Howard Skibinski, a retired printer for Monroe Graphics, would never part with his best friends, Starr, a 6-year-old dachshund, and Sophie, a 2-year-old chiweenie. (A chiweenie is a cross between a chihuahua and a dachshund.)

Skibinski got Starr from a friend who was breeding dachshunds; he fell in love with her at first sight. Later on, after a friend showed him the chiweenie puppies he had, he decided Starr could use a friend and came home with Sophie.



- Marissa Weiher



Describe your dogs' personalities.

I couldn't ask for a better temperament than what Starr's got. After I got out of the hospital in 2010, every second I was back she never left my side. She was my caretaker.

Sophie, she doesn't know if she's a dachshund or chihuahua; she has that "yip yip." She's so funny. When she meets someone, it might take her a little to warm up to them. She doesn't like bugs or the sizzling of the frying pan if I'm cooking in the kitchen.

They're both loving and very loyal.



What do you like to do together?

When I'm home, they follow me any place I go, except Starr won't go down in the basement. I take them at the same time to get their nails done. They like their walks and love being outside. They have to have their own chair. They're best friends. They have their battle scars, but then they kiss and make up and lay together.



What has it been like having them in your life?

If someone six years ago would've told me I would be this involved and spend this type of money to have two dogs, I wouldn't have believed it. You can scold them, then 5 minutes later they're still your best friend. I wouldn't take a billion dollars for them, no way. The only bad thing is the longevity. They're pretty much my hobby.

I don't know what I'd do without them.