Kramer's Diary

The end

2010-10-19T19:44:00.002+10:00

Kramer died on Saturday October 16th 2010.

He's with me again

2009-07-03T15:30:00.003+10:00

occasionally.
After being overseas for much of the last 18 months, you'd think Kramer would forget me, but of course he hasn't. These days he's an indoor dog - especially since he had the stroke, but he's pretty good. He usually goes to the back door and waits if he wants to "go" so there's rarely an accident. He likes to find a place in the morning where the sun streams in and he'll curl up and sleep in the sun. If I am at home and working in my downstairs den he will either be with me - right at my side where if I take the office chair on a spin I'm likely to run over an ear, or a foot, but I usually remember to look first. Today he found a spot near the front door - in amongst the shopping bags that are waiting to be taken to the car.

He is pretty naughty sometimes. If we let him have a "lapsit" he expects it all the time and will sit and "talk" if I am sitting on the lounge - hoping that I will not only understand his talk but lift him up to be on my lap. If I do it once, he's really pushy, so we tend to only do it occasionally.

Cute photo?

Kramer's Odd Behaviour

2009-02-15T08:02:00.004+10:00

How weird he has been. I guess it started at 4.30 am yesterday morning. I am home alone as my husband is in hospital. Kramer needed to "go" - outside. He sat by my bed and "spoke" to me in his doggy voice.

It was pouring with rain so there we were on the back lawn as he relieved himself. I tried to go back to bed and sleep afterwards, but there was quite a lot of traffic noise and eventually I got up.

During the day Kramer was more active than he has been of recent times. When the granddaughter visited, he was rather horny and did what a log of dogs do - we call it "humping" and the little girl was put on the lounge - out of his reach.

Later in the day I had a visitor, after I had returned from the hospital. Kramer was extremely restless. We'd had quite a few walks around the back yard, and he seemed to be looking for something. Looking for my husband perhaps? But he has been away from home on and off for the last two weeks and Kramer has not behaved like this.

When my friend was here, he was so restless and disruptive. Often "talking" loudly and interrupting any conversation. I took him outside, and I gave him extra food. Nothing seemed to settle him.

When my friend left, he continued. As he had previously had a stroke, I was wondering if he was in pain or something, but there was no sign of pain. He seemed "happy".

Later he dug a hole into newspapers. Really odd.

Eventually he did settle.

He's still a bit odd today. I don't know what is going on.............

Is he deaf or pretending?

2009-02-12T21:07:00.002+10:00

It is hard to tell now, but I think Kramer is deaf. Or he sleeps so soundly he hears nothing. Today our daughter came, range the front door bell and I opened the door and let her in. Kramer was some 8 feet from the door and didn't lift his head. He kept on sleeping soundly. It was around 8.30 am and he had slept all night too. He sleeps in the house so I hear him if he wanders around.

My daughter said 'Kramer must be the laziest dog in the world' so I gave him a gently push and he opened his eyes and saw my daughter sitting on the lounge chair. He was startled and offered a soft "woof".

And then looked like he ws embarrassed, curled up and went back to sleep. I do think his hearing is failing.

Kramer and Kahlua

2009-02-07T08:27:00.002+10:00

This is not the story of a dog with a drinking problem. It is the story of two dogs who really didn't get on well.

Dachshunds are strange dogs - and often are intimidated by dogs that are larger than them - which means most dogs.

Kramer was already five years old when Kahlua came into his life. My son-in-law and daughter bought a German Shepherd puppy, and by the time Kahlua and Kramer came face to face the former was already a big dog.

We would often go for picnics and for many reasons the dogs were always on a leash, and they seemed to get on OK. Perhaps a little cautious around each other, but OK. But when Kahlua visited Kramer at home, fur flew! Kramer could not accept this big visitor, so unless we went on outing where both dogs were on a leash, they saw little of each other.

My daughter and son in law always said that Kahlua was their "practice" for having children of their own, and it wasn't long before their first daughter arrived. Kahlua was so gentle with her, and there's no doubt there was a deep love. When daughter number two arrived the love affairs continued.

By this time the family had moved to a bigger property, and Kahlua enjoyed the great freedom of roaming a 2 1/2 acre property. She enjoyed the horses on agistment she rounded up the chickens, she welcomed all the guests and intimidated those who visited for unknown reasons. No one got past Kahlua at the front gate - even delivery men trembled as she bared her teeth at them from a few feet away, and many a church canvasser has been seen running down the driveway with Kahlua in hot pursuit.

Whether she would do anything to anyone she caught we will never know - but it was always fun to watch, and rescue those folk who had a legitimate reason to visit.

Sadly on the night of Thursday February 5th 09, Kahlua took ill. She vomited a few times, and seemed to have trouble with her bowels. Maybe in pain. My son in law was away working, and in the early hours of the morning my daughter sat with Kahlua not realising that the illness was so serious.

Around 4.30 am, I received a phone call from a teary daughter. "Can you come. I have to take Kahlua to the vet."

I flew out of the house in some clothes that I had hurriedly "thrown on" and was around at her place just on five minutes later, as she drove to the vet.

Two little teary girls were at the front door. I took them in, cuddled them and tried to get them back to bed.

Soon after 6 am I phoned my daughter. Sadly Kahlua had been euthanised. My daughter had managed to locate her husband and he was there to say goodbye to his most loved friend.

There were soon five of us sobbing, and cuddling. The family decided to bury Kahlua on the property, and during the morning a huge hole was dug near the house. A wonderful friend came to help - for it was not an easy task in the hard soil.

Late yesterday, Kahlua was buried in a very moving ceremony. She was wrapped in her blanket from her bed, and we all patted her and said goodbye. When her body was lowered into the hole we threw flower petals onto her, and my daughter read a long dissertation which we had all helped create, about the things Kahlua did, and what she meant to us all.

The youngest was truly overcome with grief and ran from the scene - but soon came back. She stood at the grave site in her purple tutu and sang a song for Kahlua. A love song.

We talked about never forgetting Kahlua and how she had made our lives much richer. Kramer was not at the service and will probably never know that Kahlua has gone. He has his own health problems.

It was a very moving ceremony and the two girls learned so much on this day. I am sure they will be sad for a long time, but they are strong.

The scary blue light

2009-02-02T13:43:00.002+10:00

We have a water filter and cooler in the kitchen, and we had a few issues. One (still under warranty) spilled its contents on the kitchen floor and through the drawers underneath its stand. So it was parcelled up along with the receipt to prove the date of purchase and returned to the store.

Apparently there was some problem with providing us with a replacement, but in the end we got a new Sunbeam Brita - sparkling model that sits on the bench and we've had no problems with it. When it is going through one of its cycles, a blue light appears on the front of it.

The new model had only been installed a couple of days and Kramer had a call of nature during the night and after waking my husband, he trotted out to wait by the kitchen door. It was around 3 am. As he walked into the kitchen, Kramer spied the blue light!

He barked ferociously at the light, and my husband hurried towards the kitchen to see what was causing the commotion. In the darkness of the kitchen the blue light shone brightly and he noticed it for the first time. The nasty blue light! So he barked in a frenzy.

He was soon shown that it was all OK, and he has not bothered with the blue light since. If only he was that observant when the burglar entered the house a few of months ago!!!

Kramer improves

2009-02-02T13:40:00.003+10:00

It is some months since I reported on Kramer's stroke. He's back to normal - almost - and still living happily. His only residual problem is that his head is always to one side, as if he is looking for a special answer.

He has been my husband's only companion while I was working in China, and has made indoors his home, and seldom goes out. We carry him up and down stairs, so every couple of hours we remind him of his need to relieve himself. He's not always keen, but when he is put on the ground downstairs he always obliges.

He has slowed down a bit - so he is quite lazy now. Lazier than before, but his sense of fun persists and sometimes he's quite funny as he runs around, or runs away when he has worked out we are going out.

Kramer is ill.

