Godsey, now fourteen years old, with Christian and Jackson Phipps in front of the pipestem where both Godsey and the Phipps boys grew up. The only dog on the pipestem driveway, Godsey is very loved by his neighbors who call him the “pipestem dog.” Photos courtesy of the Phipps Family
Godsey, three-fourth dachshund and one-fourth Jack Russell, joined the Phipps Family in 2002. He was born on Veteran’s Day on a family farm in Abingdon, Va. Now fourteen years old, Godsey has lost all his teeth causing his tongue to hang endearingly outside his mouth, and has lost hearing in both ears.
“Godsey is also a very resilient dog. He has had multiple surgeries, been hit by a car and had his entire head bitten by a large dog but still bounced back and is happy,” said Jenny Phipps.
A true survivor, Godsey is an integral member of his neighborhood community. UPS delivery persons consistently recognize him, and his escapades escaping home when he was younger and now chasing deer and foxes providing neighbors with numerous stories to tell.
“When we had only had him for 6 months, he ran away after a huge snow. We chased him all of the way to Dranesville Road where he ran down the middle of the single cleared lane with 3 foot drifts on both sides. All of the cars stopped to let the little 17 pound dog run down the street,” said Jenny Phipps in regard to the many adventures Godsey has embarked on over the years in Herndon.
Godsey also became a pet celebrity in downtown Herndon when his picture was painted in the mural for the Dominion Animal Hospital on Station Street.
“He's a very sweet little dog to everyone and loves to be part of everything we do. He is one of a kind,” said Jenny Phipps.