“The sausage dog formally known as Randy had been with us for one night only. In that time, I felt as if I had aged by several years.”
You know you’ve read a good book when after you’ve finished, you immediately flick back through it to reread your favourite parts. This is rare – some books you finish and forget instantly. Others you could cheerfully throw in the path of an oncoming train.
I recently read a lovely book that I know for A FACT you will all love.
It’s called Walking with Sausage Dogs and it’s about author Matt Whyman’s reluctance to buy a sausage dog, have anything to do with said sausage dog and especially be seen with said sausage dog in public.
I imagine the latter is a common thing for men – after all, a Dachshund isn’t exactly the most macho looking mammal out there. Their mouth more than makes up for it though, as does a healthy dose of swagger.
Hercules, the sausage-shaped star of this novel, is hilarious and….familiar. This book further cements my theory that all Dachshunds are clones. Memories of our first few nights with Mort came screaming back while I was reading this book. Oh the horror. The barking (Mort). The crying (me and Mort). The dirty protests (Dan. Only joking!)
I’m not going to write too much, because I don’t want to give the story away, but I can guarantee that after reading this book you will a) want some micro-ish pigs b) distrust hot water bottles c) keep your dog on a very tight lead the next time you take them to the vets d) be very careful when going down the stairs e) love Matt’s family, who are hilarious f) and love Dachshunds a little bit more.
Someone once said: “Write what you know.” Matt’s writing is proof that this is very good advice.
P.S Contrary to what the above picture suggests, Mort cannot read. Apologies for the treat balancing precariously on top of the book. It ruins the illusion, but Mort wasn’t taking kindly to my attempts to make him pose with a prop. If in doubt, bribe.
How adorable. This just made my Friday afternoon. By the way, aren’t those doxey jammies you are sporting???
Maybe….! Not that I’m obsessed or anything
They were a present from my sister – I’ve become v easy to buy for since I got Mort!
Sounds like a great book. I’ll definitely want to check it out, even though Cupcake isn’t a sausage, unless she is, a little. No one knows for sure. Plus, 90% of the photos on Cupcake’s blog have a Cheerio hidden somewhere! None of us is above a little bribery.
Bribery is the only weapon I have! Cupcake is an honorary sausage, so I’m sure you will enjoy it
Im not a big fan of reading, but I will have to go and buy this book! Books with/ about dogs and life with dogs are books I can normally get into. This one sounds good as I have myself recieved mocking/ abuse when walking Hugo. Although its not something thats ever bothered me, it will be great to read his experiences owning a small dog and more importantly…. A Dachshund!
You’ll love it – it’s really funny! That’s a shame about you receiving abuse – I know what you mean though, people see a Dachshund and feel the need to shout something. In our case it’s usually met with loud abuse back from Mort – the only time his love for barking actually comes in useful! Enjoy the book!
So far it isn’t available in the U.S. Boo! I hope it is soon.
Try Amazon if you have a Kindle or the Kindle app on a smartphone. I just finished reading it. I prefer real books, but am running out of bookshelf space. I put some reading apps on my phone and have been devouring 2-3 novels a week now. A lot of classics are free.
This book had me laughing so hard at the chaos and antics of the family and pets; reminds me of my own menagerie of three cats, four dogs (two sausage dogs, a cocker spaniel, and yorkie), and teenage boys! Prior to the addition of our newest weiner dog we had also had a border collie, English Mastiff, two boxers, two rabbits, and several black and tan coonhounds (all at the same time). We are now down to just the cats, four dogs and one boy at home as the two-legged kids have grown up and the four-legged kids have moved on with their boys or crossed over the rainbow bridge.
Oh no sorry! Apparently you can download it on a Kindle, if that helps?x
Lol…something about this post reminded me of the time I took Puchi to the vet and somehow he got loose from the tech’s and next thing I look up he is running through the place like a wild thing barking and growling at anyone who tried to corral him!!
Haha poor Puchi!
Great photos!! Did Mort read most of it to you?
I have downloaded it to my kindle and can’t wait to get started as soon as I have stopped disturbing myself reading an account of a mistress unravelling!! I think reading about Hercules will be a much more pleasant experience.
