Posts Tagged ‘dachshund
Happy Halloweenie!
In the spirit of Halloween here are some pictures of my Dachshund, Ammo, and his best friend, Trooper, dressed up in their favorite bearable costumes.


Ponies aren't supposed to eat Dinosaurs




But mom....he tastes so good!
-KD
www.ponypaintings.com
I’m on TV mom!
OK so I was going to wait a few more days to post this…because I thought I could get a better video of it, but I just can’t wait any longer.
My boys were on National TV!! Thats right, Ammo the Dachshund and Minnow appeared on Animal Planet’s America’s Cutest Dogs clip show on Saturday, October 24th. They weren’t one of the main videos – but a short clip of them showed up in the “Odd Couples” section. The coolest thing about it is that I didn’t even know that they had made the show. In the beginning of the summer I received an e-mail from Animal Planet’s casting director mentioning that they had come across my videos of Ammo and Minnow playing on youtube. They asked if I would consider submitting them to be considered for the show. Of course I agreed (how cool would that be) – they came back to me a few months later and asked if I would sign some release forms – which had me thinking they were really going to use the clips. But after several more months of not hearing anything I assumed they decided to go a different direction. That is until I got a facebook message from a friend who said she was watching the show and saw a clip of my boys on the show.
When I got the message I of course rushed to the tv to try to record a re-run of the episode. Thankfully it was playing again and I was able to catch all the action. Neat to think that even though it was a small clip someone still recognized them on the show. Anyway – without further ado…here is the clip as seen on the show followed by the full original video that I took of them.
Pretty cool. I hope that its the first of many television appearances – and this is infact the very first time any of the Trick Ponies have made it on TV – and to think its on Animal Planet! Way to aim high boys!
A Day at the Beach

My husband and I with the Bride and Groom
Ok so I know I’ve sort of disappeared this past week, but for good reason. One of my good friends got married to my husband’s best friend last Friday. I was a bridesmaid and my husband was the best man – needless to say we were very busy last week. I had to get a spray on tan to get rid of my blinding farmers tan (what can I say, I spend too much time at the farm) and we had to arrange “day care” for the Dachshund – he got to spend 2 days at my parents romping with his partner in crime, Trooper. So now that I’m recovered and back from a hectic week its time to get back to posting! And I have a lot to share! You might think that I wouldn’t have much given the busy state of last week, but I actually have tons to report on about the Trick Ponies as well as the Dachshund – I also have some fantastic news to announce! But the announcement will have to wait (I need some time to prepare the videos) so I will leave it to speculation right now and you will just have to check back in this week.

Grandma's Beach House
So onto the post for today. This is semi old news as it happened on Saturday, October 17th. And unfortunately it does not involve the Trick Ponies (but oh how I wish it did). On the 17th my family and I took a trip to Ocean City, NJ for the day. The real agenda for the trip was to pack up my grandmother’s decaying beach house as it was sold and settlement is happening this week. My grandmother lived there for decades and it has been in my mother’s family for generations. Sadly the house is in pretty bad shape and beyond repair at this point in its life. So without being able to afford a rebuild – and in desperate need of money – my grandmother has reluctantly agreed to sell. Its sad to see it go, as I remember beach trips there as a child, walking to the corner shop for candy, and taking the dogs for a hike on the beach.

Saying Goodbye to the Past
So last Saturday we went down for one last jaunt as we packed up my grandmothers left behind belongings. I secretly was excited to make the trip because I wanted to take the Dachshund on the beach. This would be the first time he was to see the ocean – and I was excited to see what he would think. Sadly on Saturday it was pouring rain (not ideal beach weather) – but I bundled the dog up anyway and headed to the beach with him. Below you can watch a video of his first encounter in the sea…I think he was a bit surprised by it.

