Web Site Excerpts from the Quarterly Newsletter

May 2001 - Issue 22

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The Aging Dog by Marion Coffmann
Rush Creek Hosts CWVC by Becky Smith
Four-Legged Blood Donors by Michel Berner
Vizsla Care Tips (Treats, Raisins)
Breed Rescue Update by Becky Smith
The Prez Sez by Penny Honetor
CWVC Interview:  Jack Sharkey by Penny Honetor
Vizscellaneous
Vizslas in the Media
Ottawa Update by Penny Honetor
FVAs - Funny Vizsla Antics

The Aging Dog

by Marion Coffman When is the best time of a dog's life? Is it when he first comes into your home, and the whole world still is in front of him? There is nothing so sweet as a puppy, with his youth and energy and innocence. Still, puppies are a lot of trouble, and it's a long time before you can use them for their desired purpose. They require a lot of training before they can perform those obedience feats, or really shine in the breed ring, or help you with the birds. But that sweet and useless puppy gradually matures into a true performer and a true companion. He shares the best and worst of times, and in between just makes you happy being there. Probably the most attractive thing in the world is a puppy and a young dog performer. But then gradually over the years comes the slowing of activities, the graying of the muzzle, eyes that are not as sharp, and ears that do not hear at the first call. When your Vizsla was younger, he learned just how much deafness you would tolerate; now the reason he does not respond will make you go to him and gently lead him back into the house. He will also sleep a lot, and probably, because of that hearing loss, sleep deeper. The eyes have a softness and understanding in them that cannot be found in a young dog, although they may be clouded. It is up to you to keep the older dog safe and he should not be allowed to run free in an unfenced area. If he gets injured, his age will make any recovery slower. At times, he may be confused and stand with his head in a corner, unable to find his way out. An elderly Vizsla is a creature of habit; he will be the first one to tell you if you have missed feeding at his set time, or perhaps placed his dish in the wrong place. Any changes in environment or feeding routine will add stress to the older dog. He has log ago chosen his favorite lying-down spot, but now that bed, home and environment are important to a comfortable life. At the very least he should have a thick, soft bed in a draft-free area for his aching joints and muscles, as he may not be capable of keeping warm. Grooming is very important to the older dog. Nails should never neglected. As he becomes less active, the nails may not be worn as much as when he was younger, and nails that are kept too long will give added strain to weakened legs from poor traction. It is essential that teeth be checked before any serious problems occur. Dirty teeth can infect the gums, cause root decay and the bacteria from them can affect practically every part of the body, from the digestive system to heart problems. Probably the one thing you will notice about your aging Vizsla will be the loss of muscle tone. The muscles suffer from atrophy and a reduction in size. His abdomen may sag and his thighs will look thinner. Regular, moderate exercise will help keep your older Vizsla in good condition; improve muscle tone, keep arthritic joints from stiffening, and will keep him active and interested in life. Swimming is an excellent exercise with the most beneficial effects, as it will strengthen the muscles without putting any pressure on the muscles or joints. Your aging dog will never regain the youthful vigor so it is up to you to realize his limitations and be patient, thoughtful and caring when it comes to his exercise. Two or three short walks each day will be far more beneficial and less tiring than one long one.  