Web Site Excerpts from the Quarterly Newsletter

February 2001 - Issue 21

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Hunting Lessons Learned - Park Falls Fun Hunt by Becky Smith
2000 VCA Nationals
Breed Rescue Update by Becky Smith
The Prez Sez by Penny Honetor
2000 Annual Awards Recipients
CWVC Interview:  Marion Coffman by Penny Honetor
Book Review:  "The Holistic Guide for a Healthy Dog" by Ginger Tierney
Vizslas in the Media
Vizscellaneous
Ottawa Update by Penny Honetor
Litter Themes
Vizsla Care Tips (Sore Paws, De-Skunking, Manhole Covers, Massage, Swallowed Sharp Objects, Temporary ID Tags)
Member Spotlights
Vizslas Do What!?!? by Penny Honetor

Park Falls Fun Hunt Hunting Lessons Learned

by Becky Smith Several CWVC members gathered in Park Falls, WI, on November 11, 2000 for a grouse hunt. After meeting for breakfast, members split up into groups, were given maps of the area, and went off to hunt. There were many new faces this year. People in attendance included Mark Olson and cousin, Craig; Jim Kaszubski and son Andy; Andrew Mielke and brother Aaron and their father Jack; John & Carmen Wagner; Adrianne and Dave Luft; and Mark and Becky Smith. After spending the day hunting, participants gathered at the Northwoods Supper Club to swap hunting tales. Congratulations to Andy Kaszubski who downed his first grouse. (Jim and Andy got their dog, Jake, through breed rescue. Jake was a dog that Sharon and Mike Shea fostered.) Birds weren't quite as plentiful as last year. Most groups had 8-10 flushes. However, a good time was had by all, and there were several hunting lessons learned: 1) You can't down a bird if you don't shoot the gun. 2) You can't down a bird if you don't load the gun. 3) Trust your dog. 4) Sophie is almost fast enough to catch a grouse on the ground (Andrew Mielke's lesson for the day.) 5) If one bird flushes, be ready for another one. 6) And the last lesson learned, this is a heck of a lot of fun. We need to do it again next year!

2000 VCA Nationals

From October 28-November 4 2000, Vizslas from all over the country brought their owners to the 2000 VCA National Events hosted by the Connecticut Valley Vizsla Club (CVVC) in Hyannis, MA. CWVC member attendees included Frank & Martha Lacko, Francois-R Bernier, Polly Poulos & Jason Waldron, Sharon Misiak, Cathy (Cook) Gallagher, Jim & Lyn Frank, Mark & Becky Smith, Janet Silverman, Nancy Schmitt, Engelsmans, Wanda Berner, Barb & George Sheppard, Linda Kelly, Debbie Taylor, Penny Honetor, Brian Hesgard, Dean Nelson. The CWVC was proud to have nominated Linda Kelly's Dixie who, after a touching, heartfelt speech by Linda, was inducted into the VCA Hall of Fame. Support from the CWVC included Best Puppy in Sweepstakes award sponsor, an ad on the back side of the Field Events divider and raffle donations of 2 hand-crafted Vizsla Postage-stamp pins (Deb Taylor won the red one!) and a 2001 CWVC Calendar. There were some nice vendors, many of whom will be at the 2001 Nationals too. Mark & Becky Smith - Nationals was interesting for us this year as both Mark and I were on the committee for the field trial. Mark got to be judge's marshal for the derby stake. He learned a great deal. Basically the judge's marshal accompanies the judges and watches the dogs in case one of the judges gets injured or can't judge the whole stake for some reason. The derby was very big. Mark was pleased in talking with the judges after placements were awarded that he agreed on all but one of the placements (he had the same dogs but had the placements switched around) and was happy to get to discuss with them where they saw the differences, etc. We participated in the National and Amateur National Championships and conformation. Seger got fourth in the Field Dog Class in conformation. I was pleased as there were specialty winning dogs in that class, which I also think speaks highly of our breed, and almost everyone who has seen him in the ring knows how wired up he gets about applause. There is always a lot of applause for the field dogs, so showing was a challenge, with a capital "C"! Nancy Schmitt - Janet Silverman and I enjoyed our trip to Nationals and loved Cape Cod. I only wish I could have had Denver and Eden there. We are looking forward to 2001. Denver, (CH Classic Rhymes and Reasons UD SH OA OAJ NAC NJC VC) would like to congratulate his get out of Ch Dorratz Stella by Starlight CD JH, and their owners, for their accomplishments. Penny Honetor - Though we didn't get any "Q's", Zoe and Neela had some nice agility runs and we didn't come back empty-handed because a photo of Neela as a puppy took a Second Place in one of the Photo Contest categories. Debbie Taylor, George & Barb Sheppard Debbie Taylor - I attended the Nationals with Penny Honetor, along with our 4 Vs. Alex and I were in Nov A Obedience and he decided obedience was not his thing that day, I heard laughs in the audience. It was not a good experience. We were entered in Nov A Agility Standard & Jumpers next. Alex redeemed himself. We had a great run, I was very proud of him. We qualified. It was his first NA leg. True had her first Nov A runs. Though we didn't qualify, she did well the first half of the course and then missed the tire by running under it. I called her back and she ran to the person in the corner of the barn, looked at her, came back very excited and proceeded to run under the tire again very happy! We finished the course and she got her treat!! True and Alex were in the Parade of Titleholders and the Masquerade Contest as 50's characters. That was fun. I thought the hosts did a great job of the Nationals. To top everything off, it was wonderful to see George and Barbara Sheppard. We had a good visit with them Barb & George Sheppard - By special request, we sold some Hungarian Vizsla Society bone china trinket boxes We enjoyed our visit very much - meeting up with so many people we had gotten to know while living in the US and making some new contacts As always we were made to feel very welcome by all we met and enjoyed the time we spent with you and Debbie plus your Vizslas. Polly Poulos - The year 2000 marked my third year, Jason and Buckley's second year and Rainey's first year in attending a VCA Nationals. We made the trip as part of our vacation by driving through Canada and upstate New York before heading to Cape Cod. Rainey was entered in the Puppy Sweeps and the Puppy Class and Buckley was entered in Open A Obedience. While we didn't walk away with anything: no ribbons, nor raffle items :o( , we can still say it was a great time. It was nice to see the familiar faces from back home as well as meeting many new faces from other parts of the country. Rainey's favorite part: wrestling with brother Willie in Sharon Misiak's hotel room. Buckley's favorite part: being spoiled with bagels by the nice couple from the west coast (who missed their dogs) who were sitting ringside. Jason and Polly's favorite part: getting home to our own beds! Field Report from Lyn Frank - In wind or rain or sleet or snow...I always used to believe that phrase referred to the postman. After attending the 2000 VCA Nationals Field Trial, I now realize that is the description of field trialers. The weather ran the full range from around 30º with strong gusty winds on Saturday to another day with snow mixed in the middle, ending on Wednesday with a calm, sunny, low-50º day.  Anyone riding in the gallery can vouch for the fact that the dogs gave a strong showing no matter what the weather. There was some real impressive bird work in each class, including an awesome run by FC/AFC Triad's Keepsake of Oakleaf (owned by CWVC member Linda Kelly) despite having had a 2" long thorn-type stick pulled from her pad early in the running of her brace. She showed the drive and desire Vizsla's can exhibit doing what they love. Any one who wants to take up a new kind of sport can also try their hand at scouting. Thanks to Mark and Becky Smith I got broken in at being a scout at the 2000 Nationals. What a thrill to be up front and able to really get a good look at what the dogs are doing. The only downfall was how nervous I got when Mark sent me out to find Seger. I was worried I would mess something up. Seger must have known how inexperienced I was and held solid when I did have to find him. He made my job a lot easier. For me the combination of riding horses and watching great Vizslas show their natural talents was really a wonderful experience. I would urge anyone who enjoys watching dogs hunt to give riding in the gallery at a field trial a try. You might find yourself starting a new endeavor with your Vizsla. In addition to my Field Trial participation, we also entered Babe in obedience and received 1st Place in Graduate Novice. Here are the placements from the 2000 Vizsla Nationals:  NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP 1. Semper Fi's Master Tracer 2. Kal-Kam's Red Thunder 3. FC Lakeside Sunny Girl Selle 4. FC/AFC Pipers Sippica Oliver Twist OPEN DERBY 1. Fieldstone Rockets Red Glare 2. Verity's River Bluff 3. Lakeside Tizzie Too 4. Keepers Red Fox Run NAT'L AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP 1. FC/AFC Triad's Keepsake of Oakleaf 2. FC/AFC Piper's Sippican Oliver Twist 3. Semper Fi's Master Tracer 4. Khans Szerences Dama JH OPEN PUPPY 1. Lakeside Tizzie Too 2. Onpoints Got Gusto 3. Penny October Rust 4. October Rust Black Magic

