VIZSLOCITY

On the Move

2006-12-31T06:51:00.000-08:00

Ivy and Eve invite you to the NEW HOME of Vizslocity! We've moved to our new spot on Squarespace. You can find us by following the link or by going to Hiraeth and clicking on Vizslocity in the sidebar.

If you have stories to tell or pictures to share of your Vizslas, please shoot me an email (vizslocity at yahoo dot com) and I'll see that your stuff gets posted at the new site.

I will also be providing links to the archives of this blog, so you will be able to find your way back here if you want!

If you have linked to Vizslocity in your sidebar, the next time you are updating your links, I would appreciate having the link changed to the new address! Why don't you stop by at the new blog and leave me a comment so I know you are reading. Thanks!

Now, let's put this blog to bed:

Doggy Kisses

2006-11-27T12:37:00.000-08:00

Ivy loves visitors. So much so that, unless our guests are confirmed dog lovers who don't mind a sloppy, wet kiss and some paws on the shoulders, she is often confined to her crate when we have guests. Thankfully, she has learned to accept this, not as a punishment, but as the regular order of things so having guests in our home is never a problem. Eve is quiet and calm and friendly, so we really wouldn't need to crate her, but Ivy KNOWS when Eve is allowed out when she isn't and since she has a well developed sense of fair play, it's just easier to crate Eve, too. She doesn't mind.

Having said that, Ivy is always allowed out and about when the kids' friends are here or when our guests are true dog lovers--like last night. Our friends Mike and Sharon came for dinner last night. Both love all dogs in general and our dogs in particular. They have known Ivy since she was a little 8 week old red blurrrr and so they are used to her exuberance. Mike especially likes Ivy. He revels in her happy, joyful energy. Here are some pictures I snapped when they were here last night:

That's Ivy, belly up, rolling and wagging and licking. Eve is the polite dog, cuddled up beside him.

Originally posted on Hiraeth.

Related Tags: vizslas, dogs, doggy greetings

Arazi the Wonder Dog: The Hawaiian Edition

2006-11-23T04:49:00.000-08:00

Arazi; looking thankful for a happy life.
Happy Thanksgiving, Char and Arazi!

Where were you on the morning of November 20th?

2006-11-20T11:09:00.000-08:00

MUG SHOT

Related Tags: Vizsla, dog, bad dog

originally posted on Hiraeth

Innocent?--NOT!

2006-11-20T08:47:00.000-08:00

So, last night I took a cherry cheesecake ring to Bible Study to share during fellowship time. I brought more than half of it home. The kids ate a piece before bed last night, Tom had a sliver with coffee after breakfast this morning, which left 6 pieces. I decided to move the leftover pieces to a plate so that I could wash my baking stone while I was cleaning up the kitchen this morning. I loaded the dishwasher, wiped off the counters, swept the floor and was just getting ready to go work on getting my Thanksgiving week organized when I realized that the big plate I had absent-mindedly loaded into the dishwasher--the one that looked clean--had been the one to which I transferred the leftover cheesecake.

IVY!!

Little Miss Guilty Conscience wouldn't even turn around to look at me. Or maybe she wasn't really feeling guilty and it was just the 1,440 total calories she consumed that made it impossible for her to digest and listen at the same time. I vote for the second.

Related Tags: vizslas, dogs, bad dog

Originally posted on Hiraeth

Happy Halloween!

2006-10-30T16:27:00.000-08:00

Arazi, Defender of Truth

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Feet at rest

2006-10-04T07:49:00.000-07:00

All in a day's work

2006-09-29T11:45:00.000-07:00

Originally posted on Hiraeth

Over the last few days, I suspected this might be true, but found it hard to believe. But it is true and I wonder why it should surprise me, as smart as Ivy is. . .

Today, I was out in the yard doing doggy deposit duty. That's right, picking up dog poop. Ivy was out with me and I noticed that she was on point. I walked over and sure enough, she had scoped out a pile for me to pick up. I picked it up, told her she was a good girl and she ran to another pile and pointed.

