tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52264048863443307902024-03-13T22:19:36.557-07:00It's A Vizsla ThingThe adventures of Captain the Vizsla... and why there's just something about Vizslas!KLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817604626764098269noreply@blogger.comBlogger364125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226404886344330790.post-59409971020019076542021-01-24T19:41:00.004-08:002021-01-25T07:15:08.718-08:00Bringing home Harvey<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EJ39ys9dphk/X_pE--SwN4I/AAAAAAAAbMQ/R0kPLkkI0ZMSLR6IRACmykmzKJAZHa2cgCPcBGAsYHg/s3820/IMG_6652.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2528" data-original-width="3820" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EJ39ys9dphk/X_pE--SwN4I/AAAAAAAAbMQ/R0kPLkkI0ZMSLR6IRACmykmzKJAZHa2cgCPcBGAsYHg/w640-h424/IMG_6652.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Meet Harvey! </p><p></p><p>We welcomed "Nugget 4" into our family in early December, 2020. It wasn't a straight road to getting him, nor exactly what I'd planned. (But then what about 2020 was according to plan?! Some of the story is <a href="http://vizslathing.blogspot.com/2020/12/finding-vizsla-breeder.html" target="_blank">here</a>. More of it to come.) There was a part of me, right up until the week before we brought him home, that thought it might not happen, that something would fall through. But then the day came to bring him home! I had thought I would be overcome with emotions and start crying immediately when I had him in my arms, but instead all I could think was: "He's so tiny!! Is this really an 8 week old puppy?!" I'd grown so used to our adult-sized Captain.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cJuB_3nG3hQ/YA42nCkQNsI/AAAAAAAAbTA/K86GqSul3pEDuOnVcrGUfNHcu-B8aO6lQCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_5832.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cJuB_3nG3hQ/YA42nCkQNsI/AAAAAAAAbTA/K86GqSul3pEDuOnVcrGUfNHcu-B8aO6lQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_5832.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k-f26ffUp-E/YA42nCnouPI/AAAAAAAAbTA/FYdGRA5djB0lIHpWK-lVU-in_oTeHBXSQCPcBGAsYHg/s2297/62922234920__9C6065BA-78B9-46B5-84B9-26BD622BCD78.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1962" data-original-width="2297" height="546" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k-f26ffUp-E/YA42nCnouPI/AAAAAAAAbTA/FYdGRA5djB0lIHpWK-lVU-in_oTeHBXSQCPcBGAsYHg/w640-h546/62922234920__9C6065BA-78B9-46B5-84B9-26BD622BCD78.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ju6vj9M0k2w/YA42nLh2NzI/AAAAAAAAbTA/j_mnIMABSsU-uPOscwRBvzSA1136cioSACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_6456.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ju6vj9M0k2w/YA42nLh2NzI/AAAAAAAAbTA/j_mnIMABSsU-uPOscwRBvzSA1136cioSACPcBGAsYHg/w640-h480/IMG_6456.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GHqFSkVHnMs/YA42nKw1DFI/AAAAAAAAbTA/reG-qo4FA_4o8u0EKRrEZ7DFS2G_UI6QgCPcBGAsYHg/s2896/IMG_5333.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2548" data-original-width="2896" height="564" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GHqFSkVHnMs/YA42nKw1DFI/AAAAAAAAbTA/reG-qo4FA_4o8u0EKRrEZ7DFS2G_UI6QgCPcBGAsYHg/w640-h564/IMG_5333.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-r4ByvAoYE/YA42nEOBrHI/AAAAAAAAbTA/XSmOitWoT0k3Qu60UwCMbOL6yh0It__qwCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_6618.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-r4ByvAoYE/YA42nEOBrHI/AAAAAAAAbTA/XSmOitWoT0k3Qu60UwCMbOL6yh0It__qwCPcBGAsYHg/w640-h480/IMG_6618.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sLPQV_nr5Nk/YA3JOU-KkXI/AAAAAAAAbSs/1q4t7vmpiBgvh7ZjUxeZuR0PImHu1Y5aACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/t1GMYEqHQTyDWeX3WFYCiA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sLPQV_nr5Nk/YA3JOU-KkXI/AAAAAAAAbSs/1q4t7vmpiBgvh7ZjUxeZuR0PImHu1Y5aACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/t1GMYEqHQTyDWeX3WFYCiA.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The first few days were a whirlwind re-entry into puppy life. Of course, since Captain (our first Nugget/baby/Vizsla), we've brought two <i>human</i> nuggets into this world, so I'm no stranger to sleep deprivation. But it was a change to get used to those middle of the night wake-ups again. Luckily, by about night 3 or 4, Harvey was sleeping through the night. <div><br /></div><div>Of course, we <b>fell in love </b>with him instantly (how could you not?!), and that has only grown as we've spent more time with him and gotten to know him even better.