Breed Rescue Update

by Becky Smith CWVC Breed Rescue Web Page November 12, 2000: There is currently a 3 year old neutered male, Copper, in foster care with Mike and Sharon Shea. Copper was turned into foster care when he snapped at his owner's child. After evaluation, Sharon has decided that he is just very spoiled and needs someone who will not let him get away with his dominant behavior. Copper was shy at first, but has adapted well. He gets along well with other dogs. He has some professional hunting training, and is fairly high energy. Sharon would like to keep Copper a couple of more weeks for evaluation. When he is ready to place, we have a couple of prospective homes lined up. In addition to Copper, Becky worked with a family in northern Illinois that was considering giving up their female Vizsla. After several "counseling" phone calls, the family decided to try to work through some of the problems. So far things are going well. There was also a 9-week-old male Vizsla in the Humane Society in Waukesha. Sharon was in contact with the Humane Society, but they placed him before we could get there to pick him up. Fortunately, they did screen prospective owners, and in fact, turned several people down in an effort to find a home that could deal with an active Vizsla puppy. January 13, 2001: To say breed rescue has gone crazy between the last newsletter and this one, would be putting it mildly. Just in the 2-week period surrounding Christmas and New Year's I worked with eight dogs.  Only one of the dogs were in Wisconsin, but when the calls come, it seems like you have to get involved to some degree even if you don't really want to or are not "responsible" for that area. The others were in Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan and Illinois. The dogs in Illinois were referred to Lu Hart, who is the regional coordinator for that area. The Twin Cities club is experiencing a shortage of adoptive homes, so Kathie Hartman, the regional coordinator for Iowa, Minnesota, and the Dakotas called on us 3 times to help them--2 Iowa and 1 Minnesota Vizslas. Homes were found for those dogs with the help of a Bearded Collie Rescue group in Iowa. The dog in Wisconsin was being displaced as a result of a divorce. Earl is a 2½-year-old boy who is a real sweetie. He was placed with a family in Watertown who had a Vizsla they had to put to sleep due to seizures that could not be controlled. He is doing well with his new family. I don't know if any of you remember the Von Rudens. They adopted the very first rescue dog we handled, Brandy. Well, Brandy won their hearts apparently and has addicted them to Vizslas. Their daughter, Sarah, adopted the male that Sharon Shea had in rescue. So far so good! And, lastly, several issues ago I wrote about a visitor we had interested in adopting a Vizsla who was a most unlikely candidate. Remember 80-year-old Fred? Fred ended up getting Sadie whose owner had cancer and could no longer care for her. When I was in the vet clinic the other day, who should come in but Fred and Sadie. Both are doing well, though Sadie is spoiled rotten and a bit overweight. Fred is in great shape--I think she keeps him going! It is always rewarding to see the families and their dogs after placement. I suspect Sadie is giving Fred as many chances to smile as he is giving her. Reminder: Breed Rescue is an important function and needs volunteers. Contact Becky Smith (920-484-643, remark@centurytel.net ) if you are interested in helping with any function: Chair; Breed Identification (usually at Animal Shelters); Transporting; Vizsla Evaluation; Adopter Evaluation; Communication; Temporary or Long-Term Fostering.

The Prez Sez

by Penny Honetor Out of Hibernation… The CWVC is nearing the end of its winter sleep. The Fun Hunt is at the end of this month. Preparation is full-steam-ahead for the May 6 Specialty Show and Sweepstakes and the May 19-20 Hunting Tests. Soon after comes the July 7-8 Events Days for anyone who wants to find out more about a particular competitive event or certification test. On to the games, gab and good food, of the August 4 Fun Day. Don't get too comfortable, the Field Trial occurs over Labor Day weekend! So how can you benefit by these events? How can you support these events? If you want to see many gorgeous Vizslas all in one place, enter or come watch the Specialty Show and Sweepstakes. The Sweepstakes showcases the 6-18-month-old puppy and 8-year-or-older Veteran Vizslas where 1st-4th class placements also win a percentage of the entry fees. To learn more about Hunting Tests and Field Trials or just experience the thrill of watching pointing breeds hunt, come out to Ottawa Field Trial Grounds. Many of you wrote that you'd like to know more about how to get started in a particular event. Attend the Events Days where Vizsla owners experienced in a certain area explain each of many events, demo with their own dogs, and give you a chance to try it out with your dogs in a fun atmosphere. Maybe your Vizsla is more versatile than he or she lets on! For those of you who just want to participate and watch Vizslas (other breeds welcome too) doing goofy things, enter the Calendar Photo Contest and talk Vizsla with others, that's what the Fun Day in Salem, WI is all about. And of course, we need lots of help to run these events, so please contact the Chairs to volunteer. In a world where dogs aren't welcome many places, these are great opportunities where the more people and dogs, the merrier!

2000 Annual Awards Recipients

The Annual Awards program was created to reward active members who volunteer time to the CWVC and whose dogs earn titles. Below are the recipients of 2000 Annual Award plaques or plates. Only titles earned in 2000 are listed. Included in the list below are recipients who did not qualify but are purchasing their own plaques and engraved plates. If you are unable to attend the Annual Awards luncheon, you must pay for postage of your plaques. Wanda Berner - Maximum Strider - AFC FC DC Marilyn Brown - Vancross' Set D Woods on Fire - SH Frank & Jan Hollar - Shawnric Zorina Luv Me Tender - FD Penny Honetor - Priden Joy Belle of Zlonice - NAJ OA OAJ, Vizion Belle of Nelahozeves - CD OA Susan Prim - Nyircsaszari Daybreak Hercegnö - U-AgI U-AgII NA NAJ OA, Nyircsaszari Fény of Daybreak - OAJ U-ACHX AX AXJ  Kyle & Tracey Shimek - Quarry Lakes Rising Phoenix - CGC Mark & Becky Smith - Boumans Against the Wind - CD VC AFC, Bajnok's Piece of My Heart - Can CH TT Joy Sonsalla - Priden Joy Lady Mareesa - U-Ag I U-Ag II NA Ginger & John Tierney - Vizion of Russet Dawn - U-ACH

