Friday, July 29, 2011

Week 27

Enjoying fireworks at Harbour Days




We enjoyed another year of Harbour Days with family, friends and our newest sailor. We had two wonderful families join us; my dearest childhood friend and my darling cousin's clan.

It was a wonderful puppy practice session with six young (very dog experienced) kids running around the house.  Clover chose to spend most of the late evening sitting on the lap of my girlfriend's not-so-canine-inclined hubby and insisted upon licking his face repeatedly.  He was such a good sport and deserves an awful lot of credit for pacifying the needs of our 40 pound lap dog!

Then we took a short walk over for the parade of boats and a final round of festive fireworks at the shores.  Miss C was far more interested in sniffing out the friendly people than watching a fiery skyline.






Aye, Aye, Captain Clover







































Patio buddy
Snoozing at my feet while I blog


Clover has been very attached to me lately and rarely seems happy out of my visual range.  In fact she's known to frantically check from front door to backyard looking for Mummy.  I can't even grab a shower without hearing her pace the stairs!  Sometimes her search will last twenty minutes even in the company of the boys.  The puppy barking has resurfaced (sigh). She will carry on for several minutes in sheer excitement to see us, looking for attention and once again protesting her crate.  We haven't seen this intensity in behaviour for a couple of months.  There is an increase in vocalization with visitors and especially at passers by outside.  Although I'm relieved to have a "watch dog" on the property its a cue to boost the training a notch and work out some concerns before they become problematic.   I wonder if this is simply a normal stage of emotional development or part of a larger hormonal change occurring.



Clover longingly peers through the new gate hoping mom will come back to the yard and play
The yard entrance was temporarily blocked during the small puppy stages.  Finally, a permanent side gate has been installed on the house.  It's a custom build, both strong and beautiful.  Of course I had some design input, but I have to credit my other half for the logistics of turning that vision into reality.  He's a gifted welder and we're both thrilled with results.  Clover however desperately wishes I'd put down the paintbrush to finish this project and I'm just hoping to walk away withouthammered finish Vizsla!

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Week 26 Six Months

I'm Six Months Old TODAY
We made it through the first chapter of our canine journey.  Clover is officially six months old, and it's a huge milestone to celebrate. Dog ownership has been quite the adventure, and though there are some rather challenging moments, life with a Vizsla is truly amazing.  She is the first family member we've grown to think of  in the morning; "quick, let the dog out! (as someone sleepily rolls out of bed) and the last one at night; "sweet dreams girl, kennel up". Most importantly, we've learned so much about ourselves since her arrival.
Morning Hugs



Our weekend was busy with a visit from my parents (they adore Clover), Great Lakes and BUBBLES. Yes bubbles.  Those little soap balloons had her twisting and leaping with determination to EAT them. Strange, but true.  We had great laugh watching her.


 Check out the vid link! Crazy dog.

So, where are we going?
Clover got her first ride in Grammies vehicle as we took the last trip to the hospital before her impending spay in the Fall.  It was a huge relief to get that Rabies injection, completing her vaccine series. The clinic had recently been bleached, which made her very nervous (and me too). The staff fussed over her size as she weighed in at 40.2 lbs and measured 22.5" at the wither.  In a few short months our 13 pound pup is nearly full grown.  Our vet was delayed in surgery so we made friends with his associate who thought she was a red Weimaraner! Apart from the normal intermittent bouts of puppy vaginitis she's in perfect health.

I used a few obedience hand signal commands while checking out and she had a room of pet parents in fits of giggles. Clover dropped straight to the floor in side lying "sleep" mode.  Despite the high level of distraction she remained fairly focused on me and managed to leave a pretty big impression! The trip home however resulted in my poor pup exploding from both ends.  Ugh.  I kept her under close observation for several hours and notified the doctor but she seemed to return to normal by dinner.


It's not unusual to see a dog frolicking in the water. They often get head-to-toe soaking wet.  And when the fun is over, there's the puppy dog shake.  Ya know, the shake your fur silly dance, sending human company cringing for cover. Of course Clover however, has a different perspective on this kind of play.  She is perfectly comfortable drenched right through the skin, fancy dog moves optional. But, that face, MUST dry off immediately.  And since towels are not the most logical canine choice, your pant leg, or shirt, a random chair cushion...and in these shots, the dense hedge appeared to be a good option.

Not happy about her wet face after a long cool drink.
The boxwood hedge makes a good towel? Seriously?
Much happier rid of those pesky droplets!

Head massage and sprinkler water = LOVE
(And for the record that's a new drink safe hose)


"Hey, what's with the giant water bowl in my kennel? And you want me to do what? Walk in it? Ugh!"

And there it is.  The first 3-legged Clover.  Wondering why her family has simply lost their marbles in favour of this pool concept.