<br /><p>Like Captain, Harvey's great at training, cuddling, and has been a relatively quick learn on the potty training. UNLIKE Captain, he seems totally un-phased by things like vacuums (he chases mine and thinks its a toy/some kind of loud animal to pounce on) and balloons (he grabbed the Nuggets' birthday balloons by the strings and pranced proudly around with them...OMG Captain would NEVER!), and is very persistent. Captain used to always wait for a gentle pat on the couch and then word "OK" as invitation to join us on the couch...meanwhile, Harvey at barely 11 weeks was taking a running start from the dining room into the living room to attempt a jump on the couch. If he didn't quite make it, he'd turn right around and try again... and if one of us picked him up off the couch and placed him on his bed, he'd do the same run when we weren't looking. Harvey also seems to be a bit more mischievous and more of a "problem solver" (or maker??! lol) than Captain - he will try to figure out how to open doors and get into things. He also seems to be more of a chewer than Captain was, although it's entirely possible I've glazed over that teething portion of Captain's training/early days. (I will always maintain Captain was absolutely perfect of course, and never did anything wrong...except for that time he stole a tray of banana butterscotch cupcakes...or chewed up a DVD... or chewed a hole in our couch...or how he was always trying to get that Shiba Inu he hated...or when he ate the girls' gingerbread house...or when he decided to suddenly become a counter surfer in his last year of life...But other than <i>that</i> he was perfect 😜). Joking aside, of course we take the puppy days and mischief in stride, as they are just learning...and are so darn cute they can get away with just about anything! </p><p>Comparatively, life was also just easier when Captain was a puppy. There was less to monitor...fewer things to chew, no children's toys or antique furniture, no carpet that was personally mine, and ok fewer decorative pillows and wicker baskets (much to my husband's dismay these days) 😜. But of course we're so happy to have a Vizsla back in the house (the wiggles! I love the wiggles so much!!), a reminder of Captain, but also to have Harvey for his own unique personality and crazy little ball of energy self to join in new adventures with us. <b>Harvey has seamlessly rolled right into our lives and us into his. </b></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FsY2WkECEkA/YA47kWGUx0I/AAAAAAAAbTQ/0cKNKmvzCY0OPF4Y9OlYN6xOXFX6uIIngCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_7498.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FsY2WkECEkA/YA47kWGUx0I/AAAAAAAAbTQ/0cKNKmvzCY0OPF4Y9OlYN6xOXFX6uIIngCPcBGAsYHg/w480-h640/IMG_7498.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hDCUULVEg6o/YA47kUuT4II/AAAAAAAAbTQ/rtCJESTdy6UJfqb05h2pruQVcynagjMcQCPcBGAsYHg/s3661/IMG_7286.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2948" data-original-width="3661" height="516" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hDCUULVEg6o/YA47kUuT4II/AAAAAAAAbTQ/rtCJESTdy6UJfqb05h2pruQVcynagjMcQCPcBGAsYHg/w640-h516/IMG_7286.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YriUPnTce6s/YA47kSN1yTI/AAAAAAAAbTQ/Bhir4GMEybgGtkNFZzyQndnBatf3cloTACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_7155.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YriUPnTce6s/YA47kSN1yTI/AAAAAAAAbTQ/Bhir4GMEybgGtkNFZzyQndnBatf3cloTACPcBGAsYHg/w640-h480/IMG_7155.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uIVGZqJOWrU/YA47kTnEi2I/AAAAAAAAbTQ/JV8SiAIlmukg4rYtFer6D-kmGvZbWNkOwCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_7154.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uIVGZqJOWrU/YA47kTnEi2I/AAAAAAAAbTQ/JV8SiAIlmukg4rYtFer6D-kmGvZbWNkOwCPcBGAsYHg/w480-h640/IMG_7154.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oQSvwgW-UzU/YA48cNEmIaI/AAAAAAAAbTY/yXblYA9Wd208zmc0LgZt1je4nkDzUd6fgCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_7200.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oQSvwgW-UzU/YA48cNEmIaI/AAAAAAAAbTY/yXblYA9Wd208zmc0LgZt1je4nkDzUd6fgCPcBGAsYHg/w400-h300/IMG_7200.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6lUGfAVCmRU/YA48cHZAZPI/AAAAAAAAbTY/HtEGHEIXYg8agz4BjXk0pZvIOUVcrT4LQCPcBGAsYHg/s3088/IMG_7222.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3088" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6lUGfAVCmRU/YA48cHZAZPI/AAAAAAAAbTY/HtEGHEIXYg8agz4BjXk0pZvIOUVcrT4LQCPcBGAsYHg/w640-h480/IMG_7222.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Here are some "<b>Harvey highlights</b>" that bring a smile to my face! </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Whenever anyone is showering he'll run into the bathroom, put his paws up on the tub and poke his head around the shower curtain to try and catch water droplets. Sometimes he'll inch his way along the side of the tub from the front to the back. It's insanely adorable. He always ends up with a wet head, and our toes always get licked when we get out.</li><li>I mentioned on our Facebook page - he'll go sit in our backyard and just sniff and stare, so I call him our little Ferdinand, like the calm bull in the classic children's story.