CWVC Interview: Marion Coffman

by Penny Honetor Marion Coffman, author of the book entitled "Versatile Vizsla" which many of us own, is the feature of the following interview. She has also contributed articles to "The Paw's Print" that she has authored, most on canine health issues. Since 1967, both Marion and her Vizslas have made significant contributions to the breed and Marion continues contributing to the lives of Vizsla owners and Vizsla organizations in many ways. At 2000 VCA Nationals in Hyannis, MA, I was seated next to Marion Coffman's table at the IHOP. I asked her across my pumpkin pancakes if I could do an interview of her later, and she agreed, stating this is the first time she has been interviewed. I sent her my questions via Email and her responses are below. Thinking back, I should've visited her home in Florida during January instead! My Questions:   Describe when and why you got your first Vizsla.   If you could choose one word which best describes the Vizsla, what would it be?   In what venues have you competed over the years?   Who are some of your Vizslas and what are their accomplishments?   How has the Vizsla changed over the years?   What do you feel is the most important issue facing the Vizsla community today?   If you could change one thing about the Vizsla, what would it be?   How many VCA Nationals have you attended over the years?   What is your most memorable Vizsla moment?   What are some of the interesting Vizsla-related trips you've taken?   What are your future plans regarding the Vizsla? Marion's Response: I presently live with 4 Vizslas, 2 of which are 8-year-old bitches who came to live with me when they retired from the show ring and breedings. Third is my Barat, stud dog extraordinaire, also retired from he show ring but in obedience training. And the fourth Vizsla is his 10-month-old daughter who is just now starting her obedience training and is going to be a challenge. I also have a 5-year-old PBGV who needed a home, and is even more of a challenge in obedience. At one point in my life, quite a few years ago, I lived with 10 Vizslas. I have a VERY understanding husband, by the way. We lived in Connecticut in a very big house on 3 acres and I remember thinking that somewhere along the line, 6 dogs would not be much different than 5 and then 9 were no harder than 8. I also was breeding back then and had such wonderful, exciting combinations that I always had to keep another puppy. Going back to the start of it all… In 1963, my husband bought me a Golden Retriever puppy and when she was 6 months old, I started her in obedience training and from then on, I was hooked on competition. About that same time I also thought the breed ring might be fun but quickly found out that it was the same even 37 years ago as it is now-big entries, very competitive and mostly professionals handlers. So I started thinking of a breed that had lower entries and owner-handlers. I met Joe Cunningham who had the Glen Cottage Kennels but it took at least a year to convince myself that I could love a dog without a lot of fur. In 1967 I bought my first Vizsla from Joe. That was Glen Cottage Loki Barat, a grandson to Ripp Barat. He was a lovely, small, dark, intelligent dog-hated the breed ring but loved obedience and the field. He certainly had a lot of Ripp's hunting ability and could easily put up 15 pheasants in a day when friends took him out for a day in the woods. The next year I bought a year-old bitch, Sassy, from Joe. Sassy had been returned to Joe as gun shy and she became my foundation brood bitch and lived to over 17 years of age. I was lucky in that my first Vizslas were top quality. Many first owners spend years trying to find the perfect dog. I was able to start with the best and go on to produce some of the best. Loki, when bred to Sassy's daughter, Gaybine, game me the record-setting Taunee's Loki Santana (BEAR) whose 7 Best in Shows for a male Vizsla stayed a record for 25 years. That same combination in a later litter gave me Kutya Kai Costa, owned by Marianne Costa, who would go on to become the first Triple Champion in AKC history. Those early litters have many people across the country the chance to begin their breeding stock with top quality dogs. I am very proud of my foundation dogs-they did the breed proud. I am especially proud of Barat's daughter in California who is presently a top search-and-rescue dog being used for locating dead bodies. Through all the years of breed ring competition, I continued to do obedience training off and on. I completed UD and TD on that first Golden and was doing considerable judging of both obedience and conformation at match shows. I have lost count over the years of the number of breed champions that I finished, but it was probably at least 40 and at least another 15 different obedience titles. I was active in the Vizsla Club of Greater New York and was one of the founders of the Connecticut Valley Vizsla Club besides belonging to local all breed clubs, teaching breed-handling classes. I joined the Vizsla Club of America (VCA) in 1968 and this past Nationals was the 26th I have attended. I am presently a member of the Tampa Bay Vizsla Club and the Texas Gulf Coast Vizsla Club. I have watched the Vizsla go though several changes through all these 33 years; some very alarming and some for the good. There was a point when breeders decided the breed was getting too big and started to go for SMALL. But they soon found out that small also meant losing substance and bone and the result was spindly-legged dogs, especially the bitches, without fronts, and with very narrow heads. So back to the "drawing board and the next idea was when they decided the breed was being split between field dogs and breed dogs and going separate ways. So the breed people decided to breed to field dogs and that brought about large, rangy, coarse dogs. Another wrong idea. The best thing that the AKC ever came up with was the Hunting Tests. It gave the breeders the chance to find out that their beautiful, elegant dogs could also hunt. That probably saved our breed from disaster. Now most breeders think about an all-around dog when they breed and place their puppies. If I could choose one word to describe our breed, I would have to say "LOVE". Demonstrably affectionate does not even begin to describe the wonderful contribution to our lives that our dogs give constantly. I think the most important issue facing the breed today is the need for rescue. I can understand if a family splits and the best solution is for the breeder to take a dog back. I took a 2-year-old male back under those circumstances 9 years ago and loved him so much, I kept him for myself. He had a very loving, happy home and was loved, but I find it hard to understand how so many other owners can neglect and abandon their Vizslas when these animals are a member of their family or should be treated as such. I am so angry that these owners do not have the feelings or affection probably for any animal. And I get angry because even when new owners and breeders get told about the personalities, responsibilities, and characteristics of the breed, they are still doing harm. I do not see any way to change the situation, and can only see the need for rescue always being there. I wish I could change that one thing about the breed and luckily there are wonderful, caring Vizsla people in rescue who are trying. My book, "The Versatile Vizsla", was published in 1992 and hopefully has become a lasting, loving contribution to the breed. My "little grains of sand" that I will leave behind so that at least somebody will know I have been here. How many people get a chance to say that? When I was breeding litters, I would pass on a pamphlet to every new puppy owner explaining everything about the Vizsla and how to raise it. Alpine Publications is an outstanding, top quality company with a wonderful editor who told me to just say what makes the Vizsla different than other breeds. And that is what I hope is portrayed in my book. Most of the early articles given to new puppy owners on care and training were just incorporated into the book. Certainly my experiences of breeding and whelping were the easiest to write about and I was happy to be told by people in other breeds that they used those chapters to whelp their first litters. The whole book was a joy to write and has become a "bible" to many new Vizsla owners. I found it very interesting to first research the history of the country along with the breed for the background of my book and that has continued with my job as Historian for the VCA. Probably my most exciting experience to date has been a trip to Hungary, taken last year. A group of Vizsla owners made the 12-day trip to attend dog shows, field trials, and the World Vizsla Conference. We had the wonderful chance to meet with other Vizsla owners from Hungary, Austria, Australia, France, Israel, Germany, Slovakia, Belgium and Great Britain and saw many of their dogs compete in the show ring and field trials. We saw wonderful small towns, back roads and farms. My greatest thrill of the trip was being able to spend 6 days in Budapest. I climbed the cobblestone streets and hills and thought of the heavy Russian tanks rolling over them, and a city, country and people being torn apart by war, saw gigantic buildings that belonged to aristocrats of Hungary now turned into lovely museums even though many of their exterior stone walls had missing pieces from those tanks blasting at them. And of course the food and wine were a delight. We even saw a few Vizslas with their owners on the streets of Budapest, but we were told that most of the breed was kept on farms as they were "hunting dogs". I hope to get back again this year-I don't think anyone can ever get their fill of such a lovely country. I found the lectures and the field trials and shows to be so different there. We seem to have judges at our Nationals each year who have different opinions and first tell us our breed is getting too big and then the next year we get a comment that our breed doesn't have enough bone and substance. The Hungarian dogs had bone and substance and FRONTS, all without being too big. We have the luxury of being able to concentrate on the prettier aspects of the breed, though, and most of their dogs had TERRIBLE feet. It has always been my opinion that feet are VERY important to a dog who must have endurance in the field, but they felt it wasn't important since their dogs are not long ranging but work close in as a companion gun dog. But I will say that the majority of the dogs I saw had lovely heads-not a narrow, snipey face in the lot of them. The Hungarians treasure the protective attitude of the breed and are careful to keep it so that even though they all had lovely temperaments, we were careful not to handle them without permission. The were are still are a guard dog. I told you this was going to be long, but still have some of your questions to give a quick answer to. My future plans for my own dogs are a UD with Barat and in the nearer future a start of obedience titles with his daughter Vadrozsa (Wild Rose). I have no plans on breeding-my last litter was 9 years ago and I do not think my health would permit me to spend more time leaning over a whelping box, so I leave the future of the breed in the hands of several good friends who are doing great at continuing my lines. My husband and I moved to Florida 17 years ago and have never regretted or missed the cold, ice or snow. My time is spent answering a million questions from Vizsla friends and owners and still writing articles that are published all over the world in Vizsla newsletters. My time, as you can guess, is also spent trying to train 2 Vizslas and a PBGV at different obedience levels. Obedience has certainly changed a lot since I started in 1963 so it takes more concentration. I have no plans to do agility unless I can learn to just stand in the middle of the ring and point out each jump for my dog, so I take delight in watching several of Barat's kids do a tremendously good, fast job in that area. I think it is wonderful that Vizsla owners have the opportunity now to do so much more with their dogs and the breed is making a good showing for itself all over the country. My LOKI is a member of the VCA Hall of Fame and has left a wonderful lasting legacy as his contribution. Lastly, there is always something that takes me to the Nationals every year-and as Puppy and Veteran Sweepstakes Judge at the 2001 VCA Nationals, this next time will be "special".

