Frankie | D is for Dachshund

Four Years of Wishing: Bringing Home His Dream Dachshund Puppy

Frankie was eating leaves.

Head down, tail up, munching through Williamstown Gardens like it was her personal salad bar. Sammy laughed, scooping her up mid-chew.

At fourteen weeks old, Frankie was all ears and attitude, a black and tan tornado in miniature. Her legs were still learning how to fully cooperate with her body, but her personality was already completely developed.

The Sausage Dog He'd Always Wanted

Four years is a long time to grieve. Four years since the family said goodbye to their old Pomeranian. Four years of Sammy asking, quietly and then not so quietly, for a dog of his own. Not just any dog. A Dachshund. The kind with long bodies and short legs and endless cheek.

When Emily finally surprised him with Frankie, Sammy froze. Completely speechless. Then the tears came, and then laughter. It was one of those once-in-a-lifetime family moments that somehow still ripples through every day since.

Now, months later, watching them together in the dappled light of the gardens, you could see how tightly they'd woven themselves into each other's lives. Frankie had done what puppies do best: she'd filled every corner of their home with chaos, joy, and the occasional destroyed toy.

Tiny Body, Giant Personality

Dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers. Actual badgers. Underground. Which means they're fearless, stubborn, and convinced they're much larger than they are. Frankie was no exception.

At home, Emily described her as pure psychosis. Twenty-five minutes of zoomies, toys flying, a miniature hurricane tearing through the house before collapsing into hours-long naps. She had to be touching someone while she slept—a paw, her tail, her head pressed against a leg. Always connected.

Outside, she was curious and calmer. She loves people, walks to the post office, Sundays at Sammy's soccer games. Still a cheeky pup though, she has an insatiable obsession with grabbing anything at eye level and making a run for it. A sock. A shoe. A leaf, apparently.

The Calm After the Storm

Posing puppies is always its own adventure. Little Frankie had never worn a collar before, only a harness, and she made her feelings about the collar very clear. She struggled, she squirmed, she gave us those indignant Dachshund side eyes.

Sammy tried to hold her for photos, but it turned into giggling chaos more than once. Emily just smiled, her expression somewhere between exasperation and adoration. And honestly, that’s the magic of photographing puppies — you can’t control them, you can only keep up.

Then, towards the end of the session, Frankie the Hurricane ran out of steam.

Her eyes grew heavy and her body softened. That's when we got the shots that mattered. The look on Sammy's face as he held her gently, and she melted into his arms. Emily watching her son with his dog, her voice still catching slightly when she talked about the day they brought Frankie home. Ayaan, technically housemate, but really family - standing quietly to the side, but so clearly part of this story too.

What a Puppy Teaches You

Frankie has completely taken over their house. Emily said it with a smile: "It's completely worth it."

There's something about the way a dog re-enters your life after loss. They don't replace what came before—they can't—but they remind you that love doesn't run out. That there's always room for more chaos, more laughter, more early morning zoomies and Sunday soccer games and surprise belly rubs.

That’s the thing about Dachshunds. They may be small, but they have a way of filling every corner of your life. They'll destroy a heartbeat toy in five minutes and then curl up against you like they've known you forever.

And Frankie? She’s the perfect reminder that healing doesn’t always arrive quietly. Sometimes, it comes with a wagging tail and a stolen sock.

The A-to- of Dog Breeds Project

Frankie is part of the D is for Dachshund chapter of our A-to-Z Dog Breeds Project, our ongoing series of dog stories that celebrates the diversity of our four legged besties.

If you've got a dog with personality to spare and a story worth telling, we'd love to hear from you. You can find out more about the A to Z of Dog Breeds Project and apply online.

Because every dog deserves to be seen the way Sammy sees Frankie: perfect, even with leaves in her mouth.

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D IS FOR DACHSHUND

🐾 Originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers — their name literally means “badger dog.”

🐾 Small but mighty: fearless, bold, and always ready to take charge (even if they only weigh five kilos).

🐾 Famous for their sass — that dramatic side-eye and “I know better” attitude come standard.

🐾 Surprisingly affectionate; they love being close and often insist on touching their humans while they sleep.

🐾 Known for explosive zoomies followed by epic nap sessions — the perfect mix of chaos and cuddles.

🐾 Behind the stubborn streak lies a deeply loyal, clever little dog who gives 110% of their heart to their family.

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