anselThere is nothing we like better here at Left Coast Cowboy Land than a good dog post. And believe it or not, our dog posts are not always about terriers. Sometimes they are about Dachshunds. However, with our extreme prejudice toward terriers, we have long declared Dachshunds to be Honorary Terriers — the only dog breed so designated. Around here, this noble breed is referred to as the Smooth Dachs Terrier. We especially like to think of terriers when our minds have been occupied with less savory things. That’s been happening lately, as longtime followers of the blog will know. But in the interest of cleansing our palate, we’ve scrubbed the blog of the tales of our troubles and are now happily turning to more posts about dogs. Today, it’s not just any dog but Ansel HRH, the King of All Smooth Dachs Terriers, who, in three days, will celebrate an astounding NINETEENTH birthday. (Which is something like 133 in dog years!)

I’ve been following The King’s Facebook posts for awhile now, as posted by his lowly handmaiden Judi. I count myself as one of his loyal subjects. The terriers, Oscar and Lucy, are proud to give a puppy play bow in an Eastward direction toward The King’s Rhode Island beach castle. It should be noted that the terriers’ deference is not easily earned or lightly given. So let’s have a rousing cheer for our long-lived monarch King Ansel HRH. Cue the Handel!

And He shall reign for ever and ever

And he shall reign forever and ever

And he shall reign forever and ever

And he shall reign forever and ever.

Long Live The King! Long Live The King! Long Live the King!

King Ansel, happy 19th birthday! We who are dog lovers salute you.

Heavy lies the head that wears the crown. But sometimes The King can catch 40 winks.

Heavy lies the head that wears the crown. But sometimes The King can catch 40 winks.

And every self-respecting monarch needs his yacht!

And every self-respecting monarch needs his yacht!

Of course, The King as the first reigning monarch invited to the Royal Wedding. Sadly, his many duties prevented his attendance. He sent a couple of nice chew toys.

Of course, The King was the first reigning monarch invited to the Royal Wedding. Sadly, his many duties prevented his attendance. He sent a couple of nice chew toys.

King Ansel with his most loyal retainer, Michael, who is carrying the King -- as is befitting -- so that he may smell the flowers.

King Ansel with his most loyal retainer, Michael, who is carrying the King — as is befitting — so that he may smell the flowers.

The King with Judi, his lowly handmaiden. Judi, blessed be Ansel and Thee.

The King with Judi, his lowly handmaiden. Judi, blessed be Ansel and Thee.

Top and bottom photos by Soozie Sundlun, East Greenwich Photo and Studio

All other photos by Judi Alling Sherwood at Judith’s Point Photography.