2013 New Year Goals

In keeping up with my yearly tradition I’ve decided to take a look back over the goals I made for myself last year to see how I did! I’ve also come up with a new list of goals for 2013 that will hopefully keep me on my toes!

My 2012 Goals:

1. Learn a new trick with my favorite pony, Minnow.

Ok, so I can’t recall a SPECIFIC trick I learned with Minnow this past year, but I did star in our brand-new Painting Pony DVD with him. And I had a super fun super hero shoot with Minnow this summer.

Ammo the Dachshund Super Hero and his Super Hero Pony

2. Compete in my first agility trial or take an agility class with a new club.

While I’m not quite ready for my first agility trial just yet, I have been taking agility classes since the spring. I’m hoping I might be ready for a trial sometime next year.

DIY Dog Agility Weave Poles // Ammo the Dachshund

3. Make more home movies, featuring me!

I’m happy to report that I’ve created lots of new video footage this year (over 50 videos on my youtube channel!), and I even landed on two national television spots at the end of this year (which I’ll be sharing all the details on the blog soon). And if you want to catch my biggest performance of the year you can check out my new DVD HERE!

Filming for the Painting Pony DVD 2012

4. Get more creative with my costumes.

I’m happy to say I’ve dressed up more this year than any other year! You might recall my pilot’s outfit when I went flying, my super cool Halloween costume as Wile E. Coyote, and even my dapper Holiday outfit for this year.

Ammo the Dachshund // Halloween // Wile E. Coyote Costume

5. Master some new tricks and share them on the blog.

I started a new feature on the blog this year called Let’s Get Tricky! I also added a few new tricks to my repertoire and I’m hoping to continue the trend in 2013.

Ammo the Dachshund // Let's Get Tricky // Teach Your Dog to High-Five

6. Take pictures every month for my 2013 Calendar!

So I may not have specifically set out to take photos for my calendar every month, I did rack up quite a lot of space on Mom’s hard-drive with my thousands of photos from this year.

2013 Dachshund Calendar from the Flying Hero Etsy Shop // Ammo the Dachshund

7. Make more DIY projects.

I definitely got my DIY on this year! I came up with over 10 great DIY projects this year, including my Birthday Bandana, a Dipped Yellow Chair, and even a Pet First Aid Kit.

Birthday Week // DIY Pet Birthday Bandana // Ammo the Dachshund

8. Paint more.

Painting may have taken a bit of a backseat this year, but that didn’t stop me from getting created. I opened up my very own Etsy Shop, Flying Hero, to sell my greeting cards, calendars and more – many of which have helped raise money for animal rescues!

Flying Hero Etsy Shop via Ammo the Dachshund

9. Dig more holes in the backyard.

You know I got this one covered!

Ammo the Dachshund - Hole Digging Heaven - Backhoe on the Farm

10. Smile everyday!

How can you not smile when you’re having this much fun!

Ammo the Dachshund // Backyard Super Hero

So moving on to the upcoming year, I can’t wait to start 2013 off with a bang!

2013 Goals:

  1. Create some more greeting card designs for my Flying Hero Etsy Shop
  2. Master the weave poles for my agility classes
  3. Compete in an agility trial
  4. Learn a performance that I can perform on my own at events
  5. Make every day count!

So what about you? What are your goals for 2013?

2013 Dachshund Calendar from the Flying Hero Etsy Shop // Ammo the DachshundDon’t forget to start 2013 off right, check out my Calendar available for purchase HERE! Hurry, because I only have a few copies left! Ammo the Dachshund

Backyard Super Hero

I was playing with my next door neighbor, Harley the Rottweiler, when I happened to mention that I’m a Super Hero. She laughed and said “That’s silly Ammo, you don’t even have a Super Hero outfit”.

Ammo the Dachshund // Backyard Super Hero

Ammo the Dachshund // Backyard Super Hero

So I quickly bounded inside to show her that yes, in fact I do have a Super Hero outfit, and it is so awesome she won’t believe her eyes!

Ammo the Dachshund // Backyard Super Hero

Behold the awesome-ness that is Super Ammo, protecter of canines and hunter of groundhogs.

Ammo the Dachshund // Backyard Super Hero

I can burrow down a groundhog hole as fast and lightning and my paws are like rocket-powered shovels.

Ammo the Dachshund // Backyard Super Hero

I visit the elderly and make children giggle.

Ammo the Dachshund // Backyard Super Hero

I also like unicorns and believe in magic fairy dust….

Ammo the Dachshund // Backyard Super Hero

…and on occasion I roll in dead worms.

Harley is sooooo jealous! Ammo the Dachshund

On the Job

You may recall that there are some new changes happening on the family farm, most of which involve building Trooper a super duper new house!

Ammo the Dachshund // On the Job // Construction

And since we consider this the family farm, everyone is expected to pitch in and help with the construction, Trooper and I included. I am certainly no stranger to working hard on the farm, in fact, it wasn’t that long ago that I was just a wee pup being introduced to fence building with the family.

