Happy Mother’s Day 2015

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

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

Happy, happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there. May all the mamas of both four-legged and two-legged children celebrate and be celebrated today.

Have a wonderful day friends!

Emily & Rufus | May 2015.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Emily & Rufus | May 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

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

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

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Ojai Doxies

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

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

Today was Ojai Doxies’ monthly meetup and what we lacked in attendance (due to overcast) we made up for in fun. We even took a field trip together to the local pet boutique to take advantage of the going-out-of-business sale. It’s always a good time with our fellow dachshunds and their humans. Have a wonderful day dachshund friends. #Meetup #Socialization #Fun #PlayDate #BeacuseWeLoveOurDogs

Special note: ONLY 24 hours left to get yours: https://goo.gl/HiKQui. Once the campaign ends that’s it. These shirts will not be offered again. HUGE THANKS to all our friends in California, Florida, Kentucky and Missouri for buying theirs. We love your support and continued friendship! ‪#‎Dachshund‬‪#‎Doxies‬ ‪#‎WearableArt‬ ‪#‎Collectible‬ ‪#‎Charity‬ ‪#‎Fundraiser‬

Black & Tan Ojai Dachshund Squad | May 2015.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Black & Tan Ojai Dachshund Squad | May 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

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

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

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

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

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Friend Friday

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

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

Hello Friends! It’s Friday and we’re all excited for the weekend. Emily was feeling sickly this morning, but after some scary vomiting, we believe she’s now on the mend. Paws crossed that the worst has already passed. Just in time to enjoy the weekend.

Okay friends. ONLY TWO DAYS left to support the charity that champions the breed you love and get your sweet keepsake of Rufus. To order your wearable art right here right now, please click here. #ThankYou

Have wonderful day dachshunds friends.

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

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

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They love me!

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

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

They really do love me. Or at least their shirts say it’s so with complete certainty. I know with Mother’s Day fast approaching I should probably be showcasing an “I heart my mommy” tee, but I’m a daddy!!! #DachshundDaddy #ProudPapa

We all have our own personal hobbies and special skill sets, and for me, they’re one in the same. I love (and am quite good at) shopping. Some folks like wine tasting in the country, while others prefer sailing the open seas. And although I do enjoy many different activities (from hiking to lounging on the beaches) I do really take delight in shopping for clothes. I’m certain this small fact is evident with my dachshunds and their extensive wardrobe. Now that we are three, I especially take pleasure in dressing them in matching or coordinating outfits. What do you think friends!??! Are they adorable in their matching sleeveless shirts??? #SleevelessIsAMustForDachshunds #ClothingtheShortLeggedHound  #StyleHounds

For anyone local to SoCal, we grabbed these tees from our friends at Wise Tails Pet Boutique. The local shop is going out of business. It’s truly tragic for us, but we’re doing our best to give them a great send off by encouraging all of our friends to buy them out. We’ve done our part. #BreakingtheBank #FireSale #GoingOutofBusiness #RetailTherapy

Okay friends. Please don’t forget, if you like to shop as much as I do, take advantage of the limited edition collectible Rufus tee that we’re currently offering. All monies raised will be used to produce future fun and educational dachshund centric events in Southern California and around the world. #ThankYou #CanOnlyDoItWithYourHelp #SupportTheBreedYouLove

Have a lovely day dachshund friends.

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

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

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

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

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It’s all about the eyes

Rufus, Wes & Emily | April 2015.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Rufus, Wes & Emily | April 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

As a dedicated dachshund dude and photographer I take a lot of pictures of my hounds and their friends. Every artist has his own voice and point-of-view, and when I’m snapping shots of these little dogs with big personalities I really focus on the eyes. For me their eyes make the picture and allow us to see that they’re so much more than just their funny looking elongated bodies.

When we created the newest Rufus limited edition collectible tees, we had many photos to choose from, and the reason we chose the image that we did was because of the eyes. Yes, we like the extraordinaire pose / action shot of Rufus doing his famous whirling dervish twirl, but moreover, we really liked the sharp, clear and bright capture of his eyes. For us the eyes are window to the soul, and for us, Rufus’ soul is so beautiful.

