Rufus | July 2014. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

One of the primary purposes behind the charity DOGS, and this photoblog, is to encourage and inspire our dachshund friends to do things WITH our lovable low-riders. We’re huge advocates of including our dachshunds in our weekend plans, and creating a variety of mini adventures WITH our happy hounds around town. Me and mine are a little extreme with our weekly excursions, but even if you can’t do it like we do, forge your own mini outings. Whether it’s to a local cafe or mall, a dog park, a nearby hike, a visit to a dog-friendly beach or a weekend camping trip, take your dachshund along. Don’t leave them alone at home ALL the time. Get them out and about. Some say theirs are not well socialized, and I of course have that knee-jerk reply, “Well, that’s never going to change by keeping them at home.” Listen, do your best and don’t be afraid to do a little more over time.

Monday we were at the beach and Tuesday we visited Lake Casitas. Rufus was fearless on the pontoon boat, while my girls need some added exposure before they’re as confident as Rufus. Rufus loves the lake and boats. Proof is in the pictures. Make it a great one dachshund friends.

Rufus | July 2014. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©