Tiny legs, puppy kisses, secret plans and a lot of love helped to usher in a Kelowna grandmother's 89th birthday paw-ty
In early August, Tasha Guss visited her grandmother Peggi Simonson after travelling to Kelowna from Australia. Simonson had recently turned 89 and while the family had come together for a small but lovely visit, Guss could not help but feel that the milestone anniversary deserved more recognition than the low-key celebration – especially since their visits are few and far between as the pair spends most of the year separated by an ocean.
"As we were leaving, she thanked us for coming and joked that the only thing that would make today better would be a Dachshund," said Guss. "
"This gave me an idea."
Throughout her life, Simonson has been a dachshund lover and owner.
"As you walk into [Simonson's] apartment at her retirement home, you’re bound to notice shelves lined with wiener dog figurines and photos of her previous pets Koko, Heidi, and Penny – all dachshunds of course."
"If she were able to, my grandma would own another in a heartbeat," said Guss.
At first, Guss, who now lives in Australia, asked her friends and family if anyone knew of a Dachshund owner who would be willing to spend time with her grandmother.
Unsuccessful at first, Guss dug deeper and found the Kelowna Dachshund Club on Facebook. Initially, she posted on the group's page and asked if anyone would be willing to ‘rent out’ their dog for a day.
"Within minutes, comments and messages flooded in from complete strangers willing to help out, " said Guss.
Emily Enoch, the founder of the group, noticed the interest and quickly created an official event – a surprise party.
On Sunday, August 25, more than 20 people and their little Dachshunds met in Duggan Park in Kelowna. One member set up a ‘Happy Birthday’ banner and another brought a dachshund brooch as a present for Simonson.
The abundant kindness from the strangers and pups was incredibly heartwarming said Guss after the event.
"My grandma held my hand, tears in her eyes, and said thank you. Though it was said quietly, I knew she meant it towards every person, and pup, there."
"The world is a beautiful place when we come together, and I saw evidence of that today in the park. Thanks again to everyone who made Peggi’s dream come true."
Enoch said that while the club has em'barked' on many philanthropic endeavours since it was founded 10 years ago, "this meetup might have been one of the most wholesome things I have ever seen."
"Faith in humanity restored," said Enoch.
The Kelowna Dachshund Club is 2500 human members strong. Anyone who has a Dachshund / Dachshund cross or a love for Dachshunds is invited to join. The clubs run through Facebook and are used to organize meet-ups, and events and give advice to Dachshund owners.
