Marley at Cape Meares, OR

I loved this picture of Marley so much, I decided she needed her own post! She's sitting atop one of the old trees, the ocean breeze blowing in her face - the intensity of her attention really shows. It was about 59 degrees, a little chilly, but still nice enough to be walking in sandals on the beach.

We had a very nice day!

Kirby in the Field

Marty shared this picture of Kirby on point in the field. What a handsome boy!

Remember . . . .

Just a reminder that the puppies you see that have recently gone to their new homes, are not Marley's puppies. Those puppies belong to her sister, Lyric. We helped her owner when Lyric got sick and needed to wean the pups. Upon our return from California, we agreed to split the litter and raised four of them here. We enjoyed being able to help out and to have a trial run to see what it would be like to have puppies in the house. It was an extremely enjoyable opportunity we just couldn't pass up. Who can resist the smell of puppy breath? Who can resist holding such a small bundle close to your heart and know you are being totally trusted with their care? We look forward to being able to provide this same kind of love, only deeper if that's possible, with Marley's pups. Marley is due sometime around October 19th. In the meantime, she is getting daily pampering which includes belly and back rubs and lots of snuggling. We'll be writing more as things happen around here.

As always - take care and keep reading! :)

Marley at 3.5 Weeks

I thought you all might like to see a picture of Marley at 3.5 weeks. Gus and Nash are in the background "horsing" around as boys do.

Next week I'll be adjusting her diet because I'm told she's going to be hungrier and hungrier. Right now she's holding out for the good stuff - The Honest Kitchen's Embark. I've been feeding her kibble in the morning and Embark in the evening. I don't know why but she gets so excited when she hears me stirring the bowl. She lets out the highest pitched bark I've ever heard and it isn't just one; there are many as she is so impatient. The bark is one very similar to the one her mother does when she really wants something you're eating. I wonder if any of the other Opus One girls make the same noise?!!

And The Last Puppy Goes Home

These are pictures from our last days with Gus.

At birth, you wore the red collar. By two weeks, you became Rojo. It was only a few weeks ago that you became Gus. Now, we will call you Wiley. I wish I could type your middle name but your new mom, Brooke, says it means "her heart is consoled." Be good to her - she loves you already. We know the house will be quieter, if only for a brief time, but we will miss the energy you brought to it. Yes, even the way you always wanted everything your way. You are a strong minded puppy who will soon be a big dog. Enjoy your new life and we'll see you again. You, as well as all your littermates, will have a special place in our hearts.


Gus played with his brother, Nash, who came over to play one last time before Gus went to his new home. Of pine cones someone once said, "Many parts are edible." Well, I don't know if Gus actually ate the pine cones or just tore off each row bit by bit but, I do know he enjoyed chewing the middle of them. Gus enjoyed chewing on alot of things - all my plants have seen better days, even the mesh below the barkdust, all the sticks in the yard that are more numerous now that Gus broke them into pieces, my lavendar, which all the dogs who come through the house seem to like, is flattened on one side. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't trade this time for anything in the world. Plants are replaceable but memories are not. I have alot of memories and I hope I can hold on to them forever.


Handsome Gus


Gus retrieving a clay foot for under a planter. He puts his entire face in the water. When he brings his treasure up, he parades around the deck with it. This he'll do until someone interrupts his celebration.


Look how silly he is. I never even saw the spider in the water until I downloaded this picture. I'm sure glad he didn't get bitten by it. His grandmother Lena is allergic to spider bites.


September 8th ~ Resting after a stressful day of new visitors!


Getting some lovin' from Bree

Visitors

We have had a couple of busy days so far this week. On Monday, our daughter came home from being in the Midwest since June. Marley and Hannah were beyond excitement at seeing her but Gus didn't know what to do with all the "new smells" or the attention they were trying to give to him.

Yesterday brought a few new people. A young woman came over to look at Gus, hoping he was going to be everything she was hoping he would be. With her came her mother and neice. Gus again did not know quite what to do with this "little person!" He didn't decide she was okay until she got down to his playing level - then they were buds. She even played in the water with him and gave him a pretend bath. Gus showed everyone that he is a water dog by laying down in the pool.

Today we had visitors here to meet Marley. Hannah and Gus were the show while Marley remained focused on me and eventually landed in my lap. Hannah, the instigator, managed to find a toy Gus wanted, Marley, too, and the tug of war was on. It was getting a little loud in the house so I shooed them out the door. That didn't last long and pretty soon they were back in the house for more. By the time our visitors left, all the dogs were laying quietly demonstrating how calm Vizslas can be, when they want to.

I'll have another story tomorrow as Gus heads to a new home, with a new name.

Take care ~

Kirby

Today it is three weeks since Marley was bred. To celebrate I've decided to post a picture of her lovely mate. Kirby is handled by Jessica Tober and he was Best of Breed that day. Isn't he handsome?!

AM/INT'L CH Pirok Kirbi MH - Kirby