Imagination Hat – The Return of Super Ammo

As you may already know, I’m on an imagination adventure while my pal Minnow the Painting Pony is performing at Pony Penning all week with my mom. On tuesday I went to outer space, wednesday I went under the sea, thursday I went to Dinosaur Land and today I’m back on the moon as myself – Super Ammo!

Ammo the Dachshund - Super Hero - On the Moon

I think out of all the places I’ve been this week the moon has been my favorite.

Ammo the Dachshund - Super Hero - On the Moon

Ammo the Dachshund - Super Hero - On the Moon

I love looking at the stars, and I even got to make a few wishes on the shooting ones.

Ammo the Dachshund - Super Hero - On the Moon

I’m sure you can probably guess what I’ve been wising for – for my mom and Minnow to return home soon – because as much fun as I’ve been having with my imagination hat, I do still miss my real life adventures with mom and Minnow.

Ammo the Dachshund - Super Hero - On the Moon

Dad says not to worry though, because they will be home TONIGHT!

Ammo the Dachshund - Super Hero - On the Moon

I probably should prepare a welcome home party, or hang a banner, or bake a cake, but honestly I’m having way too much fun on the moon right now – and I’m pretty sure my wagging tail and kisses will be more than enough for a welcome home celebration! (I wag a mean tail).

I hope you all enjoyed coming along with me and my imagination hat – I had so much fun that I think I’ll definitely have to have some more adventures with it soon! Ammo the Dachshund

Friday Fetch: Wooden Pet ID Tags

So I’m totally swooning over the selection of wooden pet id tags I found at the Etsy shop, Cropscotch.

Crafted out of the highest grade woods and hardwoods on the market, our custom Pet ID tags and necklaces are laser cut, hand sanded, engraved and finished with a clear, non-toxic matte coat to ensure maximum strength, protection and weather resistance.

Cropscotch even carries a line of jewelry for your human friends to! They mention that they can create custom id tags/jewelry to fit your own personal style. I’m thinking dachshunds in super hero capes, what about you?

Wooden Pet ID Tags from Cropscotch on Etsy - via Ammo the Dachshund

Wooden Pet ID Tags from Cropscotch on Etsy - via Ammo the Dachshund

Wooden Pet ID Tags from Cropscotch on Etsy - via Ammo the Dachshund

Wooden Pet ID Tags from Cropscotch on Etsy - via Ammo the Dachshund

Wooden Pet ID Tags from Cropscotch on Etsy - via Ammo the Dachshund

Wooden Pet ID Tags from Cropscotch on Etsy - via Ammo the Dachshund

Wooden Pet ID Tags from Cropscotch on Etsy - via Ammo the Dachshund

The Pow! tag has my name written all over it!

You can fetch your own wooden pet id tag from Cropscotch for about $14 Ammo the Dachshund

Ammo the Movie Star is Here!

Ammo the Dachshund - Painting Pony Video Shoot - Filming

Ok, so maybe I won’t really be seeing my name on a star in Hollywood (a dog can dream) – but in the World of Magical Painting Ponies, I am a movie star! (and technically I have been on National Television before via Animal Planet – check it out here)

Ammo the Dachshund - Painting Pony Video Shoot - Filming

Last week my Uncle Taylor came to visit from his home in North Carolina. Taylor is an uber talented videographer and editor – shooting weddings, commercials, documentaries, training videos, and much much more. And guess what…..he brought his video equipment with him!

Ammo the Dachshund - Painting Pony Video Shoot - Filming

The name of the game was filming some brand new videos for Painting Pony.

Ammo the Dachshund - Painting Pony Video Shoot - Filming

And although my pony friends did make a shining appearance on these new videos – we all know who the real star is…

Ammo the Dachshund - Painting Pony Video Shoot - Filming

…me!

Ammo the Dachshund - Painting Pony Video Shoot - Filming

I had some big important roles, and don’t worry, I totally gave it 110%.

Ammo the Dachshund - Painting Pony Video Shoot - Filming

I even got to do some serious action shots – with multiple takes!

Ammo the Dachshund - Painting Pony Video Shoot - Filming

I also got to perform on the video with my bestest buddy Trooper.

Ammo the Dachshund - Painting Pony Video Shoot - Filming

It was aaaaamazing!

Ammo the Dachshund - Painting Pony Video Shoot - Filming

And, incase you are wondering – yes I did my own stunts!