</li><li>He's a little billy goat on our coaches! (As you will have noticed if you do follow the Facebook page...not that I'm plugging for a follow or anything.😜)</li><li>Sometimes he will sit at the top of the stairs and drop a toy down them. This is both adorable, because he then wants to chase it, and (as a mother) terrifying, because he then wants to chase it.</li><li>He makes the CUTEST sound when he yawns. It's sort of like a cat raaaa-aaaaarrr sound, but not, and I'll just have to get it on video. He also makes adorable little groans and moans. </li><li>If I'm taking too long to get ready for bed, he'll come find me and whine at me, and then kind of grunt when he lays down in his kennel like "took you long enough." 😂</li><li>Every morning he gives me the best, most wiggly, greeting. </li><li>(Also...shh...but.... I think I'm his favorite! Don't tell anyone.😜)</li></ul><p></p><p>And as for the name- <b>Harvey's Lake</b> is a much-beloved spot we go to in Vermont. A relaxing, rustic little get-away amidst the beautiful rolling mountains of the Northern Kingdom. We were able to share a trip there with Captain. Captain and I ran around the lake together (and then I threw up...because I was pregnant with Nugget 3). I hope to be able to take Harvey up to his namesake soon! (Just without the throwing up this time.) </p><p>We look forward to sharing our adventures with Harvey! </p></div>KLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817604626764098269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226404886344330790.post-16369335416525745292020-12-08T19:07:00.002-08:002020-12-10T08:29:43.352-08:00Finding a Vizsla Breeder<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Finding a breeder can feel like a daunting task. The first time I contacted Vizsla breeders, about 12 years ago, we were planning a move across the country to San Francisco, California. I think I contacted a handful of West Coast breeders, most with wait times in the 4-8 month range. It was definitely a harder process in our second search (now back on the East coast), for a number of reasons. First and foremost, everyone and their mother seems to want a puppy right now while we're all spending more time at home due to COVID, so wait times and lists are long and breeders are overwhelmed with contacts. Second, having recently lost Captain, I was more worried and approached things more cautiously.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I am no expert on Vizsla breeders. But given the high demand and interest, and our recent re-introduction to the process, I wanted to share a few quick points on finding a breeder:</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">First, and maybe most importantly, try to get connected with those who are really in the know. If you are in the US, <b>contacting your local <a href="https://www.vcaweb.org/clubs/clubs.shtml" target="_blank">regional Vizsla club</a> for reputable breeder recommendations </b>is a good way to do this. International friends, if you have other recommendations for groups that make referrals, please feel free to post in the comments!</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Check for recommendations and referrals. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Do your research. If the breeder has a website or social media page, check what content they put on it. If they don't, do extra reference checking.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Make sure the breeder commits to <b>health screenings</b> and can provide information on the sire and the dam. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Have a conversation with the breeder. Have multiple! They should be willing to take questions, and should also be asking you questions. </span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>This is not an exhaustive list of "do's" (nor is below an exhaustive list of "don'ts")</u> - you will find more by googling 'finding a reputable breeder' or a similar search and asking the experts. Please do these searches! Plan to read a lot before you contact people. In addition to some basic points above, here's a short list of some <b>red flags</b> to note:</span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">The breeder doesn't ask you questions. (Most should also want you to complete a questionnaire, too)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Always has puppies available (Red flag for a puppy mill- please do not support these!) </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Has something on a webpage like "Vizslas are for everyone!" (I think we can all agree they are beautiful dogs, but their personalities and energy levels ARE NOT suited for everyone).</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Puppies go home <8 weeks old (Too young! They need that mama bonding time!)