2012 holiday card outtakes

Rufus | December 2012.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels

Rufus | December 2012. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels

Having fun with my dachshunds.  They are really great sports about dressing up and posing for papa.  Some might imagine I’m torturing them, but literally my doxies jump at the opportunity to be photographed by me.  I really believe they like it as much as I do.  It’s our designated bonding activity, and for us, we just have fun with it.

Emily | December 2012.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels

Emily | December 2012. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels

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Possible 2012 holiday card

Rufus & Emily | December 2012.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels

Rufus & Emily | December 2012. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels

I photograph my two dachshunds daily, and I can honestly say the hardest part of each photo shoot is making my final selections to share. This time of year is particularly hard because I have to make the tough choice of picking one main photo to create a holiday card which will be part of a mass mailing to family and friends. A holiday card can go in some many difference directions creatively; sentimental, sweet, festive, comical or a combination of them all. Some years I get my shot early in the month while other times it takes me a little while to find the right one. This year I think I already have it. I absolutely love these two photos featured today, and they’re the top contenders for 2012. What do you think? This is Emily’s holiday card debut.

Rufus & Emily | December 2012.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels

Rufus & Emily | December 2012. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels

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Doxie Rescue Alert: Charlie

Charlie | December 2012.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels

Charlie | December 2012. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels

Introducing the uber shy red smooth miniature dachshund Charlie. Charlie is a petite dachshund, who according to his current foster mom might excel best in a home as an only dog. He quickly became attached to his foster mom and even little possessive. He is clearly trying to overcome some abandonment and neglect issues, but once trust is established he is such a loving and devoted little man. He has a very sweet disposition. Dachshund Paws and Pals Rescue is overseeing his placement. Interested persons should complete an online application. To see a special Flickr slideshow click here.

Charlie | December 2012.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels

Charlie | December 2012. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels

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Agile Rufus

Rufus | November 2012.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels

Rufus | November 2012. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels

Ending our three-day tribute to outerwear I wanted to remind everyone of the final tenant to successfully outfitting your doxies: mobility. When purchasing your dachshund’s rain coat, you want it to offer complete protection to both your doxies’ top and bottom, but you most importantly want it to fit well. You want your doxie to be able to move as normal. As Rufus demonstrates, he can still run and chase, even in his coat. This is why I remain a fan and advocate of trying “it on.” Good luck and be certain to share your doxie pictures of them in theirs on our Facebook Page.

Rufus | November 2012.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels

Rufus | November 2012. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels

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It’s Milo

Milo | November 2012.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels

Milo | November 2012. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels

Here’s today’s life lesson share for living with dachshunds. When it’s raining or wet outside, I recommend finding a coat or slicker that covers and guards the undercarriage of your doxie completely. Some traditional rain coats are fastened underneath with only one small single strap affording our low-riders very little to no protection against the mud and cold wet ground. Milo is modeling a coat today that keeps him clean and dry while out and about during these damp days. What’s your experience?

Milo | November 2012.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels

Milo | November 2012. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels

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Emily’s calendar shoot

Emily | November 2012.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels

Emily | November 2012. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels

Today Emily has a 2 pm professional calendar photo shoot in Beverly Hills, and we couldn’t be prouder of her. She’s already a star in our book, but we’re thrilled at the idea of her possibly being showcased in a calendar that will be enjoyed by many. If all goes well and she makes the final cut, both of our dachshunds will have been featured in mass distributed calendars. I’m such a proud papa. What do you think. Is Emily a calendar girl pinup?

Emily | November 2012.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels

Emily | November 2012. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels

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Holiday spirit

Rufus | November 2011.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels

Rufus | November 2011. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels

In addition to visiting Santa regularly with Rufus, I’ve been doing my own personal holiday photo shoots every year that I’ve had Rufus. I’m super excited to do my shoot with both Rufus and Emily soon, but until then, here are few outtakes from last year. To see our 2011 holiday card click here. Do you often include your furbabies in your holiday card!?

Rufus | November 2011.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels

Rufus | November 2011. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels

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Back to Rufus

Rufus | November 2012. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels

I love our Emily and all of our doxie friends, but today we’re bringing it back to low-rider that started it all for me: Rufus.  I absolutely love my little man.  At eight, Rufus continues to become more distinguished with his gray muzzle accents, and my affection for him only grows each day.  One quick life tip: be certain to photograph your dachshund at all the varied stages of life: puppyhood, adulthood, as a senior and all the years in between.  You’ll love the see the visible changes and they’re be great keepsakes.

Rufus | November 2012. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels

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Christmas countdown

Emily | November 2012. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels

Only 26 days until Christmas and Emily is ready to celebrate her first.

Emily | November 2012. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels

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Three monkeys

Rufus, Emily & Milo | November 2012. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels

Sometimes my dachshunds act like silly monkeys to me – especially when I’m attempting to photograph them. In the top photo I’m specifically reminded of one of those three monkey statues: hear, speak and see no evil. The bottom photo just makes me smile. Life with dachshunds is always entertaining.  Have a great day.

Rufus, Emily & Milo | November 2012. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels

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