Urine dribbling can be an indication of a bladder problem or just the result of a deficiency of his sex hormones if your dog has been spayed or neutered. Because of the lack of those hormones, the elasticity of the tubes from the bladder and control of urine is limited. Do not punish your old dog for this as this period in his life is for understanding and attention. Kidney problems are common in the older dog but it is important that they are not restricted in their water intake. A check for urinary function should be a standard part of a veterinary examination at least once a year minimum, as any increase in the frequency of urination may signal kidney problems, or even diabetes or adrenal problems. Some degree of kidney problems are usual in all older dogs and since excess protein can possibly harm kidneys, a lower level of protein in his diet may help prevent kidney failure, or slow its development if it has already developed. he may also experience constipation due to the weakness of abdominal muscles and his food may have to be adjusted to the problem. More fiber in his diet helps keep the food material moving through the intestinal tract, and avoids constipation. A lessened degree of activity also leads to a less-active digestive tract. One of the most important concerns with the aging Vizsla should be his weight. Since an older dog is less active and his metabolism has slowed, he uses fewer calories and is likely to gain weight. Obesity is a serious problem in the aging dog. A dog that has a tendency to be thinner will be healthier than an obese one. The life span of the obese dog is decreased since excess weight puts stress on the heart, lungs, organs, joints and muscles. If he is in moderately good condition, instead of changing the total diet, sometimes just a lesser amount of his regular food will be adequate to maintain the correct weight. Never put off the vaccinations, as a virus can be devastating to an older dog without the vitality of his youth to get him through an illness. Physical examinations by your veterinarian are a good idea at least once a year or oftener as your Vizsla ages. This check-up should include laboratory blood, liver, and urine tests. X-rays can show any spine, bones, calcium deposits or growths leading to Spondylosis, a degenerative, and often, painful condition involving the vertebrae and the disks between them. It is common in older dogs, especially in hunting and working dogs. The graying that started at the muzzle slowly climbs up the legs. Regular grooming will help to keep his coat clean and stimulate the skin. It will also help you notice any small growths starting on the skin. Watch these growths or lumps carefully and have them examined by your vet. Early detection may save your dog's life. Anesthesia has improved greatly in the last few years and is now safe under most conditions. But the older dog recovers slower from surgery, eliminates drugs a lot slower, and many owners are faced with the decision on whether to permit surgery or not. Many problems can possibly be controlled to the extent of keeping an older dog reasonably comfortable. Most Vizslas retain their normal personalities as they go into old age and bounce through their days. But many become cranky, stubborn, confused and forgetful. Some will bark incessantly without a reason, roam (walk the floor) until they are exhausted, are forgetful, and generally want more attention and reassurance. They increasingly dislike being left to their own devices as they grow older and less robust. Their attention span and mental facilities slow down considerably as they proceed quietly about the house, or when outside, stand quietly sniffing the breeze and the grass. Their contentment, understanding and appreciation of each day make old dogs the most beloved dogs. Perhaps nature is telling them that they probably don't have very long and so they crave the company of their human companions. A breeder should never be the kind of person who arbitrarily dismisses his old dog in favor of a young one. Just because your Vizsla can no longer be in the show ring, or the whelping box, or hunt out a pheasant or quail for the gunner, is not a reason to grant him an early release from life, or give him away to a home where he perhaps will not be loved and understood. Instead, treasure your old friend and companion and your time together.