Can you believe this dog?

No pictures of this self taught feat yet, but I'll see if I can capture a picture of her pointing out piles for me.

Related Tags: vizsla, smart dog

Angelic Beings

2006-09-29T06:20:00.000-07:00

This sweet Vizsla named Maddie is owned by Barb, a reader of Vizslocity. Barb tells me that Maddie was a second mother to her daughter. She ran to her side everytime she cried and spent months sleeping beside her crib.

Barb has two vizslas, Maddie and Blue. Don't they look angelic all snuggled up together?

For the love of Samantha

2006-09-26T16:59:00.000-07:00

This morning I read a moving poem, written by a woman who had just lost her dear Vizsla friend, Samantha. Tears streamed down my face as I read her description of the white muzzle, soft fur, and soulful eyes. So many times my heart has skipped a beat and I've had to catch my breath when I have looked into Eve's precious graying face and realized that I will have to say good bye to her someday. The poem was especially moving to me when I learned about the circumstances of Samantha's adoption.

"My daughter Nikole suffered from an eating disorder when she took in Samantha at age 12. Sami needed to be re homed because her owners were in their 90's, ill and moving into an nursing home. But in turned out that Samantha rescued Nikole:"

Poem for Samantha
Skyway Chatterbox CD, NA
November 2, 1991 - September 24, 2006

"Samantha"

I remember the very first day we met.
I remember the hour.
I remember the minute.
I remember the moment.
It was a warm, golden afternoon
and a wonderful, hopeful day.
Full of hope for me.
Full of hope for you.
I saw you across the room,
a beautiful mix of white
swilred with red.
As soon as you noticed me,
standing there for you,
bounding across the floor you came.
An old, beautiful white muzzle and soft fur,
peppered with freckles and two soulful eyes.
You leaped up and kissed me a thousand times over
with the energy and pep
of a pup half your age.
I knew from that moment
we were meant for one another.
I would save you.
You would save me.
We needed each other.
I needed you more than you could have possibly known.
You became my reason
for getting up in the morning.
You were the reason,
to go outside and play in the sun.
Because of you I felt whole again
and everything that kept me alive
was in your kind spirit.
I loved watching you doze off
with your little, pink, wet tongue
peeking out.
The cute little snores you would make
would soothe me to sleep.
The way that you grunted and chattered
when you were excited,
I couldn't help but pat your head
and smile from ear to ear.
Your face was so soft and so snowy white
and had I closed my eyes,
I could have sworn it to be velvet.
Long walks were something you loved;
running in that park while I playfully chased after you,
sniffing everything within your path.
When you slept at the my feet at night
I would bundle you up in blankets
and I would feel so safe,
so warm,
so loved.
I hope you did too.
You enjoyed going to the windows to look outside
and then walking through the curtains
having the material itch your back for you
as you walked on through.
I would laugh with joy when you would do your running leap
to get up on the sofa
to snuggle up and take a nap.
When you started getting thin,
losing too much weight,
refusing to eat,
my heart started to break.
I made you scrambled eggs, cream cheese bagels,
veggie burgers, chicken nuggets,
and your favourite, peanut butter sandwiches,
anything you could have wanted,
but still you would not eat.
I needed you to eat.
I would carry your fragile body up and down the stairs,
so we could still sleep together
bundled up in blankets and warmth.
I took you outside every hour for fresh air
and peace of mind
until you became too tired,
too weak,
to go out that much.
I watched as you withered away to nothing but skin and bones,
but still, you had those gorgeous, soulful eyes.
You started to sleep a lot, no energy to go for the long walks
that you had loved so much.
You became too delicate for me to carry up the stairs,
so I slept downstairs with you everynight instead.
When the hour was apon you,
I felt it
and it made my whole body ache with sorrow.
Together we found a dark, quiet place for you to try and rest.
You went to the window
and walked through the curtains one last time,
then you layed down.
I layed there with you.
You tried to get comfortable
and I could see your chest struggle to fill with breath;
your panting, short and shallow.
I stroked your sweet face and kissed your damp, little, freckled nose.
Still, you tried to be comfortable.
You looked at me one last time
and rested your head in the palm of my hand.
I petted your head and shoulders,
listening to your breath get less
and less.
I have never felt so helpless in my life,
watching my baby struggle for for her own.
I wanted so desperately to help you,
breathe for you,
but there was nothing I could do.
I choked back my hot tears
and told you "I love you",
"Don't be scared",
"I love you Sam".
I must have said it a thousand times,
but I still could have said it a thousand more.
We layed there on the floor,
your velvet soft head in my hand
and I watched you try,
try so hard to take air in your lungs.
I watched as the last gasp came
and then, no more.
My love, my joy, my reason for living, my everything, my baby
was gone.
I held you,
still soft, still warm
and I couldn't believe it.
I kept waiting,
waiting for you to get up.
I waited for you to wake
so we could go outside and play.
You never got up.
I now know what a broken heart feels like,
but I hope,
someday she will kiss my face again
and we will run through the grass.
She will nuzzle her face in my chest
and my heart will be together again.

