diff --git a/lib/Doctrine/Connection.php b/lib/Doctrine/Connection.php
index c0e40f869..2b0337859 100644
--- a/lib/Doctrine/Connection.php
+++ b/lib/Doctrine/Connection.php
@@ -310,6 +310,8 @@ abstract class Doctrine_Connection extends Doctrine_Configurable implements Coun
      */
     public function getDbh()
     {
+    	$this->connect();
+    	
         return $this->dbh;
     }
     /**