Longfellow Wins Savannah Wiener Dawg Races!

(click to enlarge; image source: Associated Press)

The Long Shot. The Underdog. LONGFELLOW. Can we get a pawtograph? After a car accident just last year which resulted in the amputation of his left hind leg, 'Longfellow' defied all odds last Saturday and beat out 178 dachshunds to win the 13th annual Wiener Dawg Races organized by the Savannah Dachshund Club. We're so proud of you Longfellow! Excerpt from Savannah Now: Although the weather looked questionable early Saturday morning, wiener dogs and their owners turned out in droves on River Street to participate in the 13th annual Wiener Dawg Races organized by the Savannah Dachshund Club.
The question on nearly everyone's mind: How's the three-legged pooch going to do?
An estimated 178 dachshunds participated in a total of 18 heats, based on their ages and sizes, including a special heat for dogs with armed forces owners. So, the competition is growing - nearly 150 dogs participated in the races last year. To keep the qualifying heats from taking too much time, this year's race chute was expanded to 10 slots.
The final heat involved the 10 fastest dogs, with Longfellow - the three-legged wiener dog - beating the odds and winning first place overall.
"This is the top dog of the East Coast," said Scott West, co-coordinator of the race, as he announced Longfellow as the winner.
The dog's owner, Sheila Phillips, said this was Longfellow's second race, but it was his first with only three legs. Last year, Longfellow was involved in a car accident, resulting in the amputation of a back leg. Read the rest, and see a great video and tons of pics at Savannah Now.

Related: Longfellow The 3-Legged Dachshund To Race Again in Savannah

(click any photo to enlarge)

Longfellow The 3-legged Dachshund To Race Again In Savannah

First off, what a great name. Second, what a handsome boy. Third, what an inspiring tale.....GO GO GO 'LONGFELLOW!' Owner Sheila Phillips says Longfellow the dachshund plans to run in this year's Wiener Dawg Races, despite losing his back left leg in an accident. Longfellow poses here with a chew toy and his third-place trophy from the 2005 Wiener Dog Races. Longfellow, who is also a therapy dog, will race Saturday during Savannah's Oktoberfest. Excerpt from the Savannah Morning News: Longfellow is a wiener dog unlike many others.
He's a pet rescue, meaning his adoption by a loving family spared him from potential euthanasia. Later, he survived a Tybee Island car accident. But had to have his left rear leg amputated.
On Saturday, the tiny purebred is defying odds again and running in the Savannah Wiener Dawg Races during Oktoberfest on River Street.
Longfellow's owner, Shiela Phillips, says the pooch is as fast as he was in 2005 when he took third place in that year's race.
"I never thought he would ever get around very well again after the surgery," Phillips said. "You should see him run. He's like the wind."
Phillips said her pet will be among a few hundred dogs competing for top honors in Saturday's races.
She says she really doesn't care if he wins or finishes last. She thinks Longfellow has a larger message to deliver.
"I just want him to have fun and have people see him and realize that dogs are resilient, and that they have a big heart, and they can overcome a lot," Phillips said. Read the rest.

Longfellow, The Local Church Mascot

The Rev. Charles Strietelmeier, pastor of Augustana Lutheran Church in Hobart, with church mascot, 'Longfellow.'

As the Augustana Lutheran Church in Hobart, Indiana, celebrates its 150th Anniversary, they reveal their handsome mascot - red smooth 'Longfellow.'  No wonder the church has been around such a long time.  Thanks to our pals 'Turbo' and 'Lily' for writing in with the link:

Dear Joey and Rowdy,

While we longdogs usually hang out in low places, some hold very high positions.
Take Longfellow, can you imagine the responsibility that comes with being a
church mascot? No howling at the choir, keep the leg down at all times, the
list is endless. Not that we dachshunds would ever do anything wrong...or
actually NEED to go to church, but something like this just might get us
off  the couch on Sunday morning!

May peace be with you,

Turbo and Lily

Our Special Dachshunds

Here's a special roundup of some special dachshunds. Thanks so much for sending in the pics and stories! We love Ralph Sinatra (wouldn't Frank be proud?) in his handsome tux! Ashley P. writes: I have a mini dachshund son named Ralph. He is a year and a half. I got him from a woman in Missouri who made him live outside in a kennel. She told me his mother and sister passed away a few hours after he was born. He was so nervous and anti social when I got him that we joined the Dachshund Meet-up group in NYC. Since then, he's opened up alot more around people he doesn't know. He's such a good boy!

"I believe that the Hot Dogs go on!" - misheard Sinatra line

Jane A. sends a humorous tale about her beautiful smooth black and tan girl: 12 year old 'Wiggi,' (Granadan Midadz Gorravan to people not bearing cheese) was a bridesmaid when her "mum and dad" got married earlier this month. She had her own posy of dog biscuits courtesy of Gatehouse Veterinary surgery, and is currently in disgrace for stealing the brides wedding ring, which in her nearly blind (cataracts and glaucoma) state she thought might just be edible. She stole the show!

