Meet the real bosses around here
Soda (the one in charge, obviously!)
Soda was our first foster-fail. She arrived too scared to cross the front door. She went to sleep in the lounge that first night, unsure if she was allowed in the bedroom, curled up like a croissant on the lounge. By 2am, the little croissant was on my face!
These days Soda runs the place. Hands down, she's the pack leader, the designated greeter, and the reason this brand exists. She taught me — and keeps teaching the shy dogs she meets at the park — that trust is something you can rebuild. Needless to say, she's come a long way from that doorstep.
Sierra (the OG — 9 years old and absolutely unstoppable)
Sierra was my first dachshund. She's been in a wheelchair since she was 7 weeks old. Dumped at a rescue group, I adopted her with a spine that couldn't be fixed and a spirit that very much could not be broken.
She doesn't think she's any different to the others. She's right. She's been through more than most and still shows up every single day with pure attitude and zero complaints. She's the one who taught me how to see life differently.
Sally (the big sister, the peacekeeper, the master mediator)
They say one dachshund's a lap dog, but three is a committee. Sally didn't get the memo that she was outnumbered — she just appointed herself chair.
Sally and Soda were bonded from day one — they share meals, share the couch, and have clearly decided they were always meant to find each other. Sally's job in this household is keeping everyone in line. She is exceptionally good at it, and she knows it. She'd also rather be in your arms than anywhere else on earth.
Arlo (the baby, the chaos, the ‘pretty boy’)
Arlo is the long-haired boy I'd always wanted to round out our Posse. He arrived tiny, quiet, and a little unsure of the world. His sisters sorted that out quickly. These days he's found his confidence, found his voice, and found his permanent spot pressed against me wherever I go.
He has the sweetest face, with eyes that melt your heart. He’s just turned 1 and still acts like the baby.
Tommy (the fifth dachshund to complete our pack)
Five dachshunds made no rational sense. Tennille knew that. She said yes anyway. Tommy arrived at four months old having had almost none of the things a dog deserves. He didn't know what a toy was. He ate like he'd never been fed. He slept at the very end of the bed, like he wasn't sure he was allowed.
These days he sleeps under the oodie, wakes everyone up with kisses every single morning, and walks around like he's always known he was meant to be here. He was.