| Well, Here it is - Once thought to only exist as a "Pipe Dream", or only as Folklore or a Tall-Tale. Some laughed; some pointed fingers; some said, "...it couldn't be done"; some said, "it shouldn't be done"; some where rude and called us "crazy" - but the Weiner Dogs knew. The dogs knew we loved them and this was for them - a crowning achievement that led to premium "Chilled Weiners". We had fun doing it and had some great kids help us with it - so without further mystery, We proudly present... |
| The Air-Conditioned |
| YES, IT IS REAL - SHOW AND TELL YOUR FRIENDS Okay, so where does someone come up with an idea like this? Well, it was one hot summer day for starters (actually, several hot days...). Plus we had several very hot Weiner Dogs that just could not cool down. And to stop them from digging holes to keep cool during the hot Texas summer's, it came to me that it would be no big deal to build an Air-Conditioned Dog House. Some simple carpentry, a 5000 btu air-conditioner and a little electricity - and POOF - you're in business. Before you start a project like this, I recommend that you first do some planning, drawing, sketching and think this project through to the end. The stage is set. It is summer break for the kids that helped us and worse, they are from Wyoming where summer is dry and somewhat bearable. Nothing like a Texas Summer with the humidity, bugs, no-see-ums, and the humidity - did I mention the humidity? Man was it humid when we did this. I bet these kids lost 5-pounds during this week long project. Not to mention myself. But that's what great little helpers are for. Let me introduce the players of this great project that many say, "does not exist". It is August 21, 2001 - 99-degrees and 65% humidty, which means a temp/humidity index of 103-105 degrees. Let the insanity begin... |
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| Dachshund |
| Dog-House of Texas |
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| Meet BRANDON - Our Nephew and proud son of Big John and Jackie from Cheyenne, WY. We get the kids now and then for Summer and as usual, Aunt Nyla and Uncle Mike have work and excitement waiting for them, like a doghouse or going to the beach. First, you need a willing participant. How do you get a willing participant? Well, you just have to know how to "bait" them. Kind of like, "hey, wouldn't it be a great idea to build the dogs an air-conditioned dog house?" After they look at you strange, you seize that brief moment of excitement where they go like this young man who says, "yeah, and it will be this shape and this big". No, seriously, he was all for it. After going to the lumber yard for supplies as you can see, we began. |
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| Meet SAMANTHA (Sam) - Our Neice and proud daughter of Big John and Jackie from Cheyenne, WY, and the little sister of Brandon. When we started this project, Sam was not too eager to spend time outside in the heat - I don't blame her a bit. "HI SAM". After Brandon and I returned with materials and unloaded, Sam began watching out the kitchen window and soon, she asked the baited question - "can I help???" Naturally, I could not turn down an offer like that - so I said, "SURE YOU CAN". Maybe now she wishes she stayed inside helping Aunt Nyla in the cold air-conditioning of the house.... |
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| And this is "me", sort of. "Uncle Mike" to all the kid's. At least my good side that is. Here I am planning, scheming, checking materials, etc. "Hmmm, I wonder if we could put plumbing in this thing..?" Naw, they don't need plumbing. But, we will put a phone in, smoke detector, clock, wall thermometer (just to make sure the weiner dogs don't get too chilled), small windows so they can see out, a "people door" so we can do maintenance, clean and change bedding and of course - an air conditioner - 5,000 btu's ought to do it. We'll use 2x4's and insulate the thing too... Okay, I think we're ready to go - hey where'd the kids go? |
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| And of course - "Aunt Nyla". No team would be complete without this firecracker of a lady. Sweet as ripened strawberries, good temperment, smooth coat, and as you can see, somewhat of a champagne coat (hair-do), thanks to the wrong number from Loreal... Better luck next time honey...:) She's a trooper and jumped right in to help. My best friend and soul mate since 1986. And, she's a great cook. All kids love her, help her and learn much from her from Home Economics (the kids don't know it's called that), to cooking, to proper ways of cleaning, sanitizing, laundry and so on. Maybe the kids knew what she was up to when they volunteered to help me? Maayyyybeee, maybe not... |
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| Thanks for stopping by - Remember, a child is a terrible thing to waste. Get them up, get them active and put valuable teaching within their grasp and you will be rewarded with the fruit they bear someday. Be a positive role model - Teach what you know. |
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