol” in case Peter Rabbit decided to avail himself of the Mother garden. The Mother says it’s about time we do something to earn out keep around here.

Dear Diary – Oh what a day we had today! Out evening time had just begun when our activities director, Sabeau. Flushed Peter Rabbit from The Mother garden. A chase had begun when suddenly the sky became real dark. We heard a loud noise, sounding like a train and we were all frightened; as it seemed to implement the yard evacuation we had been practicing. So much for that, we were all to scared to listen. One by one we race for the safety of the house as the noise became louder and louder. The Mother was out in the yard retrieving baby Lucy who was still hot on Peter Rabbits trail. This surely was not time for a bath! The Father was saying it would be all right while The Mother was promising a hasty return to Washington State. Soon it was over and we had survived our first tornado. The Mother was praying it would also be out last.

Dear Diary – This morning our yard is littered with “Things”. The Mother is out gathering anything salvageable for eventual return to its owners. We are not allowed out until every itty-bitty piece of insulation is removed from out yard. Someone’s stove is in The Mothers garden and half of a couch is on the roof. We, it seems, were very lucky to be spared. The tornado touched down three houses away, creating destruction in its wake. The Mother calls “this God forsaken country”. We decide it best to be “seen and not heard” today so we are on our best behavior. We are all picked up, cuddled and reassured that everything is O.K. numerous times during the day. This part ain’t half bad.

Dear Diary – Life has somewhat returned to normal now although we are still “ a little bit jumpy” when we hear a distant train go by. Summer weather seems to have taken over, as the afternoons grow increasingly hot. We implement our “afternoon siesta” on the cool tile floors on the house, saving our energy for evening yard games.

Dear Diary – We are all in The Mothers good graces today with Tina’s turtle find. Yurdle and Myrtle The Turtles had escaped their garden enclosure after the tornado. The Mother feared they had been sucked up to no man’s land and despaired ever seeing them again. “Super Sniffer” Peggy had followed their trail indicating to sidekick Tina their exact location. Tina began to dig, soon help arrived and a cheering section was formed. The Mother, hearing the commotion arrived just in time to see Tina, assisted by Peggy, carry Yurdle across the yard. Tiffany had continued the digging and soon had uncovered Myrtle much to the delighted barking of the cheering section.

And so we continue, a happy group with smiling faces. Who knows what adventure tomorrow will bring?

Part III

Dear Diary – The Mood around the house has been one of anticipation lately – something’s up – The Mother is actually singing and humming little tunes. Yes something is definitely up! We are awakened from our afternoon nap by the sound of an engine so we race to the window to see who has arrived. The motor home is being moved into loading position. Hot Dog! A journey is about to take place! We race to the bathroom and scramble in the tub. Those who get a bath get to go and we’re all planning on going!

Dear Diary – Today The Mother was busy loading things into the motor home. We all agree that this is going to be some journey based on the amount of items being packed inside. Excitement mounts with each passing hour, as our eyes remain glued to the preparations. We cancel our evening yard games to stay inside and under foot, just in case they try and leave without us.

Dear Diary – The Mother was up before the crack of dawn today so we know that D-Day has arrived. We are called out to the kennel before first light – let the baths begin! To our surprise we were all bathed and sent to the yard with instruction not to get one crumb of dirt on our hair or home we will stay. Not wanting to be left behind we sit at the gate and wait. The Father arrives at mid-day and we are praised for our excellent yard conduct and our lovely clean hair. The door is finally opened and we all race for our crates in the motor home. We’re on out way!

Dear Diary – We are up early today, eager to be on our way again after a restless night. As usual a bit of groaning and shinning gets The Mother up and into action. After a morning romp we pack up and are off. Oh No! The Mother is at the controls! Our team leader admonishes us to show some guts but it is hard to be brave when even The Father has his eyes closed!

Dear Diary – We traveled until late last night but the Mother and Father are up before first light. We are finally on our way after The Father has his “jump start of java”. We learn that our destination is Portland where The Other Grandmother and The Son Steven live. The trip has been long and hard with very few notable events. We are looking forward to a nice relaxing time in REAL grass in The Other Grandmothers big backyard.

