A wish for a long and healthy life

December is a special month for me as many life changing events took place in this month. In December: 

• I immigrated to Canada and started a new chapter of my life  (29 years ago)
• Zuzia (Susie), my very first dachshund that I had brought from Poland died at the age of 13 (20 years ago)
• my first litter of wirehaired dachshunds was born (19 years ago)
• I married John, who is my second husband (15 years ago)
• my Mother died (13 years ago)  

So in spite of all the hustle and bustle associated with December, tracking and hunting, holiday preparations, this time of year brings reflections and memories. Nowadays it also brings many cards and messages from people who got their dogs from us. For some people Christmas holidays are the only time when they reach out to us, and we are always happy to hear from them.

Just a couple of days ago we received this e-mail with a picture from Janet and Randy Heidemann from Campbell Hall, NY, who have a wirehaired dachshund Johann. Johann ( Tobby von Moosbach-Zuzelek) was born on June 10, 1995, and now he is fifteen and a half years old. He must be currently the oldest living dog out of our breeding. He is a son of our Gita (FC Zuzelek's Gold-digging Gita) and Doc (Dogabert von dem Meier Hof).

Janet and Randy write: Attached is a picture of Johann after his "geriatric" check up. According to the vet, Johann is doing well. He has cloudiness in his eyes but not glaucoma. His back legs are wobbly but he is on medication, Rimadyl, for this. The medication has made a wonderful difference in how he is able to maneuver, especially in the morning. His diet is a Science Diet for older dogs which we get directly from the vet. All the vets are so taken with Johann. He is the only wirehaired that they have had the pleasure of treating. At 15.5 yrs. old, Johann is doing well. Johann, Randy, and I all wish you both a Happy Holiday and New Year.   

Johann, now fifteen and a half years old, is still doing well.

There is something very special about old dogs, and a book that really captures their magic is Old Dogs Are the Best Dogs.  It might be not too late to order it as a gift for a person who loves dogs.

Wishing all your dogs a long and healthy life!