rufusontheweb

Road to recovery; day 11

Posted on September 13, 2015 by rufusontheweb

Ojai Doxies Monthly Meetup Group | September 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Today was a milestone for us. It was Rufus’ first public outing since he was attacked. He still has his stitches for three more days, but we elected to go out and about despite them since his wound seems to be healing nicely.

First, I must tell you that Rufus absolutely loved it. He is truly a social dog and enjoys being out and around other people and their canines. Second, he was the same go-lucky, easy going, happy hound that he always has been. He acted like it was any other dog park visit and showed no signs of aggression or fear towards the big dogs on the other side of the chain-link fence or fellow dachshunds on his side at today’s monthly meetup. Yippee. Happy dance.

The girls were also their usual selves. Emily was a little jumpy and barky, but otherwise she was pretty much her normal sweet personality. I’ll watch her and evaluate her continued comfort level around other dogs. But overall, it was a very fun and positive dog park experience. Big thanks to everyone who joined us today and made Rufus’ transition back to public life fun and positive. We’re very grateful for all the emotional support we have received – from near and far, these last few weeks. Thank you!

Enjoy the photos friends and we hope you and yours also had a fantastically fun day.

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

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

Posted in Rufus, Rufus' Friends | Tagged #ADachshundsLife #HappyHounds, #AdventuresWithDachshunds, #CelebratingwithDachshunds, #dachshund, #DachshundPhotography #DachshundArt #OriginalPhotography, #dogparkfun, #dogparks, #PackDynamics #HappyHounds, #red dachshund, #smooth dachshund, #WienerDogs #HotDogs, doxies | 5 Comments

In-home photo shoot

Posted on September 13, 2015 by rufusontheweb

Bailey, Dexter & Bertie | August 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Bertie, Bailey & Dexter | August 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

At the encouragement of friends, on a very limited basis, I’m making my photography services available for in-home photo sessions i.e., have lights, camera, backdrops and will travel. Bailey, Bertie and Dexter were my first official in-home photo shoot, and although I’m still in the process of editing their complete set, I absolutely love these first few. What do you think?!

I have other sessions scheduled this month, and I’m eager to see more of my friends in the convenience and comfort of their own home. I also have some very limited availability for YOU, if you’re interested in your own personal in-home professional photo shoot in 2015. To learn more about pricing and scheduling, please email me directly at johnny@johnnyortez.com. I generally like to shoot on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, but with advance notice and a little planning I can make other days work. Each session is a minimum of 5 hours, and each home package include digital negatives for your own personal use and reproduction along with one 16×20 print.

I’m located in Southern California and I happily travel all over from Fountain Valley to Sherman Oaks to Santa Clarita to Agoura Hills and all the places in between and beyond. I’m also entertaining out-of-state sessions at this time. If you’re interested please contact me ASAP, because I’m not exaggerating, I only have very limited space and time available in 2015 (the holidays are near and my calendar is getting filled). Originally, I only made this exclusive offer to a handful of favorite friends, but again at the encouragement of those same friends and family, I’m making the offer public – but once I’m full, that’s it. People will be considered on a first serve first come basis. This opportunity is especially attractive to those families with multiple dogs (like 3 or more, though that’s not a mandate) and for those dogs that don’t travel well. Instead of putting you and your pack through it, stay put, relax and let me come to you!

Of course, I’ll happily revisit the opportunity again in 2016 upon request. And, if you remember earlier this year, I have started to make exceptions to my dachshund only rule. The dachshund continues to be my speciality, but as you can see from this adorable motley crew, I’ll happily photograph other small breed dogs.

Okay. Enjoy the photos, and I look forward to hearing from you if you want to book your own personal in-home professional photo shoot.

Bailey | August 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Bertie | August 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Dexter | August 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Dexter, Bailey & Bertie | August 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Bertie, Bailey & Dexter | August 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Posted in Rufus' Friends | Tagged #ADachshundsLife #HappyHounds, #AdventuresWithDachshunds, #CelebratingwithDachshunds, #dachshund, #DachshundPhotography #DachshundArt #OriginalPhotography, #PhotoShoot #InHomePhotoSession, #ProfessionalPortraits, #smooth dachshund, #TravelingPhotographer, #WienerDogs #HotDogs, doxies | 6 Comments

Oscar Mayer RIP

Posted on September 11, 2015 by rufusontheweb

Oscar Mayer Tribute | September 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

On Sunday, August 16, 2015, our sweet friend Oscar Mayer went to the Rainbow Bridge. His family agreed that a tribute in pictures to his loving memory would be welcomed, and I got to work on the photos soon thereafter. It’s a process though – both emotionally and creatively.