Ammo the Dachshund // Puppy // Farmwork

Ammo the Dachshund // On the Job // Construction

So for our newest family construction project we set out to tackle laying radiant flooring on the basement. I gave Trooper the task of Foreman #1.

Ammo the Dachshund // On the Job // Construction

I on the other hand, took on the job of Foreman #2, mostly because Foreman #2 can get away with taking naps on the job! Trooper is such a sucker.

Ammo the Dachshund // On the Job // Construction

Ammo the Dachshund // On the Job // Construction

On Day #1 of the install I oversaw the installation of the floor insulation which had to be cut and taped into place.

Ammo the Dachshund // On the Job // Construction

My crew worked pretty diligently but by sunset they still had lots of insulation left to install. (those slackers).

Ammo the Dachshund // On the Job // Construction

Ammo the Dachshund // On the Job // Construction

So by Day #2 I decided to get my hands dirty and speed up the process.

Ammo the Dachshund // On the Job // Construction

And wouldn’t you know, with my extra help the install went much quicker and by sunset we were nearly complete! I guess all they needed was a little doxie power! Ammo the Dachshund

 

Stay tuned, as there are lots more construction projects in my near future!

The Elusive Golden Bear

When I took a trip over the weekend to visit the flea markets in Kutztown, Pa – I didn’t just end my adventure with pillaging for buried treasures. No, there was another reason to travel north – to hunt for the elusive Golden Bear.

Ammo the Dachshund visits Kutztown University // The Golden Bear

See Mom and Dad both attended Kutztown University, home of the Golden Bear – a magical creature I’m sure, and I was dead set on finding said bear.

Ammo the Dachshund visits Kutztown University // The Golden Bear

But before I could head to campus in search of my Golden Bear I took a trip downtown where I took a nap on the sidewalk as mom and dad ate lunch. I must say, I attracted quite a few college students with my stunning good looks, but that was to be expected.

Ammo the Dachshund visits Kutztown University // The Golden Bear

After lunch I made my way to campus where I began my search for the golden bear.

Ammo the Dachshund visits Kutztown University // The Golden Bear

I searched high and low for my bear.

Ammo the Dachshund visits Kutztown University // The Golden Bear

I really thought my bear would be in the school fountain too – on account of how hot it was – but sadly no bear here.

Ammo the Dachshund visits Kutztown University // The Golden Bear

Then just when I was about to declare the golden bear as truly elusive – he decided to sneak up behind me.

Ammo the Dachshund visits Kutztown University // The Golden Bear

Oh Golden Bear, you’re just as glorious as I expected.

Ammo the Dachshund visits Kutztown University // The Golden Bear

Have you found an elusive creatures lately? Ammo the Dachshund

Flea Market Adventures

Over the weekend I took a trip with Mom and Dad to the Flea Markets near Kutztown, PA.

Ammo the Dachshund // Flea Market Adventures

Being that I typically work on Saturdays, (when most flea markets are open) I’ve never actually been to one before.

Ammo the Dachshund // Flea Market Adventures

I spent the afternoon pillaging and searching for buried treasures among the isles upon isles of flea market goodies. There was certainly no shortage of new smells to be found.

Ammo the Dachshund // Flea Market Adventures

Ammo the Dachshund // Flea Market Adventures

Our first stop was the Kutztown Flea Market, with venders selling everything from glassware to toy dinosaurs. I had my eye on one of those Dinos, but sadly mom reminded me they would be much happier going home with a little boy who would love them than a dachshund that wanted to chew their heads off. She did have a point.

Ammo the Dachshund // Flea Market Adventures

Ammo the Dachshund // Flea Market Adventures

Next stop was the Renningers Flea Market where I met some interesting people and even more interesting treasures. Dad and I immediately were drawn to all the tools and weapons (it’s a guy thing).

Ammo the Dachshund // Flea Market Adventures

Ammo the Dachshund // Flea Market Adventures

And we even found some antique AMMO!

Ammo the Dachshund // Flea Market Hunting

Our final flea market of the day was unlike anything you have ever seen before. Isles upon isles of hidden finds line this amish barn that is only found through word of mouth.

Ammo the Dachshund // Flea Market Hunting

The best part is that most of the funds raised through the sale of donated items at this amish thrifting paradise is donated to charity.

Ammo the Dachshund // Flea Market Weekend

By the end of the day I was left looking like this! Flea Market Adventures are much harder than they look!

P.S. Not to worry, this photo was taken right after I was given a full bowl of ice cold water and was comfortably relaxing in the cool AC. The tongue was for dramatic effect.Ammo the Dachshund

My Latest Shopping Treasures

It’s no secret that I love to shop for the latest and greatest dog products, evident by my weekly blog feature, Friday Fetch. So when I actually get a chance to test some of these products out myself convince mom she has to buy me something, I love to share my experiences with my fans.

