Mutzie's Mom
01-14-2003, 04:18 PM
It will be one year on Friday, January 17th that we lost our precious Mutzie. I have written a "tribute" to her. I hope it is okay that I put it here.
In loving memory of "Mutzie" (aka Floppsie Danielle) 6/14/85-1/17/02
M...mighty in spirit
I knew from our very first walk together that the spirit of a dachshund, especially mine, was like no other. Mutzie was 3 months old and stood by the door with her leash by her side. She wanted to go "bye-byes." I was reluctant to take her out, but I gave in to those big brown eyes. We'd gone past a total of 6 houses when she came to a complete halt. You know the stance: ears perked up on alert, back straight, tail pointed, and a deep growl manifesting itself from this tiny body. Mutzie had encountered her first "enemy"...a very large Siberian Husky. The husky was minding his own business in his own yard and really didn't pay any attention to my little hot dog. Suddenly, I felt my 10 year-old, 70 pound body being dragged by my 3 month-old, 4 pound dog! She went into protective mode and lunged toward the enemy and nipped him right on the leg. She sent him whimpering back toward his house defeated with his tail tucked in between his legs. Mutzie reigned victorious!
No dog or cat was ever safe near our fierce protector, Mutzie. This is the primary reason we didn't get her a dachsie companion! I had a small pet hermit crab. Whatever became of him? He became a snack for Mutzie. He'd gotten out of his aquarium and fell prey to Mutzie who enjoyed the taste of fresh seafood. I once had to pry Mutzie's mouth open to rescue my poor, tiny, green lizard!
I personally witnessed Mutzie chasing Dobermans, Rotweillers, and various other large breed dogs from our yard. She also wiped out an entire family of blue jays simply because they were in "her" tree. She had a zero tolerance policy for invaders on her territory. Her hound-like bark scared every dog! There wasn't a dog around that didn't fear this mouthy, mighty, unflinchingly courageous girl!
U...unconditional love and devotion
My precious Mutzie showed more love and devotion than most humans I know. No matter what I did, Mutzie was always there for me. When my world seemed to crash around me, she was always there to offer her special kisses and affection. I always felt such love from my dachsie girl. Her love never wavered no matter what I did!
My grandmother, my best friend, was dying with cancer. My cousin and I were teenagers and couldn't stay by my grandmother's bedside. Mutzie, whom my grandma referred to as her "other" granddaughter, refused to leave her side. She stood beside her offering her love and kisses all day long. She would lay by her feet and protect her while she slept. We would have to pry Mutzie off my grandma's bed to get her to eat or use the bathroom. She brought my grandma such joy in her final days. She could get my grandma to smile when no one else could.
While I was away at college, Mutzie would lay in front of my bedroom door whining for me. She would only leave her spot to eat and go potty. My family was concerned about her well-being. She wasn't the same "Mutz." I would call to try to lift her spirits by talking into the phone with my high-pitched excited voice. It seemed to work for an hour and then she'd go back to sulking. When I returned home I felt like royalty. Mutzie was ecstatic and danced on her back feet and followed me everywhere! She was youthful and excited and full of vigor again! I have never felt such fierce, undying, unconditional love.
T...trusted confidant
Whenever I came home from a date, Mutzie would be waiting at the top of the stairs for me. I'd swoop her up and take her to my window seat. There, we'd gaze at the moonlight and discuss the happenings of my dates...good or bad. She'd look directly in my eyes and tilt her head like the most attentive friend. She didn't judge me and kept all my secrets. I really felt as though she understood. She could sense my emotions. She knew when I was happy and sad. It was reflected in her caring, all-knowing eyes.
When I met my future husband, Bill, I was very concerned about how Mutzie would take to him. She was my best friend! Mutzie did not like men, except for my dad. She liked none of my previous boyfriends. I was *her* person. The first time she saw Bill, it was like the first time I saw him: love at first sight! Suddenly, my trusted confidant was tossing me to the side. Bill was *her* man now. She followed him everywhere. She'd lay on her back waiting for belly rubs and kisses, and she submitted to him. Mutzie did not submit to anyone! It felt so wonderful to know that she approved of the man I'd chosen as my life-long partner and her new *daddy.*
Z...zealous approach to life
Whether it was getting a treat, going potty, going "bye-byes" or just getting up in the morning, Mutzie gave it her all! She lived every moment of her life with passion. She had such a vibrant enthusiasm for life. If you mentioned "bye-byes" in a low, soft voice she'd start dancing. If she went for a walk, she was sure to sniff every inch of grass or sidewalk she passed. If I even looked in her direction, her ears would instantly perk up, her head tilt, tongue would hang to the side of her mouth and then she'd run toward me wanting to engage in some type of physical activity.