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Breeder not willing to show you where puppies are kept </span></li></ul></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Starting with Vizsla regional clubs was not something I did in my first search, but I found it really helpful this second time around. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Since we are in PA now, I actually contacted several regional clubs, and found the individual in our area to be a wonderful resource and offer up a lot of referrals. E</span><span style="font-family: arial;">specially if you are trying to find a puppy during 2020-2021, y</span><span style="font-family: arial;">ou may have to contact a lot of people</span><span style="font-family: arial;">, and you will also need to be vigilant and check in fairly regularly. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 35); color: #222223; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px;">There's a lot of due diligence to ensuring you've found a responsible breeder. Ideally you can visit, but this isn't always possible (especially during COVID).</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 35); color: #222223; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">In addition to ensuring you find a </span><span style="font-family: arial;">responsible breeder, I also think it's important to find a breeder that aligns with or at least understands your reasons for wanting a dog. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Finding a breeder is also a matching process. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">For us, we were seeking a companion for our adventures. (Note: this doesn't mean breed standards aren't important, though, as these relate to health). This was true back when we got Captain, and it's still true today. But of course, these days, we have those "other nuggets" (aka, the human children) along for the ride, too. For some breeders, I found this was an instant no-go. And I get it. Kids distract from the sole focus on the puppy and make things harder. Nugget 4 will not have the same life as Nugget 1, and I already feel guilty about that. (Though I personally don't think it's impossible to take care of a puppy when you have young kids in the house too. Hard, crazy-  yes. But impossible - no. I look at a puppy like another child, and some crazy people have multiple of those!) I also think having a pet helps those human nuggets to learn to be caring and responsible. You just have to be extra committed. And not care about sleeping ;)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">A brief note <b>on contracts</b>: Here is a link to an AKC article that I thought contained some useful info: <a href="https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/everything-you-need-to-know-about-breeder-contracts/">https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/everything-you-need-to-know-about-breeder-contracts/</a>  </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 35); color: #222223; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px;">The short of it is that contracts should indicate that both parents have been health tested, puppies are healthy, and the contract should include some sort of return clause, particularly for health concerns early on. Connect with your referrals to get more expert advice on contracts. </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 35); color: #222223; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Read on for more, including our most recent ventures to finding Nugget 4... <i>(and if you're new here, a little background: Nugget 1= Captain - the best dog ever. Period. No arguments. My first Vizsla and frequently referred to as really, really, ridiculously good looking. Also incredibly sweet. Nuggets 2 and 3 are humans, they interrupted our sole focus on Nugget 1, and may make occasional appearances here, but don't worry, this isn't a parenting blog. Hahaha. Definitely not. Subsequent Nuggets to be named in order. There will be no more human nuggets - we play man-to-man defense in our house against those suckers - so 4 through 101 are to be Vizslas, obviously ;) ) </i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><a href="http://vizslathing.blogspot.com/2020/12/finding-vizsla-breeder.html#more">Read more »</a>KLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817604626764098269noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226404886344330790.post-36461006993230536262020-06-21T05:07:00.002-07:002020-06-21T05:08:15.215-07:00The Tribute VideoIt's been one month since Captain left us. Of course, I miss him. Every day. Our lives have carried on, as they have had to, but as one of my friends put it: grief is not linear. <div><br /></div><div>It was not easy to put together a video with the lofty goal of summarizing his life. I'm sure there are hundreds more versions I could have made, including entirely different, but still favorite, photos of moments with him. But no matter what version I'd make, this song would have to be the backdrop. It was running in my mind during our last weeks with Captain, especially the line, "Love of mine..." </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/bkEcvHutnGLfKzHy8">Captain's Tribute Video</a></div><div><br /></div><div>I hope it makes you smile (and not just cry), and remember your Vizsla, if you have lost one, with happy memories. I used to collect quotes, and I've always liked this one: "You find you are made up of bits and pieces of all who have touched your life, and you are more because of it, and you would be less if they had not touched you." Captain, most certainly, made me more.