9/24/2006
Nikole T. Zelneronok

Nikole, my heart goes out to you, as well as my thoughts and prayers. Those of us who have loved a Vizsla know the loss you are experiencing. Rest in peace Samantha.

Published by permission

Blogger problems

2006-09-19T14:18:00.000-07:00

I have two new posts ready to publish as soon as blogger will let me upload the pictures!

Stay tuned for some introductions!

New Home--Fresh Start

2006-09-18T11:36:00.000-07:00

Meet Gertie. Isn't she a doll? Gertie is a Vizsla/Lab mix and a very lucky girl. You see, she was just rescued by Stephanie and Matt and is settling in to her new home with them. She even managed to make her way to television when her new owners took her to a benefit walk for ALS in Kansas City and a local television station was filming crowd shots for the news. And now a feature on Vizslocity!? She's famous! This girl is "going places!"

Stephanie and Matt were attracted to the gentle nature and velcro personality of the Vizsla breed. And so they did exactly the right thing; they read up on the breed and corresponded with other vizsla owners, and they sought out the advice and help of their local Vizsla Club. One of the kind Show-Me Vizsla Club members invited them to a club meeting where they could meet Vizslas and talk to their owners. There, they met a lady who heads up the rescue and she brought out Gertrude. Gertrude, or Gertie, is blessed with the Vizsla personality and charmed them with her Vizsla ways.

That's when it happened. The Vizsla bug bit them! They had no intentions of rescuing a dog that day, but fell in LOVE with her and couldn't stop thinking about her all day. Later that evening, they called the rescue lady and a week later, she was in their arms!

Gertie was adopted from the Show-me Vizsla Shelter/Rescue. She is settling in with her new stuffed pheasant, kong toy and nylabone. She is very loved and will enjoy many days of companionship with Stephanie and her husband who works for himself and plans to take her to work with him! Stephanie is a runner and Gertie will make a good partner someday. Yes, Gertie is "going places"--places every Vizsla wants to go--everywhere you want to go!

Vizsla Vacation in the North Woods

2006-09-17T18:41:00.000-07:00

Living the Life of Riley Ivy

2006-08-23T04:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Second Birthday, Arazi!

2006-08-12T18:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Arazi, you cute thing, you!

Did you have fun running around in the grass with the balloon floating behind you?

We think that looks like lots of fun!

Hope you had a great day!

Eve and Ivy

Aging gracefully

2006-08-12T17:04:00.000-07:00

Extreme close ups. Don't you love them?

This is one of my most common views of Eve. Eyeball to eyeball while she's trying to kiss my nose.

Here she's doing what Eve does best (second only to giving loving looks and kisses). . .Squirrel Patrol!

She's pretty sure if she stays on point that rascally (and, I think, imaginary) squirrel will be totally immobilized.

She's really getting white around the whiskers now, but isn't she aging beautifully?

