Luci--probably, a Dachshund Corgi mix, is a funny little creature. Having observed her for four and a half years, I've been intrigued with her desire to please and her penchant for healing. So I'm now doing a little "research" on Facebook reels--which is how I've guesstimated her DNA.
I subscribed to two groups--Corgi Lovers and Dachshund Lovers--and they post the kind of videos that sometimes make me laugh out loud. Except for the loud and frequent barking of those breeds. Luci combines so many traits of both.
Like a Doxie, she has stubby legs, a sausage body, and gives me the side-eye anytime my actions don't match her lofty expectations. WHY don't you want to go to walk again or throw my toys? WHY don't you see that that steak you're eating is my favorite thing? WHY do you disturb my slumbers by getting up at night and playing with papers?
Also, there's very little she can't reach by jumping, and her 14 pound furry self takes up three-fourths of my bed. When I watch a movie in bed, she burrows deep under the covers. Whether I'm gone for two minutes or two hours, she dances and jumps with delight when I come back. Jan says that she frequently complains to her that I have abandoned her--again--but she doesn't hold it against me.
Like both breeds, she's a fast runner. But her favorite activity is observing and getting love from friends and strangers.
Her body shape may be Doxie, but her coloring is pure Corgi. Her big fan tail comes from who knows where? Some observers have seen strains of Papillon.
Meek. Undemanding. Opinionated. Grooms herself like a cat. Never asks for anything--unless you count the intense eye contact she gives me as she stands under the treat drawer.
She understands English that applies to her. "Do you want to go to walk?" sets off a routine of going to her toy basket, grabbing a celebratory toy, and running around the house in glee.
Why, when I have the real deal, do I so enjoy these doggie reels so much? Not just to explore her possible pedigree, though that's very entertaining. Mainly because, while Luci's sleeping, I want more of her, or more like her. If I had more energy, a bigger yard, and someone else to help, I'd get her one of those as a playmate, maybe two.
She and Carma love each other in their way, but their personalities are very different. Carma is exuberance personnified--or doggie-fied. Her tail is a wonder to watch, a veritable windmill of pleasure.
Carma has one speed: full on joy in motion.
Luci is moodier. Maybe just the tiniest bit neurotic in her separation anxiety.
Carma eats anything--and I mean ANY thing. Luci is a delicate picky eater who turns up not only her nose but her whole head when she loudly resorts to chomping kibble if nothing better is forthcoming. As she chomps--that's when I get a certain disapproving look. "You have no idea how much I hate this food!"
Today we stopped in at the Green Door Thrift Shop. I could hear the clerks saying to each other, "Luci's here!" and then they all gathered around. One picked her up and put her on the counter. For about 20 minutes, two 80-something regulars pet her and hugged her and cooed like little girls getting to pet a puppy. No wonder Luci likes thrift shopping!