Ammo the Dachshund - Painting Pony Video Shoot - Filming

I can hardly wait to see the finished product, and as soon as it’s done I’ll be sure to let everyone know! And if you are counting down the days to see yours truly on DVD, you can check out The Trick Ponies of Chincoteague DVD which has my happy little face on it too.

And if you’re looking for some video work make sure you check out Envision Event Media and Depthink Productions!
Ammo the Dachshund

Super Heroes Unite – Chincoteague Pony Minnow gets ready for Pony Penning

My stay-cation last week may have you thinking that all I did was go paddleboarding and flying, but this super dog never gets to relax completely – and I had to mix in a little bit of work too (if you can call it that).

My bestest pony friend Minnow the Painting Pony and I got our photoshoot on and took some promotional photos for this year’s Chincoteague Pony Penning held at the end of July.

Ammo the Dachshund Super Hero and his Super Hero Pony

Each year my friend Minnow (aka Super Minnow) travels to Chincoteague Island, Virginia to perform for a week during the annual Chincoteague Pony Swim and Auction.

Ammo the Dachshund Super Hero and his Super Hero Pony

Not only does he paint original art during his stay on the island, but he also gets to show off some of his amazing tricks by performing a skit during the nightly shows at the Chincoteague Pony Centre.

Ammo the Dachshund Super Hero and his Super Hero Pony

Mom and I work very hard for months in advance to help Minnow learn a new performance each year before pony penning – and I think this year’s performance is one of the best yet!

Ammo the Dachshund Super Hero and his Super Hero Pony

This year Minnow is going to Super Hero Bootcamp – and as you can see by his rolly polly belly that he certainly was in need of a bootcamp!

Ammo the Dachshund Super Hero and his Super Hero Pony

The only way to see Minnow’s new performance is to visit him on the island at the end of July, but since I knew not everyone would make it I talked mom into having a new DVD made of the performance that will be available for purchase hopefully next month. (meanwhile you can check out Minnow’s other DVD featuring yours truly HERE).

Ammo the Dachshund Super Hero and his Super Hero Pony

I’m a bit jealous that I won’t be able to watch Minnow’s performance live either, as dogs aren’t allowed many places on the island and I have to stay home with Dad, so I’ll just have to wish him luck from afar.

Ammo the Dachshund Super Hero and his Super Hero Pony

It’s a shame really, because what’s a Super Hero without his sidekick?

Ammo the Dachshund Super Hero and his Super Hero Pony

Ammo the Dachshund Super Hero and his Super Hero Pony

I’m sure Minnow knows I’m his biggest fan though, and I’ll be cheering him on from home! Go Minnow!Ammo the Dachshund

To see more photos of Minnow during our Super Hero Photoshoot make sure you check out the Painting Pony Blog.

Dachshund Takes Flight – Flying High in a Piper Single Engine Plane

Yesterday I shared with you my paddleboarding adventures on the lake during my stay-cation, and today I have an even more thrilling tale to tell!

Last week I took to the air for my very first flight ever!

Ammo the Dachshund takes Flight - Adventures in taking a Small Dog Flying in a Piper

Now as you may already know, I’m not your average dog, so when I took to the air I didn’t just book a flight on some commercial jet for a week-long getaway. No instead I decided to fly in style by hopping aboard my own single engine plane – aka the Piper Archer II.

Ammo the Dachshund takes Flight - Adventures in taking a Small Dog Flying in a Piper

Ammo the Dachshund takes Flight - Small Dog takes to the Air in a Single Engine Piper Plane

I didn’t have to look too far to find a pilot for my first flight either, because my mom’s dad has been a recreational pilot since 1986, and I was to be his very first canine passenger.

Ammo the Dachshund takes Flight - Adventures in taking a Small Dog Flying in a Piper

Being that this was my first flight, I dressed in the best piloting attire I could find. I couldn’t risk looking like I didn’t know what I was doing.

Ammo the Dachshund takes Flight - Small Dog takes to the Air in a Single Engine Piper Plane

Ammo the Dachshund takes Flight - Small Dog takes to the Air in a Single Engine Piper Plane

I was pretty darn excited to take to the air, so much so that I even practiced my airplane yelling just in case it was anything like riding on a roller coaster.

Ammo the Dachshund takes Flight - Small Dog takes to the Air in a Single Engine Piper Plane

As we took to the air I kept my eyes glued to the window – it was nothing like riding in a car!

Ammo the Dachshund takes Flight - Small Dog takes to the Air in a Single Engine Piper Plane

I was fascinated by how tiny everything looked from the air, and the cars on the roads below looked just like little rodents scurrying all around.

