I really never noticed so much interesting details about my dog, "Homer", until I looked closely at him the other day. I mean, really LOOKED at him.
Hree are some interesting factoids about my dog:
1.) Homer appears to be a beautiful shade of brick red to most people, but in actuality, he's got a brindled pattern. It looks as if someone poured ashes on top of him, from head to toe. He's really dark brick red with black specks all over his body.
2.) Homer has big, dark-brown liquid eyes that hold a wealth of emotion. One can easily tell how he is feeling just by looking at his eyes and also his facial features. He can also let you know how he is feeling by the way he holds himself or how he utilizes his ears or his tail or by the noises he makes.
3.) Homer has four short, stubby legs, coupled with a squat, short body that is the longest thing about him. He looks like a typical dachshund, i.e. "weiner dog". He is good at digging tunnels in the yard, ever on the lookout for rats or some other tasty meal. Of course, daddy and mom don't like it when Homer digs up the yard, but he's a dog, and that's part of the makeup of his breed. Dachshunds are notorious for digging tunnels and ferretting out prey.
4.) Homer has a sweet personality: around people he knows he's fun, frisky, and friendly, always bouncing around, looking for any opportunity to play or frolic; however, around strangers, he turns alert and leery and will bark until Mom, Dad, one of my brothers, or myself tell him to hush. Thank God Homer has never tried to bite anybody; the worst damage he could possibly do is probably bite a person on the ankle. He can't go any higher, seeing he is so short and fat. LOL
5.) Homer has a very inquisitive nose that is uber sensitive and never stops wiggling as he takes in the world around him. Any new scent is an open opportuinty for adventure and mayhem. LOL
6.) Homer's tail is whip thin and always in motion. The only time it isn't is when he's sad, ill, or asleep. The same applies to his ears.
7.) Some of Homer's favorite activities include digging for bones (or prey) in the yard, playing with his toys (or with his Humans), getting to know the neighborhood dogs (or cats, which he loves to chase or bark at!), chasing his tail, going hunting with Dad and my brothers, annoying our cat by trying to box its ears or biting its tail (which the cat, naturally, doesn't appreciate!), and lying by the fireplace on long, cold winter nights, soaking up the heat.
8.) Homer's two favorite holidays happen to be Christmas and Thanksgiving. He loves the smells and sounds of food being prepared or the excitement of extra Humans entering the house: there are always new odors to investigate and opportunities to make new friends. He also loves getting the extra attention and treats or gifts.
9.) Homer despises the neighborhood dog, a grouchy, ill-tempered Pomeranian named "Wiggles". Wiggles is something of a bully and he and Homer have had several beastly encounters, including one that sent Homer packing to the Emergency Veterinarian Clinic with two bites to his nose. Thank God Wiggles had all his shots, but it meant a painful ordeal for poor Homer. Ever since, Homer does his best to have as wide of a berth between himself and Wiggles as possible.
Homer does like any other dog, but Wiggles has something of a personal vandetta against him. I don't like him much myself, and neither does my family. He is a little hellion on four canine legs! He's nasty!!
10.) Homer is super-intelligent. He is great at remembering people by their smell (or voice) and how they've treated him in the past. Thankfully, most people are good with him, but some (like Wiggles' owner, perhaps) have chased him out of their yards or spoke harshly to him, which we don't appreciate. He also remembers dogs or other animals by their scent and can easily tell if they are "friend or foe".
11.) Homer doesn't like the vet. The vet can only spell one or two things: shots or being poked and prodded or manipulated like a piece of ham. When it is time to go see Dr. Potter, the veterinarian, Homer turns from canine to a regular CHICKEN in a dog's body. LOL
Then we are doing everything possible to keep him from escaping or from biting Dr. Potter.
What dog (or cat) does actually enjoy going to the vet? Not very many, or at least the ones I know ... LOL
12.) Homer has a crush on the next door neighbor's dog, a svelte french poodle named Babette. Sometimes when out, we find him at Babette's house, where the two of them will be gnawing on a beef bone or playing ball or just hanging out together. I'm always scared that they will get together and will eventually end up being parents. Sometimes Homer comes home with a smug look of satisfaction on his face and I'm wondering if they were fooling around ...
13.) Homer doesn't like the mailman or any sales people who come to the door. He will bark incessantly and will chase them if he has the chance (and he has). He is only a little dog, but some people are terrified of him because he has such a loud, high, piercing bark that is much bigger than he is. LOL
I swear sometimes Homer thinks he is part pit bull or Rottweiler ...
14.) Homer loves going on long car rides. He loves to sit in my lap with his head hanging out the window, just so he can let his tongue hang out and his ears flap in the breeze. He loves watching the scenery whiz by and investigating the smells or sights. Vacations are his middle name and the more trips we go on, the happier he is.
And finally, 15.) Homer loves himself. He enjoys looking in the mirror at his reflection. I am sure he is thinking that he is such a stud. Other dogs are okay in his book (exceping for Wiggles), but nobody, not even his hottie girlfriend, Babette, even comes close to THE #Dog on the block: HIMSELF, Homer A. Dachshund!
It is funny how much I have learned just by observing my dog and how he spends his day. My dog happens to be very interesting, and I hope you enjoyed getting to know him a little more, as I have done. I do know this much: I have grown to have a new appreciation for my pet and love him even more as a result!