2008-10-27T08:47:00.001+10:00

I have just learned that Kramer is ill. Apparently he had a stroke on Friday last. When my husband returned from work on Friday he found Kramer all wobbly with his eyes rolling in his head. He promptly took him to the vet. It appears that he has had a stroke! He is not a well boy. He is still at the vet - and the concern at the moment is that he is not eating. He is getting on in years now. Here I am in China while he is not well, and I am shedding a few tears already. I wonder what will happen to our lovely Kramer.

Kramer and the Robber

2008-08-11T08:27:00.003+10:00

While I was in China we had a robbery at home. MM was mowing the lawns out the front of the house and a young man took the opportunity of sneaking in the side gate and entering the house via the back door.

Kramer was in the back yard.

When MM finished mowing and put the mower in the shed he looked around for Kramer. He was no where to be seen.

When MM went in the house he was surprised to see Kramer inside, and it was a short time later that he found that his wallet, camera etc had been stolen. He realized what had happened and called the Police.

We knew Kramer was not a good watch dog - but it seems that he was let inside the house by the robber. Probably made friends with the robber!

(Ps - Insurance cover the cost of the loss - new cards, money, wallet, mobile phone, etc, etc) and as far as we know the robber is still at large.

Kramer? He's still friends with everyone - he can't tell which ones are friends and which are robbers. Probably lucky he didn't give the robber a hard time as he might have been injured.

Two snorers

2008-07-22T08:53:00.002+10:00

I'm not happy that Kramer is now sleeping in the bedroom - but how can I change it now? How can I make him return to his night bed of many years downstairs near the laundry? In the house, but not in the human's living quarters.

So I have to endure two snorers in the bedroom now! I really must put on my tape recorder and record the amazing sounds of these two snoring - not in sync, but creating a strange noise that can keep me awake. At the moment I am rarely home as I am house sitting. Not far from home, so I spend a lot of time with my two snorers, though luckily not much at night!

Kramer is losing his hearing - and so I can arrive at the house and walk in without him noticing. Watch dog indeed!

(We know he isn't a good watch dog. We still don't know what he did several months ago when a real thief entered our house and helped himself to MM's wallet, camera and other things! Probably slept through it all!)

Sure he is getting older, and no doubt his faculties are diminishing, but he's happy. Happy to go to get the paper in the morning (in the car!) and happy to laze around. When the grandchildren visit, he perks up a bit and makes himself comfortable with them.

Life goes on!

Kramer gets fat

2008-07-08T22:02:00.003+10:00

I've returned from China - and as MM and major carer of Kramer while I was away, had also visited China so that we could return together so Kramer stayed in style with his carer at Manly.

We arrived in Brisbane around 9.30 am - very weary after 28 hours without much sleep (who can sleep well on an airplane unless they are travelling at the pointy end of the plan?) - and called in to collect Kramer early in the afternoon.

There he was lying on his back, on the couch with his carer who was gently rubbing his tummy, as they both watched a replay of the Wimbledon tennis singles finals from the night before. His tummy was bulging! Fat as........

He was so well cared for and spoiled he took a few minutes to register that we - his owners and carers for most of his life - had arrived. I think he had to consider his options at this point. Slowly he acknowledged us, and I picked up this huge "conjob" of a dog. He had apparently turned his nose up at his usual food, so rice was added, and then in the end, he'd conned the carers enough that he seemed to be sharing whatever they ate!!!!

And he had put on weight. His tummy was bulging!

He was too well cared for!!! Spoiled rotten. He even slept with the carers. On their bed!!!!

What a life Kramer has had.

Now, he's hardly neglected at home. While I have been away in China, he's slept all night in the main bedroom with MM!!!!!

Kramer hates kennels

2008-04-15T12:25:00.002+10:00

One of the problems when one has an domestic pet is that they need care 24/7, 365 days of each year and it is a bit restrictive when one wants to travel from home.

So with me in China, and MM wanting to go to a conference on the Gold Coast the issue of Kramer's care arose. There was an advertisement for some dog carers who take care of the animals in their home, just like a boarder. The people had previously had their own pets, but were without them at the time and decided to care for the pets of other people rather than get another one.

So Kramer when there for a few days. I think he was very spoiled - in any case, he returned home safely and not as stressed as he usually does coming from the kennels.

A new solution has arisen. It is a little more expensive than kennels, plus we had to provide his food, but the conditions are much more personal. And he liked it.

In China

2008-03-11T19:09:00.002+10:00

As I am in China now I have not seen Kramer for several weeks now - except on Skype. He has no idea that he is being held in front of a camera for me to see him. I do miss all at home - Kramer especially - but that is life as I learn more about China and teach English here.

I do not see many dogs here in China - but strangely a lot more than I expected to see. I saw two on a busy road on Sunday and feared for them, but I suspect that any dog that ventures on to a Chinese road is either very silly or very clever. I think though that most people would go out of their way to dodge them.

Surprisingly many of my students are afraid of dogs. Few have them as pets at home, so they are a little fearful of them.

I didn't bring a photo of Kramer - but one day when I work out how to use the AV at the school, I will show them some photos of him.

Check up on my exploits in China here.

The stolen tomato sandwich

2008-02-06T04:26:00.000+10:00

Yesterday I made myself a tomato sandwich - and it was a good one with thick slices of tomato on my linseed bread. I had eaten half of it, when I suddenly remembered I needed to get something from my bedroom draw, so left my sandwich on it's place on the coffee table. I was gone from the room for only a minute or two, but when I returned Kramer was happily munching on my sandwich. He had somehow climbed up to the table - at least leaned up with his front paws and taken it and eaten the lot. I know I shouldn't have tempted him - and I know by the way he licked his lips that he enjoyed the snack.

Afterwards he went back to doing what he does most of the time - sleeping. He is going to miss me when I go to China. He's funny when I come home from one of my adventures - he "dumps" MM who has cared for him in my absence and becomes my very best friend.

Lazy Days

2008-02-02T05:29:00.000+10:00

It is hard to get Kramer motivated. Perhaps it is the heat and humidity, or just that he is getting older, but it is hard to get him to do anything. In fact if we left him to sleep all day IN the house, he would be fine.

He has been very naughty and noisy - in part due to noisy neighbours I suspect - but he's barked at night. We know he only wants to come inside the house - and forsake his "bedroom" downstairs.

So I decided to take him for a walk. Walk? You can almost hear him protesting. He leaps up and around when the lead is produced and he helps to put it on, but at 6 feet from the bottom of the steps he stops. It is hard to know why - is he wanting someone to carry him on his "walk"?

Sometimes we have no choice - he just refuses to budge - but I insisted he walk. He'd walk a short distance and stop. And just sit and look around him as if he is on a sightseeing tour.

Until I "kickstart" him again.

It is so painful. No wonder we don't enthusiastically organise a walk for him as often as we should.

Wet and smelly

2008-01-08T08:01:00.000+10:00

We have had constant rain for several weeks. Not always heavy rain, although there is widespread flooding in south east Queensland and northern New South Wales, and millions dollars of damage has been done.

Here we have had more rain than in recent times, but still are in "drought" officially as our water supplies are less than optimum.

The trouble with days of rain, and high humidity is that dogs (and cats, and other animals I guess) get to smell. Kramer is really on the bugle. Phew!

And guess what a dog will do when he/she has just been washed? Roll in the wet smelly grass. So one has to be well organised to wash the dog and get him dried quickly and inside. We do use a hair dryer to dry him, but he's often very challenged by the noise of the dryer. But he looks and smells so nice when he is nice and clean.

I think today is dog washing day!

Lazy Dog

2008-01-03T15:26:00.001+10:00

Kramer's not done anything very strenuous lately. I know he is getting older - and the weather has been wet and windy, so he seldom goes outside. He stays indoors as long as he can and sleeps as long as he can.

Still cute. But lazy!

Kramer on the mat

2007-12-18T20:04:00.000+10:00

Kramer enjoyed lying on the carpet at Lagoon Pocket B & B when we stayed there. A lot more accomodation places are accepting well behaved dogs.

We have found that not all of these accomodations that accept dogs have one item that is essential. A fenced yard - so that the dogs don't get curious and wander off. Gives a little more peace to the dog owners.

Kramer wouldn't go far from us - but still we would have liked a fence.