Related Tags: vizsla, vizsla photos

Heat Wave

2006-08-02T14:30:00.000-07:00

It's so hot and humid here that just now, when I just opened the front door to hook Ivy up on the leash to go out and go potty, I noticed that the buckle on her collar immediately fogged over. Granted, she had been inside in the air-conditioning, but even so, I've never seen anything like that before!

The dogs are going in and out. They want to be outside but once they get out, they want to come back in because it's hot out. Jingle, jingle, jingle. All they've done all day is ask to go out and then ask to come back in! Poor girls. I guess they're tired of the heat, and tired of staying inside in the air-conditioning, too.

Related Tags: vizslas, heat wave

Romany's Vizsla Adventures

2006-07-27T10:53:00.000-07:00

Isn't he a lovely boy? Come to think if it, I'm uncertain if "he" is a he or a she! Regardless, Romany is a beautiful Vizsla owned by Loring Ford. Loring has started a new blog, Vizsla Adventures. Go visti! I'm sure you'll enjoy seeing more pictures of Romany!

I'm adding a link in my sidebar! Loring, if you're reading, let us know whether "he" is a she! : D

Bathing Beauty

2006-07-25T13:21:00.000-07:00

Soaking up sun on the hot sidewalk

Related Tags: photos, dog photos, Vizsla, sun bathing

Turning Heads

2006-07-10T04:05:00.000-07:00

originally posted on Hiraeth

We turn a lot of heads when the three of us walk together. Sometimes cars slow to a stop. And no, no one is looking at the old girl in the baseball cap--they're looking at the two gorgeous red heads.

Related Tags: vizslas, dogs, photos, walking dogs

Mole Patrol

2006-07-06T16:30:00.000-07:00

This photo was submitted by my friend, Barbara Yeatman. Her girl, Lizzie, is in pursuit of moles! In our family, that position is referred to as "but-upski."

. . .yawn. . .

2006-07-02T14:13:00.000-07:00

A Hungarian Proverb

2006-06-29T14:45:00.000-07:00

If you own a Vizsla, it lives on your head.

Related Tags: vizsla, proverb, dog, Hungarian proverb

The House that Vizslas Built

2006-06-21T08:35:00.000-07:00

Related Tags: vizsla, Hungarian Pointer, dogs, dog photo

Dreaming

2006-05-26T07:11:00.000-07:00

Related Tags: photos, dogs, vizslas

originally posted on Hiraeth

My sweet Evie

2006-05-23T13:12:00.000-07:00

Related Tags: photo, vizsla

originally posted on Hiraeth

Arazi the Wonder Dog

2006-05-08T05:21:00.000-07:00

I'd like to introduce you to Arazi the Wonder Dog. His owner, Charlene, has the most delightful photos of him posted on her blog, Unravelings.

Charlene has given me permission to post pictures of Arazi here on Vizslocity. I am tempted to post them all because they are all spectacular, but I have chose just one. Why? So you will go visit Arazi at her photogallery and see them all for yourself!

Isn't he gorgeous?

Related Tags: vizslas, photos

An Offering

2006-05-05T08:46:00.000-07:00

For those of you who haven't read about it, my dogs are in a daily competition for who gets to sleep on "Mom's end of the Couch."

You really must read that post to appreciate Ivy's tactic for the day to get Eve to give up the coveted spot. Yesterday morning, Ivy presented Eve with an offering of their favorite toy. Eve, who sleeps very soundly was oblivious to Ivy's advances. Ivy circled and circled, nudging the toy closer to her sleeping opponent. She was determined to get that spot. Eve was out like a light. It was really funny to watch Ivy's frustration building as Eve ignored her. Ivy is not used to being ignored and she didn't like it one single bit. Eventually she had to resort to the trick that always works--barking like a mad dog and racing to the sunroom. Eve took off like a shot to take up her squirrel watching position. I expected that Ivy would take the spot, but instead, she nosed the toy to the floor and stalked off, triumphant still, somehow.

I wonder what was going on in that doggy brain?