And this piebald boy with a great name knows how to get comfortable! Liz C. writes: I have longed for a longfellow for many years, and now, I have my 'Henry Longfellow.' Here is Henry, age 1.5 years, at overnight camp with his sister, Sophie, age 3. How Sophie got into the plastic beach chair is one thing ... but how did the long one get on top of her without toppling the chair? Hank (aka Oh Henry, Hankster the Pransker) is a joy who brings so much love and laughter to my world.

"Love keeps the cold out better than a cloak." Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Dachshund News Roundup!

You know fuel prices have gotten out of control when even your dog walker is adding a surcharge to the bill. From the Los Angeles Times: Melissa Roth, owner of Pet Concierge, prepares to take Olive, a 1-year-old dachshund, to the Silverlake Dog Park. With the cost of filling her tank soaring, Roth is planning to raise her fees and charge extra for clients who live more than 10 miles from her headquarters in Atwater Village. Read more about the effect of rising gas prices at the Los Angeles Times.
When you need dachshund inspiration, look no further than red smooth 'Longfellow,' who hails from Tybee Island, Georgia. Longfellow, who lost his leg when hit by a car in 2006, went on to beat out 187 dachshunds to win the 2007 Savannah Wiener Dawg Races! He's back in the news, and this time in a nice story about advances in veterinary care and overcoming devastating pet injuries at msnbc.com.

Related: Longfellow in the News

Finally, veterinary assistant Carol Tuft helps red smooth 'Billy' through the therapy pool at the new John and Ann Tickle Small Animal Hospital at the University of Tennessee's College of Veterinary Medicine. Read more about the 10 million dollar expansion at Knox News.

Dachshund News Roundup!

We're still trying to catch up after a busy week around the House of The Long and Short of it All, but here's a dachshund news roundup on a soon-to-be warm and beautiful fall day, Saturday, Dachtober 11th, 2008. Above, don't miss the Savannah Now news video from last weekend's annual Wiener Dawg Races that were part of downtown Savannah's Oktoberfest celebration. The staff at lowdogworld attended the event, and they've got links to lots of photos and several nice recaps, don't miss it. 'Longfellow,' the 3-legged inspirational champion from last year, returned to defend his title, but he's such a gentleman that he let another dachshund win this year.

A crushing defeat: Dachshund 'Molly,' right, cuts in front of last year's winner 'Longfellow' to take one of the top three spots in a run off during the Annual Savannah Weiner Dawg Race on historic River Street, Saturday Oct. 4, 2008 in Savannah, Ga.(AP Photo/Stephen Morton). Source.

Related: Savannah and Longfellow Coverage

In the "news we don't like to hear about" department, 'Bullet,' a German Shepherd police dog killed a dachshund named 'Gracie' in Nitro, West Virginia. Gracie was in her back yard doing her business, and Bullet was on the hunt for fugitives. Police say that Gracie charged and jumped at Bullet, and that Bullet "did what he's trained to do - protect himself and his master," but Gracie's owner says the attack was unprovoked. Sad all around. City officials have offered to pay Gracie's $700 vet bill and find Burdette another dog. Read more at the Charleston Gazette. Our hearts go out to Gracie's family and friends.

There ARE a couple of stories in the "news we DO like to hear about" department though, including a harrowing tale with a happy ending of 5 dachshunds caught up in the path of Hurricane Ike, and who are now being lovingly tended to by Diamond Dachshund Rescue of Texas, near San Antonio. Excerpt from the Kerrville Daily Times: “The dogs were outside and were washed over the 4-foot fence,” said Christine McEntyre, who has taken in the dogs at her facility, Diamond Dachshund Rescue. “They apparently swam a distance together, and got onto something to get out of the water.”The five dogs — three females and two males — gently were rounded up by an animal search and rescue team and were brought to the safety of the Beaumont Humane Society.
The dachshunds — although their specific ages are not known, range from very young to old — were covered in black sewage and salt brine.
“All are understandably uncertain of what’s happened in their lives, but they are all really sweet dogs that seem to be very personable, like laps, dislike cats and bark at the goats at my house,” she said. Read more at the Kerrville Daily Times.

In other good news, the City of Tonawanda Fire Department in Tonawanda, New York, was called into action Friday morning to rescue a daring dachshund that escaped from its Broad Street home and jumped into the Niagara River. The dog was nearly 300 yards offshore and heading toward Tonawanda Island when firefighters aboard an inflatable boat plucked the pooch from the 62-degree water. Read all about it the Tonawanda News.

ALL GOD'S CREATURES—Brooke Bayles, 14, center, holds the holy water for Rev. Steven J. Dean as he leans down to meet the gaze of Ingrid, a 1-year-old smooth black and tan carried by Michael Look, 13, of Simi Valley, California. Community members brought pets of all shapes and sizes to St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church's annual Blessing of the Animals on Sunday. Source.

