Summer solstice, Big Bear Lake and more

© Johnny Ortez-Tibbels | www.Rufusontheweb.com

Big Bear Lake © Johnny Ortez-Tibbels | http://www.Rufusontheweb.com

Big Bear Lake © Sam Tibbels & Johnny Ortez-Tibbels | http://www.Rufusontheweb.com

The Drive up to Big Bear Lake © Johnny Ortez-Tibbels | http://www.Rufusontheweb.com

Rufus’ farewell tour continues. The week of June 10th through June 14th (after two consecutive weeks of hiking), we stayed home and rested. After our Father’s Day meetup (June 16th), which was really fun, we kept taking it easy. #RestAndRelaxation

When the Summer Solstice finally arrived (June 21) we were a little restless and eager to get back out. We celebrated the longest day by taking Rufus to our nearest beach (only 4 stop lights away). Sadly it was a little overcast and gray; June Gloom was still in effect in Southern California. Thankfully the day after, June 22, the sun made a resurgence. And after spending the afternoon sunbathing poolside, we once again headed to the beach for a sunset frolic. Saturday was better than the day before — especially for taking pictures. ❤

Saturday was also coincidentally PetCon in Los Angeles, and it looked fun. But, I remember thinking to myself, instead of celebrating other people’s celebrity pets, why not celebrate our own pack of precious pups and do something they’d enjoy??!!! #AllPetsAreCelebritiesToTheirHumans ❤

Quick caveat, there’s no shade here. We’re big fans of many of the pets and people in attendance at PetCon. Truly. And although, I think Rufus might have enjoyed the event, I was of the mindset that after being home for an extended period, I wanted to do something with ALL three dogs. And, I don’t think PetCon would have been fun for me with three dogs in tow at an on-leash event. 🙂 So naturally, we did the next best thing and went to Big Bear Lake. Ha! 🙂

Yes. About three hours up a mountain we explored the beauty and majesty of Big Bear Lake. Rufus has been a few different times, but this was the girls’ first time. It’s a great place for skiing and fun in the snow, but it’s also fun in the sun. 🙂 Proof is in the pictures.

Speaking of pictures. I take pictures for two main reasons: 1) historical purposes. I consider myself our family historian documenting life as it happens for posterity, and 2) I consider myself a Dachshund Fine Art Photographer. I try to take slice of life occurrences of our little unassuming breed and make them grand; worthy of printing and displaying. ❤ The first is easy, but the latter comes with its challenges i.e., lighting, composition, mood, etc.

Our trip and overnight stay to Big Bear Lake was fun. In my opinion, and admittedly I’m my own worse critic, the trip did not yield great Dachshund Fine Art pictures — or at least not in my opinion. However, I had to remind myself the pictures are secondary to making memories and giving our dogs a wonderful experience. ❤

Without question, our pack of handsome hounds, enjoyed themselves. They got a healthy dose of mental and physical stimulation, and they all traveled so well. #ProudDachshundDad

I was very proud of them all. Lily doesn’t always go potty in strange places and often holds it until we’re home on familiar ground, but on this trip she was an all-star champion. She peed and pooped on command in new and exotic lands. We were so proud of her. ❤ #ItsTheLittleThings ❤ Our middle pup, Emily, always travels well and this occasion was no different. She brings a calming presence to the pack. #LoveEmilySue

Rufus was great; as leader of the pack he sets a good example for the girls. He continues to amaze me. He is so brave and bold. On the sandy shores of Big Bear Lake, Rufus was fearless. His nose caught a scent and he followed it. He’s not afraid of getting wet or exploring new terrain; it’s sweet to witness. ❤

A week ago — before our impromptu Big Bear Lake trip, on Wednesday June 19th, we had a lunch date with a friend from Sherman Oaks, CA. She brought a few of her wiener dogs, and she got to see Rufus. It had been too long since we last visited, and she wanted to see Rufus. ❤ We were happy to accept the invitation and I love catching up with our dachshund friends anytime. It was funny though, because she said — like many have, that Rufus looks fine. 🙂

Yes. Rufus looks fine. To the naked and undiscerning eye, Rufus is a frosty faced senior dachshund full of vigor and valor. Now his two years of blood work and newly finicky appetite suggest something else, but I like hearing he looks fine. ❤ I’m happy that Rufus looks normal to everyone else, and I hope he continues to do so. He acted normal on our trip (mostly). ❤

Today’s entry above is entwined with lots of life lessons taught by dachshunds. I say it all the time, and it may appear like a cliché to some, but it is pure truth for me. My wonderful wiener dogs continue to teach me. They encourage me to get out and about, they show me how to enjoy the natural wonder and beauty of our home state, they keep me from taking myself too serious, they remind me of the things that really matter, and most importantly, I think, they help me to live in the moment. ❤ #CelebrateToday #EachDayisAGift ❤ I love my dogs. ❤

Have wonderful wiener dog Wednesday friends. I used to write a column that celebrated our breed midweek, but really to us dachshund folks, every day is a wonderful day with a wiener dog. Wouldn’t you agree?! 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

Proof in the photos.