Oscar at Five: From Puppy to Partner

Five years, four cities, and one dachshund who never left my side.

We’ve all heard it said that dogs are man’s best friend. If by “best friend” we mean they’re family, then I wholeheartedly agree.

This week, Oscar—our playful, moody, but almost always lovable dachshund—turns five years old. From the moment I picked him up at six weeks old in Missouri, he’s been a constant companion through the thick and thin of life. We’ve lived in Chicago, Tampa, Clearwater, and Fort Myers. We’ve road-tripped between Florida and the Midwest more times than I can count, and he’s destroyed his fair share of plush toys.

Oscar is photogenic when he wants to be, a fighter when a toy or treat is on the line, and never lets you forget when it’s time to eat. Dachshunds are, if nothing else, overflowing with energy and personality.

Those closest to me know Oscar was my constant through a particularly difficult stretch in 2021 and 2022. I knew he’d never judge me, and even on the toughest days, he’d snuggle close and give the kind of affection that makes your heart feel whole.

In 2020, when my ex and I first talked about getting a dog, we chose a French bulldog named Walter. He was fully of personality too. Tragically, we only knew Walter for just over two weeks—he was diagnosed with a genetic disorder and passed away before reaching a few months old. What was supposed to be an exciting chapter in our relationship became one of grief and shack, as we made the painful decision to put him to rest.

A few months later, we found room in our hearts for another puppy. We agreed that a dachshund—with its iconic silhouette and endearing snout—would be the perfect addition to our household.

Oscar delivered. He was an immediate source of joy. I remember walking him along the lakefront in Chicago—it took us an hour to go a mile because he insisted on greeting everyone. To this day, Oscar adores people, sometimes showing affection with an enthusiastic (and mildly embarrassing) piddle. I’ve wiped up countless spots over the years. My grandmother even brings a towel with her when she visits.

That first autumn, he loved rustling through leaves and sniffing every corner of the grass. He’d burrow into little hiding spots around the apartment—and even now, when he vanishes, he’s probably nestled between bins under the bed. It’s classic dachshund behavior. They love to tunnel!

After my ex and I broke up, I kept Oscar, and he became my partner in crime. We ate together, danced around the apartment, and he got me through the hardest test of my life while I juggled work demands and personal heartache. He was my rock. And he’ll never truly know how much he’s meant to me all this time.

The best way Jason and I can show him love and appreciation is by giving him the best life: toys, treats, belly rubs, and lots of love. He’s a recurring star in our Instagram stories, and even when he’s a little menace, we always make up.

That’s what I cherish most about Oscar. Humans are complicated—we hold grudges, we’re passive-aggressive, and sometimes we stand our ground to the detriment of our relationships. But dogs? They just love. They forgive. They’re drawn to us because of the bond that transcends words.

My story over the last five years couldn’t be told honestly without Oscar. He’s not a sidekick—he’s a main character. A gentle soul who keeps me going. And with all the memories we’ve made so far, I can’t wait to see what the next five years will bring.

No doubt, more uncontrollable piddling.