C
Oh yes, I make Mort read to me in return for a never ending supply of cheese
I hope you enjoy it – you will be pleased to know that no mistresses unravel! What book is that?!x
it’s called the mistress’s revenge (up all night thinking of that one!!) and it is rather depressing……. sausage dogs and their foibles will be much more entertaining!!!
I love your post, it makes me want to read this book and get a Dachshund. Your little dog is so cute posing for you even though he is doing it for a treat! I am a big dog lover and have two dogs of my own, Zeus and Lucky. They are so funny, loving, and snuggly! I love them with all of my heart and soul! I have started a blog for my Rottweiler Zeus called Saving Zeus. He has a rare genetic disorder and we are trying to raise funds for the medical tests and treatment that he desperately needs. Also on my blog, I have funny stories and really cute photos of both of my boys. If you would like to make a donation or share our blog to help us save Zeus, or would just like a laugh after reading a funny story, visit my page. Since I am just getting started on my blog, there will be many more stories to come so check back every once in a while! Visit us at http://www.savingzeus.wordpress.com
Thank you so much for your lovely comment – I’m so sorry to hear about Zeus, he is such a beautiful dog. I put some information about your blog in my latest post, so hopefully that will direct some people over to you. Let me know if I can do anything to help on my blog – I would be happy to.
Thank you so much for helping us get the word out!
You were right! A great read. Thanks! Oh and you are always cute but the doxie jammies are great!
Wow that was quick! I’m really glad you enjoyed it! And thank you – those are my favourite pyjamas
Thanks for recommending this book! It was a very fun and heart-warming read. My Shamrock and Annie have displayed so many of the same traits and pulled so many of the same antics that not only did I enjoy the author’s story, but I got a bonus trip done memory lane!
Not a weiner-based book, but Amazing Gracie is a very good read as well. It’s about a young man, his friend, and their Great Danes who became the inspiration for a local business, Three Dog Bakery, that is based out of Kansas City.
Glad you enjoyed it! I love how many animals you have had – I grew up with eight dogs, so I’m also used to chaos! Thank you for the book recommendation – I will definitely have a look for Amazing Gracie, it sounds great!
Written by Dan Dye and Mark Beckloff; I would have added their names to my first post, but I had to verify their last names. I found the “book” through the Kindle app on my phone.
However, I can instantly read a wide variety of genres to suit my very eclectic tastes via my phone apps without all the annoying traffic and checkout lines. 
I prefer paper, but the nearest bookstore is an hour and a half away.
I keep considering a Kindle, but put it off because I love paperbacks – but, like you, I’m running out of room, so I may have to invest in one soon!
Thanks for the book suggestion! Unfortunately can’t buy it in a local bookstore (I don’t use an ereader, so am unable to get it that way… I’m stll in love with the feel of a book in my hand and turning pages), but thanks to Amazon I was able to order one from your stomping grounds “across the pond”. It should arrive around end of August so I have something fun to look forward to!
Yay I hope you enjoy it!!
Hi Emily
My name is Nick Beale and I am the one who penned the message on your site a few weeks ago from Sam and Lulu….two gorgeous young ladies!
We live in Melbourne, Australia, and Sam and Lulu belong to our daughter and her husband.
They are busy, I have some time on my hands and I am skilling myself up on website and blog making…hard for an old codger!
So the site http://www.dachshunddigest.com came into existence. My wife and I get to look after Sam and Lulu and we love them to bits and this is their diary as told by “Grandpa”
Please have a look at the site, and if you don’t mind in time to come I will refer to ‘Mort” (love the name) and “the Weiner takes it all” site.
I guess the girls will have this sort of “crush” on their “hero” Mort who is a “big hit” pop(dog)star in the UK!
Keep up the good work, and I am going to get the book.
Cheers
Nick
Hi Nick,
Thanks for your lovely comment! Sam and Lulu are gorgeous, and I really enjoyed looking at your blog earlier. Of course I don’t mind you referring to Mort – I’m sure he will be very pleased to learn that people who live in Melbourne know who he is! Keep up the good work – blogging is very addictive, and Dachshunds provide a surprising amount of content!
Em