On Wednesday, September 2, 2015, a few weeks later, the day Rufus was attacked, we were meeting with Oscar’s surviving pack mates and human for a fun day at the beach. And in my mind, it was going to be a day where we perhaps celebrated Oscar’s memory and checked in on his pack and how they’re doing. Well, we all know by now how that day turned out; not at all how I planned it.

It was originally my intention to have this tribute published much sooner, but nonetheless, here we are 4 weeks later. Despite my tardiness, Oscar’s passing cannot go without some sort of tribute and celebration. So here we go. A little late, and with a lot of love: Oscar Mayer was 14 years old. I had the privilege of meeting and photographing him several times, and always found him to be a sweet soul. I met Oscar as an older guy so he was usually pretty mellow yet agile around me and mine. It hurts to see them go, but instead of focusing on his absence, let’s celebrate his life. Oscar left an indelible mark in our hearts and his memory will live on forever in all the many people he met over the years. He might be gone, but he is not forgotten.

If any dachshund friend wants to make a tax-deductible donation in Oscar’s name a personalized condolence postcard will be mailed to his family. I especially like these cards because they make for a great keepsake. This tradition seems to be popular in our community since we first started it a few years back. When our doxies pass, all we have are our memories and pictures. With your help Oscar’s family can have a few more pictures and know they’re not alone during this difficult time. Your donation includes original artwork, postage, delivery and labor. I do believe these postcards are better and more personalized than a casserole or flowers.

Oscar Mayer we love you. Rest in peace our friend and peace be with your humans. I know it has been a little while since you left us, but I know it doesn’t get easier with time, it just becomes a little less painful for all of us left behind. We do find comfort knowing you’re no longer in pain. Run free friend, run.

Oscar Mayer Tribute | September 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Posted in Rufus' Friends | Tagged #ADachshundsLife #HappyHounds, #black and tan dachshund, #CelebratingwithDachshunds, #dachshund, #DachshundPhotography #DachshundArt #OriginalPhotography, #RIP #RainbowBridge, #smooth dachshund, #WienerDogs #HotDogs, doxies | 8 Comments

Rufus update; day 9

Posted on September 11, 2015 by rufusontheweb

Rufus healing in the sun with his pack | September 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Friends, THANK YOU so much for the continued concern and request for Rufus updates. We are really feeling the love, and your support and positive feedback has really made a bad situation better. Rufus’ spirits are great, and we’re trying to take his lead and not dwell on the past. His mobility is good though we are using the stairs sparingly and keeping the jumping to a minimal because of the awkward placement of the wound. He completed his antibiotics on Wednesday and we stopped giving the pain meds on Sunday; we didn’t want him to become addicted and then have to do a Lindsay Lohan stint in rehab. We have 5 or 6 more days (I need to confirm with the vet) until the stitches come out. From everything I can see, as a novice nurse, the wound looks like it’s healing nicely.

Monday, we did take our first neighborhood walk as a family, and Rufus was elated to be out of the house. He’s a real social butterfly and truly enjoys being out and about. We’ve also gone for a few car rides around town, but we’re staying away from the dog parks, hiking trails and beaches for a little longer.

Allowing time for the wound to heal sans any complications is the first and most important priority right now, but I also remain concerned about what life will be like for Rufus post-attack?!? I’m eager to see what his attitude will be towards big dogs going forward. I’m curious if he’ll be aggressive or indifferent or will any aggression will be breed specific. I naturally plan to take it slow, but Rufus was previously pretty good around big dogs, and I really hope he’s still that same, easy-going, happy-go-lucky dog he has always been. I’m also intrigued to see how, if at all, the pack dynamics have changed when in public and around big dogs. Well, whatever may come, I promise to be there for Rufus and the whole pack; and together we’ll get through it and back to something that resembles our life before the attack. We’ll just hopefully be a little smarter and careful.

At your request, here is what Rufus’ wound / stitches look like today (in real time). It does hurt my heart to see it, and I can’t look at it too often, but many of you have inquired so… here you go. The area remains tender and Rufus won’t fully extend his leg like he does the other one. I hope that changes with time, but like I said, it seems to have little impact on his walking or daily movement. He even ran the other day, despite our protest. So we’re encouraged at this point and continue to be optimistic.

