A Special Christmas for Captain & Family!

Here's wishing everyone Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year from Captain & family! We are enjoying our first Christmas with our new little one. Captain is adjusting great to having a little sister, despite no longer being "top dog" so to speak ;) He's been getting plenty of walks, with all the family visitors, and now that Mommy is back to walking a bunch too (and always itching to get outside!).

A sister for Captain!

She's finally here! Last week we welcomed our daughter, Hadley, to the family. She rushed into the world after just a 4 hour labor, a healthy active little 6 pounds 12 ounces. Captain met her about 5 days after she was born (thanks to some friends who took care of him). It's been an exciting time for us! If you thought Vizslas were cute, just wait til you see Vizslas + babies.... ;-)

Cesar Squirrels and Sailboats

Cesar Chavez Park is still one of my favorite East Bay Parks- I love it for its views of sailboats, the water, and the hills beyond, and for the running trails; Captain loves it for its squirrels (technically, ground squirrels). They often hide out in the rocks...

On Top of the World

...Or just on top of Berkeley! This is one of my favorite "view" spots in the Bay Area. Up in Tilden,  it's just a gorgeous overlook. We took my parents here when they were visiting a month ago, and Captain was happy to show them around!

Captain's Weekend: Treats and Gear, and the EzyDog Backpack

Ending up our Tahoe weekend posts with some treats and new gear!

We were lucky enough to be contacted by EzyDog, who generously offered a new Summit backpack for us to try out. Our Tahoe weekend was a great chance to give it a go on the trail! We also took a trip to our favorite pet store in South Lake...

Captain's Weekend Part III: Tahoe Rim Trail

On the second day of our Tahoe trip, I wanted to make sure we got in some hiking. Captain was of course eager to hit the trails. So much to sniff, stalk, and hunt!

We took off on part of the Tahoe Rim Trail- a great trail with some awesome views of the lake and just overall peaceful, beautiful forest to walk through. Unfortunately I didn't snap many pictures- too much time spent enjoying watching Captain run around, happy and excited ;-) But here's a few shots from a great little hike!

Captain's Weekend Part II: Trails and Beaches

The tales of Captain's Tahoe Weekend continue! Here's part II: more trails, and some lake-side beaches!

Captain's Weekend Getaway to Tahoe: Part 1

Obviously the king (or Captain) of the mountain

I've been wanting to take Captain on a weekend getaway for a while. We finally made it happen this past weekend- a trip to South Lake Tahoe, complete with:

-chasing chipmunks and stalking geese
-playing in (a little) snow
-hiking
-lake time
-cuddling by the fire
-more hiking
-getting new treats & gear

Captain was clearly ecstatic, which made me incredibly happy. And it also made me try and snap a lot of photos of him - and the beautiful scenery that is Tahoe.

In this post: Part 1: Emerald Bay
Up next: Lake-side fun
Followed by:
Tahoe Rim Trail Hiking
Treats & Gear!

Read on for more on (the first part) of our trip!

The Active Dog and The Pregnant Runner Mama

*Picture source: flickrhivemind (I think!)- see note at bottom of post

One of the main reasons we sought out the Vizsla breed (besides their incredible good looks, of course) was because they are active dogs. We wanted a dog that would be ready to go, always up for running and hiking with us. But, when I got pregnant, my typical running routine with Captain started to change...

Golden Spike Hike

We took off with Captain and hit the trail today! Since we've only been to Redwood Regional Park once, a while ago (check out the crazy flying ears pics from our previous hike in Redwood!), we decided to make the short drive there and hike a new trail. Today we did the Golden Spike Trail, up to the West Ridge Trail for some good views. Captain bounded out of the car, tail wagging, completely excited to explore.

Vizsla Bumps and Allergies

A while back, when I was still new to the blogging world, and mostly new to the dog world, I posted on allergies and issues we were having with Captain. Since then, we have had issues with other types of bumps, so I thought I'd update the allergies and bumps topic, especially since it seems to be one of the most common search terms people use when looking up Vizsla issues.

Captain's 5th Birthday

Captain and his birthday frosty paws

That's Captain with his birthday frosty paws- topped off with a dollop of cream cheese as "frosting."

