Lily, Rufus & Emily © Johnny Ortez-Tibbels | http://www.Rufusontheweb.com

L’shanah tovah! Happy New Year! My pack and I are not technically Jewish, but we have many Jewish friends and for a long time Rufus and his family lived in a very Orthodox Hasidic Jewish neighborhood in Los Angeles. So, for us, we like to celebrate High Holy Days — in our own, non-traditional way. 🙂

As one year ends and another begins, I understand it’s also time for 10 days of introspection (leading up to Yom Kippur), and I always welcome any occasion to be reflective and purposefully thoughtful. As a dedicated and doting dachshund dad, self-examination and reflection for me includes our family’s happy hound dogs: Rufus (14), Emily (7) & Lily (5).

Lots of our family and friends are the middle of their child rearing years, and although I’ll never know the joy of human children, I feel like my darling dachshunds have taught me much. Most importantly and specifically, they have taught me empathy and patience; two characteristics that perhaps do not come as natural to me as it does for others. So to my precious pups, I’m very grateful. ❤

This past Saturday was a picture perfect day spent celebrating them. I love making time for them; taking a day and making it all about our posh pups.

Lily, Emily & Rufus © Johnny Ortez-Tibbels | http://www.Rufusontheweb.com

We started our day with an early morning neighborhood walk. I think for many of us who have yards, neighborhood walks become less of a priority as the years press forward. But our intelligent dogs, needs those walks because of the mental stimulation they offer our scent hounds. It has been a real treat for both human and hounds to rediscover these early morning walks. For us, it’s also a fantastic way to start the day.

Second, we had our monthly maintenance appointment with our local vet to get our precious pups’ anal glands expressed, nails trimmed, and heart worm and flea medicine administrated. We love our full-service vet and technicians. ❤

Rufus, Emily & Lily © Johnny Ortez-Tibbels | http://www.Rufusontheweb.com

Finally, we included the pack in an errand run to the Santa Barbara with a stop at one of our favorite dog-friendly eateries and beaches en route back home. We even got to see some dolphins as we walk on the beach. 🙂 #Lucky

Anytime we can take our pampered pooches, I’m thrilled. I hate to leave them at home alone and seeing the disappointment in their eyes, as we say goodbye. It always wonderful to include them, and our pack seems to enjoy car rides.

For us, Saturday started around 7:30 am and ended around 7 pm. It was a long, full and fun day. We all slept well that night. Tired. Happy. Grateful. Proof is in the pictures.

Don’t forget to celebrate and spoil yours friends. ❤

Rufus, Emily & Lily © Johnny Ortez-Tibbels | http://www.Rufusontheweb.com

❤ ❤ ❤
If you’re not already, please follow us on all of our social media platforms; see links below. Get that daily dose of dachshund anytime! Thank you!!! ❤ ❤ ❤

Lily, Emily & Rufus. © Johnny Ortez-Tibbels | http://www.Rufusontheweb.com