Dear Diary – We have spent the last few days playing in the yard (on REAL grass) and searching for critters in the woods. We have learned The Other Grandmother cannot resist our pleading eyes, wagging tails and cute little tricks so we take turns keeping a steady flow of treats going. The jig is up when The Mother catches the Other Grandmother serving us eggs and bacon for breakfast.

Dear Diary – This morning we worked up a good game of hide and seek in the coolness of the woods. All was going well until we lost Ol’ Loudmouth Loretta. An immediate search was launch and Loretta was soon spotted lounging around to pool. Unfortunately about this time the neighbor’s cat stroll casually around the bathhouse, never expecting a canine crew to be visiting. Mr. Cat decided he was safe as the pool was between him and Loretta. Poor decision. Loretta struck out across the water at a dead run as those of us in the back-up crew closed in on Mr. Cat from both sides. Fortunately for Mr. Cat he made it to the oak tree before the posse arrived. The Mother and The Son were busy trying to retrieve a water logged Loretta from the pool while the rest of us kept Mr. Cat treed in true hunting style. The Mother was not happy about the whole thing while The Son thought it was great fun and gave each of us praise and a cookie for our superb hunting ability. He should have been around when we nearly had Mr. An-T-Lope!

Dear Diary – Today we said goodbye to The Other Grandmother and The Son, for we are traveling to the show site. After some confusion with the parking we are finally assigned a spot and get our stuff setup. The rest of the afternoon is spent resting and renewing old friendships.

Dear Diary – The last few days have been a whirl of excitement with showing, visiting and playing with our friends. We are all on our best behavior as each day The Mother tells us how proud she is of us (this is also usually good for extra treats). Tomorrow we start the long journey back to New Mexico.

Dear Diary – We have traveled for three days now and expected to be home before this. We had what seemed like an explosion under the motor home, scaring us all to death. The Father called it a blowout. We were in the middle of the desert, on one of The Fathers famous short cuts, with not a sole for miles. Further inspection found all The Fathers tools missing, obviously someone figured they needed them more than we did. We spent the afternoon by the side of the road thankful that at least the air conditioner worked. In the evening a cowboy on horseback appeared. We were to learn that his name was John Little Feather and he live with his family nearby. Mr. Little Feather returned with tools for the Father and a bunch of small Little Feathers for us to play with. Soon the tire was changed so we said goodbye to our friends The Little Feathers and we were on out way again.

Dear Diary – We arrived home this morning and after checking to make sure everything was as it should be we take a nap. Sometimes its good to be home – no matter where it is!

Part IV

Dear Diary – Our whole household has been in an uproar for the last week as it seems that The Mothers’ wish has finally come true and we will be moving to what the Mother calls “Heaven On Earth” but The Father says it’s just Washington. A big “For Sale” sign has appeared in out front yard and we are all encouraged to be on our very best behavior while guests are here. I ask you how can Dachshunds be expected to remain quiet and unobtrusive with strangers walking thru you home with loud, obnoxious children in tow? We finally end up in crates in the motor home when prospective buyers inspect the premises. The Mother says it’s safer that way. (Safer for who, we ask?)

Dear Diary – Hooray, Hooray, we’ve sold the house in record time and all is in readiness for our move. We are all on our best behavior as once again the traveling box arrives and all our stuff is packed inside. We each station ourselves in strategic locations just in case The Mother and Father try and leave without us!

Dear Diary – Today began another of our Great Adventures as we are loaded into our crates at what The Father calls “The Butt Crack of Dawn” to start the long journey to the Promised Land. It is hard to contain ourselves at first, but The Father promises to leave any unruly puppies in New Mexico; a sobering thought for sure. The Mother says she is thankful that we ate all leaving the “God Forsaken Country” in one piece.

Dear Diary – The last three days have been a whirlwind of travel with not much time for recreation. The Mother and our matron leader, Peggy, have not been feeling well so we hurry along on out trip. We reach our destination at mid-day, a one bedroom apartment on a side street nearly downtown. The Mother tells us we must make do as The Fathers Company has rented this place for us so that we may all remain together. (Actually, I heard The Mother says it would be a cold day in you-know-where before shoe would be without us! That settled that!) When our stuff is unpacked there is not much room left on our tiny home so The Mother discusses something called ground rules with us. There is to be no walking along window sills, racing at top speed thru the house, chewing on ANYTHING is forbidden as is any noise above a whisper, just your run-of-the-mill rules.

