Rusty Wore the Antlers on the Snowy Porch and Did Not Blink

Snow is coming down lightly on the porch boards, and a sleek red Dachshund sits tall with a pair of felt antlers strapped to his head. His long ears hang to the side, his dark eyes shine, and the pointed nose is raised with great dignity. A winter wreath hangs by the door behind him, a pair of boots sits near the rail, and a flowerpot filled with soil waits for spring.

Smooth-coated Dachshunds have very little fur to keep out the cold, and with their low bellies close to snow-covered ground, they can chill quickly. Short trips outside, a warm coat or sweater, and a dry towel at the door are sensible. Their long bodies need care too. Avoid stairs and jumping off high places when possible, and support the chest and hindquarters when lifting. Ask your vet about protecting your dog's back as he gets older.

Dachshunds are known for being bold, clever, and a little stubborn, which suits a costume photo well because they will tolerate silly things with a very straight face. Let us call this reindeer Rusty, for his handsome red coat. He stands as though delivering a very important message, antlers perfectly in place, with no sign of embarrassment. If Santa ever needs the longest reindeer on the team, Rusty is ready to apply.