Mutzie and I were truly like sisters. We even fought and competed against each other. She always *thought* she was the fastest runner. That used to irritate me to no end. Every day for 2 years, Mutzie and I would have a race to see who would be the fastest one up or down the stairs. There was no exception...even when I was sick! Mutzie could be in a deep sleep, but when she sensed I was any where near the stairs, she'd bolt toward them. What really angered me is that she'd always win! My mom repeatedly asked us to stop. She was afraid that someone was going to get hurt, but we wouldn't listen! On the morning of my first day of 7th grade, I decided that this was going to be the day I beat Mutzie down those stairs. She was fast asleep on my bed as I was getting ready for the day. I quietly picked up my book bag and tip-toed toward the stairs. Mutzie flew off the bed and made a mad dash for the stairs. We both made it there at the same time. What happened next, I can still visualize in slow motion, even though 15 years have passed since that day. The bottom of my shoes were slick against the stairs. I slipped on the first of about 10 stairs and went sliding down them, head first. I tried to stop myself by putting my legs out. I ended up slamming my face and my knees into the wall. I thought I'd broken my nose and my knees were stuck in the wall. My father had to pull me out! I'll never forget my mom adding her two cents' worth, "I just knew one of these days one of you were going to get hurt!" Then, I turned my head to see Mutzie just sitting there, waiting patiently with her head tilted as if to say, "What took you so long?" It was almost as if she had pronounced herself the winner of our race.
I...intelligent beyond her years
Mutzie was the most intelligent dog I'd ever met. She put Lassie to shame. Her intelligence stemmed from her intense love for food. She would do anything for a "tweet." She was the only dog I knew that could walk several feet on her back legs...to lead you to the treat drawer.
My friend and I were traveling to Tennessee with my family. Of course, Mutzie sat in the back of the car with us. She was one of the girls. She became quite annoying as she kept sniffing my friend's bag. She was obnoxious and relentless as she scratched and bit at the bag. We made the mistake of leaving her alone in the car while we took a quick restroom break. We were gone less than 5 minutes. When we returned to the car, we found my friend's bag unzipped approximately 2 inches. On top of the bag was a very clean, shiny, empty candy bar wrapper. There was not one drop of chocolate to be found. Immediately, we put the blame on my poor, innocent father. It looked like he'd sneaked to the back of the car and helped himself to my friend's candy bar. But, guilt filled poor Mutzie's eyes. She had a look of shame about her. Then we did some detective work. Mutzie's muzzle fit perfectly in the unzipped 2 inches of my friend's bag. Poor Mutzie didn't know whether to be proud of her great accomplishment or to hang her head in shame.
E...everlasting spirit
Her passing has had a profound impact on my family. We were grief stricken and life was blurry in the weeks following her death. It has been 1 year now without our beloved Mutzie. We see life differently now. It is precious and should be celebrated, even in the everyday little things that we do. She taught me many life lessons: never judge anyone, remain loyal to those you love, and to approach life courageously, without fear. Her spirit and the way she lived her life--courageous, optimistic and loyal--will be with us forever.
In loving memory of "Mutzie" (aka Floppsie Danielle) 6/14/85-1/17/02
M...mighty in spirit
I knew from our very first walk together that the spirit of a dachshund, especially mine, was like no other. Mutzie was 3 months old and stood by the door with her leash by her side. She wanted to go "bye-byes." I was reluctant to take her out, but I gave in to those big brown eyes. We'd gone past a total of 6 houses when she came to a complete halt. You know the stance: ears perked up on alert, back straight, tail pointed, and a deep growl manifesting itself from this tiny body. Mutzie had encountered her first "enemy"...a very large Siberian Husky. The husky was minding his own business in his own yard and really didn't pay any attention to my little hot dog. Suddenly, I felt my 10 year-old, 70 pound body being dragged by my 3 month-old, 4 pound dog! She went into protective mode and lunged toward the enemy and nipped him right on the leg. She sent him whimpering back toward his house defeated with his tail tucked in between his legs. Mutzie reigned victorious!
No dog or cat was ever safe near our fierce protector, Mutzie. This is the primary reason we didn't get her a dachsie companion! I had a small pet hermit crab. Whatever became of him? He became a snack for Mutzie. He'd gotten out of his aquarium and fell prey to Mutzie who enjoyed the taste of fresh seafood. I once had to pry Mutzie's mouth open to rescue my poor, tiny, green lizard!
I personally witnessed Mutzie chasing Dobermans, Rotweillers, and various other large breed dogs from our yard. She also wiped out an entire family of blue jays simply because they were in "her" tree. She had a zero tolerance policy for invaders on her territory. Her hound-like bark scared every dog! There wasn't a dog around that didn't fear this mouthy, mighty, unflinchingly courageous girl!
U...unconditional love and devotion
My precious Mutzie showed more love and devotion than most humans I know. No matter what I did, Mutzie was always there for me. When my world seemed to crash around me, she was always there to offer her special kisses and affection. I always felt such love from my dachsie girl. Her love never wavered no matter what I did!
My grandmother, my best friend, was dying with cancer. My cousin and I were teenagers and couldn't stay by my grandmother's bedside. Mutzie, whom my grandma referred to as her "other" granddaughter, refused to leave her side. She stood beside her offering her love and kisses all day long. She would lay by her feet and protect her while she slept. We would have to pry Mutzie off my grandma's bed to get her to eat or use the bathroom. She brought my grandma such joy in her final days. She could get my grandma to smile when no one else could.