Today she is a very thirsty girl. Last night I had five large pieces of pizza leftover from Sam's dinner awaiting Jake when he got off work. After dinner the rest of the family went hither and yon while I worked on printing our church's service folder for this Sunday and doing laundry in the basement.

When Jake came home and asked what I had ready for him for dinner, I absent-mindedly directed him to the paper plate full of pizza. You know the rest of the story--no pizza. We looked in the fridge (just in case) the microwave (just in case) the fridge again. Nothing but an empty paper plate on the counter and one very innocent looking dog. Grrr.

The growl is for me more than her. When, oh when, will I learn?

Related Tags: vizslas, dogs

But Mom. . .

2006-05-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

". . .it's raining outside! I had to dry off somehow!!"

Originally posted on Hiraeth

Related Tags: dogs, vizslas, Hungarian Pointers

Images of Eve

2006-04-21T04:15:00.000-07:00

Squirrel Patrol

She sees one

She wants it

She tells us where it is.

If I had categories this one would be filed under "It happens every day"

Related Tags: vizsla, pointer, hunting dog

originally posted on Hiraeth

She's a hunter

2006-04-12T14:40:00.000-07:00

Spring is here and the squirrels are back.

Eve hunts. She's a bird dog and her focus on birds is amazing, but she is also obsessed with squirrels. It is her duty to keep those little rascals in line (or at least in her line of vision) and so she sits under a tree in the side yard for hours at a time pointing at the squirrels in the trees.

But she doesn't have to be outside to hunt those rascally squirrels. No, not Eve. She keeps an eye out for them even when she's in the house. She doesn't bark and leap and run from window to window like Ivy. No, Eve points. The pictures don't really communicate what a vizsla 'on point' is really like.

She is absolutely still, except for an almost imperceptible trembling in her muscles. She is hyper-aware of her surroundings and yet she does not respond to anything except the squirrel. Normally, when I walk into a room, Eve wags. If I talk to her she gets up and comes to me. But when she has a squirrel in her sights she is completely focused and seemingly unresponsive.

I took these pictures, downloaded them to my computer, uploaded them to Blogger (and you all know how long that takes!) and typed up the paragraphs above. She is still out there, on point, on task, doing her self imposed squirrel duty. She will be there, pointing, until the squirrel finally goes off to tease the collie next door.

She's changed chairs, but she's still on duty.

Related Tags: hunting dog, Vizsla, squirrel, pointer, on point

Originally posted on Hiraeth

A Sign of Spring

2006-04-11T05:21:00.000-07:00

A sun-burned doggy nose.

Lizzy and Boulder

2006-03-29T06:32:00.000-08:00

Lizzie the Ham

This picture was taken by Barbara Yeatman, Lizzie's owner. Lizzie came to Barbara as a challenging rescue:

"Talk about not being camera shy! This is one of my very favorite pictures of this little cutie; this little one who almost "did me in" when she came to live with us. Almost more than I could handle, but now, the best little Verminator in the neighborhood. In fact, her services to do "molectomies" are in high demand!"

We'll be seeing a picture of the back end of Lizzie on one of her mole hunts in the future!

Lizzie and Boulder

Here's a shot of Lizzie and Boulder, also owned by Barbara, joining their best mental powers to charm something non-existant off the top of the refrigerator.

Related Tags: dogs, vizslas

Bookends

2006-03-28T13:24:00.000-08:00

Related Tags: vizsla, dogs, photos

Originally posted on Hiraeth.

Vizsla Christmas Ornaments

2006-03-17T11:17:00.000-08:00

This gorgeous ornament was hand crafted by a friend and fellow Vizsla owner and enthusist, Barbara Yeatman. Barbara may be submitting stories from time to time about her three Vizslas: Boulder, Lizzie, and the ever ornery,ever mischievous Geni.

Here is the information from the Carolina Vizsla Website:

Each ornament (appx. 4 1/2" diam) is carefully handcrafted from imported Finnish birch plywood, comes with a red ribbon for hanging on the tree and in a zippered protective bag. $15.00 ea. The artist is our own VCC Rescue Coordinator, Barbara Yeatman.