If it's beautiful photos of dachshunds and dogs you're searching for, look no further than the photography of Leesia Teh. She recently photographed 'Emah' the English Cream, seen above, and then did a spread on Emah's dachshund family: Josh, Meah, and Braxton. The foursome's human is interior designer Edward Holifield. Don't miss these pics!

Finally, this week the two leading dog organizations in the UK, the welfare charity Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club announced that they will be calling for Government support for an independent review into the registration, breeding and showing of dogs to ensure their long term health and welfare.
This follows the airing of the BBC's program Pedigree Dogs Exposed, and subsequent potential loss of support from various organizations for the prestigious Crufts Dog Show.
The review will be set up and funded by the Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club since the priority of both organisations is to promote and support the care, welfare and breeding of healthy dogs.
Said Clarissa Baldwin, Chief Executive, Dogs Trust: “We believe an independent review is essential in coordinating the large body of research and evidence and to advise on workable, timely recommendations for ensuring the future good health and welfare of all dogs.”
Said Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary: “Work is already underway to improve the health of pedigree dogs. An independent review will assist us in meeting our objective, which is to improve the welfare, health and general well being of all dogs, throughout every stage of their lives. We hope the Government can support us”. Source: The Kennel Club.

Related: RSPCA Pulls Out of Crufts Dog Show

Related: The Quest for the Perfect Dog

Related: Dachshund Conformation 101

Related: Dachshund Evolution: 1888 Versus 2008

Related: Dachshund Evolution

Wirehair Wednesday: Diving Dachshunds!

Then followed that beautiful season... Summer....
Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape
Lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood.  ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Awesome new video via youtuber EllieMaze who notes:  2 wire haired Dachshunds having some big time fun!

Savannah Wiener Dog Races 2009

Over 130 Dachshunds competed in the annual Savannah Wiener Dog Races on Saturday in Savannah, Georgia. Congrats goes out to 'Molly' for winning the championship again this year, and to all the dogs who participated! Read lots more, and see a great slideshow of the event, which is now sponsored by Dachshund Rescue of North America, at the Savannah Morning News.

Related: 2008: Savannah Wiener Race Coverage

Related: 2007: Longfellow Wins Savannah Wiener Dawg Races!

A Vintage Easter Dachshund

'Twas Easter-Sunday. The full-blossomed trees filled all the air with fragrance and with joy. ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Please Welcome Your New 'Long and Short of it All' Co-Host!

Who, Me?

We're pleased to announce that the exhaustive search for your new 'Long and Short of it All' co-host is now over.  Ladies and Gentlemen, please put your hands together and give a warm welcome to.....black and tan wirehaired 'Rowdy!'  Yep, things are about to get a lot more "wirey" around here!  And the search wasn't really that exhaustive - we weren't looking for a new Dachshund, but Hot Toddy (his foster name), appeared on our MidWest Dachshund Rescue facebook feed, and we immediately fell in love with his soulful little eyes.  We can't thank MidWest Dachshund Rescue enough for all that they have done to bring some joy back in our lives after the loss of our beloved 'Maggie.' 

Rowdy was born on May 2nd, so he is just over five months old.  At the vets yesterday, he weighed in at 9.4 pounds, and the vet thinks that he will be about 16 pounds when fully grown.  Rowdy came in through MWDR with 10 other puppies as a result of a few puppy mill/large breeding facilities which closed down in Missouri.  He has been fostered for several weeks by a fantastic family near Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Joey and Dad went to visit him a few weeks ago to see if he was a good match for us, and Joey took to him right away - they played some, and when Joey had enough, he let out a little growl, and Rowdy respected him and went and played with his toys.  So, Joey does like to play some, and he will also teach Rowdy how to be a great dog.

He is doing well in his new home.  Potty training is a work in progress, obviously, for a young pup whose world has just been turned upside down.  But in almost 3 days, he has had just one accident in the house.  He is distracted by the city noises when we go outside to take care of business, although he is less and less distracted as each day passes.  He loves to play, he loves his toys, he loves to snuggle, and like any Dachshund, boy does he love his food!  We're slowly switching him over to raw food, which he loves.  He hasn't had any diarrhea or stomach upset, so the transition is going well.  He is fascinated when Dad is in the kitchen - he'll just sit on the floor and watch in amazement at what goes on, and his eyes light up every time a cabinet door opens. 

Naming him was a tough job, and it was down to Rowdy, Barney, Harry Callahan (call 'Cal'), Cowboy, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (call Henry), Iggy, Teddy,Wiley the Wirehair, and Murdoch (Murdach?) the Dachshund.  Rowdy, after Rowdy Yates, the Clint Eastwood character in Rawhide was always near the top though, and it sounds a little like Toddy, and he was responding to it, so Rowdy he is, both in name and spirit.  It probably didn't hurt that there was a photo of Clint Eastwood on the sidebar to your right when the decision was finally made. 

And so, a new era has begun at The Long and Short of it All. 

Mr. Crazy-Eyebrows

Joey and Rowdy

Sing it Clint! Rowdy by Clint Eastwood.