 

Book Review - "The Holistic Guide for a Healthy Dog" by Wendy Volhard & Kerry Brown, DVM - Howell Book House/Macmillan

by Ginger Tierney For those of you who avoid the word holistic, "Be not Afraid!". This is a very practical book. It explains why different foods actually do make a difference. The rolls of vitamins, minerals, water, enzymes and nutrients are explained. There is a section of simple easy to read paragraphs. Then, there are sections where only a scientist can follow the diagrams. I found several points in the book that led me to say "AH HA!, especially in the allergies and herbs sections. The best tip I got out of reading this book was how to read the labels on dog food. "The Natural Diet" is something that has been talked about lately in dogdom. This book explains the natural diet and reasons why one would and would not want to choose the natural diet. This is not a book one reads from cover to cover. You sit down for 15 minutes and read of the section that interests you today. I feel this book is well worth reading for any dog owner.

Vizslas in the Media

Burt's Bees Lip Gloss - Kerry and Cheryl Brimmer brought me a present when they came for New Year's. It was all natural lip gloss by Burt's Bees. The packaging has a picture of a girl holding a Vizsla puppy! (Becky Smith) Car Pet Restraints - A Good Housekeeping clip shows pet restraint seatbelt harnesses now offered as optional equipment by Saab ($45) and Ford ($189) with a Vizsla as the demo dog!  A black-and-white Purina ONE ad has what looks to be a Vizsla gazing lovingly at its owner. (Joy Sonsalla) Home & Garden TV Show - I was watching a celebrity home showcase. The opening of the episode featuring movie actress Jill Clayburg showed the narrator and Jill talking and walking around her estate. They were being followed by Jill's dogs: 2 Yellow Labs, a Dal and a Vizsla! As they interviewed the decorator in Jill's living room, who should saunter by but her V! Where do you think they encountered the V again? As they were touring the master bedroom where they found the V snoozing on her BED!!!! (Joy Sonsalla)

Vizscellaneous

This column features “misc”ellaneous information about CWVC members and friends.  Things to share include special trips, human or canine new family additions and losses, litter announcements (after whelped if no member ad was placed) or anything you would like to share with the club. New Arrivals Mark and Pam Spurgeon are proud to announce their adoption of Brant (2½ years) and Hailey (9½ months) from Romania. They were adopted on January 5, and came to live in their new home February 1. Greg and Julie Sjullie. Prairie's Cobalt Blue arrived at his new home 12/1/00. Coby was bred by Lu Hart and his parents are Ch Ozark's Prairie Keepsake x CH Vizion Blue Buoy CDX TD (our male). His father is having a great time with him! Ken Potrykus and Susan Wyrembek. (Follow-up to article on puppy lost last May.) We are proud parents of new Vizsla puppy born Sept 3, 2000, "Quarry Lakes Cleo o' Colleen". While we miss our first Cleo (C-1), Cleo (C-2) is a joy! We learned a lot from the first and unfortunately short trial run. Hope to participate in Club activities in the future. Mike McCartney (Canine Caricaturist) The Vizsla Deco Dawg will arrive on the web site soon: www.mccartneysdogs.com. CH Polar Kaps Dandy Lyon 5/9/88-12/05/00 Dandy was special - a sweeter dog you could not find. She never growled at anything. She was a great mother, and raised many more puppies that came into our home. We took our Vizslas to VCA Nationals 2000 this past November and at the age of 12½, Dandy went Best Veteran Bitch in Sweepstakes and Parker took 3rd in the American-Bred class. Then 1 month later Dandy lost a battle with bloat. Dandy will always have a special place in our Vizsla Family. Owner/Handler: Kathy Harmer; Special Friend: Sue Barnes. Blue Squared Mike Erhardt did some pretty special things in honor of his first litter between his female, Blue and Julie Sjullie's Blue, otherwise known as the "Blue-Squared" litter. Mike paid for and submitted CWVC Membership applications and bought a CWVC Calendar for each of the new puppy owners. In addition, he made a $300 contribution to the CWVC Breed Rescue Fund in the name of the Blue-Squared litter. In response to my inquiry, Mike stated that "I feel that everyone [who] has a Vizsla should be a member of a club and the CWVC is by far the better for keeping people informed. I also strongly believe that if you breed, you should [support] rescue." Visit from "Louisianians" (November Email from Carole & Phil Stout) My husband & I, along with our 4 Vizslas, are planning a trip to Wisconsin in 2001 so we can attend this Specialty Show along with the Spring Hunt test. We are certainly looking forward to meeting everyone and participating in these events. Perhaps when we get our travel plans confirmed I can offer my help during the events. Today I'm off to take the boys for some bird training & a little hunting. Have a great holiday season. Below is a photo of our newest addition, Egri Vermilion Nemes Vadasz (Noble) - 4 months old:

Ottawa Update

by Penny Honetor Unofficial Notes from 12/12/00 (Official Minutes not received) Grounds Report. Long discussion on the changes to the entry to the grounds, new/expanded parking, etc. Sam & Ed Lierman had met with Paul S (DNR) and came to an agreement and everyone else approved at the meeting. Grounds Schedule. The grounds schedule was approved - the CWVC Events weekend is July 7-8. At least 2 other non-member clubs (Gordon Setter, SWGSP clubs) were there interested in open spring dates. Hunting Dog Seminar. I gave a summary of the Hunting Dog Seminar (details in Nov 2000 Paw's Print). 2001 Work Days. 3 work days were scheduled in July 2001 (Sat-Sun-Sun) - details TBA. Shelter Sign. I presented a matrix of 5 different sign options for the shelter and several samples or photos and sample wording. Per request, I obtained 2 additional estimates for larger sizes after the meeting and sent the revised matrix to Sandy for distribution with the minutes which she stated would be sent out the week after Christmas. Constitution Request. The CWVC and BSHRC again requested copies of the Ottawa Constitution as well as the "Statement of Agreement" with the DNR which I just learned existed at this meeting. Usage Fees. Wanda asked how to calculate the Usage Fee. The President said PER ENTRY (would include no-shows). The Secretary/Treasurer said PER DOG (regardless of how many times it ran). Penny stated PER RUN for trials (there may be entries that are no-shows where you don't pay but if a dog runs multiple times, you pay more than once) and PER DOG for fun events which was then agreed upon as the correct answer. I presented a draft of a form I created for the DNR to send with approved trial permits that describes how to calculate the fee, who to send it to and when and requests input from clubs as to how we can improve the grounds and if everything was in order when they arrived. The opposite side will contain the "Shelter Rules" which I had composed and were approved last year. The form was approved; I sent a copy to DNR. Treasurer's Reports. Since a detailed Treasurer's Report had never been created in my 3 years as delegate, I requested more detail be reported. After discussion, the President suggested an audit (no motion), the Secretary/Treasurer stated that the books are open to anyone who is interested, and the issue was dropped. (Note: No response was received to my 12/14/00 written request for 2000 Usage Fee information and the Constitution & DNR Agreement. Upon a follow-up call, the Sec/Treas said she discussed this with the President who agreed to not send me the requested information). At least one delegate left before elections. 2001-2003 Officer Elections. President - Sam nominated, no others received, voted in. Vice President - Mark Reed nominated, no others received, voted in. Secretary/Treasurer - Sandy nominated, Penny nominated. The President stated that the Constitution and By-Laws state that there can only be one vote cast per club, not per delegate in attendance. TIE VOTE (3-3), President broke the tie by voting for Sandy. (Note: Roberts Rules of Order state tie election votes are not broke by the President.) Next Meeting: March 13, 2001.

Litter Themes

In the previous issue, I requested that breeders share litter themes they have used in the past. Thanks to those of you who replied - the responses I received follow: Becky Smith - Francois' litter from Seger was bird-related names. Winchester, for example, is Bajnok's Hidden Covey. (Except Pearl as I had her name picked out long before Francois came up with the bird theme, or at least told me about it, and I told him I wouldn't change it. Besides, her name is Little Piece of My Heart and birds have hearts.) Pam Williams litter with Seger all had to be her kennel name plus one word--Windrunner's Intrepid, Windrunner's Symphony--since this was the first litter she bred. And while we haven't had a litter, our "kennel" theme is music-related, except Rosie since we didn't know we had a kennel with her. Seger is Against the Wind, Jennie is after the group Genesis, Pearl is Little Piece of My Heart (Janis Joplin whose nickname was Pearl), and Thomas is Runnin' Down a Dream, Tom Petty. Sue Prim - Cheeses: Colby, Brick, Longhorn, Gorgonzola, String, Cottage, Feta, Gouda. Joy Sonsalla - Flowers (girls) & Trees (boys): Violet, Rose, Lily, Coral Belle, Iris, Daisy, Oakley, Asher. States: Maine-man, Texas, Dakota, Indiana-Indy, Montana, Rhode Island (now you know why my Rhode has the spelling for his name!) This was a litter of 8 boys, so I never got to use Virginia, Carolina, Florida, etc!!! Cereals: Sugar Smak, Special K, Trix, Cheerie, Lucky Charms, Frosted Mini Wheat (she has 2 tipped white toes!), Captain Crunch, Rice Krispie. Had to be careful about using names like Cocoa Puffs (for a boy!) Plans for future litter themes: Royalty (Duke, Princess, Lady, Earl, etc.) and Gems (Ruby, Pearl, Amber, Topaz, etc.) Ginger Tierney - Dawn x Seger: Litter name-New Dawn's First Light, born on Dec 19, named after reindeer. Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Blitzen. Only Comet kept her puppy name. Dawn x Blue: Litter name-New Dawn's Blue Angels. Puppies called by collar colors. Blue Lightening x Blue Buoy: Litter referred to as the Blue Squared Litter. Puppies were called by collar colors. Interestingly, Wine became Bacchus. Barb & George Sheppard - Spices: Bargeo's Teriyaki, Chili Pepper, Thai Spice, Paprika, Cayenne, Tikka Spice, Ginger Spice and Hot Spice. Sun/Day theme: Bargeo's Sunray, Sunrise, Daybreak, Dawn chorus, Earlyriser, Dawn Mist, Morning Dew, Morning Glory. Note from Barb & George on UK Litter Registrations: A UK breeder's prefix is always first in a puppy's registered name, e.g. we always have Bargeo first. Breeders, not buyers, permanently name each puppy in the litter upon registration. Here's an actual example of a UK litter listing: Mr & Mrs C & N Con~, Dec. 21, '97, Tokaji Morgon 502 - Tragus Pennies from Heaven at Clantor Sh Ch TO4 (4111193,116) CLANTOR CHRISTMAS BRANDY, d, c. Russet Cold CLANTOR CHRISTMAS CANDY, b, c. Russet Gold CLANTOR CRUSTMAS CRACKER, d, c. Russet Gold CLANTOR CHRISTMAS MAGIC, b, c. Russet Gold CLANTOR CHRISTMAS SPIRIT, d, c. Russet Gold CLANTOR CHRISTMAS STAR, b, c. Russet Gold