Thank you again friends for all the kindness you have shown us. I think Rufus has done remarkably well because he has had the support of his pack and beyond. YOU have made this healing process better for us so THANK YOU, THANK YOU, and THANK YOU!!!

Rufus’ stitches | September 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Rufus healing in the sun with his pack | September 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Posted in Rufus | Tagged #ADachshundsLife #HappyHounds, #AdventuresWithDachshunds, #dachshund, #RedDachshund #RedRegalDachshund, #RoadToRecovery #HealingHound, #smooth dachshund, #WhenDogsAttack #DogAttack #DogsGoneWild, #WienerDogs #HotDogs, doxies | 16 Comments

Road to recovery; day 1

Posted on September 3, 2015 by rufusontheweb

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

First, Rufus (and his humans) would love to thank everyone for their well wishes. We have been truly touched by the support and kindness y’all have shown us. It was a very traumatic day yesterday, and I think for the most of it, we were all in complete shock.

Now, here’s your update: Rufus FINALLY peed early evening (after eating dinner and getting his pain medicine) and that was a much needed relief for everyone. Last night Rufus and I slept on the floor in my office; it just seem like a safer option to the tall beds. It was a very long night. He started in the crate with his cone on and with me laying next to him. We then transition to him outside the crate, laying next to me with his cone still on and then we finally ditched the cone around 2 am. Rufus is surprisingly a good boy and when I tell him not to lick his wound, he obeys. We’re so lucky in that respect.

Yesterday Rufus yelped and whined a lot and showed significant discomfort when moving, but today is a new day and he seems to be doing much better – thankfully. He took his breakfast, his antibiotics and pain medicine this morning easily. He appetite seems good. He has had his morning elimination outside and all seems to be good considering all that he endured yesterday. I even gave him a few minutes of supervised sunbathing.

I’m on a self-imposed house arrest and will be spend the next 24+ hours with him – every minute, but I’m hopeful (at this point) that his recovery will be fast and easy. The stitches can’t come out until 13 more days, but I’m really much more optimistic today from what he has shown me.

Two things friends:

1) According to a chart in my vet’s office, Rufus is the equivalent to 60 years old in human years. And for me that’s the part that hurt the most; that my old man had to experience this trauma at this point in his life. And although it might take a little longer to heal (as it does for all of us as we get older), I’m am confident and committed that Rufus will make a full and complete recovery.

How Old Is Your Dog by Weight?

2) I have to, of course, give a BIG public shout out of appreciate to our two girls: Emily Sue and Lily Blossom. Yesterday as I was carrying Rufus back to the car from the beach covered in sand, sweat and blood – the two girls walked themselves right by my side, dragging their own leashes, to the car without incident. Remember it was just me and the dogs meeting a friend (who we insisted stay behind and enjoy the beach). They have also given Rufus lots of space at my request. Nurse Lily is probably the most curious of the two, and slept with us last night on the floor. Emily has an obvious upset stomach because we can all hear it gargling, and she was up last night like 4 different times to go outside. Her poop seems to be solid so… I think perhaps it’s just the stress from everything, and under the circumstances she’s being a complete superstar.

Lily Blossom & Emily Sue | June 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

I believe these things happen, and it is how we handle them with grace that makes us better people. I’m also grateful to have very supportive family and friends. People were even willing to come in from Texas to help, but thankfully that’s necessary. Today Rufus and I are feeling much better and we’re very humbled by the outpour of love, support and kindness. Thank you all for making a very difficult and ugly situation better. We’ll keep you posted on Rufus’ progress.

Rufus will live to see another day! | September 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Rufus’ nose puncture | September 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Rufus’ leg sutures | September 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Posted in Rufus | Tagged #ADachshundsLife #HappyHounds, #AdventuresWithDachshunds, #beach #dogfriendlybeaches, #dachshund, #RedDachshund #RedRegalDachshund, #smooth dachshund, #WhenDogsAttack #DogAttack #DogsGoneWild, #WienerDogs #HotDogs | 21 Comments

Rufus was attacked!

Posted on September 2, 2015 by rufusontheweb

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

Today we planned a fun pre-Labor Day beach excursion with some dachshund friends, and we were very excited about it. We had been looking forward to it all week.