Dear Diary – This morning we are all up early as The Father must catch a plane back to New Mexico to pick-up our motor home. The Mother gives us all a speech about trust as she leaves us alone in our new home for the first time. All was going real well until Tina heard someone outside and decided the window sill was a convenient perch to see what was going on. Baby Lucy thought that looked like fin so soon the sill was a crowd of Dachshund bodies. Sabeau was of a mind to seek out some new and exciting activities on top of the bedroom bureau while everyone else was otherwise occupied. Soon the jig was up with the sudden appearance of The Mother. Peggy was offered immunity for sleeping through it all while everyone else ended up in deep do-do. The Mother said we would need hip boots to get out of this one.

Dear Diary – Today the mood is a sober one as The Mother has been very ill. The Father arrives just in the nick of time and packs The Mother of the doctor. When he returns alone, we are all thrown into instant panic. The Father explains that we must all be perfect pups until The Mother returns.

Dear Diary – We have been left alone most of the time these past days as The Father must go to work. We receive daily reports on The Mothers’ progress and take special care to be on our beat behavior.

Dear Diary – After what has seemed like an eternity The Mother is finally home! A flurry of activities and a chorus of hysterical barking greet her at the door. We are all cuddled and kissed in turn and praised for our outstanding conduct in her absence.

Dear Diary – Tonight we take a drive out to what is to be our new home. We check out all the little nooks and crannies this house has to offer. We all agree, this place is GREAT!

Dear Diary – The big box arrived and all our stuff is once again with us. The Mother promises that she is never again moving. (Hooray!) We run amok through the house as The Father unpacks while The Mother is busy supervising. Tina works up a good game of chase through the family room and around the kitchen showing supreme agility while zigzagging through the stacks of boxes. Soon everyone has joined in with Baby Lucy bringing up the rear around and around we go, faster and faster, leaving Baby Lucy in the dust. Not content to be left behind Lucy takes a short cut across the linoleum at top speed. Like a runner sliding into home she skids into a stack of boxes, sending them flying like bowling pins. We all take refuge on the couch as footsteps are heard running down the hall. The Father arrives to find us innocently wagging hello form the sofa while Baby Lucy is nowhere to be found. The Mother voices her disapproval with our actions and we are sent to out crates to think about what she calls our “totally undisciplined behavior”. Baby Lucy, on the other hand, is found behind the boxes and plays up her role as accident victim to the hilt. So much for out first day at our new digs.

Dear Diary – We are spending tonight in out crates on the porch after what The Mother call our “Biggest Supreme Screw-Up Ever”. It all started out innocently enough, we were napping in our backyard after our evening yard games when Tina opens an eye to see a black and white kitty strolling across the yard. This kitty had to have guts to sneak through the fence into our heavily patrolled domain. Tina sneaks quietly towards her prey, exhibiting supreme hunting skill. About the Ol’ Loud Mouth Loretta spies Tina’s quarry and screeching at the top of her lungs, is off at a dead run. Not to be outdone, the whole crew is in pursuit. This is totally confusing, the book says the kitty runs; guess this kitty hasn’t read the book! Tina circles her prey barking while Loretta screeches her support. The Father arrives on the scene only to beat a hasty retreat to the safety of the deck. Kitty soon tires of this game and ambles toward the fence. The Mother frantically calls us to the house to avoid disaster. Baby Lucy suddenly changes her mind and makes a mad dash for the kitty that has disappeared behind a bush. With a loud screech Baby Lucy streaks across the lawn towards the porch at a dead run. WHAT A STENCH!! One look in The Mother direction says it all – sheepish grins and cute little tails wags are definitely NOT going to fix this one.

Dear Diary – After receiving tomato juice baths, a coating of Dawn dish soap and lavishly spread with Crest toothpaste, we are definitely a fragrant bunch. We have a group discussion on how once again to get in The Mother good grace and we all agree it’s going to really take some doing. We receive a lengthy lecture and a reminder that Santa only delivers goodies to perfect pups and Christmas is just around the corner. This last fiasco has certainly left us with a new respect for black and white kitties!