Vizsla Care Tips

Following are submissions received or reprinted. As with all information (or many times, misinformation), always discuss any concerns with your vet. Remedy for Sore Paws Condensed from article on vizsladogs.com For the prevention of sore feet caused by distance running (like long hunting sessions) or for soothing sore and blistered paws. Mix the following together: 1 pint Rubbing Alcohol 3 teaspoons Boric Acid Liquid Betadine (or surgical soap - enough to make the solution a dark rust) You can mix in advance, store in spray containers for easy application to paws. Spray before and after a long run. De-Skunking Recipe Condensed article from Chemical Engineering News, October 1993 Chemist Paul Krebaum in Lisle, IL researching neutralization of thiols (smelly chemicals) developed this simple and effective recipe for eliminating skunk odor: 1 quart 3% Hydrogen Peroxide ¼ cup Baking Soda 1 teaspoon liquid soap This unstable mixture cannot be mixed ahead and stored, so keep the ingredients on hand.  Beware of Manhole Covers From Polly Poulos Email, December 28, 2000  At the intersection of Lincoln, Sheffield & Wrightwood in Chicago (one block away from the Wiggly Field Dog Park), a 5-year-old Black Lab was electrocuted when it was crossing the street and walked over a manhole cover. Apparently there was an electric wire that had lost it's protective covering and was touching the cover. When the dog's wet paws touched the cover it was electrocuted. For several minutes the dog moaned and howled, dying, while the owner tried to help. The owner suffered multiple bites to her hands and had to be hospitalized. The sister of the owner was interviewed and strongly urged dog owners to teach their dogs to walk around such covers. Canine Massage & Chiropractic Adjustment WAG'n Tales, J. Morse, December 2000 Canine massage or chiropractic adjust- ment can benefit your dog. If you notice any changes in you dog's usual movements or speed, have someone else trot your dog away from you for a better vantage point. Signs your dog may benefit from an adjustment or massage are hitches in their acceleration, head tilting unnaturally, a foot turned in or out, stutter stepping (especially before jumping). This is very important for active dogs (hunting, agility, jogging.) Non-Surgical Removal of Swallowed Sharp Objects WAG'n Tales, G. Venning, December 2000  The Items: Broken glass (e.g. ornaments, containers), staples, torn up bits from aluminum cans, etc. The Procedure: Keep a box of COTTON balls (not man-made fibers) on hand. Also, keep some yummy liquid (half-and-half, beef broth, etc.) in the freezer or canned. After ingestion of sharp objects, pour some liquid into a bowl. Dip cotton balls into the liquid (you may also smear wet cotton balls with solids) and feed them to your dog. The Dosage: Dogs under 10 lbs should eat 2 balls which you have first torn into smaller pieces. Dogs 10-50 lbs should eat 3-5 balls and larger dogs should eat 5-7. You may feed larger dogs an entire cotton ball at once. Dogs seem to really like these strange treats. The Effect: As the cotton works its way through the digestive tract it will find all the sharp pieces and wrap itself around them. Even the tiniest shards of glass will be caught and wrapped in the cotton fibers and the cotton will protect the intestines from damage by the glass. Your dog's stools will be really weird for a few days and you will have to be careful to check for fresh blood or a tarry appearance to the stool. If either of the latter symptoms appear you should rush your dog to the vet for a checkup. In most cases, the dogs will be just fine. The Testimonial: A woman came to my vet with a litter of puppies who had demolished a wooden crate along with large open staples. X-rays showed each of the puppies had swallowed several open staples. The vet wet several cotton balls, squeezed out the water and popped them down their throats. Within 24 hours every staple was accounted for. This was a lesson I learned in the mid-1960s and have had to use several times. I wet the cotton balls and smear on some liverwurst and they bolt it down and ask for more. The cotton always comes out with the object safely embedded. Temporary ID Tags When Traveling When traveling away from home, make sure your dogs have contact info for your destination (&/or your cell phone or pager numbers) attached to their collars. Then if they get loose and someone catches them, they are more likely to be reunited with you faster since the finder can reach you at your remote location. Key tags available at office supply stores work well. Taping a piece of paper with the contact information written on it to dogs' collars also works well.