While I was away at college, Mutzie would lay in front of my bedroom door whining for me. She would only leave her spot to eat and go potty. My family was concerned about her well-being. She wasn't the same "Mutz." I would call to try to lift her spirits by talking into the phone with my high-pitched excited voice. It seemed to work for an hour and then she'd go back to sulking. When I returned home I felt like royalty. Mutzie was ecstatic and danced on her back feet and followed me everywhere! She was youthful and excited and full of vigor again! I have never felt such fierce, undying, unconditional love.
T...trusted confidant
Whenever I came home from a date, Mutzie would be waiting at the top of the stairs for me. I'd swoop her up and take her to my window seat. There, we'd gaze at the moonlight and discuss the happenings of my dates...good or bad. She'd look directly in my eyes and tilt her head like the most attentive friend. She didn't judge me and kept all my secrets. I really felt as though she understood. She could sense my emotions. She knew when I was happy and sad. It was reflected in her caring, all-knowing eyes.
When I met my future husband, Bill, I was very concerned about how Mutzie would take to him. She was my best friend! Mutzie did not like men, except for my dad. She liked none of my previous boyfriends. I was *her* person. The first time she saw Bill, it was like the first time I saw him: love at first sight! Suddenly, my trusted confidant was tossing me to the side. Bill was *her* man now. She followed him everywhere. She'd lay on her back waiting for belly rubs and kisses, and she submitted to him. Mutzie did not submit to anyone! It felt so wonderful to know that she approved of the man I'd chosen as my life-long partner and her new *daddy.*
Z...zealous approach to life
Whether it was getting a treat, going potty, going "bye-byes" or just getting up in the morning, Mutzie gave it her all! She lived every moment of her life with passion. She had such a vibrant enthusiasm for life. If you mentioned "bye-byes" in a low, soft voice she'd start dancing. If she went for a walk, she was sure to sniff every inch of grass or sidewalk she passed. If I even looked in her direction, her ears would instantly perk up, her head tilt, tongue would hang to the side of her mouth and then she'd run toward me wanting to engage in some type of physical activity.
Mutzie and I were truly like sisters. We even fought and competed against each other. She always *thought* she was the fastest runner. That used to irritate me to no end. Every day for 2 years, Mutzie and I would have a race to see who would be the fastest one up or down the stairs. There was no exception...even when I was sick! Mutzie could be in a deep sleep, but when she sensed I was any where near the stairs, she'd bolt toward them. What really angered me is that she'd always win! My mom repeatedly asked us to stop. She was afraid that someone was going to get hurt, but we wouldn't listen! On the morning of my first day of 7th grade, I decided that this was going to be the day I beat Mutzie down those stairs. She was fast asleep on my bed as I was getting ready for the day. I quietly picked up my book bag and tip-toed toward the stairs. Mutzie flew off the bed and made a mad dash for the stairs. We both made it there at the same time. What happened next, I can still visualize in slow motion, even though 15 years have passed since that day. The bottom of my shoes were slick against the stairs. I slipped on the first of about 10 stairs and went sliding down them, head first. I tried to stop myself by putting my legs out. I ended up slamming my face and my knees into the wall. I thought I'd broken my nose and my knees were stuck in the wall. My father had to pull me out! I'll never forget my mom adding her two cents' worth, "I just knew one of these days one of you were going to get hurt!" Then, I turned my head to see Mutzie just sitting there, waiting patiently with her head tilted as if to say, "What took you so long?" It was almost as if she had pronounced herself the winner of our race.
I...intelligent beyond her years
Mutzie was the most intelligent dog I'd ever met. She put Lassie to shame. Her intelligence stemmed from her intense love for food. She would do anything for a "tweet." She was the only dog I knew that could walk several feet on her back legs...to lead you to the treat drawer.
My friend and I were traveling to Tennessee with my family. Of course, Mutzie sat in the back of the car with us. She was one of the girls. She became quite annoying as she kept sniffing my friend's bag. She was obnoxious and relentless as she scratched and bit at the bag. We made the mistake of leaving her alone in the car while we took a quick restroom break. We were gone less than 5 minutes. When we returned to the car, we found my friend's bag unzipped approximately 2 inches. On top of the bag was a very clean, shiny, empty candy bar wrapper. There was not one drop of chocolate to be found. Immediately, we put the blame on my poor, innocent father. It looked like he'd sneaked to the back of the car and helped himself to my friend's candy bar. But, guilt filled poor Mutzie's eyes. She had a look of shame about her. Then we did some detective work. Mutzie's muzzle fit perfectly in the unzipped 2 inches of my friend's bag. Poor Mutzie didn't know whether to be proud of her great accomplishment or to hang her head in shame.
E...everlasting spirit
Her passing has had a profound impact on my family. We were grief stricken and life was blurry in the weeks following her death. It has been 1 year now without our beloved Mutzie. We see life differently now. It is precious and should be celebrated, even in the everyday little things that we do. She taught me many life lessons: never judge anyone, remain loyal to those you love, and to approach life courageously, without fear. Her spirit and the way she lived her life--courageous, optimistic and loyal--will be with us forever.