So the other day the poor dog had to get on the road with me again. We drove for a little more than an hour to the -believe it or not-
Dog Paralympixx! 🙂
We came to represent, of course.
Represent!
I kind of expected a very small gathering of people with handicapped dogs. Instead, there were 30 participants with varying disabilities and what felt like at least around 200 people! The participating dogs had to master an obstacle course (some of the obstacles were sausages…), there were booths with doggy stuff, food stuff, photography, rescue organizations, crafts, you name it, it was there. Quite a big thing, and they even had a TV camera team, two newspapers, and a radio station! Manni and I found our calling, of course.
Since he had been training for his special day for months, it was not a big challenge for us, of course! 🙂
An amazing number of wheelchair dogs were there, too, but we also, for once! got to meet other tripawds and some of them with osteo. It was a fun-filled day, even if some of us had to take breaks from all the excitement…
Manni and I never got behind the scoring system but we ended up in 11th place (out of 30) . Which I thought was great and maybe there were supposed to be 3 wheelchair doggies in the first places, but Manni was so mad he told me he’ll try again next year…
They also had a professional photographer who was rather smitten with Manni’s eyes 🙂 and who did a very good job
This dog is just a little too cute for his own good (and mine). And apparently one of the newspaper writers there thought so too and interviewed us. you can find the interview here:
but I’m afraid you’ll have to google-translate it if your German doesn’t happen to be up to par 🙂
And now, while I would usually make this an extra blog post, I have to cram this next topic in here because I just may have to write another blog with a liiiittle suprise at the end of next week. No telling yet though 🙂
Anyway, the other biiig topic: our Embark DNA-test has finally come back!! I find that thing totally exciting. Not only is Manni basically 100% outbred (I didn’t even know that was a word but apparently it’s the opposite of ‘inbred’) and 100% European Village Dog (with a tiny fraction of German Shepherd DNA, Wyatt Ray, watch out 🙂 !), but he tested a 100% free of genetic diseases of any known kind!
Not that this helps any in a cancer situation but it’s still a good feeling, to be honest. If anyone’s bored, here’s our results:
https://embarkvet.com/dog/manni
Or, the reader’s digest version:
The Genetic Age came as a little shock to me, to be honest. I don’t see Manni as almost 80 somehow. Maybe I really should be a little more lenient with his regiment…or maybe not 🙂
So people, that was the news from this part of the world. Watch this space for possible excitement in the days to come…. 🙂
tina
Congratulations Manni for placing Way to go Manni and Tina!!🏆🏆🎖 Famous your already are Famous Manni congrats on being MORE FAMOUS!!!
OMC the picture is Magnificent!!!!! Those eyes of course the photographer was smitten!! Who could not be with Manni’s eyes! I see poster size prints hanging on the wall;)
The embark was very interesting ! I That explains Manny’s personality a little then right?
I’m glad that 100% free of any known genetic disease markers made you feel better Tina! That would make me feel better too, but then I would have more questions!
Why do we end up with the Cancer if its not in the DNA markers?!? More environmental factors?!?! I wasn’t bored but interested 🙂 Now I will have to see if they do these for cats;)
We look forward to your surprise post!
HUGS
What gorgeous photos of Manni – you must get the one sitting up full body framed. Can’t wait to hear your big news, not even a hint of this in our messaging? Hugs to you and your beautiful boy
Paula and Nitro
Wow. Mani really worked it for the camera! Super cute.
Love it. Great job Tina & Manni. That photographer did an awesome job with Manni’s picture. Amazing. Sorry I have to skip the article I know zero German LOL.
hugs
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Well we already knew you and Manni were a famous dynamic duo but apparently the rest of the world is catching on to that fact too! Way to go 11th place is truly awesome! And no doubt the photographer found our handsome boy truly irrestible! We do too! Such glorious pictures of Master Manni! What a wonderful event to have for all the pups! Way cool! I will patiently wait for your “good news” because I know good things come to those that wait! Miss you and sending love!
PS Manni sure does NOT show his age! Very youthful looking boy you have there!
Hmmn maybe because he’s got such a high wolfiness score?
What a neat event! It sounds like so much fun. I love the full body shot of Manni. It’s a great photo.
I love it! 11th place is great! And how nice that you got to meet even more Tripawds 🙂
And I love, love, love Manni’s photos!!! Oh my dog! how amazing they turned out! And such a beautiful tripawd sit he has, too. Way to represent, Manni!
<3 Donna
That sounds like a really fun event! I love the DNA results. I think I would like to get Izzy’s while I still can – I don’t really care what breed but because I “think” I know, it would be fun to be proven right or wrong. Love, love, love the photos of Mr Gorgeous!
Off to google translate the interview … grandma never taught me any.
🙂 Amy & Izzy, too!
Wheeeee! I just had a chance to read the blogs today. What a RIOT and a THRILL!
The article is fantastic! Way to to Team Manni. There’s been talk about doing a “Special Doggy Olympics” like this in the U.S. and although I know some small attempts have been made, I haven’t heard of any gatherings that large. Right on Germans! SO nice to see others who feel the same way we do about ‘special needs’ pets.
The only thing about the article? Manni is WAY cuter than the Frenchies, he should have been the lead photo! But oh well, we’re just thrilled you were able to convey the awesomeness of our three-legged heroes. Thank you for that!
As for being part German Shepherd. Well. he IS gorgeous after all, so that totally makes sense.
And Manni, Wyatt says come on over and join his pack. Even though you have floppy ears he still thinks you’re kewl!
Love you guys! Thanks for representing!
OHHHH MY GOSH!!! I almost missed this!!! And I do not EVER want to miss ANYTHING avout our Manni!!! EVVV.VER!!!
The portrait pictures of Manni……….BREATHTAKING!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 TRULY BREATHTAKING!!! OMD!! THOSE EYES! WOW!!! Talk about “eyes being the window into the Soul”, you can definitely see Manni’s heart and soul, his essence, his Spirit, hus WIDSOM, when gazing into his eyes. Not even sure how to put it into words. Kidos to the photographer for seeing who Manni is and capturing it in his viewfinder. And Manni is stunningly handsome on top of everything else!!
Thank you for sharing this delightfully inspiring day with us! 🙂 🙂 MANNI IS ALWAYS FIRST PLACE IN OUR HEARTS!!! 🙂 🙂 Sooooo proud of BOTH of you!! You BOTH are our SUPER STARS!! 🙂 I know you touched lives that day. And you probably saved a few lives because, unfortunately, fhere was probably a dog a d his family there who will be faced with the decision to amputate. After seeing Manni, they could make a choice that they may not have considered before.
And as far as Manni’s DNA…..Dominant breed…PURE BRED HEART!! 🙂 🙂
Love and light
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
How did I miss this post? I have been absent lately (missing my friends) but have to say bravo Manni!!!! Job well done!!! We always knew you were amazing and now even more so.
Those photos are sooooo great!!! He is just so darn photogentic. I love him!!! He really looks amazing and I love his smile! And those eyes … such soulful and loving eyes!
What a fun event and way to meet so many other dogs that are ‘handicapped’. But probably loving life like our sweet Manni does!!!
Hugs and love!!!
Alison with Spirit Shelby and little Jasper Lily!