What a cute dog!

2007-12-10T16:29:00.001+10:00

It doesn't matter where we go Kramer makes friends. With humans that is. NOT other dogs. As well as attacking his reflection, he showed the same animosity to the other dogs. Two large dogs stayed with their owner in one of the other suites. Fortunately at the other end of the complex, so they didn't have to cross paths.

When we went to dinner at the hosts home on the Saturday night, the two other dogs were there too. James and ?, (I've forgotten the name momentarily)and Kramer made very threatening noises, so they were cast out of the little deck, and Kramer remained the only dog. If the other dogs dared come near he'd growl, while meanwhile sucking up to all the other adults at the dinner. The hosts and the other guests.

And he gets away with it! I mean he really should make friends with the other dogs, but it all seems too hard. It is easier to keep him on a leash and keep him close to us, so that he can't threaten the other bigger dogs.

On the Sunday morning it was the same, though only one of the bigger dogs was there. The other had disgraced himself by rolling in some fresh cow poo, so was banished for the morning.

Oh, well!

What a sight!

2007-12-10T12:25:00.000+10:00

This is Kramer in his harness asleep while we were travelling. Does he look relaxed?

Kramer on holiday

2007-12-10T12:05:00.000+10:00

We left early on Friday morning with Kramer strapped in his harness on the back seat. He somehow managed to get out of the harness until I tightened it. (He's been clipped and is not as wooly as he sometimes has been. We left the main highway before Nambour and went to the supermarket to pick up a few items (including dog food) that we had forgotten before heaving home. We left Kramer in the carfor the short time, but when we came back he had his snout in my handbag searching for treats.

Back in his harness we kept going and called in at a few small towns along the Mary Valley Highway. We got out of the car at one small town and found a cafe for lunch. A small pizza was shared at a table under the awning of the shop. We remarked at the way the country shops had these huge awnings which provided much shade from the burning sun, and a wonderful spot for outdoor eating.

Kramer made a friend or two - people are always coming to him for a pat. "Isn't he cute" etc. which of course he loves.

We arrived at the B & B in the afternoon, and met up with the hosts, and their dog, Tulla. Kramer was less than friendly - so we kept them apart.

The accomodation was wonderful, and they do allow the dogs inside the room. Kramer clip clopped along the plastic timberlook floor and sounded like he was tap dancing.

He went for a short walk - but as usual decided that walking was not for him! We ate a snack meal in our room, without going "out" to dine, and Kramer tried to settle into this unfamiliar surroundings.

Late in the day as the sun was going down, Kramer spied his reflection in the glass door. Immediately his tail and hackles went up, and he growled as he walked towards his menacing reflection! It was all over in a split second as he launched onto the mystery dog and banged his face into the glass door. He couldn't work it out.

We laughed and laughed, while Kramer just looked confused.

Kramer's Holiday Plans

2007-12-06T05:49:00.000+10:00

Owning a Gerbera Farm limits one's holiday time, but this week we are all going away. Yes, Kramer too! We have found a Bed and Breakfast up near Gympie, that takes dogs too, so Kramer is about to have a holiday with us.

We will only be away for two days - but that will be a nice break. The folk at the B & B have dogs, as it is a working farm too, so apparently (according to an email I received) the dogs there are looking forward to meeting Kramer.

Kramer is not too fussed about other dogs, so it will be interesting.

He has a harness for driving long distances in the car, and lies on his back in a completely relaxed fashion with his feet in the air. We call it Qantas Club - for he does treat such adventures as if he is a VIP. And of course he is!

So, today he has a bath, and tomorrow early we set off for our adventure. I can feel some photographs coming on..............

Kramer is Ageing

2007-11-27T06:19:00.001+10:00

Well, aren't we all. But more and more Kramer is sleeping for long periods and doing very little office.

But he still can be naughty. He loves to look in the kitchen tidy and see if there is any food for him. We do usually remember, if we are leaving him unattended in the house we put the kitchen tidy up on the bench.

This week though, he had a good feed. The bone, still with meat on it, from the lamb roast some days before was in the bin and proved too much of a temptation. When MM returned to the kitchen after going downstairs to do something, found Kramer midst a pile of debris from the kitchen tidy, chewing on the bone. When he was "sprung" and ran without the bone with his tail between his legs to the front door. As if he could get out there!

There's still life in the old dog.

Kramer has a hair cut

2007-11-16T07:36:00.000+10:00

We do send Kramer to Hair of the Dog on a regular basis for a bath and a clip. These days, at the beginning of summer he gets a real hair cut, and comes home with a spring in his step! He really does enjoy not having all that excess hair.

In December we are going away and have found a B & B which also welcomes one's canine pet. It is just out of Gympie - so quite a drive but we are looking forward to spending two nights at Lagoon Pocket.

Kramer will enjoy the trip and the two days of relaxation.

Where have I been?

2007-11-01T19:11:00.000+10:00

I've just noticed how long it is since I've posted on Kramer's Diary. I apologise. It is very slack of me, especially as the last entry was about Kramer being sick.

Here it is November 1st, and he is alive and well, of course. In fact he's a pretty cool dude right now as he was clipped yesterday, and I'm sure he's quite happy about that as the weather has become hot and humid and he'd be more comfortable, much more comfortable without all that excess fur.

We send him to Hair of the Dog - with Kim Thorne at Manly. We met Kim when she was a vet nurse at our local vet and we've learned that she does a great job with Kramer. And he likes going there.

Yesterday he was the last dog in the shop - and he was fretting a bit when he realised that he was the only remaining canine!

MM picked him up and walked him out to the car, andwhen he reached the footpath he did a massive pee, as he usually does. He can hold on while he's at Hair of the Dog, but the smile of relief on his face afterwards was unmistakable.

He's been pretty good lately - though found more hiding places when he works out that we are going out and he is to be send down to his day bed. Oh, well.

Kramer gets sick

2007-09-01T21:35:00.000+10:00

One morning when we went to let Kramer out for the day he was decidedly sick. He just didn't move. He lay on his bed moaning. We suspected it was his back, and tried to get to the vet. It wasn't until late in the day that we could get an appointment.

He was a sore and sorry boy - but gladly his only ailment was his back, as we had thought. He had some skin irritions and we think that scratching he has caused some strain on his back. In any case it slowed him down somewhat. He is on medication, and is much better though he's lost whatever spring he had in his step.

He actually ignored the grand children when they arrived. Instead of jumping for joy when they came, he barely raises his head, so he must still be a bit sore.

Perhaps we should take him for a walk? :)

It's been raining for almost a week

2007-08-25T15:20:00.000+10:00

Kramer does not like rain. When he has to go out for his ablutions he treads tippy toe on the wet grass and "goes" under a wheel barrow. I think he also "holds on" as long as he can - and then it is quite a rush.

Since he did pee in the house some months ago after he came back from kennels with an infection he's maintained his good standard in the house - but sometimes it does become urgent for him and he runs back and forth and pushes us to make us take notice of him.

We are getting a new lounge suite -beautiful black leather - and of course he will not be allowed on it - we are wondering if we will give him one of the old (current) footstools to use. He likes being up close and personal - and at the same height as us, so it is a possibility.

Somehow he is always in our considerations.

Kramer and the Lord Mayor

2007-08-20T06:16:00.000+10:00

There has been much foreshore development along Wynnum Manly - and on Sunday the Manly end was officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Campbell Newman.

The Lord Mayor used to have dachshunds so he told us as he patted Kramer on the head. Kramer loves public events as everyone wants to pat him. "Isn't he cute" is the mantra, and he quite happily snuggles up to anyone who says nice things to him.

Kramer didn't want to walk - "What? Get my feet wet?" - but how does a dog get exercise if he is carried everywhere? And he gets heavy after a while.

So we "forced" him to walk. With the rain he got wet paws (how Kramer hates that!) and a wet "undercarriage" and sulked for the rest of the day.

Kramer and the dogwash.

2007-08-18T14:19:00.000+10:00

The weather has been cold for sometime and every occasion we want to bath Kramer, it is bitterly cold, so he's been a bit neglected re his bath time.

