Hunt Training Courtesy of the Rio Salado Vizsla Club

On Saturday, October 30th, we took the girls and headed north to Robbins Butte Wildlife Area near Buckeye, AZ.  Marc and Wren were able to go out two different times where she learned all about hunting birds. She was already well acquainted with the doves that visit our backyard but this time she learned about quail. Quail the size of Chukars!!!  Everyone said she did really well and Marc was pleased with her first time out. She, no surprise, is really birdy.  Raven also got a little taste of bird hunting when another member let her practice on a quail from the back of his truck.  I didn't go out in the field so there aren't any of Wren on the birds. Paloma was with us but she stayed in the Explorer - she was recovering from pneumonia. 

Raven checking out the quail, this one is small. 

This is where she almost jumped into Chris' truck to get the quail! 

Sunstead's One Love At Catch A Fire "Wren" - November Dog Shows

November is dog show time in Tucson so I entered Wren in the Canyon and Coyote Clusters put on by the Madera Canyon, Canada del Oro, Tucson, and Greater Sierra Vista Kennel Clubs which were held November 12-15 and 19-22.  She was also entered in the Rio Salado Vizsla Club Specialty on November 13th.  We missed the shows in Chandler this year as her handler went home to California for Thanksgiving. Wren has shows coming up in Yuma, December 3-6. We'll attend shows at the Empire Polo Grounds in early January for the Palm Springs Kennel Club shows and Southern California Sporting Dog Association shows.  I've also entered Raven in the Hound Specialty and Palm Spring Kennel Club shows so we'll see how that goes and whether I can make it around the ring! :)   

Wren has consistently taken Reserve Winners in several of her past shows, usually taking second to the Bred By Exhibitor entry.  On November 14, Wren won her first major under Judge Mr Gordon William Hayburn, a 4 pointer!! And, then on November 19, her second, also a 4 point major under Judge Ms Gloria Kerr.  I am so happy to have her majors out of the way.  Added to the 3 points she had from going Winners three days in Chandler in 2020, she is now sitting at 11 points.  She needs 4 more points to complete her Championship.  Ca'mon Team Wren, you can do it!! 

Patriot Goes To The Vet

Patriot went in for a check up today with Dr Kay Dennis at Monument East Veterinary Hospital. He hadn't had a check up since December 2019, thank you, COVID. 

He had bloodwork drawn and x-rays taken. The in house bloodwork they did held no surprises. Some elevated values due to age and the fact he has Valley Fever.  His x-rays showed a little granuloma in his lungs, consistent with exposure to Valley Fever but not a concern. His liver and spleen looked really good with no growths or unusual patterns. He does have a little spondylosis in his back just passed his shoulders, again, not a concern. His elbow showed lots of soft tissue swelling consistent with Valley Fever. The good news is the joint does not show ankylosis.  All is all, Patriot had a great visit and didn't need to be sedated for his x-rays.  Now we wait for the results of his Valley Fever titer to come back. 

Patriot at the Vet's office this afternoon.

Patriot and Paloma's photo taken exactly on year ago today - July 30, 2020. 

Happy First Birthday, Wren!

 

Wren turned one year old on December 31, 2020.