Penelope
Mom, Dad, and Penelope
Penelope wriggled as Mom gently placed her on the hay covered ground. Penelope’s nose dropped as she followed it to a huge orange - blob. Penelope sniffed it. She pawed at it. She then barked at it. They were everywhere! She was sure they all wanted to play. She was wearing her most magnificent Halloween costume and Elissa and Zach proudly showed off their irresistible fur baby who was only a few months old. Zach laughed as Penelope rolled in the hay.
Pretty Penelope
“This is our annual family event!” Elissa exclaimed as she swept Penelope into her arms, kissing her long nose. Zach scratched her floppy ears. Mom and Dad wanted to ensure that their young girl has as many experiences as possible.
Zach, Elissa, and Penelope on another adventure
Elissa and Zach had moved to the St. Paul area from Pennsylvania, where new jobs and adventures awaited them. They moved sans dog, as Zach and Elissa didn’t think they would be able to adopt a puppy before they moved. In the summer of 2024, Zach’s aunt (in Pennsylvania) told them that she had one tiny bundle left from a new litter. Although they considered adopting a Pointer, this sweet smooth hair Dachshund won the coveted Forever Family lottery.
Penelope’s special pajamas
A joyful match was made when Penelope settled in to her new home. Mom and Dad worked hard at their jobs, but there was a lot of time spent exploring, with Penelope in their arms or leading the way in a beguiling outfit.
Thoughout the year, Penelope delighted in all kinds of fun escapades. She thought Halloween was weird and wonderful - there were plenty of treats, after all! So when a playdate was scheduled to visit Santa, Penelope was all in. Elissa ensured that Penelope wore a splendid outfit for the occasion!
As the days wore on, Penelope’s family found more adventures. After saying “Yo! Ho Ho!” to Santa, it was time to see Christmas lights! Penelope is okay in the car - just don’t stop (or she might bark). Celebrations continued when Penelope was given an Advent Calendar for puppy dogs!
St. Paul Saints Ball Game!!
Penelope’s Proud Mommy
Any birthday was a excuse to get pretty and party. Soon Penelope learned there were all kinds of holidays to celebrate with Mom and Dad. The Easter Bunny! The Fourth of July! Bark in the Park at the St. Paul Saints baseball game! Or a day - just hanging.
Dad playdate!
Penelope Mae
Date of Birth: May 17, 2024
Gotucha Day: July 20, 2024
Fav Color: Pink
On top of all this fun, once a month, it’s Bark Box day! Penelope can smell the treats and toys the moment the surprise arrives. Zach quickly places it on the floor. Powered by her wild, waging tail, Penelope jumps on the fun filled box, driving in her nose as far as she can. Dad helps open the treats. Mom admires the toys. Then she begins playing with them! Fun for the entire family!
Penelope’s Bark Box treasures
Penelope loves her Mom and Dad. What a great life!
Out exploring!!
Penelope shined at her first visit to Carver Lake Veterinary Center where she met her new healthcare providers. All agreed that she is a darling, ten pound, smooth hair Dachshund who is brown and white, sporting brown spots and a sparkling personality. Penelope showed them her belly, in case someone would like to rub her (of course they would)!
Penelope’s great life
In the summer of 2025, Zach’s aunt shared the fun news that another litter was on the way. Would they like the *pick* of this litter? A bit stunned, Zach and Elissa conferred with Penelope who was confused. Would she have to share her toys and love? Would a new sister eat all her food? Would she steal her ChuckIt! toy?
Wait! A new sister?
Her concerns were quelled when, after a long car ride - half way between PA and MN - they all met ten week old Palmer. Zach’s aunt gently handed Elissa the new bundle. Penelope squirmed in Dad’s arms. She wasn’t sure about this new puppy. Dad put Penelope on the ground. Elissa lowered Palmer so their noses touched. Penelope sniffed the tiny puppy.
Welcome to your forever home, Palmer!
Suddenly Penelope thrust her wildly wagging tail in the air, and shot her front paws and face down.
“Wanna Play?”
In a New York minute, Palmer jumped at Penelope who barked and ran a circle around her. Undeterred, Palmer followed as her entire, three pound body wiggled and jiggled to join the fun.
Palmer learning about her new life
Penelope quickly looked at Mom and Dad with her bright eyes as if to say “Yes! This is great! Let’s bring her home with us!”
And so they did. Zach swept the petite girl into his arms. The tiny puppy who was so similar to Penelope. But this baby named Palmer is black and white with black spots.
Night, Night!
From the beginning, Penelope was a very “good girl” big sister. She showed Palmer all the important corners of the house - like where the treats were kept and the toys live.
Penelope showing Palmer the ropes of her forever home
At her doggy day care (once a week), Penelope happily chatted to her friends about her new sister. Palmer can join when she has had all her shots.
On other days at home, each girl will gladly stay in her crate while Mom and Dad are at work.They are side by side so they can smell and see each other during the day. Before they curl up in their caves, both girls trot to the toy box and chose one treasure. Sometimes it takes a few minutes to decide. SO many choices! Penelope adores her Chuck-It! ball but Mom thinks it’s a squishy toy would be a better choice.
Palmer Ann
Date of Birth: July 13th, 2025
Gotucha Day: September 13th, 2025
Fav Color: Lilac
That weekend, Penelope wanted to show Palmer how to be an excellent water dog. Donned with her to-die-for pink swim vest, Penelope joyfully made her way in a small neighborhood lake. She’d been doing that doggy paddle for more than a year. Palmer watched. She sniffed. She’s good. No water for Palmer, thanks.
After a wet and wild day, and Penelope showed off her silk pajamas, Palmer expressed her concern - would she also get silk pajamas? Or would she have to also dog paddle in the water first? Elissa kissed her tiny head and assured her that she would also get her own pajamas, when she’s grown bigger.
Hey Palmer! Let’s play!
As the girls say good-night to the moon, Palmer wraps her head around her snuggle puppy - her special doll that has a heartbeat. She can smell Penelope, her Mom, her Dad, so now she can go to sleep.
Penelope sniffs at Palmer’s crate, ensuring she’s okay. Yep. All is good. Mom and Dad have also crawled into their open-air crates and fallen asleep.
Penelope in love
Penelope turns on her side, takes a deep breath and exhales. She licks her lips as her eyes softly close. Tonight she will relive the love and adventures in her dreams.
As she drifts off, she slumbers in the love of her Mom and Dad. She sneaks a sniff at Palmer and realizes that yes, Palmer is an excellent sister and friend.
A wonderful life!
This is going to be great. Thanks, Mom and Dad. We love you.