When we arrived at the beach, it was relatively empty – which we love, but there were a handful of other dogs and their humans. We arrived almost at the same time as another family; two sweet older ladies, their three labs and their 10 year-old piebald female dachshund. We said hello on the way in and then we went on to find our own patch of sand for day.

As we just got settled, setting up the umbrella, chair and towel, the same family met us again. This time we took a few minutes to chat and interact and initially all appeared to be going well WHEN ALL OF SUDDEN (like it always happens) it went horribly wrong in a matter of seconds. For some unknown reason to us, one of the labs attacked Rufus. The other dog is significantly bigger than Rufus, and from what I could tell Rufus was taken by complete surprise (as we all were) by this dog’s reaction. I quickly got that dog off of Rufus, but not quick enough. Rufus received a puncture to this nose and a nasty gash under his front left leg (the equivalent to the armpit area for a human). The vet just stitched him up and reportedly Rufus had to have 10 sutures. The nose puncture didn’t require one. I can pick him up today at 3 pm, and the countdown begins.

So, what did we learn today!??

First of all, for me, I learned that dog profiling benefits no one. I always know a dog attack is a possibility when visiting a public park or beach. I’m guilty of exercising greater caution and concern around specific breeds (like Pits and Rottweilers). I never ever imagined Rufus was be the victim of an attack by a Lab, and today Rufus paid that price for my ignorance. I should always act with caution and be methodical when meeting new dogs – whatever the breed.

Second, the Lab’s owners were very supportive and understanding throughout this traumatic episode, and in a text message exchange, I asked that they not be too hard on their dog. In my world, it’s not the dog’s fault but ours. As their humans, it’s up to us protect them and I should have been a better dad. The Lab was just being a dog – perhaps behaving slightly uncharacteristically for a Lab in my opinion, but we can’t hold a grudge against her. So as tough as it is in the minutes and hours immediately afterwards, I have to forgive that Lab. I don’t imagine we’ll be doing any play dates together in the near future, but I can forgive her.

Third and final, it’s so important to have a vet you know, love and trust. I called my vet from the beach and said we were rushing Rufus in after being attacked. When I arrived they ushered me in right away and saw to Rufus immediately. Please be certain to establish that relationship with your vet before you truly need them. After two years of fostering good relations, today I really needed them and they delivered. Their delivery of quality customer care helped in a very bad situation and made it a little better.

Okay friends. After 11 years of life together, I never thought Rufus would be attacked – especially by a Lab, but it happened. Under the circumstances, it could have been much worse so we’re choosing to be optimistic. Hopefully after some days of rest, relaxation and lots of pampering and attention Rufus will be back to his normal self. It’s heartbreaking to see our dogs suffer or be hurt, and I’m probably more upset by it than our sweet, happy, go-lucky Rufus but… I’m hoping the experience makes me a better, well-rounded parent.

UPDATE 3:30 pm: Rufus is home. He actually had two bites under his front leg (not one). He can’t really walk and is under strict crate rest for the next 14 days. Sigh. My heart aches for my sweet boy. I can tell he is in pain and discomfort; it’s just an awfully awkward placement for a wond. On a positive note, the lab’s humans paid for the vet expenses without hesitation which was very magnanimous of them. Thank you! More updates to follow in the days ahead. Thank in advance for all the support and well wishes.

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

Posted in Rufus | Tagged #ADachshundsLife #HappyHounds, #AdventuresWithDachshunds, #dachshund, #RedDachshund #RedRegalDachshund, #smooth dachshund, #WhenDogsAttack #DogAttack #DogsGoneWild, #WienerDogs #HotDogs, doxies | 56 Comments

Happy National Dog Day!

Posted on August 26, 2015 by rufusontheweb

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

If you enjoy the companionship of a canine, you know it’s truly unparalleled to anything else. If you happen to enjoy the affections of the low-riding hound dog we call the dachshund, it’s especially a unique kind of love. It takes a special kind of human to really appreciate the stubborn, independent thinking, going-to-do-it-his-way-on-his-own-time type of dog. But once we’re smitten with them, we know no other dog will ever do for us. It’s a little silly to celebrate National Dog Day, because in a dachshund home, every day is dog day! Nonetheless, we’re happy to join in the national chorus. From Rufus, Emily & Lily Happy National Dog Day friends. If you’re looking for for some fun ideas to celebrate the day, click here. Enjoy the photos.