Trooper and Ammo at the Beach
Trooper, my parent’s Lab/Australian Shepherd Mix (and Ammo’s best friend) had great fun running in and out of the ocean and chasing seagulls with Ammo. We eventually had to pull them away because Ammo got a bit cold, but I bundled him up in dry clothes and he quickly became warm again. My only regret was I couldn’t bring the ponies. I have dreamed of the day that I can ride Minnow on the beach. I’ve always wanted to gallop him through the water – and hopefully someday it will come true, as you are allowed to ride horses on Assateague Island (Minnow’s birthplace) in the fall and winter months. I haven’t been able to make the trip yet, but it is certainly on my to-do list.

Ammo a little cold from all the wind
I’m glad Ammo got to experience his first visit to the ocean, I strongly believe in acclimating my animals to new environments and surroundings (the horses are included in this as well). Socializing your animals and taking them with you places makes them much more adaptable and happier. The Dachshund goes with me everywhere – and he is one of the most well adjusted dogs I have ever had. Now grant it I know its not always possible to take your dog (or horse) everywhere – but take your dog to the dog park, bring him in the pet store to buy dog food – let him ride around in the car with you when you run errands (as long as its not too hot or cold in the car), take him to a friend’s house. I even practice this methodology with my horses. Take them to horse shows just to watch, drive them around in the trailer without actually going anywhere, I take them swimming at the local lake, mine have even been to tack shops (for appearances), and I take them on walks…much like you would a dog. Anywhere you can take your horse/dog that is new and different helps them to become well adjusted. I also believe it helps with their confidence. Confidence can go a long way when it comes to despooking a horse or keeping a dog from being nervous or aggressive in new situations. Dachshunds are notorious for being snappy and aggressive with other dogs and small children – but thankfully my Ammo has never displayed any of this – and I believe its thanks to the fact that I have taken him places since he was 8 weeks old.
So I’m giving everyone some homework, this week think of somewhere you haven’t taken you dog or horse (or any pet) and make an effort to take him/her there sometime soon. If you take me up on my challenge be sure to post a comment and give us a report of how it went! I’d love to hear!
They Grow Up Fast
Its a rainy miserable day here in Eastern Pa. Thats why today I decided to share a “warm your heart” video – of the Dachshund none-the-less. Because lets face it, he’s super adorable and I know you all love him. He just might have to start his own blog like Burger from Young House Love . If you have no idea what I’m talking about go check it out. But until then Ammo is more than happy to make guest appearances on the Trick Ponies of Chincoteague Blog (of course if no one minds – which I’m sure you don’t).
Anyway, I took this video today after our rainy walk into my shop in town. Ammo got his cute sweater all wet in the rain, which didn’t make him very happy. So rather than wait for me to take the sweater off for him (I’m sorry Ammo I was a bit pre-occupied with checking e-mails and of course facebook) Ammo took matters into his own hands paws. Luckily I have a camera glued to me at all times – so I was able to capture his cute attempt to de-robe himself. Oh they grow up so fast – my boy can undress himself now.
-KD
www.ponypaintings.com
The Dachshund gets a Pony

Ammo
Its really fall…and I love it! But sadly that also means that I will have less and less time to do new posts because as we near the holiday season my store begins to get busier – leaving less time for the things I love. Also the days begin to darken earlier, which means I won’t be riding during the week much – so the Trick Ponies will become a little fatter and a lot lazier. So don’t hate on me too much for not posting as regularly. I will try my best!

Ammo
That being said, I’m a little late in giving a weekend recap of my October celebrations. October 4th I celebrated my 1 year wedding Anniversary and little Ammo celebrated his 1st Birthday on October 5th. So I’d like to share some of the photos and videos with you from these milestones. Ammo had a spectacular Birthday, I spoil him way too much, but what can I say he’s my special little sidekick who spends every second of the day with me – I don’t know what I’d do without him. We mostly thought the birthday cake and gift wrapped present would make for some really funny photos. What can I say – I’m a sucker for photos. So anyway, enjoy the photos and videos – and kiss your pup when you get home.
Photos from Ammo’s Birthday and our Anniversary.



