WEE-ners against NATO

Photo by Jill Wait Pet Photography

It's been total chaos in Chicago, the world headquarters of The Long and Short of it All, over the last four days with the NATO summit and all of its protesters here.  We couldn't be happier now that it's over. 
But this red smooth wanted to make sure her bark was heard at Saturday's Cross-Town Bark Around Fundraiser sponsored by MidWest Dachshund Rescue.  And it was - she won the costume contest as judged by WGN radio personality John Williams. 
We had an awesome time at this year's event - there were over 1,400 humans in attendance and heaven knows how many Dachshunds - easily over 400.  Fifty volunteers kept the event running smoothly.  We're hoping lots of hard cash was raised to help the needy Dachshunds that come into rescue.

See 125 super photos from the event by Jill Wait Pet Photography on Facebook.

Japanese Rescue Dachshund Finds New Home in Canada

Meet PETA animal rescuer Ashley Fruno and pretty red longhair 'Belle,' a Dachshund who was apparently left abandoned in Niigata, south of Sendai — the area affected worst by the March earthquake and tsunami.   Belle will have a wonderful new home with Ms. Fruno's parents, who reside in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada.  Excerpt from Canada.com:

A B.C. couple is adopting Belle, a red-haired dachshund that was abandoned after the massive earthquake and tsunami that rocked Japan last month.

The dog — who is believed to be four or five years old and in good health — was left with an animal shelter in Niigata, when her guardian fled the country because of radiation concerns.

PETA animal rescuer Ashley Fruno, who worked with the shelter immediately after the earthquake, heard about the dog's plight and contacted her parents, Karin and Brian Fruno, in Surrey.

The couple were eager to adopt the dog, and Ashley Fruno set off on a 23-hour journey.

"(Belle is a) sort of a doggie ambassador," said Ashley. "She's the lucky one compared to all the other ones who weren't so lucky."

As was the case along the Gulf Coast of the U.S. following Hurricane Katrina, many evacuation centres in Japan barred companion animals, so residents were forced to choose seeking safety over saving their pets. Japanese shelters are now filled with thousands of animals in need of safe homes, she said.

Metro News also notes: 

Belle is radiation-free, Fruno assured.

“She was actually screened by Japan animal quarantine when she was exported from Japan.

“Then she was screened again when we got to Seattle, then again coming into Canada,” she said.

Welcome to your new home Belle!

Retro Dachshund News

Ahhh, the fashion, the hair, and the activism of the unmistakable 70's.  Via the Center Daily Times of September 11, 1972:  Teachers in the Bellafonte Senior High School at Bellafonte, Pennsylvania, picketed the school with Dachshunds bearing the signs reading "How Long Will It Take?"

This Cuban Life

When I walk through Old Havana, I don’t feel as free as I’d like to be. It’s my city and my country; however there are simple things I can’t do.
Though I’m a writer, I can’t enter the Cuban Book Institute, located in the Palacio del Segundo Cabo, without leaving my ID at the door and picking up a pass. However, if I were a foreigner, I’d have free access to not only walk around without anyone wondering where I was going. Moreover, I’d also be able take pictures of the beautiful home which the Institute serves as.
Since I’m Cuban, I’m not allowed to snap pictures of my compatriots who choose to make their living offering themselves in the street (by telling fortunes, demonstrating the abilities of their pets or simply posing with a cigar in their mouth and a red flower in their hair).
Some cover their faces with fans while others argue with me telling me I can’t take their pictures if I don’t pay them. That was the case of the gentleman who makes his three Dachshunds —dressed as people— sit or stand (according to his whim).

The Limitations of Being Cuban by Irina Echarry at Havana Times.

Vintage Dachshund Tether

Whether it's Dachshund, Dachshund mix, or any dog, we weep for the canines who are forced to the tether - yesterday, today, and tomorrow. 

Find out about what's being done to free dogs from chains at Dogs Deserve Better.

Related:  Dachshunds CHAINED

Related:  Dachshund Owners Chaining Themselves in the News

Vintage photo source unknown.

Joey's New Girlfriend

Here's a gal after the heart of your Long and Short of it All host 'Joey' - she's a bit of an activist, just the way Joey likes it - having signed the petition to save 'Spork,' the Colorado red smooth who bit a vet tech, and publishing this photo to Spork's facebook page.  But one has to wonder if this forbidden love is just a bit too narcissistic. 

Thanks to Rita & Andrew Pacan for sending in the photo of their sweet little gal.