Posted in Emily, Lily, Rufus | Tagged #ADachshundsLife #HappyHounds, #AdventuresWithDachshunds, #black and tan dachshund, #CelebratingwithDachshunds, #DachshundPhotography #DachshundArt #OriginalPhotography, #NationalDogDay, #red dachshund, #smooth dachshund, #WienerDogs #HotDogs, doxies | Leave a comment

Save the date

Posted on August 22, 2015 by rufusontheweb

Back by popular demand, we have been invited to do another Dachshund Fine Art Photography Pop-up Exhibit. Save the date friends: Saturday, Dec. 5 and Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015. Once again we’ll be at Gallery 525 in Ojai, California. With three months advance notice we hope many folks will try their best to make it.

We encourage people (both near and far) to make a weekend of it. Ojai is a fun, posh, quaint, dog-friendly city and our hounds will be on display for all to see and appreciate. The exhibit is dachshund (and small dog) friendly; so bring them with you. We’ll also have a holiday celebration / closing day party Sunday afternoon catered by our friends at Papa Lennon’s.

The city has many dog-friendly lodging options ranging from moderately priced to luxury resorts. In addition, our city has several hiking trails, dog-friendly eateries, a chic dog park, fun stores and dog-friendly beaches within a short car ride. Treat you and yours to a nice weekend away this December that includes your pampered pooches. All are welcome. We’ll share more details as the date gets closer, but mark your calendars and starting plan your trip now. Looking forward to it friends!

Sparky | August 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Posted in Rufus, Rufus' Friends | Tagged #ADachshundsLife #HappyHounds, #AdventuresWithDachshunds, #ArtExhibit #Fun, #dachshund, #DachshundPhotography #DachshundArt #OriginalPhotography, #WienerDogs #HotDogs, doxies | 4 Comments

Happy Birthday Rufus!!!

Posted on August 21, 2015 by rufusontheweb

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

Happiest of birthdays to our one and only Rufus. Today Rufus turned 11 years old, and with a frosty face and paws, he looks like the wise and distinguished dog he is. We have worked hard over the years to give him the posh life he deserves and hopefully inspired our fellow dachshund humans to pamper theirs. For us, our dogs are little angels on earth here to brighten our days and warm our hearts, and Rufus does this daily for his family without fail.

If you’d like to pay tribute the regal red dachshund Rufus, please consider making a tax-deductible donation in his name to the charity he helped to create: DOGS. In exchange for your donation, you’ll receive a personalized thank you postcard in the mail. Click here to donate. Have a wonderful time friends and enjoy the photos of the Dog of Honor, Rufus.

Posted in Rufus | Tagged #ADachshundsLife #HappyHounds, #AdventuresWithDachshunds, #beach #dogfriendlybeaches, #CelebratingwithDachshunds, #dachshund, #DachshundPhotography #DachshundArt #OriginalPhotography, #HappyBirthday #DachshundBirthday, #PamperedPooches, #PoshPups, #RedDachshund #RedRegalDachshund, #smooth dachshund, #WienerDogs #HotDogs, doxies | 8 Comments

Beach bums

Posted on August 20, 2015 by rufusontheweb

My trio absolutely love the beach! These hounds enjoy a good frolic in the sand, sun and surf. We used to be big on hiking, and still get to the trails when inspired, but the beach seems to be the perfect complement for their short little legs and long bodies – especially during these hot dog days of summer. Of course, safety first. We don’t want our wieners to get sunburn so when we’re planning to be out at the beach longer than a few hours, like we were on Wednesday, we wear a little cover up, hats and shades to protect us from those harsh UV rays. Okay friends. Hope you and yours are having a great one. Enjoy the photos.

Emily Sue | August 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Lily Blossom | August 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Posted in Emily, Lily, Rufus | Tagged #ADachshundsLife #HappyHounds, #AdventuresWithDachshunds, #beach #dogfriendlybeaches, #BeachFunwithDachshunds, #black and tan dachshund, #dachshund, #DachshundPhotography #DachshundArt #OriginalPhotography, #red dachshund, #smooth dachshund, #WienerDogs #HotDogs, doxies | 7 Comments

rufusontheweb

Road to recovery; day 11

In-home photo shoot

Oscar Mayer RIP

Rufus update; day 9

Road to recovery; day 1

Rufus was attacked!

Happy National Dog Day!

Save the date

Happy Birthday Rufus!!!

Beach bums

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