Waiting for Santa

Rufus | December 2013.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Rufus | December 2013. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Only two more days until Christmas. Rufus is patiently waiting for Santa. He keeps looking for him outside and standing guard in anticipation. We’re all super excited to see the jovial man with the white beard come down the chimney. Yippee!

Rufus | December 2013.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Rufus | December 2013. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

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Introducing Elvis

Elvis | December 2013.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Elvis | December 2013. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Our newest friend is Elvis. Elvis ended up in the LA shelter system with spinal injuries and dragging his hind legs. Thanks to Animal Synergy, a rescue, rehab and sanctuary for special needs animals and a whole lot of different people; Elvis received the care, time, attention and treatment he needed to walk again. He walks a little funny these days, but for me it only makes him more endearing. Elvis was permanently placed with the same family that loves Kaia and Jake, two other IVDD survivors. Elvis is a doll and getting used to his new family. Anytime you add to the pack it is a transition no matter the dog or circumstances so are wishing our friends the very best of luck on their journey. We look forward to seeing more of Elvis and his pack in 2014.

Elvis | December 2013.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Elvis | December 2013. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

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Celebrating Christmas SoCal style

Rufus | December 2013.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Rufus | December 2013. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

I love our home state of California and today’s featured photos tell you why. Thursday after running some errands, Rufus and I decided to stop by the local beach. With people posting pictures of their dogs covered in snow and with no snow in sight here, we decided to make the most of our own natural resources. On that same day, we also decide to go for a late afternoon hike in the mountain. From the ocean to the mountain all in one day. One person on Facebook said she loved my life to which I replied I wonder what the doxies think of theirs?! Have a wonderful doxie day friends for you and your dachshunds.

Rufus | December 2013.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Rufus | December 2013. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

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Happy 7th Birthday Polie

Polie | March 2011.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Polie | March 2011. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Today our good friend Polie turns 7. From Rufus’ point-of-view, he would probably say Polie is one of his best friends of all time (only second maybe to Benny, another handsome chocolate). From the very beginning they were instant friends, and as Rufus’ human it was so sweet to see. From my point-of-view as a photographer, I must tell you Polie has been one of my most favorite dachshunds to shoot. When I’m photograph Polie we just have fun, and I think that comes across in the pictures. Much like Rufus has his bond with Polie, I have mine and count him among my friends (yes a dog can be a friend in my world). From Rufus, myself and our family we wish Polie a very Happy Birthday! Other dachshunds will come and go in our lives, but Polie will always remain special to us.

Polie | March 2011.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Polie | March 2011. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

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6 days

Emily | December 2013.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Emily | December 2013. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Only 6 short days until Christmas. I hope you’re loving these Christmas theme photos as much as I am. Have a wonderful day doxie friends.

Emily & Rufus | December 2013.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Emily & Rufus | December 2013. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

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Christmas 2013 countdown continued

Lily | December 2013.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Lily | December 2013. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

CHRISTMAS IS ONE WEEK FROM TODAY!!! I’m so excited. I love this holiday for multiple reasons. It’s a great occasion to be with loved ones (not that one needs an occasion or reason, but it certainly helps in today’s fast paced, self-centered culture). It’s also a great opportunity to be thankful for all that you have (that’s not limited to November or simply Thanksgiving Day but for me the whole holiday season), and it’s an opportunity to help those less fortunate that you – two legged, four legged and everything in between. Right now DOGS doesn’t have a set holiday recipient to lavish and spoil – it’s been a busy year, but we’re sincerely looking forward to working more closely with the Humane Society of Ventura County and others both near and far. In 2014 we eagerly plan to advance our outreach programs and giving with your continued help. We always welcome your financial support – from general donations to buying a book, T-shirt or watch but… if you’re not donating to us this holiday season, please be certain to donate to the charity of your choice. It really does make the holiday season that much sweeter when you know you’ve seized the moment to give in a season intended for it. Have a wonderful day doxie friends and enjoy my silly doxies playing Santa. Rufus looks more like a troll doll than Santa I think, but I love it all just the same.

Lily & Rufus | December 2013.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Lily & Rufus | December 2013. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

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Fun with dachshunds

Emily | December 2013.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Emily | December 2013. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Someone jokingly asked if I have fun with my dachshunds on the Facebook yesterday. The question was rhetorical, but I have to proudly admit I have fun with my dachshunds every single day. Proof is in the pictures. They make me laugh and their willingness (and eagerness) to do anything I ask cracks me up. As of late Rufus and Emily will do just about anything – wear antlers, hats and so much more. Lily is getting more curious and amiable to the idea of being a doxie supermodel, but still needs a little practice. Luckily we have all the time in the world. Enjoy the fruits of fun doxie friends. Only 8 days until Christmas.

Rufus | December 2013.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Rufus | December 2013. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

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3 dachshund domination

Rufus, Emily & Lily | December 2013.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Rufus, Emily & Lily | December 2013. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

From my dachshunds pack to you and yours, have a wonderful day. Only 9 short days before Christmas – ready or not, here it comes. Last minute gift ideas. Make it a great day doxie friends.

Rufus, Emily & Lily | December 2013.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Rufus, Emily & Lily | December 2013. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

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Holiday card 2013

Emily, Lily & Rufus | December 2013.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Emily, Lily & Rufus | December 2013. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Still trying to decide on our holiday card for 2013 (while I also try to decide if I want to even send them this year). Well whatever decision we arrive at, I’m having fun reviewing our options and sharing them with you. What do you think of these?! Do you think these three doxies could pull Santa’s sled?! Have a wonderful day friends. Only 10 more short days until Christmas. Yippee!

Emily, Lily & Rufus | December 2013.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Emily, Lily & Rufus | December 2013. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

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Doxie Santa

Rufus | December 2013.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Rufus | December 2013. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

I still haven’t picked a photo for our 2013 holiday card and time is running out. The holidays are certainly fun, but if you’re not careful they can easily pass you by. Wish us luck as we continue to consider our options. I must tell you though, Rufus and Emily are killing it these days as models. They’re serving yuletide spirit all day long. I just now need to work with Lily and get her acclimated to the family profession. She reminds me so much of how Emily used to be. Enjoy the photos friends and remember to be good because Doxie Santa knows if you’ve been naughty or nice.

Emily | December 2013.  Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Emily | December 2013. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

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