Misha has a friend

Misha has made a friend. Niles (the dachshund) owns my friend Lola. Lola admits that she became Niles pet willingly. She walks him, plays with him, amuses him, and buys him treats and toys. Lola carries Niles in her arms when it is hot outside and he doesn't want to walk. I do that with Misha too. Misha lolls his head back in my arms and smiles "Thanks Miranda" the smile seems to say.

Niles is a long haired dachshund. He and Misha seemed to hit it off right away. They are kindred souls. Each knows how to control and yet pamper their pet human. They are masters of their craft. Both of them use their soulful eyes to beg, barter and steal from toys to affection. They make up games. Niles made up a great game the other day. He stole a red pepper from Lola's shopping bag and tore it up all over the sofa. Lola was thrilled because it gave her that always appreciated bending and stretching exercise to find all the little pieces of pepper.

Misha taught Niles how to lift his leg and mark every little plant on a walk. That allows Lola to stop and take a breath, look at the flowers and notice the beauty all around her.

Dachshunds were bred originally in Germany to go after badgers. The smaller version of dachshund was used to chase rabbits into their burrows. Misha and Niles look like cousins and Niles (who doesn't like just any dog) is very friendly with Misha. When they see each other they run up to each others ears to whisper the new tricks they have taught their owners to do. If they have a lot to tell, Lola and I can also catch up and have a cup of tea and a chat.