</div><div><br /></div><div>A goodbye is never really the end for true friends or loves. So, til later, Captain. </div>KLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817604626764098269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226404886344330790.post-5520750399993775012020-05-25T07:08:00.003-07:002020-08-18T11:05:39.933-07:00O Captain! My Captain!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The same post title as one we began with, nearly twelve years ago. A line from the movie Dead Poet’s Society, from a poem by Walt Whitman. And one that pretty much in many ways sums up the despair of losing a great Captain. I will forever have enormous love, respect, and awe for my dog Captain. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://vizslathing.blogspot.com/2020/05/o-captain-my-captain.html#more">Read more »</a>KLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817604626764098269noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226404886344330790.post-50023834474701508472020-05-25T06:00:00.001-07:002020-08-18T10:57:24.546-07:00Bad news and a box of tissues<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the book Finding Winnie, by Lindsay Mattick</td></tr>
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I’m sorry to be reviving the blog after so many years with bad news, but such is life. This is the story of how we learned about Captain's illness. This is the beginning of an end. </div>
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<a href="http://vizslathing.blogspot.com/2016/10/bad-news-and-box-of-tissues.html#more">Read more »</a>KLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817604626764098269noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226404886344330790.post-32837244964145972392016-10-12T19:53:00.002-07:002016-10-12T20:00:01.545-07:00The Cross-Country Trek and Updates from the Other Side<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Captain goes cross-country! </b>If you've been following this blog for a while, you know that Captain is a California boy, and we'd been enjoying the wonders of the West Coast his whole life. But <i>our</i> lives started out on the other side of the U.S... and so, with a second baby on the way, a wonderful career opportunity for me, and the pull of family, we made our way back to the coast we'd left behind almost a decade before- this time with some pretty special "baggage" in tow. Read on for some highlights from Captain's journey across the United States, as well as some updates on our new life on the East coast...<br>
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<a href="http://vizslathing.blogspot.com/2016/10/the-cross-country-trek-and-updates-from.html#more">Read more »</a>KLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817604626764098269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226404886344330790.post-62966695359594664042016-06-29T23:05:00.001-07:002016-07-01T16:10:40.161-07:00Not Again!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-maGsEtZZt0Q/V3StcAhSUOI/AAAAAAAAVwQ/gvSClbUmMqIQ1SE7P4SKa5-sczjXSHBbQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-maGsEtZZt0Q/V3StcAhSUOI/AAAAAAAAVwQ/gvSClbUmMqIQ1SE7P4SKa5-sczjXSHBbQCLcB/s640/IMG_3815.JPG" width="480"></a></div>
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We've been sitting on some big news here. REALLYÂ BIG. Guesses?<br>
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<a href="http://vizslathing.blogspot.com/2016/06/not-again.html#more">Read more »</a>KLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817604626764098269noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226404886344330790.post-18522256652240124122016-03-25T17:24:00.000-07:002016-03-25T17:24:04.036-07:00Love bugs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hkrgOJX5EME/VuYDg-KFE_I/AAAAAAAAVmQ/cijmz6M7AqcLOHbomcMo05DJdJ3mqtCsQ/s1600/IMG_2921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hkrgOJX5EME/VuYDg-KFE_I/AAAAAAAAVmQ/cijmz6M7AqcLOHbomcMo05DJdJ3mqtCsQ/s640/IMG_2921.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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Recently, I think something has changed in the nugget 1 to nugget 2 relationship... I think he's actually starting to <i>like</i> her. Now, don't get me wrong- I don't think he's ever really <i>disliked</i> her- it's been more a progression from vague curiosity mixed with a little fear/reservation to indifference, with spurts of protectiveness and annoyance mixed in. But now, there's a new phase- I think he's actually starting to <i>like her attention</i> (!!!)<br>
