A tribute to Halo

I walked up to the school yard one cold spring day. I had our little Clover in my arms, maybe 10-12 weeks old.  Another mom approached us with the warmest smile.  She enthusiastically said "a Vizsla!"  Well much to my surprise, YES! I was immediately relieved to escape the explaination one more time that our puppy was not a dachshund. In a neighbourhood with hundreds of other canine companions, we both bonded over our beloved red dogs.  That's all it took. We spent the last nineteen months getting to know each other, sharing stories, laughing at the craziness and validating the sanity in our Vizsla lives. 

When I met Halo, he's everything you would expect; tail-wiggly, gentle, affectionate... thieving.  He has a habit of counter-surfing to steal recyclables.  I know first hand, it's tough to outsmart a V.  If they want something, they'll devise a way to get it! I recently lost a debit card out of my pocket for Clover's chew toy. 

Halo

Clover

In early October, Halo was diagnosed with hepatic (liver) cancer, leaving him anemic and anorexic.  His illness came with great speed, very unexpectedly. In just a couple of weeks, his physical condition was critical. 

I was heartstruck as we discussed Halo's prognosis and multiple visits to the hospital. I tried to give my best advice when it was requested and listen as much as possible.  I've had a great deal of personal experience with pet loss.  Nine of my own to be exact. Not all owners grieve openly.  When they do, it's amazing, because they are sharing a raw part of their soul. 

Halo, surrounded by love, said goodbye yesterday.  It's a moment that will sear their hearts forever.  His talented mom created a video online, demonstrating worldwide, the enchanted life of their four-legged boy and the family that adores him.  

Thank you Sarah, for giving me permission to post your precious photos and video. I'm honoured.  Sleep well sweet Halo

There’s a special place for grownups

A special place for kids

Me? I’ll be on the other side

The side called Rainbow Bridge.

Across the dark green meadow

A’top the hills I’ll run

Where the colours from the rainbow

Glitter from the sun

Anonymous edition of Part two of the famous poem Rainbow Bridge 

Update

I commissioned a local creative mom (who just happens to have an  Etsy store) to create these pendants for the boys.  I also handmade a shadow box of lake rocks and a photo of Halo with the poem above.  I didn't want to reveal this on the original post because I hadn't delivered it to the family but here is a look at the jewelry.  

All Hallows Eve

Halloween is kind of a big deal at our house. This year I was lucky enough to get a pretty amazing canine costume early on.  In fact, after a few discussions with other V friends, I may have a vision for next year already! It's the first time I've been able to take her on the walk with us and she. was. amazing.  Clover happily paraded down the street with all the surrounding commotion, licking a child or two or twenty. The neighbourhood families gave her tonnes of attention. What Vizsla doesn't ham it up for snuggly leg and gentle pat on the head?

Waiting for all the excitement to begin!

The pumpkin look was a huge success.  Someone even stopped us along the route to take her picture!

One tuckered out pup, one spooktacular evening.

HAPPY HALLOWE'EN

October 2012

The first 6 weeks of 'Fall' have been chaotic.   We've been busy with back to school homework and starting extra-cirricular activities. We've also been diligently working on home renovations.  It's a life of one project after another right now.  Just getting into the swing of things proves to be an arduous task at times.

Part of Clover's daily routine is to walk with me as often as possible in the morning.  We've been fortunate enough to gather a few moms and their pets in the neighbourhood for walking partners. The big treat half way, is time off leash at the lakefront.  The dogs love it but the geese... not so much.  Last week Clover and I logged 25 km in four days! I've now got plantar faciitis ...but that is another story. 

This is Clover's halloween costume I found last month.  I had to open the seams for the shoulders to fit better and prevent chaffing. I'll be sure to post pics later!

She still loves to destroy my neatly folded laundry for a warm comfortable nap on the chesterfield. One day, I will film this just for a blog post. You must see it to believe the lengths she will go to. Achieving the perfect sleep spot is downright ridiculous!

Goodbye Summer

The end of summer came quickly.  The last week before Labour Day was spent soaking up the sunshine.  We picked up a life jacket to allow Clover more swimming freedom. It was well worth the decreased anxiety about her nails puncturing the liner. This way she has to float, rather than stand on her hind legs, which by the way she does incredibly well! When I met her father Mojo, he stood and placed his paws on my waist, quite comfortably standing for some time.  I'm not sure if that's a Vizsla thing, or an 'apple doesn't fall far from the tree' thing? She's definitely got an aptitude for 2 legged mobility....and hugging.

It took a little adjustment but with William's assistance, she's a pro now. There were lots of giggles to be had in the process. 

Annual Pointblank Puppy Family Picnic

Welcome back

It's the annual Pointblank Dog's puppy family picnic, and as always we're welcomed with open arms and great hospitality.  It's become a familiar field.  One filled with special memories of old friends, new friends and a whole pack of crazy beasts.  Clover could barely contain her excitement as we arrived. The best shot I could get for 20 minutes was a passing blur.

It was a pointers paradise. 

There were puppies to well seasoned dogs, each finding a soft spot in all of us. Collectively we spent the afternoon celebrating our appreciation for their quirky yet loyal companionship. There was a  little fellow, a full sibling to Clover, only few months old.

William decided to try the behaviour training he's learned with the other pets. A few actually listened. I'm not convinced they recognized any of the hand signals or verbal cues, but they read his body language well.  He was so incredibly proud.

Clover on some trail to nowhere in particular

Finding canine friends

I think this GSP is Buddy. Clover was very comfortable with him as she stayed close for a while. He was much more pond adventurous, as was our son! In the end we had to wipe down half a stinking mud-encrusted dog, wash one pair of brand new sneakers and replace one pair of what used to be white socks.

We got a good laugh as the Palmer obediently ran right past the girls (Clover & Mischa) when Liz caught the dogs during a break and enter on the tent buffet.  In fairness they did employ our six year son who assisted then defended their tag along strategy.

Clover and Mischa 

 Five hours later and these V's are STILL running...

and chasing each other?...

and exploring every single square inch of the property.

William hanging out with the pack

Clover catching her breath

Craziness needs a short time out!

And I mean short, because, there are wrestling matches to be had...

Break out the ball for a game of fetch

Couldn't have had a more beautiful day filled with four-legged love♥

August 2012

August 6, 2012

A trip to our 'private' beach

We are fortunate to have this quiet little part of the waterfront so close to home it feels like our own private sandbar. We were here most weekends last summer hoping to coax our pup into wading in the lake with marginal success. She preferred to make funny faces at the tireless labs that played some ridiculous game of fetch in the waves instead.  After a few rounds of pool fun it seems her taste for swimming has improved. And, if the current relents, she will happily play amongst the fishes. Of course I still get Clover's casual over-the-shoulder nod "are you coming?"