Okay. We had a few inquiries about the shirts so let me try to address them now. First, unlike some other T-shirt campaigns we don’t have to reach a minimum goal for the shirt to go into production. As long as one shirt is sold, the shirts will be produced and delivered and our charity will receive some money. Second, I don’t like to mass produce or distribute my original photography because for me it cheapens it. So like every other shirt we have produced to date, this shirt will not be produced again. So if you like it, get it now because it will not be available in the future. Third, this is the first time we have offered a new collectible shirt since the Summer 2014. We waited almost a year to produce this shirt because we took some serious time to decide on a fulfilment house and design. We really wanted to offer a full color image (and not a silk screened one-color derivative). We wanted a shirt that clearly showcased the original artistry of the image. Unlike other campaigns our image is original (not stock photography) and can only be had right here, right now.

Friends, you have four short day left to get your Rufus collectible tee and be charitable. If you have been waiting to get yours, please don’t wait much longer, because in the 4 days the opportunity will be gone. We did add some new color options by popular demand.

We have already sold some shirts so for us, we already won. But if you want to take us from a participation ribbon to a bronze, silver or gold medal – buy yours now and help us raise more money for our cause! Many thanks in advance for the support. Have wonderful day friends.

Rufus & Emily | April 2015.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Rufus & Emily | April 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

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¡Feliz cinco de mayo amigos!

Lily | May 2015.  Photo by: Tibbels & Tibbels ©

Lily | May 2015. Photo by: Tibbels & Tibbels ©

Happy, happy cinco de mayo friends. Today’s quick share: In October 2004, I bought this Mexican bandito costume for a Halloween party we were attending with Rufus. The costume cost around $40 and I lamented at the time about spending the money. This was in the very beginning of my dachshund obsession. Well, I can tell you today unequivocally that was the best $40 I ever spent. Rufus has worn and won many Halloween costume parties with this darling outfit. Emily has wore it (and won) and now it’s Lily’s turn in 2015! What do you think??? Does she wear it well???!!

Okay friends. If you’re celebrating today, please be certain to be safe. Don’t drink and drive. Enjoy the photos!!!

Rufus & Lily | May 2015.  Photo by: Tibbels & Tibbels ©

Rufus & Lily | May 2015. Photo by: Tibbels & Tibbels ©

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Happy Star Wars Day!

Princess Emily & Yoda Rufus | May 2015.  Photo by: Tibbels & Tibbels ©

Princess Emily & Yoda Rufus | May 2015. Photo by: Tibbels & Tibbels ©

Yoda Lily & Yoda Rufus | May 2015.  Photo by: Tibbels & Tibbels ©

Yoda Lily & Yoda Rufus | May 2015. Photo by: Tibbels & Tibbels ©

Happy Star Wars Day dachshund friends! About a year ago we bought these cute Princess Leia and Yoda headbands from Petco, and it has been on my to-do list to photograph the pups in them. Today I can finally check that off my list.

May the 4th be with you friends.

*** Breaking news: Late last night our friends from Blade + Blue reached out to us and are extending an exclusive discount to all of you. Use promo code BB+DOGS at checkout and receive 15% off your purchase. Additionally, Blade + Blue has graciously agreed to DONATE 5% of total sales to DOGS!!! Wow. It’s really a win / win situation. The promotion is effective NOW and will run through June 15, 2015. Perfectly timed for anyone looking to get a Father’s Day present.

Reminder: Blade + Blue offer FREE shipping on all orders $100 or more and FREE international shipping on all orders $200 or more.***

Enjoy dachshund friends!

Yoda Rufus | May 2015.  Photo by: Tibbels & Tibbels ©

Yoda Rufus | May 2015. Photo by: Tibbels & Tibbels ©

Princess Emily | May 2015.  Photo by: Tibbels & Tibbels ©

Princess Emily | May 2015. Photo by: Tibbels & Tibbels ©

Yoda Lily | May 2015.  Photo by: Tibbels & Tibbels ©

Yoda Lily | May 2015. Photo by: Tibbels & Tibbels ©

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Blade+Blue

Blade+Blue Boxers & Cardigan | May 2015.  Photo by: Tibbels & Tibbels ©

Blade+Blue Boxers & Cardigan | May 2015. Photo by: Tibbels & Tibbels ©

As a dedicated dachshund human I’m always on the lookout for dachshund themed clothing. The market is saturated with dachshund centric T-shirts, especially for women, but the struggle to find non-Tshirt dachshund clothing for men is real. #FirstWorldProblems