All are stamped and numbered and will be available in October 2006.

Ornaments can be shipped (continental United States) for a nominal fee of $3.00 S & H. Barbara can be contacted either through www.carolinavizsla.org or www.unfinishedbusiness.biz.

Get your order in early, support Rescue!

V in motion

2006-03-14T08:36:00.000-08:00

For those of you who have been introduced to Vizslas through my website, I thought you might like to see a Vizsla in motion. Just look for the three commercials under the heading "Pedigree pouches." Oh, and you'll need Flash Player to watch it online.

In the first one you'll see an example of what we call "counter surfing." This is when the V (namely Ivy--we do not change the names to protect the innocent--there are no innocent dogs in our house) sneaks a bit of food off the counter lickety-split. This happened today when I was preparing a fried egg sandwich for lunch--the egg was done. . .hmm, where did I put that bread? IVY!!!

Didn't see the V snatch the food off the counter? See, that's the thing; they really are that fast. We almost NEVER see it happen. The absence of food, the guilty look, and licks tell the tale. Oh, and a 50 pound dog trying to hide in plain sight is another clue.

Originally posted on Hiraeth

Related Tags: dog, Vizsla, Pedigree dog food

Under construction

2006-03-14T08:08:00.000-08:00

I really wasn't ready to make this blog public yet, but in honor of Blog Your Dog Day, I thought I might as well sneak it out.

As this blog develops, look for articles on health and training, hunt and field, agility, competition, links and more.

I am a Vizsla enthusiast, not an expert, so I will be enlisting the help of those who compete and have been in the breed a lot longer than I have!

So, if you are interested in Vizslas, check back.

Related Tags: dogs, vizslas

All tucked in

2006-03-14T06:14:00.000-08:00

Related Tags: dog, Vizsla, photo

Caught on Camera

2006-03-14T06:09:00.000-08:00

Poor Eve. Because of her cataracts, it is very hard to get a picture of her without glowing eyes. This one was just too funny, though. Jake took this snap when Tom told Eve it was time to "go to the kitchen" "Go to the kitchen" is the same as ringing the dinner bell at our house!

Related Tags: dog, Vizsla, photo

Tom and Eve's Sunday Snooze

2006-02-26T15:46:00.000-08:00

Related Tags: dog, Vizsla, photo

Originally posted on Hiraeth

Advice from man's best friend

2006-02-23T12:59:00.000-08:00

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.

Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.

On sunny days, take a nap in the sunshine.

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

Originally posted on Hiraeth

Related Tags: dog, Vizsla, photo

Advice from man's best friend Part 2

2006-02-23T12:50:00.000-08:00

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Let others know when they've invaded your territory.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On hot days, drink lots of water and sit under a shady tree.

Related Tags: dog, Vizsla, photo

Originally posted on Hiraeth

Advice from man's best friend Part 3

2006-02-23T12:43:00.000-08:00

If someone catches you swiping an 8 ounce block of cheese off the table, tuck your tail, droop your ears and try to hide behind the nearest refrigerator.

If all else fails, it's a good idea to send yourself to your crate.

*No animals were injured in the making of this blogpost.*

Related Tags: dog, Vizsla, photo

Originally posted on Hiraeth

In response. . .

2006-02-05T21:29:00.000-08:00

. . .to requests by my fellow Vizsla lovers, this blog will be the crate in which all Vizsla posts will be kenneled.

Trust me. It isn't always this peaceful . . .

Sharing the Spotlight

2006-02-05T17:09:00.000-08:00

originally posted on Hiraeth

Related Tags: dog, Vizsla, photo

Baby It's Cold Outside

2006-02-04T18:11:00.000-08:00

originally posted on Hiraeth

Related Tags: dog, Vizsla, photo

Clean Hair Klingon

2006-01-26T11:09:00.000-08:00

Ivy loves clean, freshly shampooed hair. She loves to rub her whole body against clean, wet hair and get the scent all over herself. Doesn't she look happy?

originally posted on Hiraeth

Dogs are Like Toddlers

2006-01-11T12:51:00.000-08:00

originally posted on Hiraeth

...when the weather is gloomy and yucky and they can't go outside, they get rowdy.