Happy 5th Birthday, Captain!!

 

I can't believe Captain is already 5. Of course, we still often get asked, "Oh, is he a puppy?" Well.....Vizslas are always puppies ;-)

Read on for more about Captain's birthday this year...

Morning Lake Time

Captain and I frequently run around our neighborhood's lake, Lake Merritt. My favorite time to go is in the morning, since it's less crowded on the paths around the lake. I think Captain likes the morning, too, because we tend to see more critters!

Easiest Way to Wear Out a Vizsla

This is what we call "back and forth"...

Me at one end, my husband at the other. Because sometimes Vizsla owners don't always feel like running/hiking 6+ miles a day...

Someone once asked us how we trained Captain to do this. We both just looked at each other, like "Ummmm.... he's a Vizsla." They love their owners ;-)

A sibling for Captain?!

Captain's been wondering lately: What's up with Mommy? She's running slower. And is it just me, or is she looking a little thick around the middle?

Yep, that's right! Captain's getting a sibling. But it's not another Vizsla. Sorry Vizsla fans!! I know, I would love another V, but it's not the time right now... because I'm 5 months pregnant! BIG changes coming, including for Captain. I know he will love our little one.... I just wonder if there will be any way from stopping him from licking the baby all the time, since that seems to be his favorite thing to do to any baby or child... such easy, sticky little targets ;-)

Vizsla Gear

We've gotten a bunch of questions about gear we use, so here's a post on our favorite products. Of course, these aren't Vizsla-specific- most of these items should be great for many different kinds of dogs.

More specifics below...

Vizsla FAQs

These are some common questions people ask me, have posted, or use to find this blog:

1. Where are Vizslas from?
2. Are Vizslas good running dogs?
3. Can Vizslas live in apartments?
4. How much exercise do Vizslas need?
5. What are Vizslas like indoors?
6. Do Vizslas shed?
7. What do you feed your Vizsla?
8. What can I do about my Vizsla's allergies?
9. Are Vizslas good with children?
10. Who are Captain's parents and where is he from?

Answers below!

Beach Fun

Sometimes you just need to feel the sand between your toes. Or paws, as the case may be. This Saturday was one of those times, so we headed over to Chrissy Field for plenty of beach fun.

Tails from the UK

As any Vizsla parent knows, it's a hard thing leaving behind your V when you go away traveling. Lucky for me, I have an adopted Vizsla while I'm visiting my sister in the UK. This is Leia, and she's been keeping me company while I'm across the pond! She is definitely a lot more hyper than Captain, and wasn't quite as cuddly at first, but after I wore her out with a good run along the river I got some good cuddles.

I'm sure Captain would have loved to have a run with Leia! I've been away for almost 2 weeks now, in Spain (amazing!!!) and now here in UK. Can't wait to get home to my guys. Here's what Captain's been up to:

I'll be back home in California on Monday. Looking forward to recovering from jet lag while cuddling with Captain in bed....

Vizsla Freak-Outs

What do all these items have in common? They have all caused Captain to freeeeaaaaak out with what we call his "wooowoooowoooo" bark.  Maybe you know the one. Loud. Deep. Body stretched out, head low and slightly tilted, eyes fixed on the "item of terror" with a complete look of "what the hell is that????!!!"

I love Captain to bits, and I never want him to be uncomfortable, but sometimes the things he flips out about are just too funny.

Now, many dogs are afraid of certain things- thunder, fireworks, the FedEx man (ok that last one might be more of a vendetta than a fear)- but it seems to me the things Vizslas freak out about can be a little.....different.

Treasure Island Fun

We headed to Treasure Island this weekend for a flea market, and ended up stretching our legs afterwords with a little soccer. I love Treasure Island, which sits in between San Francisco and the East Bay, for its incredible views of the city. It's really kind of a.... errr..... hidden treasure (ar ar) of the Bay area ;)

Captain liked the flea market - but mainly just the dog treat booths ;-)
Think he liked the soccer the best.

Hope everyone had a great weekend too!