Which is why we were delighted to find Blade+Blue clothing. The independently owned and operated company uses Gavin the dachshund logo on select pieces, and we’re of the mindset that if one must wear a polo, cardigan, boxer shorts, sweater or baseball cap – might as well wear one with the likeness of darling dachshund on it. #DedicatedDachshundDude

Blade+Blue offer a long laundry list of good reasons to shop their shop. First and foremost for me, the head human in charge is also a doting dog person and took inspiration from his two dogs when creating the brand. #DogPeopleRock

Additionally, after having a chance to try the clothes for myself, I really enjoy the craftsmanship, materials used and fit. Many of the pieces are manufactured in the USA when possible, and the company is based out of San Francisco. I always welcome the chance to support to local (California and USA) artisans and companies when I can. #ShopLocal #SupportSmallBusinesses

I’m a big advocate of word-of-mouth referrals and happily share my new find with all of our friends. If you’re in the market for something new – perhaps for a recent grad, Father’s Day or an upcoming birthday, give Blade+Blue a try. At the very least like their Facebook page so you can stay current with what’s new.

Okay dachshund friends. One small caveat. I am NO SUPER MALE MODEL. My dachshunds are extremely photogenic and professional models, but I’m just a regular, average dachshund dude so… in the pictures focus less on me (doing my best Right Said Fred I’m Too Sexy pose) and more on the clothes and the darling dachshunds. Have a wonderful day friends!!

Blade+Blue Cardigan & Polo | May 2015.  Photo by: Tibbels & Tibbels ©

Blade+Blue Cardigan & Polo | May 2015. Photo by: Tibbels & Tibbels ©

Blade+Blue Polo | May 2015.  Photo by: Tibbels & Tibbels ©

Blade+Blue Polo | May 2015. Photo by: Tibbels & Tibbels ©

Blade+Blue Cap | May 2015.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Blade+Blue Cap | May 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Blade+Blue Boxers | May 2015.  Photo by: Tibbels & Tibbels ©

Blade+Blue Boxers | May 2015. Photo by: Tibbels & Tibbels ©

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A lovely day in the neighborhood

Lily, Rufus, Emily & their human | May 2015.  Photo by: Tibbels & Tibbels ©

Lily, Rufus, Emily & their human | May 2015. Photo by: Tibbels & Tibbels ©

Today we took the hounds for a walk around town and found this darling lemonade stand. We had seen it before in passing, but this afternoon proved to be the perfect occasion to snap a few shots. The purple polo with the dachshund logo is courtesy of our friends at Blade + Blue. Check them out. We think they’re groovy and cool!

Don’t forget there are only 8 days left to get your Rufus limited edition collectible tee. We added some new color options. All monies raised will benefit the 501c3 charity Dachshund Outreach Giving and Socialization (DOGS).

If the shirt isn’t your style or out of your price range, please consider making a tax-deductible donation of your choice: http://goo.gl/wcDJJD. No amount is too small (or too big) and every dollar is appreciated. Thanks friends! 

Lily, Rufus, Emily & their human | May 2015.  Photo by: Tibbels & Tibbels ©

Lily, Rufus, Emily & their human | May 2015. Photo by: Tibbels & Tibbels ©

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Rufus loves you!

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

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

Rufus loves you! As you know we launched our 2015 T-shirt campaign / fundraiser a few days ago and have received a lot of positive feedback, but the one thing y’all want is more color options. So we listened and have created a second campaign (since we can’t modify the current one once it launches). Here you go friends! We truly appreciate your support. The unisex shirts are seasonally appropriate and well timed for Spring and Summer fun. They make great gift ideas for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, birthdays or recent grads. They’re available in sizes XS through 2XL courtesy of American Apparel. Please feel free to share with friends via email or other social media platforms. We can only do it with your help! Have a wonderful day dachshund friends.

DOGS' Spring 2015 T-shirt 2.0 | April 2015.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

DOGS’ Spring 2015 T-shirt 2.0 | April 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

DOGS' Spring 2015 T-shirt 2.0 | April 2015.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

DOGS’ Spring 2015 T-shirt 2.0 | April 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

DOGS' Spring 2015 T-shirt 2.0 | April 2015.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

DOGS’ Spring 2015 T-shirt 2.0 | April 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

DOGS' Spring 2015 T-shirt 2.0 | April 2015.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

DOGS’ Spring 2015 T-shirt 2.0 | April 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

DOGS' Spring 2015 T-shirt 2.0 | April 2015.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

DOGS’ Spring 2015 T-shirt 2.0 | April 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

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