Member Spotlights

Pete & Marie Benson, Two Rivers, WI Having joined the CWVC in September 2000, the Bensons and their two children Marie-16 and Jason-20, have owned Vizslas for 5 years. Pete saw an article in "Gun Dog" on the Vizsla and was sold on the breed. Abby has fulfilled their desire for a short-haired hunting dog. They heard about the CWVC through the Breeder Referral program and joined to get more involved with the breed, get contacts and join in activities. They are happy with the Vizsla because or their great personalities and because it is such a good family dog and companion. Michel Berner & Joe Serre, Oconomowoc, WI Also members of the VCOI, they are active in Hunt Tests, Field Trials and recreational Hunting. They own one male Vizsla, Travis, as well as a cat ("Psycho Kitty"), 50 freshwater tropical fish (sounds like torture to Psycho Kitty) and an 18-year-old Walking Horse ("Magic"). Michele selected Vizslas because her parents, Tom & Wanda Berner, owned Vizslas while she lived at home. Her favorite thing about Vizslas is "those fuzzy faces. There isn't another breed that has such expressive faces or such a range of vocal expressions". An underground utility locator (Digger's Hotline) by day, during her free time she enjoys horseback riding, boating, hunting, shooting pistols, darts, and pretty much anywhere Travis is allowed. Marilyn "Lynnie" Brown, Orlando, FL Hailing from sunny Florida, she is a Tampa Bay Vizsla Club and Central FL GSP member and learned about and joined the CWVC because of the web site and newsletter. In addition to Vizslas Favor and Scorch, this self-proclaimed animal lover also owns "Clay" the English Pointer, 3 cats and a 55-gallon freshwater fish aquarium. She first saw a Vizsla at Obedience School and thought it was a pointer-redbone mix and when she found out it was a purebred, went to dog shows to find out more. Her female Dobe and she loved the outdoors and a Vizsla fit right in - even husband Jim was taken in by the breed. She loves the Vizsla's energy, the love-of-life feeling they exude, intelligence, cleanliness, and beauty. Marilyn never had dogs or cats growing up, so her first job as a meter reader allowed her exposure to some animals. She got a kitten the first day she moved into her own place. Now a radio dispatcher for a utility company, her hobbies include photography, swimming, obedience school/clicker training and picture framing. Marilyn suggests the CWVC hold a Vizsla "fun swim" (Editor's Note: I vote Marilyn's house in January!) and open a store with items such as CWVC car window stickers, mouse pads, mugs, stationery, jewelry, pre-made T-shirts, etc. Her last comment is "You northern people seem to have it together. Go club!" Editor's Note: Marilyn, I hereby dub you an honorary "northern people"!  Sue & Bob Budjac, Wisconsin Rapids, WI Having selected Vizslas for their intelligence and fun-loving personality, Sue, Bob and children Aaron-20 and Jessica-13 have owned their Vizsla, Molly, for a year. Molly is a well-integrated family member who plays soccer with Jessica, retrieves golf balls for Bob and goes on long walks with Sue. They heard about the CWVC from Sue's sister and joined because of the club's mission and to network with other Vizsla owners. They love outdoor activities like soccer, working in the yard, taking walks in the woods and on the Prairie Chicken Fields and are interested in learning more about hunting. Scott Cherney & Mary Minch, Custer, WI These self-described "computer geek" and "bean counter" members also own dobes in addition to Gunner, their 2-year-old Vizsla. They participate in Obedience, Agility, Hunt Tests and Hunting. When I (Penny) ran into Mary at agility trials, I gave Mary copies of "The Paw's Prints" with a CWVC Application subtly tucked inside! Scott and Mary took a road-trip from Custer to join us in May 2000 to find out more about the CWVC and the Hunt Test program and also attended the DNR Hunting Dog Seminar in August. They like the enthusiasm and hunting ability of the Vizsla which comes out in Gunner when he chases and points butterflies! Cathy (Cook) Gallagher, Algonquin, IL In addition to Kiva and Kola the Vizslas, Cathy owns "Socks" and "Chessie" the cats. She keeps her Vizslas busy by participating in Obedience, Agility, Hunt Tests, Field Trials and Flyball. Admiring the Vizsla for its intelligence, loyalty, beauty and versatility, she says her favorite thing about the Vizsla is the expressiveness of its eyes, ears and tail. When not busy watching the Vs catch flies, Cathy works as a corporate trainer and enjoys gardening and canning salsa. Recently married, Cathy has the distinction as purchasing the most 2001 CWVC Calendars (16)! Jan Ellwitz, Waukesha, WI Having fell in love with Blue (Mike Erhardt's Vizsla), Jan is the proud owner of Bailey who was a rescue Vizsla from Minnesota. Also keeping Jan on her toes is Jasmine the Great Dane and her children Nathan-19 and Josh-21. Bailey's claim to CWVC fame is winning the "Dumb Vizsla Trick" contest at the 1999 CWVC Fun Day and he also enjoys dragging Jasmine around the dining room table when they play "tug". Jan likes the Vizsla's loving nature and adaptability and says that though 4½ years old when he joined their family, Bailey fit into their family very quickly and now is truly her dog and constant companion. You'd think we were joined at the hip. Jan writes "I have been a high school teacher for 30 years. I'm an avid reader of mysteries and love playing and creating trivia games on the Internet. In fact, I created one about Vizslas. Check it out at www.FunTrivia.com in "Quizzyland"." Kyle & Becky Fortney, Grafton, WI 2 dogs, 2 cats, 2 fish, 2 parakeets - it's beginning to sound like Fortney's Ark! But the pattern is broken with 4 children: Sarah-12, Robin-10, Claire-6 and Malachi-2. Having learned about the CWVC at the Milwaukee Family Pet Fair, the joined to network with other Vizsla owners. Becky likes the fact that Teca can be active one minute, running around with the kids and still want to be mom's lap baby the next. Kyle works as a computer consultant while Becky homeschools the children. They enjoy 4-H, church, camping, hiking, gardening and arts & crafts. Steve & Teresa Gimbut, Wilmington, IL In addition to Vizslas Maggie, Sierra and Molly, the Gimbuts (Steve, Teresa, Steven-18 and Erin-17) share their home with 2 English Cockers, a Brittany, a cat and lizard. Owning Vizslas for over 10 years, Teresa says the love of Vizslas was "bred into me" because while living at home, her parents (Gwen & Larry Tomlinson) had Vizslas. They love the devoted, loving personalities of Vizslas and participate in hunting, Hunt Tests, Field Trials, shows, and breeding. They own a bar/night club and for fun Teresa enjoys gardening and traveling whereas Steve prefers woodworking, movies/TV and camping. Teresa joined the CWVC because the club supports every faction of their membership by supporting all AKC events. Also a member of the GSP Club of Illinois, Stone City Kennel Club and English Cocker Spaniel Club of America, Teresa is the Chair for 2001 VCA Nationals held Oct 17-25 (Mt. Vernon, IL) Pam & Rick Groeschl, Fond du Lac, WI Pam gave an interesting talk and demo on Therapy Dog work at the 2000 Fun/Events day with Abbey as the demo Vizsla. Other family members are son Tony-15 and a cat and mixed breed dog. They found out about the CWVC on the Internet and like the Vizsla's disposition, size and diversity, keen intelligence and sense of humor. Rick is an arborist and Pam works in the Human Services field, and in their free time they enjoy antiquing, hunting, fishing and quilting. Frank & Jan Hollar, Hudson, WI Belonging to NSTRA, NAVHDA and Twin Cities GSP Club, Frank enjoys hunting, Hunt Tests and Field Trials in both the US and Canada. Their Vizslas Zorrie and Aaron share the house with a GSP and cat. They like Vizsla's good temper-aments and trainability, and share a funny Vizsla antic: Zorrie howls after she finishes eating each meal! Other interests are fishing, sporting clays, downhill & water skiing, and boating. Joe & Lori House, Madison, WI New Vizsla owners, they found out about the CWVC from a local Vizsla owner and joined to help teach their Vizsla, Emma to participate in Hunt Tests and Field Trials. They love Emma's need to be a member of the family. Lori is a physician and Joe an arborist, and their hobbies include camping, skiing, mountaineering, scuba diving; in other words, "being outside". Rick & Lynn Jasperson, Hudson, WI Also members of the TCVC, they learned about the CWVC via the Internet and joined to network with Vizsla people who also enjoy hunting. They enjoy the playful and energetic attitude of Vizslas, epitomized when "Lucy" sits by their living room window on a foot stool and catches flies as they buzz hitting the window. They "met a lot of great members at the 1999 Fun Day event. Everyone was friendly and offered a lot of great information and advice about Vizslas (we didn't even have one at that time). This club has a great member base." Rick works as a telecommunications technician and Lynn as a pharmacist. Bonnie Joszi, Dundee, IL Owning Vizslas since 1969, Bonnie selected the Vizsla because "we are a Hungarian family and can't imagine owning another breed." Sadly, her husband, Bela, recently passed away. Her children are Camille-30, Alison-29, and Peter-25 and Vizslas Cuki, Sophy and Mickey who Bonnie says "have been my salvation through this difficult time". Also a member of the VCOI and VCA, she heard about the CWVC from Gwen Tomlinson and joined because she felt the CWVC is a well-rounded club. Her favorite thing about the Vizsla is their loving nature and how they can chill out while she's at work, since they certainly don't chill out while they are working. She admires them for their great minds and problem solving skills. Bonnie is an operating room nurse who also enjoys gardening. Kevin & Andrea Kabelowsky, Milwaukee, WI Members since October 2000, the Kabelowsky's have 2 dogs, Arlo the Vizsla and Abby the Pug. Included with their membership application is a cute photo captioned "Kevin and Andrea Kabelowsky's Naughty Little Arlo