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<a href="http://vizslathing.blogspot.com/2016/03/love-bugs.html#more">Read more »</a>KLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817604626764098269noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226404886344330790.post-743255331849524042016-03-15T17:05:00.000-07:002016-03-15T17:05:07.072-07:005 ways to entertain an active dog (and toddler) when it's rainy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cmjtOZ_GiMo/VuYAKGBj7MI/AAAAAAAAVl0/clFq_ckSMfg_z7mpkXGPjYzhhEBMKR2uA/s1600/IMG_2934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cmjtOZ_GiMo/VuYAKGBj7MI/AAAAAAAAVl0/clFq_ckSMfg_z7mpkXGPjYzhhEBMKR2uA/s640/IMG_2934.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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 We've been having a LOT of rain this year in Northern CA, which is good because we (aka the land, the state) needs it, but bad because we (the active but too-good-to get wet Vizsla and the tyrannosaurus toddler) need to get all that energy out. Here are some ways to goof off and keep the nuggets entertained when you're house-bound:<br>
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<a href="http://vizslathing.blogspot.com/2016/03/5-ways-to-entertain-active-dog-and.html#more">Read more »</a>KLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817604626764098269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226404886344330790.post-57795425201199646292016-03-13T15:23:00.000-07:002016-03-13T15:23:28.005-07:00Mendocino Winter Trip<br>
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Oh, the Mendocino coastline! A few weeks ago we made our second visit to this amazing part of the country. The <a href="http://vizslathing.blogspot.com/2015/07/marvelous-mendocino.html" target="_blank">last time we visited Mendocino</a>, in July, it was gorgeous and perfectly sunny. Although we had some clouds, cool weather, and a smidge of rain this time (typical of "winter" on the north coast), it was still as beautiful and breath-taking as ever, and I got to do some things I'd wanted to last time around. We love this little town so much.<br>
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<a href="http://vizslathing.blogspot.com/2016/03/mendocino-winter-trip.html#more">Read more »</a>KLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817604626764098269noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226404886344330790.post-75076669656327156322016-01-16T22:11:00.000-08:002016-01-16T22:11:01.268-08:00If you can't beat 'em...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The number of stuffed animals has grown exponentially over recent years in Captain's house... much to his dismay, taking up precious couch and bed space. But, you know what they say- if you can't beat 'em...<br>
<a href="http://vizslathing.blogspot.com/2016/01/if-you-cant-beat-em.html#more">Read more »</a>KLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817604626764098269noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226404886344330790.post-40632247852874753352016-01-09T22:05:00.005-08:002016-01-09T22:13:11.234-08:00Happy 2016!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ringing in the New Year a bit late on the blog!<br />
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Captain had a great Christmas, hope you enjoyed your holidays as well! <br />
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<br />Hope 2016 brings everyone happiness, adventures, and plenty of Vizsla cuddles!KLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817604626764098269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226404886344330790.post-26158278940119881772015-12-15T09:12:00.002-08:002015-12-15T09:28:26.737-08:00Holiday Gift Ideas<b>...for That Special Vizsla in Your Life! </b><br>
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Read on for a bunch of ideas to spoil your pup (and yourself and other Vizsla-lovers too!)<br>
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<a href="http://vizslathing.blogspot.com/2015/12/holiday-gift-ideas.html#more">Read more »</a>KLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817604626764098269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226404886344330790.post-75602727852078747192015-12-09T16:23:00.001-08:002015-12-09T16:23:14.207-08:00Getting in the spirit!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The tree is up, decorated, and we're ready for the holidays!<br />
