Friday, January 30, 2009

Photo Updates - Ziggy and Loki

Looks like the boys are coming along!


Ziggy and Buddy are working things out. Buddy even let Ziggy lick his ear the other day!




This is Loki enjoying the snow we had the other day.

Paloma's January Pictures

I thought you might like to see some pictures of Paloma. She's been a very good girl and has been super cooperative while I've been getting over my cold. I cannot remember when I had a cold last this long. I'm almost 100% - my ears still get plugged every now and then.

Anyway, since we haven't been able to get into a class just yet, we are working on manners at home. She is responding well to "come" - she loves getting her treats. She is particularly good about it when I call her to come into the house. We are also trying "wait" and she's letting me get two steps away from her before breaking - at which time we start all over until she successfully waits. We are working on "leave it" because like her Mom, she is always looking for something to pick up off the floor. She has "sit" down pat and is walking very well on a leash. We have yet to venture through the neighborhood but as soon as she gets her next shot, we'll give it a try. She travels well in the car and I have to say I was amazed at how well she did on the trip to Las Vegas.


This is Paloma's most recent photo.


You might remember this from the whelping box when ALL the puppies fit!


Paloma can now get herself up onto the couch - it's almost an easy hop for her these days.


I did not do this with Hannah or Marley but I'm trying to teach Paloma to like her dog bed.


Contemplating what she can do next.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Three Months Old Already

Time might not be flying for you but it's hard for me to believe the pups are already three months old. Crawford has already been in his new home for a month and pretty soon, Ziggy, Loki and Jasper will have been, too! Since Patriot just went to his new home, he won't get to that milestone until after Valentine's Day!

I know some of you are attending Puppy Kindergarten with your pups and I'm hearing that you are making good progress. Please remember to get your pups into situations where they can meet new people. Just be careful they are not walking where alot of other dogs walk, at least until they have had all their shots. This includes places like PetsMart - Home Depot and Lowe's may not be too big of a problem because there really are not alot of dogs who go there. Once the weather is nicer, you might be able to find a sidewalk cafe that will let you sit at one of their tables and pass some time away. It's always nice to have some treats with you just in case someone wants to meet your pup. Ask them if they will give your pup one of the treats you provide them. That way, your pup will come to see people in a positive light.

If you have pictures you'd like to share on the blog, let me know and I'll be happy to put them up.

In case you are wondering, Paloma is doing well and fitting right in with Hannah and Marley. Crawford came over for a play date the other day and everyone did well together. Paloma was so happy to have someone her size to play with and she was so tired afterwards. I hope to get her out more as I feel better.

Until next time, take care - Audrey, Hannah, Marley and Paloma

Patriot in Arizona


Bree and Patriot at Hoover Dam


Patriot taking up residence on the couch


What the heck is this thing and how does it move? Can I eat it?


Do I really have to go potty outside?


Where'd the grass go? What kind of place is this?

Friday, January 16, 2009

A Little but Long Update

Sorry for not posting sooner - I've been out of town and sick at the same time. I went to the Dr last Friday and told her I didn't have time for "supportive care" to see where this dumb cold was taking me. Besides, it's the same one Daniel had and I know where it went!! :) So, she put me on an antibiotic (not strong enough in my humble opinion) and we took off Sunday morning for Las Vegas and the high desert! I was so excited to be back in the desert, not Las Vegas, where I had spent many enjoyable times as a youngster growing up in San Diego.

We didn't make it very far our first day - just to Redding, CA. We stayed at the same La Quinta we stayed at in July. If you need a hotel on the road, try them. They accept pets and don't charge a pet fee. But, stopping in Redding meant we had to really push the next day as it would take ten hours without potty/food stops. I have to say, it was only the last half hour or so that I really minded. My eyes were full of conjunctivitis from overuse and I had to clear them several times just to see where I was going. It didn't help that we got a little lost on our way to the hotel. But, oh, well. We arrived at 9:30pm to the arms of our loves - me to Marc and Bree to Josh. Josh's Mom and Step-Dad were there, too, and it was good to see her again and meet him for the first time.

Once up in the room, we ordered take-out. After Bree and Josh left, a hot washcloth was calling my sinuses! I have to say, there is nothing like warmth on plugged sinuses. But, it would be days until my teeth felt better and not like they were going to explode out of their sockets from the pressure.

Tuesday morning was less hectic. Bree and Josh went to the Courthouse to get their Marriage License and then came back to the hotel to collect us for breakfast. We couldn't resist a Northwest favorite of ours - The Original Pancake House. It felt good to finally sit inside and eat a meal instead of "grab and go!"

Time suddenly seemed to fly by and of course, Bree's hair wouldn't cooperate. We improvised. It's been a super long time since Bree let me do her hair but, now, she needed me! :) I did the best I could with these hands that don't do detail quite the way they used to. But, no matter. She would look beautiful on her day!

The Limo arrived on time for it's drive 50 miles north to Valley of Fire State Park. We arrived a little late - traffic in Las Vegas was thick because of construction - to the Pastor saying, "Ca'mon. We're going to lose the light! Let's go!" The following are some of the pictures from the ceremony.


Dad gave her away.


Holding hands to receive rings.


After pronouncement of Husband and Wife.


The Wedding Rings


The New Family


Had to have a picture of both pups with the Bride and Groom!


Parents with the Bride and Groom


Can you see the heart carved in the rock? I told Bree and Josh it was just for them! I know - silly Mama!

Marc and I took off at Noon on Thursday for Oregon while Bree and Josh headed to Arizona. They made it home in one shot while we stopped in Ashland at 1:30am. I must tell you, Nevada State Route 95 is not a bad road, a lot desolate but sprinkled with cute little towns along the way. I believe it shaved hours off our trip home. The coldest weather we hit was 6 degrees in Lassen National Park. Good thing it was dark - we might actually have felt cold if we could have seen the snow.

With all the pups now in their respective homes, I am supposing I can now take time to rest and get over this darn cold.

If anyone is in the Portland area, please check out the Rose City Classic Dog Show going on now through Monday. It's one of THE largest dog shows in the country. And, if you feel brave, come join us at Elmer's down there by the Expo Center for breakfast and a club meeting. I think it's at 10am or so as Vizslas show at 8am tomorrow. We'll go after they are done in the ring.

Take care - stay warm - and do whatever you can to not catch this terrible cold.

As Always,
Audrey, Hannah, Marley and Paloma

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Jasper's First Days Home

Jasper's parents sent new pictures of Jasper's first days in his new home. He has done a remarkable job of settling in and lavishing everyone with kisses. He definitely takes after his Mom and Granddad!


He looks so wise!


Goofball - loves playing with his giraffe.


Outside on the step with his wing - the makings of a bird dog!


Loving and being loved!


Chewing on sticks in the yard - from one snow fall to another.


Sometimes it's just easier to take a nap with a growing pup and it's so relaxing especially after being on the road for four days!

Thank you, Brian and Mary, for sending these pictures and including an update on how well he's doing.



Sunday, January 4, 2009

Ziggy - First Week in His New Home

Ziggy's Mom sent these pictures of him loving, playing, sitting, killing the beast and sleeping. He is settling in quite well!


I love this face!








A tired Vizsla is a happy Vizsla owner!