This page was started in 2013 for me (Momma) to document my photos and wonderful memories of my dogs, Billy & Joe. Sir William Wigglebutt (Billy) and Joseph (Joe) were the original pack, so the page started as 'Billy & Joe' and then was updated to 'Dani the Dachshund', a Memoriam to Billy & Joe. Billy and Joe had many adventures together and lived their best lives. Billy 2007-2021 and Joe 2009 to
2022. Now this page captures the many antics of Daniel and Anthony (Dani & Tony), Dachshund birth brothers from the same parents, their litters two years apart. Daniel (Dani) is a miniature black/white piebald long hair Dachsund. Born on September 18, 2021, we felt guided to him by Billy. Our hearts were broken and in need of healing after losing Billy who was such an integral part of our lives. Dani brought joy and laughter back into our home and hearts, he is a character full of energy and endless antics. Being only 12 lbs on a good day, he lets all who cross his path know, he is not to be trifled with. Although his appearance is cute and cuddling, he is known to behave like a land shark if approached too quickly, without caution. Dani is very verbal and loves to share what's on his mind, whether it's a story about a new toy or the leaf he saw dancing down the street. He is extremely intelligent and likes to be challenged, curious about all activities taking place around him, as he wants to learn and join in. Dani can often be found in the back rose garden with his momma, assisting with the gardening and sniffing the flowers. He has a unique fondness for flowers, leaves, and tree roots, never missing an opportunity to smell or play with them. He prefers to air dry after baths over towel drying, as a 10 - 15 minute zoomie does the job. He is a gift, his spark and love for life are contagious and need to be shared. Two years later, on June 9, 2023, Anthony (Tony) was born from the same parents as Daniel and the breeder reached out to us, as he was born with special needs. His spine was impacted in the womb, and it wasn't clear at his birth whether he would ever walk. Due to our experience with Billy's special needs, the breeder felt we'd be a great family fit for Tony. How could we pass up such a beautiful gift of life, we brought the little bundle of joy and love into our home and family eight weeks later. Due to the breeder's early intervention, Tony learned to walk and run. He has a slight twist to his strut, a crooked tail, and a curved spine, but that doesn't hold him back from being Dani's shadow and doing everything he does. Tony is a miniature chocolate long hair, but due to his coat color, he will not have the longer hair on his ears, but otherwise has a very thick and wavy coat. Tony is a very loving and affectionate soul, never missing a chance to plant kisses and deliver hugs to anyone near him. His adorable cooing and whining when he wants attention or is giving his affection can melt any heart. We were blessed again as he has made our little family wonderfully whole. In Memoriam:
Billy was a Dapple Dachshund, purchased from a pet store and as he matured it became apparent that Billy was a product of a puppy mill. His poor little body developed fatty tumors, disfiguring joints, and IVDD. We never restricted activities for Billy due to his IVDD, only adjusted them to meet his special needs; utilizing strollers and wheelchairs as Billy's abilities changed with age. At the age of three, he had his first back surgery, so he could walk again, and at the age of 10, he had neck surgery for the same reason. He passed at the age of 14, as in that last year IVDD took away his mobility and dementia then stole what was left. We assisted with taking away his suffering, giving him back his dignity with an at-home passing surrounded by his family. Although he had so many physical challenges, he never let them hold him down, and never a day went by that he didn't take every opportunity presented to him to run with wild abandonment through a field of grass and hand out in abundance puppy hugs and kisses. Billy was very special, a kind and understanding spirit, an old soul, all that met him felt this and loved staring into his eyes, as they were filled with unconditional love and comfort. Billy left my side on September 15, 2021, but he has never left my heart. He was and always will be, my heart dog. Joe was a German Shepherd/Greyhound mix. We adopted him when he was 3 months old from our local shelter after he was rescued from an animal hoarder. He had many emotional challenges; he was afraid of loud noises, new experiences, and people and had hoarding behaviors with blankets and toys. As he matured and we showed him that he was safe and loved, he became our gentle Joe, silent sentinel, by the book, no-nonsense pack member. He did have a goofy, fun side, but he took joy in watching Billy take center stage, keeping an eye on his pack, and ensuring we were safe and kept to our everyday schedules appropriately. Joe wasn't the same after the passing of his lifetime companion Billy. Although he enjoyed Dani's company and watching him play, Joe's energy level and engagement in the activities around him deceased. He passed at home on his terms surrounded by his loving family on September 24, 2022, almost a year from the date of Billy's passing. He is greatly missed, our walks and routines are not the same without our silent sentinel, but we know he continues to watch over us as we keep his memory close in our hearts. He was the last of our original pack of three dogs, which included Sir Buddy Little Foot, the MinPin, and our black cat, Shannon.
