It’s easy with blogs to only write about the good things. But, in my view, blogs are the poorer for it. Life isn’t easy and it’s impossible to be happy all the time – no matter how good a writer you are.
In all honesty, I’m going through a bit of a ‘down’ period at the moment. There are a few reasons why, but I suspect the main is that I’m just tired. Which seems like a silly thing to say, but it’s true. I don’t mean ‘bit sleepy’ – one good nights sleep would sort that out. I mean burned out. Running on empty.
Everything seems worse at night, when you’re tired. And that’s how I’m feeling all the time at the moment.
Grumpy people at work causing problems is something I could probably shrug off if I was firing on all cylinders. But I’m not. So things like this lead to general rubbishness and tears. Over-analysing things people say and do is something I am prone to at the best of times – when I’m like this, I’m pretty convinced everyone hates me.
Yesterday, I got talking to our postman. Bit difficult when Mort is spraying our window with spittle as he barks furiously through the glass. “It’s really funny,” the postman said. “He only barks when you’re here. When I deliver post in the week, he just sits and stares at me.”
I closed the door quietly, thinking about what he had said. Mort, relieved that the man we had assumed was his arch-nemesis had retreated, sighed in relief and settled himself on my lap.
As I stroked his head, I realised something. When he barks, he’s not protecting himself. He’s not even protecting his property.
He’s looking out for me.
That’s why he barks at people from his perch in the living room. That’s why he barks at men who walk towards us, and dogs who try and say hello.
He only cares about me and Dan. He doesn’t care about putting himself in harms way, or drawing attention to himself. He’s got our backs. Even if he is, deep down, the worlds biggest wimp.
Loud noises scare him. He jumps at everything. He is terrified of anything he doesn’t understand.
So, as sweet as his protective instincts are, it also made me feel incredibly sad.
I need to reassure him that I can look after myself. That it’s my job to take care of him. That he can step down from his neighbourhood watch duties at the window.
It’s time to stop worrying, wallowing and being a wimp.
Mort needs to know I’ve got his back.
I love your dog, and all doxies. Had a whole bunch of them myself through the years. Can I share something? Don’t be sad about Mort’s sacrifice. He is doing what he was made to do, it’s what gives him purpose. All dogs were created to do something, to work at something, be it herding or tracking or chasing down deer. They are their happiest when doing that one thing they were created to do. And in the case of the doxie, it’s being the huge pest on high alert, to notify you at every single thing that comes up. Or, to chase down hurt deer and weasle out badgers.
He is sooooo happy to show you what he can do because he loves you. What I love most about Mort is the ability to read his face. You can look at him and know just exactly what he is thinking! Silly Beggar 
Thank you so much for your lovely message! I think you’re right – its just Mort’s way of communicating with us. I know what you mean about Mort’s face – lots of people would think this sounds silly, but he definitely smiles, and is very easy to read
You are his reason for being in his book and you will not be able to change that and if you could what you have left would not be the Mort you have such a strong and caring relationship with now. I have often wondered if Lion’s have such heart as little doxies. I don’t think so. I think such bravery should be called the heart of a dachshund! Most dogs have it but not all, but all Doxies have it no matter what.
It is easy to lose sight of the forrest for the trees. Depression is an insiduous creature with a life of it’s own. Dachshunds also are sensitive as hell and know what to give us when we need it. All creatures who cross our paths are sent for a reason, good or bad, but all for some type of knowledge, growth or understanding.
You’re so right Debra – dachshunds have huge hearts and they are very perceptive. When I’m down, he is very good at providing lots of cuddles and kisses
they really are wonderful dogs – what would we do without them?
I wish Mort had MY back like he does yours! I’m on my own, over here!
Love and licks and watching for danger,
Cupcake
We’ve got your back, Cupcake
x
Mort is just being a doxie …protecting his family! My Maddie is a long haired black and tan and is the same way. She protects all of us with her fierce bark!!!
Haha is there anything scarier than a dachshunds bark?!
I hope you are feeling better today. But how true it is that we all have days like this. Mine are for the past two days. Thank heaven for my sweet “Aussie”, who was sooo happy to see me last night. You would have thought is was months, not hours that we had not seen each other. Things just do not seem as bad sometimes when we are loved so much by our wiener dogs.
I am feeling much better, thank you Kimberly
I hope you are too! I’m sure Aussie is giving you lots of cuddles and kisses (lovely name, btw!)
I know what it’s like to have those off days (sometimes one and sometimes several in a row). You’re a tad mixed up however, Mort has your back because he knows you have his back. Anyone can see how connected your little “pack” is through the love in your photos and writing. In my book, he is a lucky little man and he shows that fearlessly (albeit noisily) protecting you.
Chin up, there’s nothing like doxie love to lift your spirits on the rough days, share your happiness on wonderful days, and be your buddy on on the days in between!
Thank you for your lovely message, Stephanie. Doxie love is indeed the best medicine – they are so caring and sweet. Mort is currently fast asleep, but as usual, my little shadow isn’t far away
My 12-year-old red dachshund, Marlene, has had my back since 2000. Dachshunds are unique in being bred to hunt a really scary fanged critter by themselves, with only their master to look out for them. So know that Mort absolutely trusts you to yank him out of the badger hole if the postman gets out of line. Can you imagine what a blue day would be like without a little glossy dog who adores you?
I dread to think what it would be like – dogs have always been there for me when I’m feeling blue. They are so much better than most humans at handling ‘off days’. Marlene sounds adorable – lovely name!
My little male, Max, is just like Mort. If you will forgive me for reading between your lines a little, when you say that you need to let Mort know you have his back, I think you are actually realizing a sense of “pack” and what Mort needs is to know that you and Dan are his pack leaders, that little Himself doesn’t have to lead and protect the two of you Big Guys which sometimes is scary for him. You are so right in your thinking but the execution is the hard part sometimes, because dogs and people don’t think alike or act alike. I haven’t figured it out yet. I need a Dog Whisperer.
You’re spot on Laura – we know we need to show him that we are the pack leaders, we just have absolutely no idea how to do it! Good idea in principle, not so easy in practice! Let me know if you figure it out!
Bless, it’s awful feeling down especially when things are actually pretty good in your life. It’s a weird one but we all get it and none of us can really explain it.
As for Mort…….when dogs decided to enjoy the benefits of food, warmth and protection from humans, they worked out that the trade was that they had to provide some protection themselves.
Us dog lovers adore the unconditional love (I think that is what it actually is) that you get from your 4 legged friend and the fact that he’s got your back means you’ve got his. It works, don’t be sad.
Everyone’s comments about purpose are so true. Happy dogs have a job!!! Whether that is seeing off squirrels, kids or postmen……….
Thanks Cheryl
I feel so much better about Mort after reading everyone’s lovely comments. Mort is definitely happier when he is protecting us – just wish sometimes he could did it a little bit more quietly…..!
Keep your chin up hunny, sometimes life throws us these curve balls to keep us on our toes. Obviously Mort thinks you are special enough for him to use all his might to protect, and that’s his way of showing you how much he loves you!
How ever loud that may be!
=]
X
Thanks my sweet! I’m feeling a lot better now – just got a bit bogged down by stupid stuff. Looking forward to seeing you and Walt!x