Today we took him to a "Dog Wash" at the local produce stall. The girls are there every Saturday morning and there is a row of seats. When one arrives one picks up a number and everyone waits in turn. As it happened today, there was no one waiting. Kramer does not every enjoy his bath - he tolerates it! They did dry him a little with the hair dryer/blower, but he was a bit damp underneath when he arrived in the centre of town. It was a bit cool, and he stood shaking like a leaf.

We bought a new towel for him, and towelled him off a bit more, and the shakes stopped.

When he arrived back home shortly afterwards he went straight to his cushion and has been dozing there every since. He smells nice - and we know he is clean but he gives us a look as if to say he is really miffed about it all.

He'll forget by tomorrow.

Kramer missed me

2007-08-14T20:21:00.000+10:00

I've been away for five days - a visit to family in Adelaide. Kramer was in the car when we went to the airport, and he was surprisingly there to greet me when I returned. And he's been a bit sooky - wanting to sit on my lap all the time. I don't mind for a while, but it does tend to get too much. He won't move. He hugs my lap - but at times i just have to put him on his cushion or "the mat" as we call it.

Sooky Kramer

2007-08-06T21:19:00.000+10:00

Is it the cold weather? Perhaps his arthritis? In any case Kramer has become a bit sooky of late. He'd rather sit on our lap - and he seems to want to do it 24/7. He must be close to us.

Typical dachy though. They just love their people.

For the most part we don't mind, but there are times when it isn't convenient, especially as he nuzzles into our hands and insists we pat him. Constantly. It gets a bit much.

And when you try to remove him - he just "digs in". As if he could say "I'M NOT MOVING" and it takes a good bit of effort to remove him.

He's such a good happy fellow though!

Doggy Wash

2007-07-28T19:57:00.000+10:00

I found a new doggy wash near home today, and I will take him next week. He does go to the Dog Groomer on a regular basis, but in between expensive visits he still needs a bath, and the new dog wash will be good. It is less expensive too.

It is right next to the very old produce stall. I remember these being more prolific around the place when I was a child, and I still love going in to them. The one at Wynnum is very olde worlde. It is quite ancient, and I doubt if any repairs or renovations would have been done on it for years and years.

They have a cockatoo called Henry that shrieks and calls out "Scratch Cocky" which I do. Today he ran down his post (he is tied by a chain to his leg), and jumped on my shoes. Apparently he crunches up shoe laces! I managed toa get away from him - thank goodness for the chain!

Thank goodness the don't sell puppies - you never know I might just be soft enough to take one home.

Kramer at the Sausage Sizzle and Bridge opening.

2007-07-22T15:43:00.000+10:00

The local councillor announced the opening of the bridge across the creek opposite our house. I had a hand in lobbying for the new bridge and though the councillor and I are on opposing polical parties, it seemed that I should go.

The event was celebrated with a sausage sizzle - not one of my favourite foods or events, but still I went. As I was leaving home Kramer decided he wanted to go. I put his lead on and set out for the back door. He was a bit miffed - he usually likes to depart through the front door!

When we arrived over there there were a dozen or so people - mostly unionists supporting the councillor, and his wife and daughter were there. The little girl was coy about Kramer and didn't want him to lick her. I'm sure he would have it she'd got close enough!

Then he discovered the sausage sizzle and made noises that we recognise as "Here I am. Feed me. Share your food with me or I'll whinge." And sure enough he scored some sausage.

A man wandered past - he's a strange old man that wanders the street all day every day, and has a little white fluffy dog with him.

Whether Kramer was concerned that this little dog was getting too close to this new source of food (the sausages) or not we don't know. But Kramer behaved very badly and went on the attack. No damage done, but Kramer was chastised for his bad behaviour.

When it was time to go Kramer refused to budge. It wasn't far to carry him this time!

Kramer's letter

2007-07-21T12:07:00.000+10:00

Kramer received a letter yesterday.

"Dear Kramer,

Our files tell us that you are due for an appointment for the following:

Annual check and Vaccination
proheartSR12 reminder,

Your visit will include a consultation and full physical examination, and your owner will be able to discuss other health care matters such as routine working,heartworm prvention, skin and dental problems.

To arrange an appointment, have your secretary call those nice people at Wynnum Manly Veterinary Hospital on the number below.

By the way, have them talk to us about MICROCHIPS - the best way to find your way home, should you stray from the straight and narrow!

We look forward to seeing you soon,

Bob, Tom, Nicky and nursing staff."

Kramer and the grandchildren.

2007-07-16T08:17:00.000+10:00

Kramer is so gentle with the grandchildren. The eldest is 7, so we still have to closely monitor the time they spend with him. I don't think he'd bite - but there is always a first time if they do someting to him that hurts or scares him.

They had a sleepover at our place.

Kick starting Kramer

2007-07-15T08:39:00.000+10:00

Recently we've had a great challenge with Kramer. If we take him for a "walk" we end up carrying him. We are thankful that he is a small dog, but even then it is quite a weight to carry. We don't know why, but he walks for a short distance and stops. Stops dead in his tracks. He'll stand and survey the scenery and just refuse to budge. We've tried "encouraging" him, calling him, walking away from him, enticing him with a dog bikkie - in short we've tried everything we can think of.

The result is that we seldom take him for a walk. It's all too hard. He's keen to go - but would rather ride in the car. When he knows it is a WALK he loses interest and just stops. Dragging/pulling on his lead doesn't work either.

On Thursday we took him for a walk on the waterfront, and as usual - abot 10 feet from the car he stopped. As it turns out MM was behind and just pushed him with his foot. Pushed, not kicked, of course. Let's be clear about that. We've never set out to help him.

And it worked. He just started trotting along again. Again some distance later he stopped again. We are happy to let him rest a bit, but again, a light push from behind and he sets off again.

Have we found the solution to our problem? We've called it "kick starting" - and it works, or it did on Thursday.

We'll test it again, next time. Perhaps today.

The Bone

2007-07-10T19:22:00.001+10:00

Kramer, just like any dog, loves a bone. He regularly gets chicken wings which he generally chomps into quickly and completely demolishes it. Good for his teeth. We also give him other bones, and one of his favourite is a knuckle.

Generally we leave him in his pen to eat the bone - but sometimes he does a runner and hides it in the garden. Then sometimes days later he finds it again, and drags the revolting dirty bone around. He tried to get it into my office one day, and I sent him packing and on another occasion he tried to get it upstairs into the house. He failed miserable, as he finds it difficult to carry the bone and climb the stairs at the same time.

So I found thebone on the steps. And put it in the bin.

The Flying Hot Fritter

2007-07-02T13:59:00.000+10:00

A funny thing happened in the kitchen with Kramer and the Flying Hot Fritter. As I've said, it was far funnier to be there when it happened, but you might get a laugh.

Kramer's Sunny Spot

2007-06-28T14:27:00.000+10:00

We had two bags delivered to us at home from the bank - to be used at a function (inside were the bank's banners.) Kramer found the sun was falling on this spot, so found his way onto the top of the bags. He was quite comfortable for a while, and suddenly without warning the bags parted, and Kramer found himself stuck between the two bags. I ran for my camera, but in the few seconds it took me to get the camera and turn it on, he's wriggled out of his dilemma.

I don't think he'll trust strange bags again.

Kramer's hiding places

2007-06-25T21:20:00.000+10:00

With the cold weather Kramer has attempted to remain indoors 24/7 - but it is not to be. If no one is home, he's sent down to his pen, but he works out when we are going out. He can tell - when we shower and get dressed ready to go out, he has worked it all out.

We've thwarted him most of the time, but yesterday he went missing again. We know he is in the house. Thank goodness he can't get under the beds as we'd have no hope. He'd found a doona on the floor in the second bedroom. All neatly folded up! He burrowed in until he was almost invisible. The hunt was on - we knew he was inside.

Eventually he was found. His little head was the only part of his body visible. I think he was a bit put out that he was found. Damn.

