Hi! I’m Sasha, a 12-year-old longhaired dachshund, and I’m this year’s HSPPR Spokesdog!
My story with my family began in 2022, just a few days after they unexpectedly lost their beloved dachshund, Ziggy, HSPPR’s 2021 Spokesdog. They received a call from a friend in the Colorado Springs Lowriders Dachshund Meetup Group who knew about me and my sister, Penny. I was 8 years old, and my previous family was having trouble finding new homes for us. My new family already had another dachshund, Ollie, HSPPR’s 2024 Spokesdog, so they knew bringing home two more dogs would be a big change. I guess you could say I had some pretty big paws to fill! But they came to meet me anyway.
I think I made a pretty good first impression. I was beautiful, well-behaved, and playful. I was also very bonded to Penny, who was only 3 years old. After a little family discussion about whether they were really ready for three dachshunds of very different ages, they decided to bring both of us home.
I’m pretty glad they did.
When I first arrived, Penny and I had plenty of energy. We loved playing chase, racing around the dining room table, and zooming up the ramp to the sofa and back down again. Our evening
play sessions could leave toys scattered all over the family room. These days, I’m a little more peaceful, but I still have plenty of personality.
My family describes me as motherly, smart, and sweet. I’ve never been a mom, but I have all the motherly instincts. I’m especially interested in checking on Gus, my 10-year-old adopted brother. I make sure he’s doing okay with plenty of sniffing, grooming, and snuggling.
I also have a very important job keeping everyone on schedule. I have an incredibly accurate internal clock, and I know when it’s time for meals, snacks, the last trip outside, and bedtime. If my family ever loses their watches, they can just ask me.
I’m also VERY excited to meet people. I have a high-pitched squeal that might make you think something is terribly wrong, but I promise I’m fine. I’m just excited! I love sniffing ankles, jumping up to say hello, and eventually getting to the important part: snuggling and licking.
Of course, I have a few other quirks.
After every meal, I spend about 30 minutes making sure no crumbs or food splatters have been left behind. I’ll lick my bowl, the rugs, cabinet doors and pretty much anywhere else that might contain a tiny morsel. My family says this is one of the things I do that instantly makes them smile.
And when it’s hot outside, I have my own special way of cooling down. I lie on my back, belly-up, and squiggle around. Sometimes I stay like that for so long that my family has to poke me to make sure I’m still okay.
I may be 12, but I can still surprise everyone with my speed. Whenever my family comes home, Penny, Gus and I wait at the garage door to greet them. Then we race toward the house, and I often take the lead. Gus usually runs off in circles around the yard, which makes it a little easier for me to claim victory.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve slowed down a little. I have some early kidney and heart issues and had a significant surgery earlier this year, so I’m happiest enjoying the quieter parts of life. I love exploring the backyard, visiting the groomer, taking plenty of naps and staying close to my people.
One of my favorite things is taking care of Susan. She has needed to rest more following surgeries, so I climb onto my hassock, step into the recliner, and settle into whatever space is available so I can rest my head in her lap.
My family says senior dogs make wonderful additions to a family. We already know many of the house rules, we’re often a little more mellow, and we have so much love to give.
I think I’m pretty good proof of that.
I came into the Darby family during a difficult time, and somehow, we became exactly what each other needed. I got a family who loves my quirks, my squeals, my belly-up lounging, and even my constant crumb hunting.
And they got me.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think it’s almost time for a snack.
I’ll be watching the clock.
Love,
Sasha