Dachshunds AND Their Humans SLAMMED on ABC's 'Private Practice'

Personally, we always preferred one of those OTHER "medical drama television programs."  Either that, or a Dachshund named 'Sloan' will get a day in court.  Thanks so much to The Squirrel Patrol for sending this in; they write:

Joey and Maggie,
Here is a little bit of news that has come into our little doxie circle in Va Beach that we thought we should pass on to you and all the other Dachshundists out there:

On the ABC show Private Practice last night they were slamming Dachshunds and Dachshund owners. This is what is said:

"Sloan is a DACHSHUND...Dachshunds like to eat POOP; right up off the street - other dogs POOP. They're more concerned with their OWN needs than they are with making you happy - they're FILTHY and IMMORAL. The OWNERS of Dachshunds are DESPARATE - desperate for AFFECTION. But it's the wrong KIND of affection; the kind that makes YOU always take care of THEM."

As posted by our pals on The Hotdog Blog, where they suggest that emails be written to ABC.  Watch it right here on ABC, start at about 18:30 minutes in; or watch the below video which isn't the best quality, but a litte quicker to view:

It's Official: Maggie For President

Our good pal 'Ali' sent the link to break the news:

Maggie & Joey,
How is it going? A friend just sent me a link to this website, and you are all over it, is this really you? New3online

Ali, your 'Long and Short of it All' hostess Maggie would like to officially announce that she humbly accepts the nomination of President of the United States on behalf of the Canine Party. Woof! Joey will do his best to assist her as her running mate. Expect big changes across the nation with the Maggie and Joey Dachshund Phenomenon! We promise a chicken in every dog bowl! Find out more at News3online.

Damage Control

We're having a bit of a problem at The Long and Short of it All, we can't get beyond the reports of the recent study which has revealed that dachshunds are the most aggressive dog breed. What happy news can we report today? We're trying, we're trying, but a look at google news right now gives us the top dachshund stories: 82 news agencies report the study's findings placing dachshunds at the top of the list of the most aggressive dogs, and 205 news agencies report the dachshund who was euthanized after eating its' owner's toe last week.
Where's the good dachshund news we love to report? Where's a dachshund who finds a dinosaur bone? Where's a loyal dachshund who runs away from home after his human dies, and shows up days later, miles away across busy highways at the funeral? Where's a story of a human who never really loved a dog until they had a dachshund? Heck, we'd be happy to have another story of a dachshund raising a piglet.
At least the above cute photo and text from Australia's Mercury made us laugh a little: WOOF, WOOF! ... Striking fear into all he meets is Bart, a miniature smooth-haired dachshund, the world's most aggressive dog breed.
So, this is a call to arms, dear dachshund readers. Tell the world what wonderful dogs we are. Call the paper or TV station when we save a cat under the house. Tell your friends when we bark all night to rescue our human who fell. Explain how we inspire you through art or prose. Shout your titles and wins. We're loyal to the last beat of our heart. Best Friend. Cute as can be. Handsome to a fault. Champions to the core. Bed warmers. We are Dachshund.

Dachshunds CHAINED

We were so embarassed yesterday. Dad had a yard sale, and we were forced to the tether under a shade tree for 6 long hours with nothing but a bowl of water and a couple bites of hot dogs. We promised that we wouldn't run out any of the three open gates into the street while dad was busy unloading his stuff, but we were chained regardless. Lots of humans came over to pet and console us however, so maybe it wasn't so bad.
And not to make light of a serious subject, we couldn't imagine being chained 24/7 like some dogs are. Just six hours seemed like an ETERNITY to us.
Chain-Off 2008: Unchain Our World is right around the corner, and this year the main event is in Chicago, Illinois. Dog advocates will live chained to doghouses for 24 hours, starting at 11:15 a.m. June 28 through 11:15 a.m. June 29, 2008. You can participate, donate or learn more at Dogs Deserve Better.
Last year, smooth black and tan 'Mitzi' and her humans from Pasadena, Texas, participated, even sitting in the rain for part of the day. Read about Mitzi in the archives: Dachshund Owners Chaining Themselves in the News.



We may look content, but we'll have our revenge.

Dachshund Lovers Support Animal Birth Control

Singer/songwriter Vanessa Carlton is the latest celebrity dachshund lover to join PETA in their ABC (Animal Birth Control) campaign. Looks like her dachshund, 'Lord Victor,' is proud of his mom for helping to get the word out about the importance of spaying and neutering our pets. Vanessa has this to say about her good buddy Victor: Lord Victor is an extremely handsome little man. Though he is quite humble, he definitely has a mesmerizing effect on the ladies. He is a professional cuddler and world traveler. He's overjoyed when we stumble upon a rare twig on the city sidewalks. He loves to gather these sticks and bring them home, where he then proceeds to chew them up and inevitably regurgitate them. Another pastime that we both enjoy is making cocktails. When he hears the clank of ice cubes, he rushes over to the freezer. I give him a cube, and he proudly prances over to his bed, where he revels in the crunchy goodness.
Find out more about the ABC campaign at getactive.peta.org.