More friends

2007-06-20T19:45:00.000+10:00

We had a quiet day - not a lot to do, other than a walk and further exploration of the island. MM went to Macleay Island for the Sunday paper, leaving Kramer behind - and he was not happy. He ran around trying to find a way out of the gate - impossible but he tried.

We left the island in the early afternoon as we had a booking on the car ferry - and Kramer made some more friends. It is amazing how he attracts attention, just by looking at people with his google eyes. And they all fall for him and want to cuddle him. He made a friend on the ferry.

Kramer dines at a restaurant

2007-06-19T06:10:00.001+10:00

There are no shops on the island and we discovered later that the papers can be delivered to the little shed near the jetty, provided one ordered them earlier. My husband caught the ferry across the waterway to Macleay Island - it is less than 5 minutes away - to get the paper and check on the restaurant.

I'd been to the restaurant before - so suspected that they would let us sit in the outside area with Kramer, and sure enough they did.

We spent the morning reading the paper, walking around some of the island, and then taking a drive before lining up with others who were going over to Macleay and Kramer was carried on to the ferry. He is such a cute dog, he gets a lot of attention and just loves it. It doesn't matter where we go, people come up and ask to pat him, or cuddle him!

He wasn't keen on the walking, but we've discovered if we give him a push on the rear end, he will walk. Like pushing a broken down car sometimes!

We arrived at the restaurant, the Blue Parrot, and were shown our seat undercover, but in the sun and out of the biting cold breezes. And we had a lovely meal.

Kramer sat at our feet quietly, though even then people came up to us wanting to talk about him, or pat him. I think I read somewhere that if you want to make some friends, take a dog. From experience I'm sure it would work. Take a cute dog though!

We returned back to the cottage, and had an afternoon sleep - after all, we'd been sleep deprived because of Kramer's antics.

Later we went for a longer drive, and I think we've passed all houses on the island. There are some beautiful houses - we are really going to consider moving there.

It is so peaceful.

On Saturday night we created a comfy bed for Kramer on the floor in the loungeroom. We believe that he spent the night on the lounge chair!

Dog friendly holiday homes

2007-06-19T05:52:00.000+10:00

It is always a quandary - what to do with pets when one goes away. For years we have used kennels as there was no other choice, but our recent experience with our old kennels (with new owners) was not good, so we decided to look for a "dog friendly" place and take Kramer.

I didn't want to drive a long distance - whilst I like country travelling when you are going away for less than two days the traveling time can make a difference.

On the Net I did a search for "dog friendly holiday places" and found one not far away on the lovely Karragarra Island. I phoned and booked (although there was some confusion with that!) and booked a spot on the car ferry. Karragarra is a small island with only 100 or so residents, and no shop, no public transport etc so we had to take everthing with us - so taking the car was essential. Anyway it was marginally more than the money we save by not using the kennels.

Kramer was excited. I put his little car seat belt on and strapped him in the rear seat. So excited was he that he kept getting tangled up in the seat belt, so after disentangling him a couple of times I gave up and left him unsecured. We weren't travelling a long distance anyway.

When we drove onto the car ferry Kramer saw that he was not the only dog in the world - in fact most of the cars transported a dog. There was a lovely red setter in the truck beside us!

The trip over was most pleasant as the sun rose in the west leaving a wonderful golden glow in the sky.

By the time we arrived in the island it was dark, but we followed the truck with the red setter who has our guide - that is another story - and reached the cottage, where the owner was waiting with one of her dogs - a lovely young German Shepherd.

The cottage was fairly new - two bedrooms and well appointed with a view to the south over the swamps which take up more than half of the island. The property was well fenced and Kramer wandered around quite safely. He explored every blade of grass and and every corner of the property and every plant.

It took us a while to unload the car, but we were soon settled in and preparing the evening meal.

There was a list of house hold rules - one being animals must not be on the furniture. It was a cold night, so the best option was to put Kramer's bedding in the bathroom, and shut him in. Otherwise how can one stop him getting on the lounge?

But Kramer was having none of that - and kept up a racket until we gave in around 2 am and put him in the lounge room. Of course he found his way onto the lounge chair - but after a sleepless night, we gave in.

He woke at the usual time - around 6 am - and was ready to go! No sleep in for us!

Winter - it's cold!

2007-06-13T20:43:00.000+10:00

Well, at long last we are having some sort of winter. At least it is cold at night. Kramer does not like going down to his "room" in the house, downstairs. He puts up a racket and barks in the tone that says "I want to come upstairs again. I like it better there!" But we ignore his pleas.

We bang on the floor - three bangs with a shoe will do it, and then there is silence. Generally he is quiet all night then, although he has been known to "test" us in the early hours of the morning. We relent if it is around 5.30 am, and let him up and he scampers to his spot in the bedroom, curls up and goes off to sleep. Conman.

Looking for Dog friendly holiday homes.

2007-06-11T17:43:00.001+10:00

Recently when Kramer stayed at kennels he came home with an infection. His tummy was swollen, and he had a bladder infection. In part I think it is that he doesn't like to wee anywhere but at home. So he hangs on, and hangs on. It is not a healthy move!

So, we decided to find a "dog friendly" holiday place and found Teacosy Cottage at Karragarra Island - not far from Lamb Island where I had hoped to be house sitting. You'll have to read my entry on another site to find out what happened with my house sitting plans.

Anyway, next weekend we are off to Karragarra Island - first by car ferry from Redland Bay to Karragarra to the cottage on the island. The resident dogs are German Shepherds - but hopefully Kramer will find friend or two!

The island has no shops, and we have to take our own linen, dog bed etc. so it is easy to take the car on the ferry. It will cost around the same as it would to put Kramer in a kennel.

Anyway we are looking forward to it. I don't think Kramer is aware of it yet.

Kramer "jumped" me.

2007-06-03T07:34:00.000+10:00

Since I've been away for a couple of days Kramer is all sooky and just wants to be with me. He's full on. He follows me so closely that when I do a "u" turn, I accidentally kick him or treat on his toes. He doesn't get the message.

He's insisting on sitting on my lap - often! Last night I was sitting on the lounge chair deep in reading mode, when without warning Kramer crashed through my reading material and landed on my chest.

He'd climed up on the footstall and without warning he jumped - flying through the air without fear until he landed. He nearly winded me!

Funny fellow!

Lazy Boy

2007-06-01T04:55:00.001+10:00

Kramer's hiding spots are increasing. He does not like it when we go out, and put him in his little room downstairs. He would rather enjoy the comfort of the main house, and when he sees us getting ready, he looks for another spot.

Today he was found on a pile of clothes waiting to be taken to the laundry for washing. He even seems to find things that he is not very conspicuous on - just tucking himself in, and being very quiet so that we don't notice! Ha! As if! Though I must admit I get a bit peeved that I have to go on a "search" every time I want to go out.

Sometimes I do leave him - especially if I am going only for a short time. Then he's likely to be found (when I return) sitting like a king on a throne, now ensconced on the lounge chair. He knows he's not supposed to be there but he doesn't care.

We are hoping to go away for a weekend soon - looking for a dog friendly place. There's one on Karragarra Island - which sounds rather nice. Will look into it today.

Dog friendly holidays

2007-05-22T05:51:00.000+10:00

We are doing some research for a "dog friendly" holiday spot for a weekend away. There are quite a few these days. A number of websites have them listed.

When we had Chloe too, we went to a spot which was high in the hills behind Boonah. There were wonderful little primitive huts in a beautiful setting with spectacular views. The cabin was simple - with adequate facilities. The dogs were allowed inside the house, which was good, as it turned out to be very cold wet and miserable.

We took them for a walk and it was so muddy the mud collected on their little feet and just kept building up, so it looked like they were walking on high heeled shoes. The mud collected in their fur, and we had to wash them using very small bowls. There was a wood stove inside that warmed the place up and helped us dry them off.

In many ways it was a wonderful weekend - and we all enjoyed it.

Kramer Walking

2007-05-20T09:46:00.000+10:00

We always get laughs when we take Kramer for a walk. We don't know why he does it - but he chooses NOT to walk. He'll walk for a few feet with great enthusiasm, and for no known reason, he will stop. NOTHING will get him to walk.