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And yes, I know... it's been over a month since my last post. What can I say, life's busy. But I always appreciate people stopping by the blog, and will do my best to keep it (semi)-active ;-)KLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817604626764098269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226404886344330790.post-78728916375804639282015-10-10T09:40:00.000-07:002015-10-10T09:40:00.320-07:00Lil' Pumpkins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy October! (A bit belated). Requisite trip to the pumpkin patch with the nuggets. Nugget 2 wanted to carry and take home pretty much all pumpkins pictured. I could just see Captain rolling his eyes at her. <i>Sheesh, little sisters</i>... ;-)<br>
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<a href="http://vizslathing.blogspot.com/2015/10/lil-pumpkins.html#more">Read more »</a>KLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817604626764098269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226404886344330790.post-16080986650007875542015-10-07T21:32:00.000-07:002015-10-07T21:32:07.865-07:00Keeping CleanNugget 2 decides to wipe down Nugget 1...<br />
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<br />KLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817604626764098269noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226404886344330790.post-82907006810929030012015-08-26T19:48:00.000-07:002015-10-07T21:34:40.528-07:00Happy Belated!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Oh no! I forgot to celebrate Captain's birthday! Captain turned 7 years old a few days ago, so I gave him some special treats to make up for it. I think he'll forgive me ;)<br>
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<a href="http://vizslathing.blogspot.com/2015/08/happy-belated.html#more">Read more »</a>KLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817604626764098269noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226404886344330790.post-72135483312619324062015-07-08T21:00:00.001-07:002015-07-08T21:00:18.833-07:00Marvelous Mendocino!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We took a little trip up the coast this weekend, finally making our way to Mendocino. After traveling along windy roads through Redwood forests, and more windy roads along the coast (carsick, much?!), we made it to the seaside town of Mendocino. The nuggets were excited! Read on for our adventures in this amazing (and very dog-friendly) part of the world.<br>
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<a href="http://vizslathing.blogspot.com/2015/07/marvelous-mendocino.html#more">Read more »</a>KLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817604626764098269noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226404886344330790.post-48134377863749934912015-06-12T17:00:00.000-07:002015-06-12T17:00:21.606-07:00Sharing is caring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few recent pics from Nuggetland! Nugget 2 has gotten very good at "throwing" the ball to Captain (and, ok, trying to just put it right in his mouth too). She's also gotten VERY good at throwing food she doesn't want his way. Sometimes it's food she still wants, too though.... she'll hold a piece of bagel & cream cheese in her hand, take a bite/lick, put it in front of Captain, and then take it back after he's had a tiny taste.... all while I'm half yelling no, half laughing of course ;) To his credit, Captain always looks at me first before gulping something down. My good boy. <br>
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A few more recent pics....<br>
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<a href="http://vizslathing.blogspot.com/2015/06/sharing-is-caring.html#more">Read more »</a>KLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817604626764098269noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226404886344330790.post-54878531555834041392015-06-07T20:26:00.001-07:002015-06-07T20:33:13.012-07:00Playgrounds & Pups<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our weekends have come to involve playgrounds. Regularly. And I can't help but feel slightly guilty, seeing Captain sitting on the sidelines like this...staring at us, sadly. I also feel bad that there are more outings that don't involve him - music class for Nugget, shopping, playdates.... we leave the house, closing the door to him looking at us, and just say, "We'll be back soon Captain." It makes me sad... but I suppose there is some inevitability in having human babies that the fur ones will get second priority. Still, we do a lot to make sure he's not a sad older sibling. And luckily, we have some great parks nearby that serve both nuggets well- read on for a little more on some of those! <br>