Related: Vanessa Carlton and Victor

Here's dachshund lover Dita Von Teese's ABC campaign photo that we featured last year.

Related: Dita Von Teese and her Dachshunds

Did someone say 'Woof?'

Signs of the Dachshund Revolution Surface in Washington, DC

Dachshunds are everywhere. We're taking over the world. We control you in your homes, and we will soon control the world.
In response to statements such as those by John McCain calling Washington "the city of Satan," The Washington Post revealed the above map on Wednesday, detailing a demonic pentagram...."a roadmap for Lucifer which bores directly into 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue."

BoingBoing uncovered the real threat however: "A giant malevolent dachshund bearing down on the Capitol! It's clearly visible (and angry) as you can see."
Are you ready for The Dachshund Revolution? Be afraid. Be very afraid. We're hoping that dachshund lovers will be spared to continue their arduous tasks as servants. Enjoy your Friday.
Related: Dachshunds in Politics: Mary Matalin and James Carville

Dachshunds Protest to Keep Park Leash Free

Meet little red smooth 'Shorty' and his human, Santa Cruz Councilman Tony Madrigal. Shorty and scores of other canines rallied at Lighthouse Field State Beach in Santa Cruz, California, on Saturday to keep the park leash free for set hours of the day. Tell 'em all about it Shorty! Excerpt from the Santa Cruz Sentinel: For 15 years, the city had allowed dogs to be off-leash before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m., but returned management of the park to the state in November. After giving dog owners four months to comply with its ruling to keep dogs leashed at the 37-acre site, State Parks warned that rangers would step up enforcement beginning March 17. Read all about the rally at the Santa Cruz Sentinel.

Related: Dachshund Activism

Joey Has A Dream

Joey

"I Have a Dream" is the popular name given to the historic public speech by Martin Luther King, Jr., when he spoke of his desire for a future where blacks and whites among others would coexist harmoniously as equals.
Today, as we celebrate Martin Luther King Day, Joey is reminded of this dream, and his desire as a piebald dachshund to be accepted as a breed standard by the American Kennel Club. Joey wants to know: What's not right about white?
By no means is this slightly tongue-in-cheek post intended to, in any way, belittle the struggle that African Americans have dealt with in this country. But certainly, some parallels can be drawn upon in the simplest concepts of 'black' and 'white.' Dachshunds are probably the most diverse breed of dogs, and the AKC accepts all combinations of sizes, colors, patterns, and coat types except white.
According to archaeologist, historian, and dachshund lover Iris Love, the piebald dachshund may very well be the progenitor of the dachshund that we know and love today. The piebald dachshund can clearly be seen in photographs and images spanning over the last 100 years, and very possibly, according to Mrs. Love, the ancient Egyptian times.
And talk about a controversial topic. We're reminded of a breeder's response about white on dachshunds in the film Wiener Takes All: "Ask me next year" is all he said. When the filmmaker returned a year later to ask him again, his reply was again "Ask me next year." Clearly, this topic has divided the dachshund community.

Joey says: "It's time to come together."

Find out more about the piebald's struggle at Save the Piebalds.

Related: The Piebald Dachshund Controversy

Related: Iris Love Talks About Piebalds in Wiener Takes All

Related: Joey Talks About His Piebald People

Enjoy your MLK day, and find out more about Martin Luther King, Jr. at wikipedia.

Kirby Makes a Statement

Red smooth 'Kirby' at the Key West Dachshund Walk. We're so proud of you Kirby!
REUTERS/Andy Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau Source

What Ever Happened To Brooke Astor's Dachshunds?/Who is Iris Love?

Astor and dachshunds, 1962

At the time of her death a few months ago, Brooke Astor had 2 dachshunds: 'Boysie' and 'Girlsie.' Where are they now? Liz Smith gives an update in The New York Post: Many people have asked what became of Brooke's two famous dachshunds, Boysie and Girlsie? They were the loves of her life, with whom she was finally reunited toward the end of her 105 years.
These doxies have now been personally escorted by Brooke's friend, Annette de la Renta, and placed in the care of our friend Iris Love, who raises championship dachshunds at the Dachsmith Love Kennel in Vermont. Here, they live inside with the caretaker and his wife and are treated like royalty. The Astor canines also seem to love the company of other dogs.

Related: NY Socialite Brooke Astor Dies at 105

And who, exactly, is Iris Love? We can't find much information on her, but she's been interviewed for Wiener Takes All: A Dogumentary, and is described as "famous archaeologist, historian, Guggenheim heiress, and patron saint of the dachshund world."