The above photo shows what he does. He just sits or stands - MOTIONLESS. All the encouragement in the world won't make a differents. He is NOT going to walk.

We always get a laugh from the other walkers. Taking our dog for a walk. HA!

Kramer and the Pizza Box Video

2007-05-19T05:45:00.001+10:00

Kramer and the Pizza Box

2007-05-13T07:51:00.000+10:00

The pizza was long gone, but the aroma lingered. Kramer found an empty pizza box and opened it and licked off all of the food remnants - even licked a hole through the bottom of the box.

We played tricks on him and put cheese in it just so that we could witness his prowess in getting into the closed pizza box.

I have a short video which I must try and load so that readers can see him.

He's such a lazy dog

2007-05-10T08:03:00.000+10:00

Our Kramer has not been interested in playing games. Throw a ball? He'll watch it roll past. Try to get him to "play"? He just looks bored and does nothing.

But every now and then, he will, for no apparent reason get a wicked glint in his eye and play a short lived game of "chasey" around the house. He gets quite excited and he will even catch and run with a soft toy that most of the time is ignored.

After about 5 minutes he finds his way to his water bowl, and flops on his mat.

Game over.

It rained

2007-05-08T07:13:00.000+10:00

And Kramer does not like rain. So while we have been suffering from the drought, for Kramer it is a bonus. The lawn does not get wet! He hats getting his feet wet!

Each morning when he wakes up he goes out onto the lawn to pee - and if the lawn is wet he walks gingerly as if walking slowly will keep the wet off his feet. He sometimes needs "encouragement".

It did rain a little overnight. Not heavy but for a while it was consistent light rain, and we could hear it running down the drainpipes. It was a good sound. Not enough to to break the drought - but our lawns will probably turn green within 48 hours. More rain is forecast - but only light showers.

Last night when Kramer was "put to bed" he was quiet for about 10 minutes and then chose to protest. He barked and banged on the door of his pen.

As usual it takes a bang on the floor - in fact three bangs by a shoe on the floor upstairs. It always works a treat. Silence.

When he woke this morning Kramer gingerly picked his way along the side of the house - walking on the spots that the rain did not reach. He found his spot - peed and carefully walked back the way he had come. His feet were still wet.

It's been a lazy week

2007-05-06T06:40:00.000+10:00

Kramer has spent the last few days sleeping or seeking new hiding places. When he realises we are planning to leave the house he hides. We no longer leave the office door open when we know we are to go out - that has blocked off his safest hiding place (under the desk and almost impossible to extricate!)

But there are others - it is just a matter of finding them. Fortunately he doesn't fit UNDER any of the beds, but he's now discovered he can "burrow" under the blanket that is at the end of the bed.

The weather is so mild here - for early May it is amazing that we still don't need even a sheet on us at night - the autumn lower temperatures really haven't come. If the bed is not yet made and we are making an early exit he has found a way to wriggle between the end of the bed and the blanket. He's not quite mastered it, so it is easy to see him.

He'll keep trying.

A bit more walking

2007-05-02T05:59:00.000+10:00

We went for a drive on Sunday afternoon - with Kramer of course. We stopped and bought some icecreams on the esplanade, before driving to watch the boats coming into harbour in the late afternoon.

Kramer had his lead on and reluctantly got out of the car and followed me for a while. As usual we are the butt of jokes as we try and entice the little fellow to walk. In the end he did walk quite a long distance (for him), and he got quite a spring in his step. But we had to carry himback.

While there we noticed a big boat at the Manly Jetty, so we drove around there to have a look. It was a private boat, seemingly run by a couple of seniors, who were tied up at the jetty. Certainly the folk must have a big bank balance as the fuel alone would create a hefty hole in the account!

The Port of Brisbane security officer turned up, and asked them to leave the jetty. There is a rule that permits boats to tie up at the jetty for only one hour. And they had already been there for an hour. So we watch them leave.

There were some girls fishing on the jetty and they asked if they could pat Kramer. We could have left him there - they cuddled and patted him and he just "melted" into their arms. There was a little girl - about one - and she too cuddled Kramer. He is so good with little children and anyone who makes a fuss of him.

He did walk a little way along the jetty too. But we did have to carry him a bit. Lazy dog.

The Old Dog's new tricks

2007-04-21T05:38:00.000+10:00

Kramer loves being IN the house, or probably more correcty he likes being WITH us. When we go out we take him downstairs - yes, carry him for he won't go himself - lock him in downstairs where he has water, and a few biscuits.

He hates this. He watches as we get dressed and then hides. I've spent ages looking for him on occasions. Usually he finds a better hiding spot when I'm in a hurry. I've been on occasions so running late and so frustrated that I can't find him that I leave him - especially if I am only going for less than a couple of hours. He doesn't mess in the house - just finds a more comfy spot to sleep.

He loves coming in the car, so the other day I had some letters to post so I showed him the dog lead and he enthusiastically followed me to the front door, and I carried him to the car.

I'd decided to take a walk along the Wynnum waterfront, and thought he'd like the experience. WRONG.

You'd think he'd forgotten how to walk. He just refused to budge. The only way I could get him to move was when someone came walking past and he'd follow them for a very short distance before stopping. And again refusing to walk.

He just sits and casually looks around. He felt the sea breeze blow his long floppy ears around, and he sniffed the air. He made friends with people along the way - but still only walked when HE wanted to walk. I carried him often.

He can be such a pain.

Life With Snickers: Dachshunds Rule the Day

2007-04-15T19:08:00.000+10:00

Read another dog story - Life With Snickers: Dachshunds Rule the Day

Dachshund Club of Queensland

2007-04-15T13:34:00.000+10:00

I haven't mentioned the Dachshund Club of Queensland - we are no longer members, but do have contact with some members from time to time.

They have their own website too - so any Dachshund lover living in Queensland might find their website helpful.

Go to the site here for more information.

Other Dachshund Websites

2007-04-15T13:27:00.000+10:00

Searching around the internet for other Dachshund sites is interesting. There are many interesting sites. One is a Dachshund rescue service in the US - with some really touching stories about little dogs abandoned. How cruel. How couldanyone do that to any pet, let along a wonderful dachshund.

I'm not aware of such a service here in Australia, but we do have active Dachshund Clubs that can be very helpful if there is a need for assistance.

Visit this site

More dachshunds

2007-04-13T06:15:00.000+10:00

I've seen more of this breed around the region in the last few weeks. If I get a chance I stop the owners as they walk their little "sausage dogs" - but not always possible.

I saw two dogs being walked by their owner along the esplanade the other day, and in one of the local streets a very new puppy was taking one of his/her first walks in the neighbourhood.

We've probably got enough of the breed to have our own Dachshund Club!

Brash Kramer

2007-04-13T06:10:00.000+10:00

Kramer continues to push to get/take more priveledges. He's really taken to living inside - but still must go down to his room overnight. Even though generally he is well behaved in the house, I insist he does not stay in all night. I know that if he stays in just one night - he'll expect to do so for ever.

This morning it was just after 5 am that he started his low woofing. I went down and after he'd completed his ablutions let him inside. I thought he'd gone to his special mat in the main bedroom.

Instead he'd made himself comfortable in one of the lounge chairs. He knows he's not allowed on the chairs - but I was busy at the computer and he just sneaked in and took pride of place where he'd love to sit.

When he was sprung he tried to sink lower into the chair, but was unceremoniously removed and put on his cushion. He's continued to glare at us!

Testing the new deck

2007-03-31T11:04:00.000+10:00

It's funny really - after months of walking carefully on the decaying deck - it is now sound with new flooring. Kramer and I have had to adjust our steps - we no longer need to walk so gingerly.

We are looking for a small rectangular table to put on the deck so that we can dine out there. Last night though, we had a guest over for dinner, and we sat on the deck (with an old table covered with a cloth, and the dining chairs as an interim measure) for pre-dinner drinks.

Inside the house was a big hot and stuffy - but on the deck with the fresh evening breezes it was a special treat. We sat until after dark, and watched as Mrs Possum in her box up the nearby tree preened herself before putting her head out the door and watching us, before scampering off for her night time feeding.