Spring Fun Hunt - Rush Creek Hosts CWVC

by Becky Smith Saturday, February 24, dawned clear and sunny. It was a pure joy to trod across the fields in search of the wily pheasant and clever chukar. Oh all right! It's wishful thinking! Saturday, February 24, dawned with sleet mixed with rain, but that wasn't enough to deter some hardy folks from participating in the fun hunt the CWVC held at Rush Creek Hunt Club. A dozen people braved the weather to bring their Vizslas and try their luck. Most people came back from their hunting expeditions wet, but all had birds to show for their efforts. While the weather was less than wonderful, the camaraderie and good food club members brought was great. And our host, Dave Duffey, as always, was amenable and accommodating. Unfortunately, it was just too windy on Sunday for anyone to hunt. Participants included Andrew Mielke and his brother, Aaron; Sharon and Mike Shea; Kerry and Cheryl Brimmer; David and Adrianne Luft; and Mark and Becky Smith. Also joining us were some potential members-Melissa Maitland-Stormer and her husband, Jim Maitland. It was great fun to see their puppy introduced to birds. He REALLY liked them and proudly carried around his prize. Hopefully, the weather will be a bit more cooperative next year and a few more people will come out. If it isn't though, we can always count on the hardy souls.

Four-Legged Blood Donors

by Michel Berner I know, you hear "blood donor" and you think of people. There is also a call for donors of the four-legged and feathered varieties. There is a severe shortage of donors to supply whole blood and plasma to veterinarians. Most of this is due to the fact that most of the dogs tested do not meet the criteria to even become a donor. They require immunizations be up-to-date and they test for several blood disorders along with giving them a physical every time they donate. Why is it important to donate? Healthy donors are needed to give blood for the many pets who need it. A single donation can be used to save up to 4 lives, because the blood can be separated into two components, red blood cells and plasma. The components are given to patients suffering from anemia, injury or disease. How long will it take? The blood collection process, an almost completely painless procedure, will take about 10-20 minutes. Your pet will not be sedated and only a small percentage of his or her blood will be donated. How often can my pet donate? Animals could donate blood without any problems as often as every 3 weeks. You will only be asked to come in every 2 months. Immediately after donations, the body starts to replace the blood that was given. ● Blood Typing ● Blood Chemistry Profile and Complete Blood Count yearly ● Heartworm Test every 6 months ● Tests for Tick-transmitted Diseases every six months ● Brucella Test ● Von Willebrand's Test (This is a disorder similar to Hemophilia. They test donor dogs to identify those whose blood is useful for treating this disorder.) ● Tests for Hemobartonella (feline) and Babesia (canine) yearly ● Physical Examinations every time your dog donates Many of the clinics that collect the blood will give you, for each unit of blood donated, a free unit of blood or plasma for your dog should injury or disease ever warrant its use.  If you are interested in having your pets become donors, contact your local emergency veterinary clinic, and they will point you in the right direction.

Vizsla Care Tips

Following are submissions received or reprinted. As with all information (or many times, misinformation), always discuss concerns with your vet. Dog Treat Warning Submitted by Judy Zimmerman Science Diet Jerky Plus - Do not buy or feed to dogs older than 7. Judy was told by Science Diet Consumer Affairs that this product is not recommended for Senior dogs. However, the treat packaging does not indicate this! Baron became gassy-bad smelling, and vomited. He simply could not digest them. (Editor's Note: Science Diet's Web Site, www.sciencediet.com, also does not warn against feeding these treats to senior dogs, though they do not list Jerky Plus in their Senior Dog treats list.) Dog Raisin Overdose Condensed from an Email received via a Mail List Three days ago, he [dog named McGee] ate 18 ounces of raisins which were sitting on the coffee table. He loved raisins, and he would sit politely waiting for his turn while my two rabbits begged for their raisin treats. The overdose caused renal (kidney) failure which in turn caused an unusually high concentration of calcium in his blood. The veterinarian originally suspected rat poison. He vomited repeatedly and by the second day, he could not walk. He died at the Metropolitan Emergency Animal Clinic in Rockville, Maryland. If your dog eats a lot of raisins or grapes and begins vomiting, get him to the animal hospital immediately, and treat it as seriously as any poison overdose.

Breed Rescue Update

by Becky Smith CWVC Breed Rescue Web Page For the most part, rescue has been quiet since the last newsletter. We did help place a 10 year old dog from out East with a lady in Janesville, WI. The dog's family was getting transferred to Egypt and they needed a home for the dog. We were fortunate in the Linda, the lady who adopted him, was looking for a dog that was over 9 years old. There was also a report of a Vizsla found running loose near Mosinee. However, upon further investigation, it was determined the dog was not a Vizsla.