Reflections on Owning a Dog

There are so many moments when I am so thankful for Captain, and so I wanted to do a little writing about it. Including the phrase "owning a dog" in the post title seems not quite right though- because of course I don't really "own" Captain. I'm his parent in every sense of the definition other than the biological one.

Beautiful Briones

On sunny Saturday, we headed for the hills of the East bay to do some hiking. I can't believe we haven't made it to Briones Regional Park before this- it's a short drive from where we are, close to San Francisco, Berkeley, and Oakland, and it's a beautiful spot. I was happy to discover what a great hiking area Briones is, with both wide open rolling hills and fields and beautiful views, and also plenty of shaded trails (important when it can get so hot in the East Bay!). Tons of gorgeous space for off-leash running. We did a 7 mile hike around and up the hills, and were all- even Captain-relaxed and content afterwords!

Reader Pics...and Introducing Vizsla Spotting!

Photo credit: Almar, by L.Halasova

We've had some awesome photos submitted to our Facebook page, so I wanted to share these newer ones. And I wanted to let you know about a new photo submission site just for Vizslas...

Vizsla Valentines

Happy Valentine's Day from Captain!

Captain got a few doggie "conversation hearts" treats to help celebrate...

The Vizsla Dictionary

Do you ever feel like you have your own language or terminology when it comes to your dog? Somehow, inexplicably, it started the minute we got Captain. I've mentioned this before, but for some reason, my husband and I started referring to each other as "Mommy" and "Daddy" around Captain. There was no helping it; right from the start, it was "Captain, where's Daddy?" or "Go get Mommy." There was no discussion. No thought. We were insta-parents. And from there, a whole slew of Vizsla/Captain/dog terms grew. Vizslology, if you will. (That's supposed to be "Vizsla Terminology" smooshed together) ;-)

Here's our version the Vizsla Dictionary...

It's Always Sunny in Captain's Yard

Thankfully, after a string of gray, cold weather, it seems the sun has returned this week. Captain loves to spend the time in the backyard when it's sunny out- sleeping and sunning...and some squirrel watching too of course!)

Vizsla Mind Tricks

There's something that happens fairly often in our house. Something comes over me. Captain stares, and stares, and stares...

...until I give him what he wants. Call it The Vizsla Stare-Down, call it Vizsla Mind Tricks- whatever you call it, It's a Vizsla Thing ;-)

Can you blame me? The force is STRONG in this one, I tell you.

Dreaming of...

It's cold and gray and we're dreaming of sunny water play in Tahoe. And sunny Tahoe hiking too!

Of course, we're also dreaming of another snowy Tahoe getaway too....

Maybe soon!

Pet Insurance: Worth the Cost?

Captain after an overnight stay in the emergency vet clinic, treated for pneumonia when he was a puppy.

New Years can lead to all sorts of new beginnings and resolutions. Maybe you've added a new puppy to your family, or maybe you're trying to tighten your purse strings. As for us, we're re-evaluating various investments, including Pet Insurance. I thought I'd post some information about Pet Insurance, and try to get some reader feedback and experiences, since I know this is a topic that comes up often for pet owners. To insure or not insure, that is the question.

Paws & Ears

All paws, ears, and cuddles on a Sunday morning.

There are so many little things I love about Captain, besides just the usual Vizsla Things (the most amazing wiggle butt greeting, big soft ears, their overall look, their velcro-dog personality). One is quite simply the way he sleeps.

Sometimes he makes these little whimpering/laughing noises, like "mmmhmmmhmmmm" as he's sleeping- who knows what he's dreaming about- maybe chasing squirrels- but it's just too cute. Then there are the times he uses his paws to wipe his eyes, or when he rubs his head against the side of our bed in the morning. Or when, every time I turn on my hairdryer, he comes running to be beside me.

It's the little things ;-)

Happy Weekend to you!
What are your favorite little things?

Happy 2013!

Happy New Year! Captain's resolutions? To take over the bed completely, hone his Jedi mind tricks to get more treats, and to finally put those darn squirrels in their place ;-)

We had some friends over to celebrate, and Captain spared no time cuddling up to all our guests :)