Rigatoni, Alfredo and Me, originally uploaded by johntynan.
I could not be happier about Alfredo, our new dachshund. He adjusted instantly to life here at our house. He’s affectionate, yet playful. He likes to play catch – and actually brings the ball back!
He and Rigatoni get along like best friends. They follow each other out into the yard first thing in the morning. They get rowdy with each other too, nipping at each other’s ears and body checking the other in a playful way.
Just now, we were watching TV and they were licking each other’s ears and nose and face. Rigatoni is in the center, Alfredo is on the right (notice how his face is longer and his eyes are just a bit larger).
We are truly lucky to have increased our ranks to four from a pack of three!
Phoenix Dachshund Races ...
This weekend, Rene and I packed up Rigatoni and Alfredo, and went down to Phoenix Greyhound Park for the 2008 Weiner Nationals.
There was, as you would expect, dozens of dachshunds and their owners packed into the stands.
To manage two dachshunds in such a crowded public space took teamwork. So, we enlisted my Dad…
…and family friends and canine handlers extraordinaire Zoe and Anna.
This will be the third year in a row that we have done this. Every year, Rigatoni gets a little better at racing, and we get a little better at training her. But mostly, it’s great goofy fun for dog and owner alike.
P.S. Rene also blogged about the wiener races and my Dad should be sending us some additional pictures shortly… so stay tuned.