Today the girls have been playing an extended version of an old game. Run and chase. When one goes outside to go potty, the other one stands at the door. . .waiting. As soon as the one comes in, off they go!

They wrestle and run, they leap and skitter, they growl and pant. Most especially they wag their tails.

Today, I'm glad they can entertain themselves. Say a prayer for my hardwood floors because they're at it again!

Related Tags: dog, Vizsla, photo

Mom's end of the couch

2005-12-28T06:57:00.000-08:00

My end of the couch is very popular with the dogs. When Ivy was a puppy and for the first two years of her life, we would snuggle on the couch together in the evenings--Ivy and me on my end of the couch, Tom on his end of the couch. And every day until I hit the couch in the evening, it was her royal throne. Mom's end of the couch.

Since we got Eve in February, there has been an interesting competition for mom's end of the couch. Ivy, by virtue of her position as first dog in the house, claims it as her own. Eve, by virtue of her advanced age and general wanting to be in constant contact with me, not to mention the fact that it is Ivy's favorite spot, desires it above any other resting place. And so it begins--the daily wrangling for position.

Have I ever told you how smart Ivy is? Vizslas are, in my opinion, the smartest breed of dog in the world and Ivy is the smartest Vizsla. She not only thinks, she problem-solves. She plots. She plans. Mostly what she plots and plans is how to get mom's end of the couch.

If ever Eve manages to get the coveted position, Ivy swings into action. There are many tactics. I will share a few.

Eve is on the couch. Ivy goes and gets Eve's favorite bone and chews it on the other end of the couch, just long enough for Eve to notice. Once Eve's attention is gained, Ivy lets the bone fall to the floor, Eve hops down to retrieve it; Ivy gets mom's end of the couch.

Eve is on the couch. Ivy sets up a diversion--barking like a mad dog on squirrel alert. Eve hops down to see what is going on in the sunroom; Ivy circles back immediately and gets mom's end of the couch.

Eve is on the couch. Ivy runs to the kitchen and dings the dog dish until I fill the water bowl. Eve comes out to see what is going on in the kitchen. Ivy never drinks a drop of water, runs to the living room and gets mom's end of the couch. Eve empties the bowl and wonders how she lost mom's end of the couch.

Eve is on the couch. Ivy gets up and dings the bell on the front door, asking to go out and go potty. Eve hops down as I open the door; Ivy gets mom's end of the couch. Eve finds herself standing in the front yard, wondering why she had to go out when she didn't really have to go potty in the first place.

Eve is on the couch. Ivy steals something that belongs to someone in the family--a sock, an oven mitt, a dish towel and runs joyfully through the house until someone notices. Mom goes into action--"You rotten dog, give me that fill in the blank." Eve jumps down to see what all the commotion is about, Ivy immediately drops whatever it is she stole and circles back to mom's end of the couch.

I don't think it really is my end of the couch. . .

originally posted on Hiraeth

Related Tags: dog, Vizsla, photo

A Christmas Tradition

2005-12-26T19:22:00.000-08:00

This is Ivy's third Christmas with us and the third year we have given her the same doggy toy.

And this is the third year she has dismantled it while we opened presents. . .

There is nothing quite so happy as a dog who has permission to make a mess. Within an hour, poor "Mustafa", as my husband calls him, is spread from one end of the house to the other.

This year Tom "rescued" Mustafa's head before Ivy totally destroyed it. . .I think he had plans for it. . .

Hard to say where the head of Mustafa may show up next. . .

originally posted on Hiraeth

Related Tags: dog, Vizsla, photo

A Sunny Spot. . .

2005-12-09T11:51:00.000-08:00

. . . on a cold day

OK, admit it. . .are you yawning?

originally posted on Hiraeth

Related Tags: dog, Vizsla, photo