But it soon became a tranquil fishing hole for bones, to pass the humid afternoons away.




























I love the fact this summer has been hot and dry.  We've been outside all day, everyday for weeks.  That means mischief is on the decline with the youngest member of our family.  At least three dozen worms have been saved by the lack of rain.   Hardened clay becomes to difficult too excavate into Clover's archeological projects. And we're less likely to trip over various toys as the clutter disappears in a large outdoor space.

I've learned however that my blueberry bush produces gourmet chewing sticks and the mangled veggie markers make for a fantastic game of "Tag", and heaven forbid the pool noodles are left out...because the lawn gleams with multi-coloured foam confetti.  The grass hasn't faired nicely with doggy evidence and I'm a fighting a decent battle of the green blades.  I vow to win, but if by chance I am beaten, it's like wearing proud battle scars from a season of memories;

midnights of watering down acidic urine...the rush to pick up poop before the disgusting flies find it... repeat water... raking up the beaten patches... water again... and then of course there is the unavoidable track pattern established by both son and his partner in crime.


I'm Ready
An open trunk is always an invitation for a JEEP road trip! 

Alright you two, buckle up and I'll take ya for a spin
Wait a minute, I need my buddy

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Week 25 Five Months

First leap in the lake!
We have this beautiful little beach at the base of our neighbourhood.  It's sheltered by the marina on the east and hospital grounds to the west.  It's a perfectly private place to get your sand fix with a few thrashing waves mixed in.  Clover hasn't ventured into the water here in the past, but, with the soaring temperatures this week, Lake Ontario has earned her respect as a place to cool off those paws!

Watching the flocks of geese swimming just 50ft off the shoreline
Learning to retrieve in the waves









It was hard leaving the beach this morning, everyone was having a great time. But, there are many adventures ahead for our little puppy girl.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Week 24

Mummy's little helper

The sewing table that has migrated all over my house for two years



I must admit I never imagined I'd be refinishing this old sewing table (to be converted into a desk for my lap top) with a Vizsla in my lap.  I love these quiet subdued moments with her when the boys are out of the house and we have some girl time. 

Her head, gently rested on my leg while I brushed peacefully.  I often think "must touch human" is broadcast inside her brain with a repetitive signal.  Half way through my project, she began rubbing against the table and as a result was sporting a robins egg blue ear. Thankfully I used water based acrylic paint (pheeew!).  So, I gave her a chew and then repositioned Miss C six feet away...where she whined and crept up behind me with one paw against my back.  Gotta love that!


Week 23 Five Months


HAPPY BIRTHDAY CANADA

This was our V's second round of fireworks.  The town puts on a beautiful display at the Marina just a block from our home!  Clover quickly held her point, watched with enthusiasm and then settled down for the night.  Yep, she is a gun dog; the blast seemed to excite and then soothe her to sleep. 

I AM CANADIAN


Best seat at the BBQ

Monday, July 4, 2011

Week 22 Five Months

My regal girl at exactly five months 36 lbs 22" wither
Once upon a time I owned a chaise. Now it seemingly belongs to my dog.  She clearly has great taste as it's one of those fancy ones from Restoration Hardware, so how do you fault that?


Lounging Viszla style

I wish I looked this fantastic sun-bathing
Yep just an ordinary girl; enjoying the spoils of summer.  The only thing missing here is a stiff drink and the cabana boy to serve it... oh yeah, that would be picturesque!

Week 19 - 21


The Great Paper Towel Race
The thief strikes again. What's with the obsession for paper products?  

The red bandit is up to her usual tricks.  This is a game of "tag & fetch". The canine thief steals something belonging to the human target.  Then, runs like a lunatic to entice a game of chase while the exasperated person tries to fetch the stolen article.  Funny "haha"...for Clover.  Hmmm not so comical for any of us.  She often grabs dishtowels,  paper products, toys or socks...and of course shoes.  

Actually, she continues to "ask" for the outdoor excursions by retrieving shoes.   Even stranger, its no longer random footwear; they are your own!  I still find that incredibly weird. Smart, but nonetheless, plain odd.

We have really made some huge changes to the backyard this year.  It was decided in light of the gasoline conservation efforts, we would create some cottage space of our own.  She's LOVING the kennel.  It's become her own private outdoor room where toys are chewed and milkbones stashed, grass is soft and cool..and she has her own splash pool.  Unless we are swimming she comes and goes as she pleases.  I am hoping to sew her a hammock in the near future.  I am secretly wishing to get my chaise back ;) 

Dog nap

Since the very first week home the large living room chesterfield is her favourite bed, snuggle spot, lookout tower (for cats), crumb provider (honestly she licks the couch constantly-it's my only explanation), and massage table for frequent belly rubs.  She'll even put up with the kid bouncing on Wii.  Passed out cold.  Wish I had that kind of slumber.