Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Did You Know Tuesday: E.B. White Loved Dachshunds

"The dachshund’s affectionate,
He wants to wed with you:
Lie down to sleep,
And he’s in bed with you.
Sit in a chair,
He’s there.
Depart,
You break his heart."  (E.B. White, "Fashions in Dogs")


Did you know that E.B. White, the author of Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little, was a dachshund person?  He first became aquainted with doxies because his wife, Katharine, was a great dachshund fancier.  The Whites are pictured below with their dachshund, Minnie.  Minnie is also pictured helping E.B. White write in the photo above.  The Whites owned several dachshunds over the years, including Daisy, Minnie, Augie, and Fred.


He definitely understood a dachshund's nature: “I like to read books on dog training. Being the owner of dachshunds, to me a book on dog discipline becomes a volume of inspired humor. Every sentence is a riot.”

E.B. White often wrote about his special dachshund, Fred:
"Fred was a window gazer and bird watcher, particularly during his later years...I think of him as he used to look on our bed in Maine- an old four-poster, too high from the floor for him to reach unassisted... Once up, he settled into his pose of bird watching, propped luxuriously against a pillow, as close as he could get to the window, his soft brown eyes alight with expectation and scientific knowledge. He seemed never to tire of his work...and managed to give the impression that he was a secret agent of the Department of Justice...When he sighted a squirrel, Fred would straighten up from his pillow, tense his frame, and then, in a moment or two, begin to tremble."

I have always loved dachshunds, and was delighted to learn that one of my favorite children's authors shared this affection.  Do you love doxies, or is there another dog breed that has your heart?   I would love to hear from you in the comments, below.

16 comments:

Unknown said...

First off, I have no clue why, but I always assumed the author of Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little were female. I knew I recognized the name when I saw your post but I just couldn't figure out from where but DUH! Two classic stories. It is great to get to know authors from a different perspective and understand that they are just like you and me. They love their four-legged friends too! <3 Christine, The Choosy Mommy, www.choosykids.blogspot.com

Birdhouse Books said...

Christine, thanks for visiting! I agree - I love reading about favorite authors' lives. - Trish

Mary Huckaby said...

Trish, I loved your E.B.White story. So interesting! I'm looking forward to reading your other new blog themes too.

Barbara said...

Well I didn't know that but I do now - thank you. My favourite dogs are King Charles Cavaliers, but really I like them all.

Birdhouse Books said...

Thanks for the visits! Barbara, King Charles Cavaliers are such lovely dogs. I saw the cutest Cavalier puppy this morning - very sweet. - Trish

Unknown said...

Did not know. Nice to see something about the author. Thanks for sharing.

me_imperturbe said...

EB White spoke from experience! Love dachshunds, had two, but they do NOT care what we think.

Bob Gilliland said...

White's description of Fred and squirrels made me laugh. My late Sadie Mae would ripple her muscles and drool whenever she saw a squirrel.

Birdhouse Books said...

Thanks for the visits and comments!

Dave, yes, that is true - they definitely are very independent-minded dogs. :-)

Bob - I remember Sadie at the window watching squirrels! Barney was that way, too, on walks.

mymomsbooks said...

Such good taste in doggies!
Fun read thanks Birdhouse Books!

Delores said...

To make my home a home I need a dog-- I love my german Shepherd

Great blog

Delores said...

love your blog and I love dogs

Birdhouse Books said...

Thanks, MyMomsBooks! I appreciate your visit.

Birdhouse Books said...

Thanks, Delores! I always love seeing pics of your beautiful German Shepherd. - Trish

Elaine said...

The article about E. B. White was great. He's one of my favorites.

Birdhouse Books said...

Thanks, Elaine! He is one of my favorites, too. I just found out there is a book out about E.B. White and dogs -- I really need to read that. - Trish