7 of 366 In memoriam

RIP Preston. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

RIP Preston. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

In the last 30+ days we have had to say goodbye to some darling dachshund friends. In all three cases it was fast and unexpected, and our heart aches for the surviving families. The only negative I can ever think of when loving a dog, is that they don’t ever live long enough; no matter if it’s 10 years or 20, it’s simply never enough time together.

The first to go was our beautiful longhair friend Preston on December 2, 2015. Second was the wise and funny looking wirehair Joey on December 30, 2015. And today on January 7, 2016, we lost our sassy and sweet smooth haired friend Bella.

We’re grateful to have called them friends and they’ll live on forever in our hearts, minds and photos. Peace be with the families, and remember to enjoy each day you have together because tomorrow is promised to no one.

Rufus and his pack got some extra cuddle time this morning as we processed Bella’s recent passing and remembered Preston and Joey. Love them madly while you got you them; we do!

RIP Joey. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

RIP Joey. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

RIP Bella. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

RIP Bella. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

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6 of 366 Three Dachshunds

Rufus, Lily & Emily | January 2016. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Rufus, Lily & Emily | January 2016. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Happy Three Kings’ Day! We don’t have any kings around here, but what about three adorable dachshunds (that think they’re kings) trying to keep warm and dry in their cute and soft hoodies while it’s rainy, wet and cold outside?!?! They’re also very entertaining in their hoodies on a day when we really can’t go out. Doxies + clothing + camera = good times for us. We gotta make our own fun on a day like this. Enjoy the photos friends.

Rufus, Lily & Emily | January 2016. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Rufus, Lily & Emily | January 2016. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

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5 of 366 Rainy Tuesdays

Rufus, Lily & Emily | January 2016. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Rufus, Lily & Emily | January 2016. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

We got some serious rain in Southern California today, and as many of you already know, dachshunds (especially mine) are not fans of water falling from the sky. The top photo is them looking outside curiously, like what is that stuff and why is it so wet!??! So of course, we had to play that game where we patiently wait for a break in the rain and hurry outside to get everyone to go potty. Thankfully we had no accidents inside today and even managed to grab a few fun shots while on rain patrol. More rain is expected so wish us luck.

Emily | January 2016. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Emily | January 2016. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Lily & Rufus | January 2016. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Lily & Rufus | January 2016. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

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4 of 366 triple threat

Emily, Lily & Rufus | September 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Emily, Lily & Rufus | September 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

When they’re all together we consider them a triple threat, because together it’s all but guaranteed that they’re melt your heart you and make you smile big. We love these happy hounds. Don’t they just radiate joy?!? They should be a registered weapon, because their jubilation is certainly contagious. Enjoy the photos and be gleeful friends.

Rufus, Lily & Emily | September 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Rufus, Lily & Emily | September 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

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3 of 366 Rufus’ Radio Flyer

Rufus | November 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Rufus | November 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Some days Rufus just wants to chill and watch the sun set in his vintage radio flyer in the comfort of his backyard. It’s a distinctively dachshund trait to bask in the sun, right friends?! Enjoy the photos.

Rufus | November 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Rufus | November 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

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2 of 366 Ginger & Rusty

Ginger & Rusty | November 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Ginger & Rusty | November 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Two of my favorite howling hounds are Ginger and Rusty. I first photographed them in 2010, and then again this last November. They’re a little older than the last time, but just as handsome. They were part of our 2nd Annual Dachshund Fine Art Photography Exhibit. Enjoy the photos friends.

Ginger & Rusty | November 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Ginger & Rusty | November 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

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1 of 366 Giraffe safari harness

Rufus, Lily & Emily | December 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Rufus, Lily & Emily | December 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Happy January 1, 2016! There are 366 days this year, because it’s a leap year. So… we’re going to try do a post / picture a day. First up are three amigos: Rufus, Emily Sue and Lily Blossom on a hike showing off their posh, limited-edition Giraffe safari harness (and Lily in her rock-n-roll crocodile). It was an excellent day for it.

If you want to get your own custom Giraffe safari harness (while supplies last) for a tax-deduction donation of $70, click here which includes shipping. After you make your payment, you can email your dog’s neck and chest measurements here: johnny@johnnyortez.com.

Hope everyone had fantastic first day of the year!

Lily, Rufus & Emily | December 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Lily, Rufus & Emily | December 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

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Happy New Year

Rufus | December 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Rufus | December 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Rufus, Emily Sue and Lily Blossom want to wish all of our friends a very Happy New Year! 2015 was great, and we appreciate all the continued love and support you show us. We’re also very excited about 2016, and some new things we have planned so please stay tuned. Be safe and be well friends.

Lily, Rufus & Emily | December 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Lily, Rufus & Emily | December 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

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Merry Christmas Friends!

Merry Christmas from Rufus, Lily, Emily & their humans | December 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Merry Christmas from Rufus, Lily, Emily & their humans | December 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

May your yuletide be gay, filled with lots of family, friends, celebration and dachshunds. From ours to yours, Merry Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas from Rufus, Lily, Emily & their humans | December 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Merry Christmas from Rufus, Lily, Emily & their humans | December 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

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Dog park shenanigans

My dachshund trio | December 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

My dachshund trio | December 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Emily & Rufus in their Wascally Wabbit | December 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Emily & Rufus in their Wascally Wabbit & hunter hats | December 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Playing hunter and prey. Lily was the prey - Rudolph the rednose reindeer | December 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Playing hunter and prey. Lily was the prey – Rudolph the rednose reindeer | December 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Today my pack and I enjoyed a fun afternoon frolicking at our local dog park. We’re so lucky to have access to such a picture perfect off-leash small dog park.

It was also fun to show off our new, limited-edition Hug-a-dog harnesses. Working with our friends at Dachshund Delights we created THREE new designs exclusively for the DOGS‘ charity: Wascally Wabbit, Giraffe safari and Rock-n-roll crocodile. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, Wascally Wabbit has already sold out. However, we still have some fabric (in limited quantity) of the fashionable Giraffe and stylish Crocodile. All of them are faux animal skins; they’re all synthetic, which means they’re washable in cold. And we recommend hang drying (no heat).

I’m personally obsessed with these little hunters wearing their faux trophy skins on their backs. They look good, and for me, these fabrics honor their hound heritage. If you’d like to order YOUR custom, limited edition harness while supplies last, please make your tax-deductible donation for $70 here (which includes shipping). Upon receipt of your donation we’ll email you to get your dachshund’s measurements. Each harness is custom for your dog. You can ONLY GET these specific designs here, and once they’re gone that’s it. My pack rotates between 21 different harnesses (now) and we have had one for 11 years now. They’re built to last, are a great walking harness and look super stylish for those of us fashionably conscious. I have received a lot of fun comments and looks on our newest creations. We’re very pleased with results and if you want yours, please order now before they’re gone for good!!!

Enjoy the pictures friends.

Rufus' Wascally Wabbit| December 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Rufus’ Wascally Wabbit| December 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Emily's Giraffe safari | December 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Emily’s Giraffe safari | December 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Lily's Rock-n-roll crocodile | December 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Lily’s Rock-n-roll crocodile | December 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Lily's in her Rock-n-roll crocodile & Rufus in his Wascally Wabbit | December 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Lily’s in her Rock-n-roll crocodile & Rufus in his Wascally Wabbit | December 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Emily in her Wascally Wabbit | December 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Emily in her Wascally Wabbit | December 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Rufus in his Wascally Wabbit | December 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Rufus in his Wascally Wabbit | December 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

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