<a href="http://vizslathing.blogspot.com/2015/06/playgrounds-pups.html#more">Read more »</a>KLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817604626764098269noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226404886344330790.post-46309245274448032782015-05-16T20:08:00.000-07:002015-05-16T20:08:00.410-07:00SO Excited!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Nugget 2 is OBSESSED with Nugget 1 these days. She is SO EXCITED about Captain, and says his name all the time. She chases him around, giggling and shrieking, hands out, giant smile on her face. She is good at cuddling him, too.<br>
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<a href="http://vizslathing.blogspot.com/2015/05/so-excited.html#more">Read more »</a>KLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817604626764098269noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226404886344330790.post-84668886522170089712015-05-07T19:56:00.002-07:002015-05-07T19:56:22.931-07:00Taking time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When Captain was a puppy, we spent every moment together. I worked from home, and we took many afternoons off to play outside. There hasn't been much of that lately, especially with nugget #2, but this Tuesday AM, we threw caution to the wind and enjoyed a fun run around a beautiful spot, Point Pinole. There is really something so awesome about watching your dog, completely carefree, and 100% pure joy, running through an open field... and we did that this week. It was a blast. ;)<br />
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Here's to taking time for beautiful runs! <br />
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<br />KLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817604626764098269noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226404886344330790.post-52633988072436630722015-04-16T21:20:00.001-07:002015-04-16T21:43:14.824-07:00RUFF months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Apologies for the blogging hiatus! There's good reason- it's been a hard few months. First, we lost our nanny and had to scramble for childcare, in the same week we were forced out of our apartment due to renovations & resulting potential health hazards, AND I was preparing for the job interview of a lifetime. Stressful, much?!! We were hopping around air b'nb's (mind you, with a 15 month old nugget), none of which were dog-friendly, so poor Captain had to stay with friends, apart from the family. That's no way for a Vizsla to live! I worked in runs with Captain on the weekends, but it was limited time with him, and hard to be unsettled.<br>
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<a href="http://vizslathing.blogspot.com/2015/04/ruff-months.html#more">Read more »</a>KLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817604626764098269noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226404886344330790.post-40773469504895374192015-01-31T20:26:00.002-08:002015-01-31T20:29:40.135-08:00Nugget walks Nugget<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A momentous day- Nugget 2 walked Nugget 1 today! She insisted on holding his leash and walking him around the neighborhood, completely proud of herself, smiling from ear to ear and giggling whenever he played with the leash and tried to grab it in his mouth. Aaaaaaaaand there it is, I've never seen anything cuter in my life ;)<br>
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<a href="http://vizslathing.blogspot.com/2015/01/nugget-walks-nugget.html#more">Read more »</a>KLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817604626764098269noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226404886344330790.post-66036406966771967652015-01-23T15:00:00.000-08:002015-01-23T15:00:00.419-08:00The Bumps are Back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Or rather, the bumps WERE back. I started writing this post in early December, when Captain broke out in a ton of those little skin bumps, but then I never got around to finishing or posting this. I had big plans to do a detailed search, track downs and provide tons of information on skin bumps and allergies in dogs in general and in Vizslas in particular.... and then suddenly, after only a few days, the bumps just went away on their own. And also, let's be honest- I just didn't have the time to do the research and write-up. But, I'm finally getting around to posting something, and figured I'd do a quick update, even if it's not the comprehensive resource I was planning to post. (FYI, you can see my previous posts on Vizsla allergies here: <a href="http://vizslathing.blogspot.com/2013/09/vizlsa-bumps-and-allergies.html" target="_blank">types of bumps</a> and <a href="http://vizslathing.blogspot.com/2010/03/allergies.html" target="_blank">our first experience with allergies</a> - in both posts, readers have left comments that may be useful to others experiencing these issues). <br>
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<a href="http://vizslathing.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-bumps-are-back.html#more">Read more »</a>KLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06817604626764098269noreply@blogger.com3