Tired Loki

On Wednesday mornings, for the past two weeks, Loki and Steve have been going down to Kirsten's at Field of Dreams Kennels in Sweet Home, Oregon, for bird training. So far, Loki has shown that he has a good nose, a pretty steady point and loves finding birds. In the evening, they have been attending show handling classes. So, it's not a wonder that Loki is one tired pup this Wednesday night!



Loki's first shows are coming up on September 5th when he joins Patriot and Paloma at the Trail's End Vizsla Club of Oregon's Sweepstakes and Specialty in Eugene, OR. On Saturday, all three pups will also be entered in the regular class of the Emerald Classic Cluster. They should all look like Loki does tonight when it's all over. Should be a quiet drive home.

Hope everyone is doing well - enjoying what's left of the summer while looking forward to a nice Fall.

Puget Sound Vizsla Club Specialty

I awoke before the dogs at 3:30am so we'd be sure to make it over to Karen's by 5am. Suzanne arrived after me and we got on the road at about 5:15am. Karen rode with Suzanne, who works swing shift, just in case she needed to take over the responsibility of driving since Suzanne didn't get more than three hours of sleep. We were shooting to arrive in Enumclaw by 8am, which would give us time to potty the dogs and walk to the ring. Because we were going to be gone for the majority of the day, Suzanne brought all her boys (Roman, Devon and Myles) and Karen brought Lena, who travels everywhere with her anymore. I drove separately with Patriot and Paloma because there was no way everyone was going to fit into one car.

The drive up was relatively easy - there were just a couple of places on I-5 where construction crews were doing road work and only one lane was open. With virtually no traffic on the road, we breezed on through. I think I only saw one highway patrolman the whole way and that was on the outskirts of Olympia. Parking at the fairgrounds was plentiful and the parking attendants were very helpful directing us where to park.

Lugging everything necessary for set up - portable crates, a wire crate, chairs, water, snacks, show leads, collars and bait to ringside was arduous. Thankfully Suzanne brought her rolling cart. Add to that, six Vizslas of varying ages - Roman is 13, Devon is 10, Lena is 9, Myles is 9, Patriot and Paloma at 9 months, and you can imagine what we looked like going down the road. :)

Sweepstakes started at 9am with judging by Mrs. Leta B. Graham. Suzanne showed Patriot who was in with another puppy; the same one who had beaten him at the Stumptown shows in July. When all was said and done, the judge liked Patriot best and awarded him the "First Place" ribbon, an envelope with $5.20, a flip flop stuffed toy and a dog biscuit. He went back in for Winner's Dog and was beaten by Mojo. Mojo and Patriot had gone head to head at the Canby shows in June and Mojo won. I took Paloma in - she was all by herself and won her class. I was nervous but the judge was very nice and offered me all kinds of tips - especially the one where I'm not supposed to let Paloma eat the bait while the judge is looking her over. Oops. Paloma earned a "First Place" ribbon, and envelope with $2.60, and a flip flop toy. I took Paloma back in for Best in Sweeps and the judge asked everyone to around the ring two times. I had a very hard time showing on the uneven ground due to some back pain but Paloma did well despite my shortcomings.

Specialty started at 10:30am with judging done by Ms. Linda Kelly, Oakleaf Vizslas. Suzanne took Patriot into the ring - this time he earned a "Third Place" ribbon. Karen took Paloma in for me, again she was in her class all by herself and despite going potty in the ring, she earned a "First Place" ribbon and was given a pottery Vizsla dish for winning her class.

Roman and Devon were entered in Veterans - Suzanne showed Roman and Karen showed Devon - Devon won and went on to compete for Best of Breed. He didn't win but he did show really well - both boys did!

Below are pictures of Patriot and Paloma's loot:






We stopped for lunch in Bonney Lake and then headed home. We got on the freeway at 3:30pm and I didn't get home until 7:15pm. There was considerably more traffic on the way home with several spots stop and go. I listened to conservative talk radio and The Moody Blues which helped me make it home in one piece! Both pups slept all the way home - they sure were tired after all that work! All in all we had a very good time!

Next shows are at the end of the month in St Helens, OR , hosted by the Kelso-Longview Kennel Club.

Who Waits For You?

Usually it's only Patriot who waits for me to get done with my shower. But, on this day, I was surprised to see

that Hannah and Paloma had joined Patriot!


They were sleeping . . . . but as soon as I grabbed my camera, they were awake.

It's A Scorcher Here, Folks!

Hannah, Marley, Paloma and Patriot just want to sleep all day - there's no running around in the house or outside. We have had hot weather here for the past couple of weeks, give or take a couple of days, BUT today it is really HOT - 103*!! It's 89* in the house with 43% humidity - even the slightest movement makes one uncomfortable. We have several fans going throughout the house but bless their little motors, they're just not making the house cool enough. Marc made the trip to Lowe's this morning and purchased a window air conditioning unit. We can't wait until it's in and working. Tonight the "kids" will probably get to play in their wading pool again - it's a summertime tradition around here. Temperatures overnight are expected to only get down to 70*!

If you're in this weather like we are, please make sure to give your pups plenty of water to drink and to have plenty on hand for yourself, too. And, if you need to take them in the car, make sure your A/C is working properly. It takes just a few minutes for your dog's blood to boil when inside the car so it's important they're kept cool.

Hannah, Marley, Paloma and Patriot send everyone their best and hope Loki is enjoying himself in the land of St Olaf College - Minnesota!

What Fun Can Be Had With A Sister!

Crawford stayed with us over the past weekend. He and Paloma had alot of fun together trying to take the pheasant toy away from one another.

I am super pleased with Crawford's growth - as you might remember, he was the tiniest puppy born and remained so even when it was time to go home. He is taller than Paloma but not as tall as Patriot. I know that doesn't tell you much but I think it says he's right on track. He has a great temperament and is so eager to please. He minds really well and crates at night for sleeping (although he did sneak a nap on the bed a few times a day!) We really enjoyed having him here and hope we get to see him again before he makes the move to Manhattan, NY. :(

Ziggy Wishes Everyone a Happy 9th Monthday!

Roo - Roo Happy 9th Monthday to my sister and all my brothers!


Have we really lived on this earth for nine months? Wow, time is just flying by for me.


I am getting so much wiser - can't you see it in my eyes?

Jasper Goes to a Pool Party

"Jasper had a good time at the pool party! Mostly he ran around with the other dogs and needed a few pushes to get in and swim. He's still not too sure about all of that. His swims are brief and right back to the steps to get out!" - Brian


Will Jasper jump in?


Jasper checking out the pool.


Jasper building up a little sweat before going into the pool.


Smiling for the camera!