As any devoted dachshund owner will attest, these little sausage dogs possess an abundance of character – they are bossy, stubborn, and fiercely loyal. In my case, I had the delightful privilege of experiencing their charming quirks firsthand through the eyes of Winston, my little dude.
In the dachshund community, there is a saying that goes, “Dachshunds do not have owners, they have a staff.” This adage inspired the creation of my business, Winston’s Assistant Solutions.
Not only will I share insights about virtual assistance in my blog, I will also weave in stories about Winston from time to time. I invite you to join us on this journey, as it promises to be both fun and enjoyable.
Let’s talk about my Little Dude, my constant companion. It all began the day after Thanksgiving in 2021 when a simple text message from an old friend and high school classmate changed everything.
Her youngest daughter had adopted an energetic 5-month-old miniature dachshund male puppy a few months prior. However, she had not fully anticipated the time and energy required to care for such a lively little bundle.
Meanwhile, I was coping with the loss of my beloved Little Girl, Sloopy, after an unexpected and unwanted divorce. Losing both Sloopy and my marriage had taken an immense toll on me, leaving me feeling adrift, lost, and lonely.
(11/03/2006 – 02/02/2022)
Then, that fateful text message arrived, offering me the chance to adopt Winston. Knowing my affection for these adorable pups, my friend believed that I would provide him with the love, attention, and best care he deserved.
I was deeply touched, humbled, and excited all at once. I never imagined that I would be considered to adopt such a precious little dude.
The idea humbled, warmed and touched my heart. Without hesitation, I responded that I would love to meet Winston. The thought of having a new furry friend to share my life with filled me with excitement and hope.
When she didn’t immediately respond back, I feared her daughter might have changed her mind.
A few months passed, and during that time, I received a heartbreaking text message from my ex-wife, informing me that she had to put Sloopy down due to her deteriorating health. This news crushed me; I was never given the chance to properly say goodbye. The pain of losing Sloopy was akin to a parent losing a child.
Less than a month later, my old classmate texted me again, asking if I was still interested in meeting Winston. I responded with a resounding YES! She said she would call me in a few days to schedule our first-ever meet and greet.
About a week later, we scheduled the meeting. On the day of our encounter, I went to our local pet store, Petland, and bought some Zuke’s puppy treats and a few toys for the little guy.
Our first day together went without a hitch. Winston quickly attached himself to me, and I knew we were meant to be together. However, I needed some time to convince my landlord to allow me to have him, as he had a strict “No Pet” policy.
After one more visit, less than two weeks later, I finally brought Winston home. On the day I picked him up, I worried that he would miss being with Katie, my old classmate’s youngest daughter. To my surprise, he hopped into my car, ready to go. It turns out that Winston adores car rides and insisted on sitting on my lap, peering out of the driver’s side window.
Ever since then, Winston has become my constant companion, accompanying me throughout my journey as an independent contractor providing customer care service and research from home.
This independence allows me to always have him by my side, whether we’re visiting the dog park or embarking on a short or long road adventure.
Winston is not only my precious little buddy; he’s also my best friend. While I still grieve for what I have lost over the last 4½ years, he has been instrumental in mending my broken and shattered heart.
So, as we continue to create unforgettable memories together, Winston and I would like to invite you to join us on this adventure, and I promise you, it will be a heartwarming and uplifting experience.
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