All three of us enjoyed the ambience of the place - and hassled MM - for the job has been on the "to do list" for many years without progress.

I'm just glad it is done - BEFORE anyone has plunged through the breaking floorboards.

Kramer? Why would he not like being up close and personal when someone is throwing him cheese and biscuits and cuddling him. I think he thinks it is perfect too.

Kramer's coping with the scary new deck

2007-03-30T11:34:00.000+10:00

Yesterday Kramer would stand on the deck - and look around the new work as if wondering if something was going to bite him. His ears would be back against his head and his eyes were cast around as if expecting something. Later in the day, he had little choice but to walk on the new flooring - and make his way down the stairs now with wonderful handrails - intimidating hand rails.

Today, he's more comfortable. He thinks he can do it - nothing bad has happened but he's still a bit intimidated. If I shouted "BOO" I think he'd pass out.

He's getting the message though, I hope, that all this new stuff is here for the duration.

Agitated

2007-03-29T06:53:00.000+10:00

Kramer seems to be distressed about the builders being around. He cannot do what he normally does as the gate is often left open by the builders and he's already got out twice. Fortunately he's not run away, and he's been quite safe.

Inside the house he finds it hard to settle down, and when he goes outside, the's intimidated by the new deck and stairs, and isn't sure what is going on.

He has a few more days to cope with - as the builders will be around today, and for a few days next week.

Kramer Escaped

2007-03-28T08:57:00.000+10:00

When Kramer was fed yesterday hubby forgot the gate was open, and when the phone rang for him, he dropped his guard and answered it. The builders were having a tea break out the front of the house, and little friendly waggle tail Kramer walked out the front gate, and instead of meandering on the busy road, which he might have done if no one was there, he raced over to the builders to show his loving friendly style. Bob the Builder was able to easily pick him up and return him via the back door to his favourite place - inside the house.

Later when a visitor came, he made another attempt to get out of the house - I think he's just curious about the builders activities! But I caught him this time.

Trauma of the builders

2007-03-27T08:34:00.000+10:00

We've just had the builders in to repair the front stairs that were deteriorating badly, and finish off the back landing that stopped when the previous builder had a stroke.

When the builders worked at the front of the house Kramer spent time trying to peer under the door to see what was going on - but the doors were deadlocked to prevent anyone from walking out and plummeting down the hole that had been the landing, until it was covered and the stairs completed.

The front of the house being almost completed, the builders moved to the back of the house. Now that is the way Kramer enters the house - up the stairs and in the back door. For one day he had to be carried down the front stairs into the back yard for toilet purposes, and then returned to the house the same way.

Kramer was not impressed. He didn't like this lack of freedom. Once he ran to the builders and annoyed them by jumping up on them as they sawed and hammered. And inside the house he was quite agitated. He couldn't settle.

The job is almost completed - at least he's free to use the back stairs on his own and go up and down as nature calls, but while the builders finish the job, he'll be a little more confined and I expect his agitation will remain.

Only a few more days and we'll have the work completed and the house will be ready for the painters. Now that could be a challenge!

Kramer rules

2007-03-25T11:38:00.000+10:00

Kramer lives mostly indoors these days - and has created a few rules for himself and challenges for us.

If he thinks we are going out - he knows he will be put down in his "room" downstairs. So he hides. He has found one hiding spot that he knows makes it difficult for us to "retrieve" him. Under Ian's desk - and he refuses to be coaxed out with cheese, or chicken. We now have a broom that we can get in behind him and drag him out using the head of the broom. If we are not quick he's dived off to some other hiding spot.

All of his hiding spots - including his box - don't present problems to us.

In the morning - anytime from 4.30 am onwards - he will decide it is time to come in upstairs and let out an intermittend "Woof" which will wake us. We have learned it is easier to go and get him, and bring him upstairs and he has a towel on the bedroom floor that he goes to sleep on until we wake.

Kramer rules.

When the grandchildren visit they love letting him out of his "room" - and making him get out under the door that he chewed away. He loves them - knowing of course that they can spoil him.

Kramer - the fruit eating dog

2007-03-25T07:38:00.000+10:00

When Kramer came to live with us we were told he loved mandarins, but we soon learned that all fruit were popular with him. If we eat fruit, or should I say "when" because we do eat fruit on a daily basis, we have to share with Kramer. Bananas are one of his favorites and he growls at us until he gets a piece. We usually give him a piece of the end, or if the fruit is bruised he might get a larger piece. We can't use the word "banana" without him getting excited.

All fruit is on his favorite list!!! And he's very vocal about it when we are eating.

There have been a few funny incidents.

On one occasion he was very interested as I ate a mandarin - and I'd just started to peel a fruit with him very interested and quite hopeful of getting a piece. The phone rang, and I left the plate with the fruit on a small table while I answered the phone and I'd only been out of the room for a minute or two. When I returned, the guilty dog was standing on the foot stool, chomping on the fruit and peel, with juice squelching out of his mouth. I could only laugh.

We now call bananas "b" - as a futile attempt to eat a banana without sharing with him sometimes, but he's worked it out. Our fruit bowl is on a buffet - and any movement towards that piece of furniture, he's woken from a deep sleep and he's right there demanding his share.

The grandchildren love feeding him his titbits.

Kramer - a portrait

2007-03-24T11:20:00.000+10:00

Kramer is a little shy when the camera is around. I tried to get a nice photo of him just after he'd been to the groomers and came back all clean, and neatly trimmed. He refused to look at me, and the camera. This is the best I could do.

Dog in a Box

2007-03-24T11:19:00.000+10:00

In all the dogs we have had - all dachshunds since 1971, we have never had one that liked sleeping in a box. While speaking with one of the members of the Dachshund Club of Queensland, I learn that dachshunds often hide in boxes. Seems that in all those years we've not left one around for one of our dogs to climb into, until recently.

So why would they like sleeping in a box? These little dogs were bred to be badger hunters - and badgers would be found down their burrows. It appears that dachshunds like being in dark confined spaces - hence the love of boxes.
Now I wonder what would happen if I had a hole or burrow in my yard??

Kramer and the storm

2007-03-24T11:18:00.001+10:00

It's been a tough day. Hot. Humid. Kramer's worn out with the heat. Perhaps due for another "trim" but that will happen next week. Meantime he just lounges around. Last night he was kept awake by thunder, lightening and rain. About two inches of rain fell last night, and Kramer barked a few times, in a futile effort to get us out of bed to go and "rescue" him. He has a downstairs "pen" for night times.

"Brave" hunter Kramer

2007-03-24T11:17:00.000+10:00

Over the past few days we've noticed a number of tiny - baby - geckos. There's been one running around our bedroom walls. I don't like them in the house. They poo on the walls, so I'd rather they stayed outside, and we have quite a few that come out and eat moths and other bugs.

They are pretty hard to catch and put outside - they are very quick on their feet.
This afternoon Kramer caused a minor commotion at the front door. Initially I though he'd sensed someone behind the door, but it was soon obvious that he was catching something. A tiny little baby gecko. Bitten to death in his mighty jaws. A bit of an overkill, but that's what happens.
He was pretty pleased with himself!

Koko - the sleeping watchdog

2007-03-24T11:14:00.000+10:00

Koko loved the new place and he had a better back yard and still enjoyed the freedom of being with the family. But several funny things happened there.

One night we'd been visiting our neighbours up the road for a party, and we all came home around midnight and went to bed. We all went to sleep but about 30 minutes after going to bed, I heard noises, and crept in the dark around the house peeking out of the windows to find the source of the voices.

Two people walked under our house and into our laundry area. Without making a sound I phoned 000 and asked for police to come. The police officer took the details of the street, and my cause for concern. The police officer asked if I was alone. I replied that I wasn't but my husband and children were asleep. During all this time, even though the people would have walked within feet of Koko, he never barked. Some watch dog!

My husband woke, hearing my conversation on the phone and reached for his trusty and very unused and unloaded shot gun, and raced out the back door to approach the "criminals."