Here's part of an interview with Iris Love for Wiener Takes All: A Dogumentary that ended up on the cutting room floor. One of your hosts, Joey, totally agrees with her about the absurdity of the exclusion of the piebald in the AKC dachshund standard. Joey has made it his life's mission to see that piebalds are added to the standard. "The piebald, the original pregenitor of the dachshund." Woof!

Dachshund Lovers and the Proclamation of Animal Compassion

Deacon Joe Dwyer (with his dachshunds) says animals should be used as models of faith for their compassionate, loving ways.

Religious leaders will head to Washington, D.C., on Wednesday to sign the Proclamation of Animal Compassion. The simple document, created by dozens of leaders of diverse faiths, has a clear message: compassion for animals makes the world a better place, not just for them, but for all of us. (Woof!) The leaders promise to work to promote kindness to animals in their religious communities.
Excerpt from New York Daily News: Deacon Joseph Dwyer of the Archdiocese of Newark points out the importance of everyone pitching in and putting aside religious differences for the sake of the animals.
"This is proof positive that given an issue where you have a common goal, that you can put aside your religious differences and get on the same page," he said.
Dwyer, who has two dachshunds, Rommel and Greta, and Spartacus, a rescued beagle mix, attributes his love for animals to growing up an only child with a golden retriever that greatly influenced his life.
He believes the most misunderstood issue is that animals are also God's creation and should be treated with proper respect.
"They are very compassionate loving creatures that live in the moment and have no agendas," he said.
"We should be using them more as models of faith in many ways."
For example, the annual blessing of the animals held annually around Oct. 4, in honor of St. Francis, should be performed throughout the year.
Dwyer and other leaders hope to inspire members of their communities to do things such as adopt homeless animals, become aware of factory farming's inhumane practices and speak out against land development that ousts wildlife populations.
Find out more about the Proclamation of Animal Compassion at New York Daily News.

Fear The Dachshund

Kevin McCormick, the artist over at Obey The Purebreed, offers up this hilarious brand new dachshund t-shirt design.

Also, check out this very nice "In Dog We Trust" 19x25" hand silk screened poster print now available in a limited edition of 150 archival quality signed and #'d prints. They're only 19 bucks.
"This design is a tribute to the Dachshund (which began in 1885) and to the Dachshund as a revolutionary hero. The Wiener Dog Revolution will continue until the world obeys the Dachshund's radical, yet peaceful ideology." Obey The Dachshund.

Dachshund Lovers Teach the ABCs

(click to enlarge)

Dachshund Lover Dita Von Teese is teaming up with PETA for their new 'ABC' campaign, Animal Birth Control. It's an effort to bring to light companion animal over-population and a reminder to have your pets spayed or neutered. Go Dita! We've heard there is a little tiff over the wearing of vintage fur, but no one is perfect, huh? Read lots more at PETA's helpinganimals.com.

Related: Dachshunds in Pop Culture: Dita Von Teese

Enjoy this behind-the-scenes footage from Dita's photo shoot and her exclusive interview with PETA. We wish she would've mentioned her doxies:



"It's time to bone up on your ABCs - Animal Birth Control, that is. FACT: Nearly 4 million cats and dogs are put to death in the US every year because there are not enough good homes. You can help prevent this - always spay or neuter your animals, and if you're considering adding a dog or cat to your family, please adopt from yourlocal animal shelter."

Learn More at PETA.org

Dachshund Lovers Kicked Out of School!

It seems like the school board needs to get either a sense of humor or a sense of compassion, or that dachshund lovers of the world need to unite and support this guy. Excerpt from The Southern Illinoisan: BY BLACKWELL THOMAS
SESSER -- A Sesser High School student was sent home from class Wednesday morning for wearing what school officials deemed an obscene t-shirt. David Clark Jr. was wearing a shirt that read, “I ♥ my wiener.” Below the text was a silhouette of a dachshund, a breed sometimes referred to as a wiener dog.
Clark said the shirt was a reference to his pet dacshund (sic), which recently died. Clark said he was asked to turn the shirt inside out, change shirts or leave school. Clark chose to leave class. Clark’s parents, Cathy and David Sr. said they intend to pursue legal action against the school.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale law professor, William Schroder said the family might have a case. “I do think that this guy has a reasonable chance of success, “ he said. “He’s not promoting drug use, he’s not promoting violence, promoting disorder or compromising the educational mission of the school.”
Listen to Clark and his father at The Southern Illinoisan.
Wear your heart on your sleeve. Buy the t-shirt.