Jerome". They found out about the CWVC at the Milwaukee Family Pet Fair and joined because they love Vizslas. Kevin said Arlo selected them because they got Arlo "after his former owner couldn't have him anymore. He was 9 months old and the most hyper dog I've ever seen. My wife couldn't stand him at first, saying he was ugly but Arlo turned on his Vizsla charm and won her over. Now she loves him dearly and wouldn't give him up for the world." Andrea is a nurse and Kevin a firefighter who loves taking Arlo for runs and playing ball with him. Kevin's parting comment is "I like your web site (Arlo likes it too). Keep up the good work!" Linda Kelly, Burnsville, MN A long-time Vizsla owner since 1972, Linda shares her life with her son, Tom-32, her "main man Stan" and four Vizslas: Katie, Kota, Keeper, and Ruby. Linda heard about the CWVC from one of the CWVC's founding members, Inge Siggelkow and wanted to support a newly-formed club and is still with us after all these years. She likes the endearing but quirky personality of the Vizsla and how they can change from couch potato to all-day hunting dog. Linda works as a nurse anesthetist and enjoys lake home living, puttzing with flowers and singing/music. Kelly & Daniel Kolo, DeForest, WI The Kolo family consists of one son, Jack-5, and a Vizsla puppy, Finley. Having learned about the CWVC while surfing the web, they joined "so that we can become associated with a group of people that are knowledgeable about the breed and are willing to share advice and expertise to help us bring out the best in our Vizsla". They like the Vizsla's temperament, beauty, intelligence, trainability, compatibility with children, short hair and the ability of the Vizsla to get humans to fall head over heels for them. Daniel is a project manager who enjoys hunting and Kelly is a stay-at-home mother who is interested in dog shows and agility. Lorrie Lee-Beyl, St. Croix Falls, WI A CWVC member since 1997, Lorrie also belongs to the VCA, TCVC and Minnesota Purebred Dog Breeders Assoc. In addition to Vizslas Cherry, Daisy, Onion and Barko, she shares her homelife with children Cassie-21 and Andy-20 and an Australian Shepherd, cats, birds and horses. Selecting the Vizsla for hunting and as a good family dog, she appreciates their intelligence. They've taken up a new hobby: Roller (Birmingham Roller Pigeon) competition. Once when she was looking for Vizsla Cherry, she finally found her scrunched in the pigeon fly pen! Kevin & Julie Mattson, Ogdensburg, WI Though they bought the Vizsla for hunting and its short hair, the Mattsons and their children Kyle-6 and Kristin-4 also own a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Employed by Converting, Inc., they enjoy hunting and fishing in their free time. A funny Vizsla story they share is how their Vizsla likes to not just sit on the recliner, but actually reclines back with his whole body! Andrew Mielke, Madison, WI Yet another multi-breed, multi-species member. In addition to Sophie the Vizsla, Andrew owns a Springer/GSP mixed breed and Simon the cat. Having heard about the CWVC through Mark & Becky Smith, he joined for the social/fun/activities aspect of the CWVC. Though working in Sales Management by day, he enjoys hunting, golfing, fishing, traveling and Badger Football outside of work. A cute story he shares: "When visiting the litter of puppies when they were 4 weeks old and before I knew which puppy would be ours, I was playing with a few of the puppies when I felt a tugging at my back pocket. It was the puppy in the pink collar trying to get my attention. Later on as the puppies became tired, "Pinkie" walked across the lawn to me and promptly fell asleep on my shoe. A couple of weeks later I found out from the breeder "Pinkie" would be our "Sophie". I guess you could say she chose us." Polly Poulos & Jason Waldron, Chicago, IL Despite the fact that Jason grew up with a Rottweiler and Shepherd mix and Polly a Cocker Spaniel, they chose the Vizsla because "When it came time to get our own dog, we knew that a big dog would not be appropriate for our one-bedroom apartment. We also knew that we were not fluffy dog people. We wanted a REAL dog. We wanted a dog that would get us off the couch and out into the city's parks and beaches. We saw a picture of a Vizsla in a dog magazine and everything about them sounded perfect - size, temperament, coat, energy level. Then we met our first Vizsla. We were sold on the breed ever since." Their favorite Vizsla-ism? "Their charm. I love the fact that these dogs can touch the hearts of so many people, even the experienced dog people. At our vet's office, vets and vet techs, who see all kinds of dogs come and go every day, can't keep their hands off of Buckley. They comment on what a great dog he is and never let him go without an extra treat or rub behind the ears. At our puppy clicker class, the trainers are absolutely smitten with Rainey. All they have to do is look at her and they have wide smiles on their faces." Jason, a delivery driver for Airborne Express and Polly, a production coordinator for a video post-production facility (TV commercial editor) called Daily Planet spend their free time working on their 3-flat apartment building and enjoy camping and hiking. John & Mary Seyer, Eau Claire, WI Though they've owned Vizslas for 10 years, John and Mary are new parents upon Kate's birth in April 2000. In addition to their Vizslas Viper, Cain, Rider, Gunner and Bullet, they own 2 horses. Having heard about the CWVC via the Hunt Test program, the joined the CWVC in 1990 to get more involved with dogs & dog people. They love the Vizsla temperament and looks and initially heard about the breed through a friend. They enjoy gardening, horseback riding and water skiing. A funny story Mary shares: "Viper got the top of the bathroom garbage can stuck around her neck while she was attempting to steal garbage. She looked so embarrassed when I found her." Mark & Becky Smith, Fall River, WI Busy Vizsla folks, they also belong to the VCA, Magyar VC, TCVC, and Beaver Dam Dog Training Club and participate in all hunting events, obedience, agility, conformation and breeding with their Vizslas Rosie, Jennie, Pearl, Seger and Thomas and own two Tennessee Walking horses Sandy and Shadow. They joined to learn more about Vizslas from other Vizsla owners (now they're the ones teaching others!) and joined so long ago they don't remember how they heard about the CWVC! They chose the Vizsla as a close working hunting dog and enjoy the affection and energy of the breed though it can wear them out at times. Both employed by John Deere, Mark is an engineer who also enjoys bow hunting and fishing and Becky a buyer who enjoys reading and caring for their red-heads. Becky shares "As the Vizsla becomes more popular, it is VERY important that club members are honest about [the Vizsla's] positives and negatives. Too often I hear club members say "They're great" and stop there. They are great, but telling people who have never had one before just that does the breed a great disservice." Janet & Steve Silverman, Milwaukee, WI The CWVC's membership secretary joined the CWVC in 1996 to learn more about the breed and to socialize with other Vizslaphiles. They chose the Vizsla because the standard described it as "demonstrably affectionate" and was intelligent, trainable, active and beautiful - just what they were looking for and say "what more could one ask for in a canine companion?" Both employed at Northwestern Mutual, Janet works as a Director for New Business and Steve as Assistant General Counsel (tax attorney). They enjoy traveling, gardening, dog agility and walking, especially in the Kettle Moraine (Ottawa Field Trial Grounds) with Sari their Vizsla. John & Ginger Tierney, Salem, WI A three-Vizsla family, they participate in agility, shows, and breeding with Dawn, Comet and Sky. Having joined the CWVC to support the versatility of the breed, they also appreciate the intelligence, loving ways and short red hair of the Vizsla. John works as a civil engineer who enjoys flying Cessnas and is a member of the EAA and Westosha Flying Club. Ginger is a computer project manager at Abbott whose hobby is dogs, dogs, dogs who also enjoys collecting works of art done by friends. Judy & Dennis Zimmerman, Milwaukee, WI Vizsla owners since 1966 (not a typo!) and CWVC members since 1996, Dennis and Judy thoroughly researched breeds before buying their first dog and their efforts kept bringing them to the Vizsla so they took the plunge and never looked back! Though their favorite thing about the Vizsla is their intelligence, their least favorite thing is that their life span is shorter than ours. Dennis and Judy enjoy Baron as a beloved family pet and are faithful Milwaukee Family Pet Fair volunteers for the CWVC booth. They share a funny story: "Sometimes when Judy is brushing her teeth, at Baron's discretion he demands getting his teeth brushed too by a nose punch into her leg!" So now we know that Vizslas are hygienic too!

Vizslas Do What!?!?

by Penny Honetor New dog owners may be amused, surprised, dismayed &/or grossed out when they observe the following "normal" Vizsla behaviors: 1. Eating flies, ladybugs, etc. 2. Sleeping under the covers 3. Sleeping on their back with their legs straight up in the air 4. "Counter surfing", "Dumpster diving" and general thievery 5. Drinking fresh running water from the faucet 6. Drinking from the toilet 7. Eating dog poop (their own or others - the softer & stinkier, the better) 8. Eating "rabbit raisins" & "deer droppings" & "cat curds" 9. Rolling in animal feces, dead worms or anything else rancid and disgusting 10. Eating dead animal parts they happen to find 11. Vocalizing their moods & desires 12. Chewing wood furniture, wicker, shoes, etc. 13. Chasing light beams 14. Constantly jumping up on you and guests 15. Following you from room to room and touching you if you are stationary even for a moment 16. Drooling while waiting for a table scrap or treat 17. "Creating a nest" by digging and circling before laying

End February 2001 "The Paw's Print" excerpts

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