Ammo the Dachshund takes Flight - Small Dog takes to the Air in a Single Engine Piper Plane

We flew over many places that I recognized, like my house, the shop where I work, and even the farm – where I waved hello to all my pony friends below.

Ammo the Dachshund takes Flight - Small Dog takes to the Air in a Single Engine Piper Plane

We even flew over Marsh Creek Lake where I had taken my paddleboarding adventure the day before.

Ammo the Dachshund takes Flight - Small Dog takes to the Air in a Single Engine Piper Plane

I was having so much fun looking out the window that I almost forgot we were so high in the air.

Ammo the Dachshund takes Flight - Small Dog takes to the Air in a Single Engine Piper Plane

But then I caught sight of all the dials and buttons and nobs, and remembered that we weren’t in kansas anymore   firmly planted on the ground anymore.

Ammo the Dachshund takes Flight - Small Dog takes to the Air in a Single Engine Piper Plane

The dials and buttons and nobs had me so excited that it made me want to get my pilots license too! Check it out as I help navigate the plane during a take off and landing:

Ammo the Dachshund takes Flight - Small Dog takes to the Air in a Single Engine Piper Plane

Ammo the Dachshund takes Flight - Small Dog takes to the Air in a Single Engine Piper Plane

After we landed I couldn’t stop beaming from ear to ear!

Ammo the Dachshund takes Flight - Small Dog takes to the Air in a Single Engine Piper Plane

Flying in a single engine plane was one of the most exciting things I have ever done.

Ammo the Dachshund takes Flight - Small Dog takes to the Air in a Single Engine Piper Plane

Who knew this super hero was born to fly!

Ammo the Dachshund takes Flight - Small Dog takes to the Air in a Single Engine Piper Plane

So cross flying in the sky off my bucket list, because this dog has earned his wings! Maybe next time I’ll have to try helicopters! Ammo the Dachshund

 

Stand up Paddleboarding with your Dog

Last week I took a short stay-cation in my hometown of Downingtown, Pennsylvania. While I didn’t actually travel anywhere exotic or new I did get to have a whole bunch of brand-new adventures. I hope you’ll come along for the ride with me this week, as I have lots to share!

One of the first things I did on my vacation was to go stand up paddleboarding (also called SUP or stand up paddle surfing) at the Marsh Creek Boat Rental.

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

Visiting the lake isn’t new to me, as I’ve been known to zip around on a motorized row boat with my mom and dad, but SUP was something I have never done before.

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

I was so excited when I saw the paddleboard come out that I couldn’t wait to hit the water, especially on this super hot day.

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

I did end up swimming A LOT while I was on the water, sometimes by accident because I was standing too close to the edge while some turbulent water knocked me in, and sometimes because I wanted to take a trip over to visit dad in his canoe.

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

Luckily I do know how to swim, and my new life vest kept me even more afloat – and made it easy for mom and dad to scoop me back onto the board.

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

I’m pretty sure I was the talk of the lake that day and I enjoyed waving at all the other people out enjoying the cool water.

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

This may have been my first time paddleboarding, but it certainly won’t be my last! Especially if this heat wave in Pennsylvania keeps up!

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

Tips for Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog

  • Before visiting a lake rental spot make sure that they allow dogs on their rental boats and boards
  • Make sure your dog has a properly fitted life vest – keep a leash attached to it so you can quickly grab your dog should they go overboard accidentally
  • If you have never been on a paddleboard yourself, practice paddling on the lake without your dog first, it will be much harder to maneuver the board with a dog on it too
  • Allow your dog to get used to the board near the shore first with you standing in the water
  • Be prepared to get wet – very wet (but that is the point isn’t it?)
  • Don’t bring a dog paddleboarding that doesn’t know how to swim, it is pretty likely that at some point they will go overboard especially if it is windy out
  • If your dog has a strong herding instinct it is best to have only one “member of the pack” out on the lake at a time, otherwise your dog will be upset when his “pack” isn’t close together, causing him to jump overboard or panic
  • Have as much fun as possible!

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

And the icing on my cupcake…..according to Shape Magazine I burned 500 – 700 calories every hour I was out paddleboarding (although mom says she’s pretty sure they mean it’s her that’s burning those calories), but regardless it’s also apparently the new “celebrity trend” – with paddleboarders like Jennifer Aniston and Kate Hudson testing them out too.