I phoned our friends up the road and asked their son to come down - he was probably in his late teens and he spent time looking for his gun, until he realised that he'd sold it! In the end he saw the police cars and he didn't come to help us!

Two police cars, one with police dogs, arrived within minutes and soon found the intruders. It was a girl who had been celebrating her 21st Birthday up the street, and had consumed too much alcohol and her boyfriend had walked her around the street hoping to sober her up. They made it to our house and they'd walked down our driveway as she wanted somewhere to sleep.

I'm sure her parents would have been pleased to see her arriving home in a Police Car.

On seeing the police cars, my husband threw his gun into the garden to hide it, and he retrieved it after they had gone.

Kramer started barking as soon as everyone left!

The legal saga continues

2007-03-24T11:11:00.000+10:00

Apart from the "high cost" of repairing the boy's face (and I'm not sure that it even needed stitching), damages were sought for the boy having to live in fear next to a dangerous dog, and for the fear of dogs that resulted. The family had a Samoyed dog, and at no time did the boy look scared of his own dog. Though he may have shown greater respect for other dogs.

Through our association with dog friendly people we found a Queen's Counsel and dog breeder that without fee, helped us with our defence. We had a household Insurance policy which covered events such as we had experienced, so in the end they took it over.

We took photos of the boy playing with dogs, wrote lots of letters detailing the events, and the family spent money on photos in a futile effort to prove the boy had been grossly disfigured. (It was very difficult to see the scar from the injury in photos). They had several photos done, and each had to have on it a pencilled mark of the injury!

It spurred me on to move. If we moved into another council area, we would be out of the jurisdiction of the council, which still showed some interest in appeasing our neighbour who still wanted Koko "put down." They feared living next door to us!
We bought a house in Stafford Heights, in the neighbouring council area, and we all moved. In the end there was no court case, our insurance company settled with our now ex-neighbours, for a sum of money that we were told was far less than they had asked for, and in the end they would have profited little from the exercise.

We moved.

What is a dachsund?

2007-03-24T11:08:00.000+10:00

A dachshund is a dog - with a long body, and very short legs. The breed's name is German and means "badger dog". These dogs were bred to scent, chase and hunt badgers and other small animals. They have a long narrow build - that in Australia they are referred to as "sausage dogs".

In America they are referred to as "Dackel" or Teckel"

We can't recall really why we chose a dachshund in 1971 as a pet for our family - we wanted a loving small dog, and somehow found our way to some kennels not far from where we now live in Wynnum.

We bought our first dog, a standard size, short haired chocolate dog, which had been deemed unsuitable for the show ring, because he had an undershot jaw. (His top and bottom jaw overlapped, which made him likely to lose points in the show ring and make it difficult to win.

Our children were aged 4 and 2 at the time, and Koko was a tiny bundle that we carried home in a cane shopping basket. He was great with the children as a puppy and we all settled well into our new home in Brisbane. We watched as this little scrap played with the children and grew into an adult dog.

As it turned out we had to return to Sydney to live for a while, and of course he came with us. In the rented house in Sydney we had no fence - so for 6 weeks he spent a lot of time on a rope on a line, but he did seem to mind. When we moved into a larger house he had more roaming space, but of course, like "dachies" do, he preferred to spend time with us.

Soon we were on the move again, back to Brisbane and we lived in the northern suburbs from then on. It was while we were living in Everton Hills that we first had a little trouble with him. Perhaps as the children grew older they were less gentle with him, but he started to snap at them. We made a rule that if they had children over to play Koko would be removed from the yard - kept inside, or, that an adult would stay with himand the children to ensure that the play was kind to all.

All the neighbourhood children were asked NOT to turn up in our back yard, but to knock at the front door to let me know they wanted to play, and that's the way the rules stayed. Except for the one incident that caused us much grief.

The little boy next door was playing in his yard with a wine bottle cork and in his play it ended up in our back yard. Koko grabbed it and ran, and the little boy climbed over the fence to fetch his cork. He grabbed Koko and wrenched the cork from his mouth. Koko was not happy and relatiated, biting at the boy and causing a small/minute three corner tear on his face.

I was a night duty nurse at the time, and asleep while all this took place. When I heard the story later when I awoke, I went next door to speak to the family and find out the damage done, but the boy's mother refused to speak with me. Within a couple of days we received a note from our neighbour to avise that she was taking legal action against us. She advised the Pine Rivers Council whose officers came to destroy the dangerous dog.

Koko wagged his tail and greeted the council officers, and we had sought legal advice too, so there was a stand off, and in the end the council officers left Koko with us.

The saga went on for a long time.

Is Kramer Stressed?

2007-03-24T11:02:00.000+10:00

Does this dog look like he's stressed? Hardly. This is the pose he takes up most of the day. We don't know whether it is the heat and he needs to keep his bits, well, a bit cool, or whether he just likes it. We don't have to wonder if he is stressed

Kramer and Chloe

2007-03-24T10:59:00.000+10:00

When Kramer arrived at the Hill family home, there was another dog there. Chloe, another mini long haired dachshund. She was a bit wary of Kramer initially, especially as Kramer attempted to mount her within minutes of their first meeting. Chloe bared her teeth at him, and warned him! He did try often, but they were both neutered, and Chloe was never in the mood for "it".

Within a few days a good friendship had been created. The went everywhere together. Life was good.

Let's start at the beginning.

2007-03-24T10:56:00.000+10:00

Kramer's real name is Beldawn Kane, son of Taffs Treasurered Links (his dad) and Beldawn Shari (his mum) and he was born on March 10th, 1995. That makes him 12 on March 10, 07..

We have little information about his puppyhood, although it is believed that he was bred for the Japanese market. His father was a Chocolate Dapple, and his mother was a Black and Tan, - (min. long) as it says on the Certificate of Registration and Pedigree.

Kramer was the only chocolate dog in the litter, and as the Japanese apparently did not want a chocolate dog, he was sold to a pet shop, which onsold him to the Spillane family.
He was a much loved family pet there and his wonderful character was evident while he lived with them. But the family decided to move. Appartment living was not suitable for a dog - in fact not permitted, and they looked for a home for Kramer.

As it happened they knew we had a dachshund, and asked us to take him. We had almost decided not to have another dog. We still had Chloe, our ageing bitch. Reluctantly I went to see Kramer, and he won my heart. He appeared from nowhere, got onto my lap (and the family say he's never left). A week later we went to collect him and he's been with us every since. He was around 5 then, so he's lived most of his life with us.

Update on Jesse

2007-03-24T10:52:00.000+10:00

Jesse was awarded a Certificate of Bravery from the RSPCA this week for his brave defence of his owner. As well they gave Jesse a huge bone, almost as big as the little dog with the big heart. Congratulations Jesse.

Jesse has been receving many accolades since then and has been in attendance at a number of rallies in support of women's safety.

(first published January 18th, 2007)

Jesse the Brave Dachshund

2007-03-24T10:50:00.000+10:00

Brisbane women have been terrorised for many months by several men who have attacked women exercising - either on bicylcles or walking on bike paths around the suburbs. Most attacks have been in the northern suburbs and there is currently a huge police campaign to stop/catch these predators. Two women have been raped.
Several days ago a 14 year old girl was playing in the park near her home along with her 3 year old black and tan miniature dachshund, Jesse. A man approached her from behind and grabbed her, but Jesse took immediate action and attacked the legs of the low life predator. Apparently he ran off as a result of the attack by the little dog.
Well done Jesse.
(originally posted January 10th, 07)

About Kramer's Diary

2007-03-22T10:05:00.000+10:00

I started Kramer's Diary elsewhere - but have decided to bring it back to Blogger because I find it an easy program to use - and it does all for me that I need. So, over the next day or so I will transfer all the posts to here, and I know I will find it a lot easier to update.

I do encourage folk to use Blogger - it is just so easy.

Kramer is a miniature long haired dachshund - and has been in our family for about 5 years, although he is 11 years old now. He came to us when we had Chloe, but after Chloe died he has been our only dog. We have learned that you can teach an old dog new tricks. He's quite funny and clever with a wonderful personality.