Dexter at gate

I got this shot the other afternoon of little Dexter at the top of the stairs that lead to our offices on the second floor. We installed this gate to control access, both to keep certain Dachshunds from racing up and down the steps at will (to minimize the risk of Doxie back problems occurring) as well as to keep certain Dachshunds from using the carpet at the top of the stairs for a … how to put this nicely … a potty place. Besides our bedroom — a dog-free zone — the second floor is one of only three places in the house that has carpet. You know, nice, soft, absorbent carpet, perfect for those moments when you don't want to be bothered to go outside. It's so handy.

Dexter follows Alayne everywhere (don't they all?), but on this afternoon he had fallen asleep in her office and didn't realize she had left … and she didn't realize he was still up there. He woke up, heard us downstairs, and went to the gate, only to find it closed. (Okay, so at least we remembered to close it behind us.) I came around the bottom of the stairs, heard some whining from up above, and there he was.

P.S.  Happy Summer Solstice!  It's a beautiful first day of summer here in the Great North Woods of New Hampshire — sunny, 78°(25°C), gentle breeze. Perfect.

Posted in

21 responses to “Um, I’m Up Here And You’re Down There. That’s A Problem.”

  1. Penny Avatar
    Penny

    Don’t worry little Dexter. Mommy and Daddy will be rescuing you shortly. In the meantime, go ahead and make use of that soft absorbent carpet!!! (just kidding). What a cute little guy.

    Like

  2. Linda Avatar
    Linda

    So kinda you snooze you lose, Dexter! Too funny!

    Like

  3. Marla from Kansas City Avatar
    Marla from Kansas City

    He is “Dexter the Dickens” after all…….

    Like

  4. Ann Avatar
    Ann

    Dexter is a trip! That cute face sticking through the slat of the gate is adorable. What a character he is!
    Your summer solstice sounded wonderful. We broke a record high of 102…and that was without the heat index! Climate change at its best 🙂

    Like

  5. Mauro Salles Avatar
    Mauro Salles

    I’m curious… What do you think he was saying? 🙂 🙂

    Like

  6. gayle Avatar
    gayle

    After the recent loss so nice to see my favorite Mr. D

    Like

  7. Anne in FL Avatar
    Anne in FL

    HA!! I’m up here and you’re not and I am where the carpet is and I have to tinkle. Forget about me will ya!! But on the other hand…I am the only one up here and I would really rather be WITH you and can you please come get me?? Please?
    (96 and HUMID here, “feels like” temps in the low 100’s, icky, sticky)

    Like

  8. Cheryl Turner Avatar
    Cheryl Turner

    Oh Dexter reminds me of little Bailey…..Im still so sad about him 😦

    Like

  9. Chloe Avatar

    What an adorable face!!
    Steve,
    Will you explain the logistics of the “dog wing” and the “people wing”?
    Do the dogs just use the “dog wing” to sleep? Seems like they may have trained you and Alayne to rethink that idea.

    Like

  10. melanie Avatar
    melanie

    He’s so cute!! and Doxies always prefer carpet to outside…its in their nature! Came across your site and blog recently, and its become my new favorite!! Love what you guys do – your are truly special people!

    Like

  11. Kathleen Rivard Avatar
    Kathleen Rivard

    Too, too cute! It sure must have confused him to be on the “wrong” side of the closed gate. Dexter, you made my heart laugh…..and it needed it.

    Like

  12. Evelyn Avatar
    Evelyn

    poor baby……

    Like

  13. Barbara Techel Avatar

    This is way to precious! I chuckled the minute I saw the photo. Thanks for warming my heart first thing today!
    And yes, ALL dachshunds follow you wherever you go… well, at least mine does, just like yours. 🙂
    Barbara Techel and Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog

    Like

  14. Angela Avatar
    Angela

    What a cute little face Dexter has poking out!! Reminds me of a Doxie named Lil Abner who lived in an apartment building I used to live in. The very first time I went to view the apt. which was on the 2nd floor, Abner (on lower floor) had his little head wedged between the Venetian blinds – so you had huge picture window, Venetian blinds, and one little Doxie head.

    Like

  15. Mimi Avatar
    Mimi

    Please give Dexter a kiss from me and Jibby (9 yr old mini doxie).

    Like

  16. Lisa K. from CA Avatar
    Lisa K. from CA

    With a face like that, you KNOW he gets his way! 🙂

    Like

  17. Shirley * James/Portland, OR Avatar

    Priceless—just an adorable face!

    Like

  18. Janet A Avatar
    Janet A

    Saw a t-shirt – Dachshound – German for “little pain in the ass” How true!!

    Like

  19. Nina Avatar
    Nina

    What a precious photo! Couldn’t help but chuckle!

    Like

  20. Joan Marks Avatar

    Discovered your sanctuary/farm/ranch on TV with Jack Hannah and have been looking at all your posts and blog and pictures now for hours.
    Wow…fantastic and what a wonderful place for the animals. Wish I had the funds to have a place and do what you do. I’m absolutely astounded at your dedication. Thank you for what you do………..

    Like

  21. Cheap Blinds Avatar

    Really Dexter looks very cute and innocent.

    Like

Leave a reply to Penny Cancel reply