The Ambassador Guarded His Sealed Scroll With His Whole Heart
The royal ambassador has an important message to deliver, and he is not about to lose it. A dappled Dachshund in a navy coat with gold leaf embroidery and a gold braided cord on one shoulder holds a rolled scroll sealed with a round red wax stamp. His coat is a speckled mix of grey, black and tan, his long ears hang smooth and glossy, and his dark eyes are wide and earnest above a lace collar. Candlelight glints on the gold, and the rest of the room is lost in warm shadow.
Dachshunds were bred in Germany to follow badgers into their burrows, which accounts for their stubborn courage and surprising voice. The long back is the breed's signature, and it needs protection. Avoid letting a Dachshund jump from heights, use ramps for furniture, and support the whole body when you pick him up. Keeping him at a healthy weight is one of the best things you can do for his spine. Dachshunds come in smooth, wirehaired and longhaired coats, and the dapple pattern is one of many colors. They love to dig and sniff, so a leash and a secure yard are a must. Your vet can discuss back care and the best exercise for your dog.
The message is safely in paw, and the ambassador will deliver it with the fanfare it deserves, right after a short sniff of the carpet.
