Rhododendrons and Dachshunds

The Pacific Northwest has the perfect temperature and moisture level for rhododendrons. In fact, rhododendrons and roses are the most seen flowering plants around. There are even roses planted along the sides of the freeways for erosion control!

Mr. W. hasn't spent much time in the northwest, so much of the plant life around here is new to him. Here's an exchange that happened frequently when we first moved to Vancouver:

"That's a pretty flower. What is it?"
"A rhododendron."
... walk or drive a few more minutes...
"That's pretty, too. What's that?"
"A rhododendron."
Repeat interchange for about 10 days. Try something new.
"That's nice. What is it?"
"I'll give you three guesses."
"A rhododendron?"
"Yup."
"Is that over there a rhododendron?"
"No, it's an azalea. A cousin to the rhododendron."
He finally quit asking about plants, at least those with flowers.

Now, what do dachshunds have to do with rhododendrons? It's just an observation, but it seems like the dachshund is the 'rhododendron' of dogs in our neighborhood. Howard and Otis and Roscoe and Dinah and Irving. Those FIVE dachshunds live within about six homes' distance from us. Of course, there are a few other dogs in the neighborhood; there's Chauncey and Templeton, the two chihuahuas, and Mugs, the boxer, but really they are definitely the minority. And what's up with the non-dog names? Doesn't anyone name their dog Fluffy or Sarge anymore?

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