Grandpa Hank Started Dancing Alone in the Kitchen. It Didn't Stay That Way.
Eyes squeezed shut and grin wide, Grandpa Hank is mid-shuffle in a warm, old-fashioned kitchen, arms out like he's leading an invisible partner. His green plaid shirt is tucked under black suspenders, and the late sun glows through the window over the sink. At his feet, Pretzel has decided she is the partner. The dapple Dachshund is up on her toes with her mouth open in a happy pant, tail whipping behind her, eyes locked on his face. Wooden cabinets, a shiny kettle on the stove, and a fridge crowded with magnets make it feel like a room full of good years.
Dogs are remarkably tuned in to our moods. Many owners notice that when they laugh, sing, or move around playfully, their dog perks up and wants in on the action. Dancing with a small dog is fun, but a little caution goes a long way. Dachshunds dart around ankles, so slow, shuffling steps are safer than spins, both for the dog's paws and for a grandpa's balance. Keep the floor clear of rugs that slide, and avoid encouraging a Dachshund to stand on its hind legs for long stretches, since their long backs do better with all four feet on the ground.
Nobody needs a ballroom or a band. A kitchen, a song stuck in your head, and one devoted dance partner with a wagging tail turn an ordinary evening into the best part of the day.