Ammo the Dachshund // Molly Mutt // Found My Animal

I always seem to be in the need for a new dog bed, mostly because I like to chew on my bed at work. Don’t tell my mom, but really I chew them up because I can’t wait to pick out a new duvet cover from one of my favorite companies, Molly Mutt.

Ammo the Dachshund // Molly Mutt // Found My Animal

I love Molly Mutt because the dog bed duvet covers are oh so stylish, and mom says she loves them because she doesn’t have to pay for an entire new dog bed when I go on one of my chewing frenzies. So I guess you’d call it a win-win.

Ammo the Dachshund // Molly Mutt // Found My Animal

My next purchase of the week was a leash made by Found My Animal, because a dog can never have too many leashes.

Ammo the Dachshund // Molly Mutt // Found My Animal

Mom purchased this leash through the new deal site LeLePets at a discounted price. It caught my eye because it was a little bit different than the average dog walking device. Yes it is bright orange (probably wouldn’t have been my first color choice though but it was the only thing available through LeLePets), but it also comes adorned with a stamped tag.

Ammo the Dachshund // Molly Mutt // Found My Animal

I’ve always been a fan of the rope leashes (probably because they are reminiscent of a pony lead rope, and you all know how I love ponies), and this one even has a few extra goodies up it’s sleeve.

Ammo the Dachshund // Molly Mutt // Found My Animal

Instead of being a fixed handle at the end it has a clip that can be attached to two different rings, creating a larger or smaller loop. Mom thought this would be great when she needs to “park me” at a tree, or perhaps during a therapy dog visit. I mostly thought it would come in handy so I could attach myself to the paddle board should I go overboard again on our next lake outing.

Either way, this new leash attachment has already proven to be very functional.

Overall I give both this week’s purchases two paws up – hopefully I’ll be back soon to share some more pet products I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing. I just have to get my sad puppy eyes warmed up to use on mom…..I have my eye on some new fall sweaters! Ammo the Dachshund

 

*Disclosure: I was not paid or perked to share these products with you. Both items were fully purchased.

Decisions. Decisions.

The other day I got to take a much needed trip to Petco.

Ammo the Dachshund takes a trip to Petco

And by much needed, I mean I NEEDED new toys.

Ammo the Dachshund takes a trip to Petco

After agonizing over the perfect toy to choose I picked out these two and was excited to give them a whirl when I got home.

Ammo the Dachshund takes a trip to Petco

I was having a grand time playing with my new toys in my yard when my neighbor Harley the Rottweiler peeked her head over the fence.

Ammo the Dachshund takes a trip to Petco

New toys are grand, but having a real friend to play with is so much sweeter. Ammo the Dachshund

Play Fetch Everyday

Don’t you just wish you could play fetch all day long?

It’s these simple pleasures of summer that I enjoy oh so much. I hope you get to play fetch today too.

Sweet Hole-digging Heaven!

Oh sweet glorious day! You’ll never guess what showed up on the farm!

Ammo the Dachshund - Hole Digging Heaven - Backhoe on the Farm

You are gonna pee your pants in excitement, just like I did!

Ammo the Dachshund - Hole Digging Heaven - Backhoe on the Farm

It’s a backhoe!! As in, ground hogs watch out, I’ve hit the hole-digging jackpot.

Ammo the Dachshund - Hole Digging Heaven - Backhoe on the Farm

I’m totally serious when I say this (just look at my face), this is like the greatest day ever!

Ammo the Dachshund - Hole Digging Heaven - Backhoe on the Farm

Only one problem, I can’t find the keys.

Ammo the Dachshund - Hole Digging Heaven - Backhoe on the Farm

I asked mom for the keys, but she said that I wasn’t allowed to operate heavy machinery without my helmet – not to mention that the backhoe was for building Trooper’s new house, not for digging groundhog hunting holes. I tried to reason with her that Trooper would be thankful I used the backhoe to rid his future home-site of those pesky critters, but it was no use.

Ammo the Dachshund - Hole Digging Heaven - Backhoe on the Farm

So it’s off to plan B. Does anyone know how to hot wire a backhoe? Ammo the Dachshund

Dachshunds Allowed in the Automatic Car Wash

Last weekend I got to go on a brand new adventure!

Ammo the Dachshund goes through the car wash

When Mom pulled up to the automatic car wash, I had no idea what was in store. There seemed to be a lot of “No” rules – but thank goodness it didn’t say “No wiener dogs”.

Ammo the Dachshund goes through the car wash

I watched in fascination as the swirly-ma-jigs and what-za-ma-call-its whipped around the truck.

Ammo the Dachshund goes through the car wash

It was very loud and noisy, but brave super heroes like me never get scared.

Ammo the Dachshund goes through the car wash

When the car wash was over I was a wee bit sad.

Ammo the Dachshund goes through the car wash

“Oh mom, can we please drive through the biggest mud puddle we can find so we can ride through the car wash again?” Ammo the Dachshund