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

So considering I’m probably just as famous as those big celebs (right?) then it must be the super cool new thing to do! Not to mention I look awfully sexy doing it! *wink*

 

So what do you think? Is your next big adventure going to be paddleboarding with your dog? Or do you just enjoy living vicariously through me? Or better yet – have any suggestions of new adventures I should try?

Make sure you stop by the blog tomorrow to hear all about my adventures on my very first airplane ride!Ammo the Dachshund

There’s Always Room on My Raft

Ammo the Dachshund - There's Always Room on my Raft for you!

Hey Friends! I’m on vacation this week, but don’t worry…..There’s always room on my raft for you! So make sure you stop by my Facebook page all week to live vicariously through all of my adventures! I promise I’ll be back next week with tales of all the fun things I did. Ammo the Dachshund

Extra Curricular Activities

Since I have a lot of “jobs” (shop greeter, artist, guard dog, farm dog, sidekick, super hero….) sometimes it’s nice to enjoy a few extra curricular activities at the end of the day. One of my favorites right now is agility class.

I still have a lot of training to do before I’m ready to compete, but right now I’m just having a lot of fun! Just see for yourself….

P.S. I like Tunnels about as much as this boy likes Turtles. 🙂

Therapy Dog Harness

One of the rules when taking your Therapy Dog Test through TDI is that dogs must be tested on a plain buckle collar or harness. Training collars, training harnesses, halties, or any other corrective training devices are not permitted during testing or visiting as a TDI-registered Therapy Dog. And on their website they make note that Therapy Dogs don’t wear vests, so as not to be confused with service dogs, and also for the fact that they cut down on the area where people can pet you.

ammo the dachshund therapy dog harness from arja's art

Even though I ended up taking my test in a plain buckle collar, mom knew that were I to become an official Therapy Dog I would need to wear a different harness when I was making visits.

ammo the dachshund therapy dog harness from arja's art

Mom ended up ordering me a custom made harness from Arja’s Art all the way in Finland!

ammo the dachshund therapy dog harness from arja's art

These harnesses come in a variety of colors that all include reflective piping with each one being handmade to your own dog’s measurements. Designed to fit any breed, they are especially great for dachshunds as they put less stress on our sensitive necks and chest.

I chose the grey color in super soft sheep napa and mom helped me get my measurements sent over to Arja.

ammo the dachshund therapy dog harness from arja's art

When my new harness arrived from Finland a couple weeks later Arja had even included a sweet little gift for me in the package. While I personally don’t have a use for a coin purse (being that I’m a dog and also I am not a girl) it was a super sweet gesture – and mom was happy to keep it for herself.

ammo the dachshund therapy dog harness from arja's art

I suggested storing cookies inside the coin purse, but mom didn’t seem too thrilled by that.

ammo the dachshund therapy dog harness from arja's art

After a week of wearing my harness out and about I’m loving it. It’s great to for the hot summer weather too as it gives me a little more breathability. I still love my custom made harnesses from Kalyxcornucopia (that I wear with my Super Hero capes), but they just won’t work as well for my therapy dog work. 

If you are interested in ordering a harness from Arja, you can check out the website and Facebook page – and they are available to ship to the US.

 

Good Boy Treats

I was such a good boy at my Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog Test on Sunday that Mom made me an extra special treat when I got home.

Ammo the Dachshund DIY sweet potato treats

You might remember the Polka Dog Bakery DIY Sweet Potato Dog Cookie Recipe I posted about a few weeks ago – well Mom decided to make me some as a reward for all my hard work!

Ammo the Dachshund DIY sweet potato treats

First Mom sliced up some sweet potatoes for me.

Ammo the Dachshund DIY sweet potato treats

Then we let them soak in a bowl of chicken broth for about 1/2 hour.

Ammo the Dachshund DIY sweet potato treats

While they soaked I sat on my bed in the kitchen just counting the minutes until they would be ready. It was a whole lot of minutes.

Ammo the Dachshund DIY sweet potato treats

Then after baking them for 15 minutes at 400 Degrees I had to wait a whole bunch more minutes for them to cool.

Ammo the Dachshund DIY sweet potato treats

Finally my good dog treats were ready for their taste test!

Ammo the Dachshund DIY sweet potato treats

Of course wouldn’t you know that mom made me practice my leave it command before I was allowed to eat them!

Ammo the Dachshund DIY sweet potato treats

In the end it was worth the wait, because they were yum! Perhaps I should be a good boy all the time.

You can find the entire recipe for DIY Healthy Sweet Potato Dog Cookies HERE