The Prez Sez

by Penny Honetor I've pulled 2 woodticks out of my hair, 1 off Rob and 5 off Zoe & Neela - sure signs of spring! I hope to see many of you at the May 6 Specialty Show as exhibitors or spectators (or judge in Brian's case!) And see even more of you at the May 19-20 Hunt Tests as volunteers and/or participants. While watching Animal Planet or Outdoor Wisconsin or USA Network, do you ever wonder about how those handlers train for agility or hunting or shows? Find out at the July 7-8 Events Days at Ottawa where we have very knowledgeable and experienced instructors describe each of the events like agility, show, obedience, tracking and hunting, and tests like Therapy, CGC, Versatility; suggest how to train & prepare; show you how to perform using their own "demo dogs", then in many cases let you get hands-on experience. Are you experienced in one or more events already? Come out to assist our instructors or check out something new to you or come out to practice. Is your Vizsla a non-competitive companion (except when it comes to racing to the kitchen for a treat)? Come out to find out what's up with the events and tests and even try them out for fun - there's no pressure! Don't own a Vizsla yet or it's too young to compete? Find out about how you can get started - and what you can do now in preparation. And we have chef Bill Quandt for lunch on Saturday! We still need more volunteers - see the related article for details. And for just plain FUN, attend the August 4 Fun Day at the Tierney's and roll your eyes at all the goofy things we do with our Vizslas or photograph our Vizslas doing in hopes of being in the 2002 CWVC Calendar. Next thing you know, Fall will be upon us (and the Field Trial)…

CWVC Interview:  Jack Sharkey

by Penny Honetor At 2000 VCA Nationals in Hyannis, MA, I was fortunate to talk with Jack Sharkey who with his female Vizsla, Chartay, is the first team to achieve the QC title in 116-year history of the AKC. What's a QC? Quintuple Champion: Show CH, Field FC, Amateur AFC, Obedience OTCH, Agility MACH and they have the Master Hunter (MH) as well as the Utility Dog Excellent (UDX) titles to boot! Please visit Jack's web site at http://members.home.net/jjshark for information about: 1) how he got started, 2) his Vizslas Hunter and Chartay and their accomplishments, 3) advice on training your dogs in various venues and 4) published articles and interviews where he shares the secrets to his success. Below are questions whose answers you cannot find anywhere else... Hunter, Jack & Chartay Where does your kennel name "Rapidan" come from? Jack: Would you believe that I live on Rapidan Court and couldn't think of a better name at the time. What is the furthest you've traveled for a competition and what was it? Jack: I guess the furthest has been to CA for the 1999 VCA National's where Chartay & I did both obedience and agility. What trials in Wisconsin have you competed in? Jack: I can't remember the trial names, but I have competed maybe at ten or so events from LaCrosse to shows in the Milwaukee area. Most of the trials were in obedience with the last two or three in agility. I combined these with trips to visit my brother in Rhinelander, WI so we doubled our pleasure as they say. What is your most memorable moment spanning all events? Jack: I was standing in my horse trailer getting myself together after just running Hunter in the last brace of the second series of the 1993 Vizlsa Nationals when Ray Mealy (Hunter's breeder) came running up to the trailer with tears in his eyes and couldn't get out the words that he was trying to say. I really panicked as I did not know what was wrong and when he finally got it together, he said that Hunter won the National Gun Dog Event. Having bought Hunter just over three years before as a pet and then winning the Nationals was probably the most memorable event in my entire lifetime. What is your most memorable Wisconsin moment? Jack: There has been a couple of them, but the one that is the most embarrassing event was my falling down on my can trying to switch sides for Chartay to go up the "A" frame in an agility trial. Never had I fallen before and my feet just got tangled up and over I went. I am certain most side line watchers were wondering where this duffis came from. How has your wife been involved in your "dog life"? Jack: Bette has been a behind-the-scenes supporter. She is a true animal lover and has been most supportive of my almost continuous weekend traveling for dog events over the last ten years. I have traveled significantly since the day we got married and since we both enjoy our own space, I guess that's why our almost 46-year marriage still prospers. If you could change one thing in the Vizsla world, what would it be? Jack: This is a tough question and I would have to say that I am most upset about the breeding practices to get either the perfect show dog or the big running field dog. Our wonderful Vizsla was bred to be a companion hunting dog and many breeders today have forgotten that precept. Through close line breeding and cross breeding, we are now seeing aggressive puppies and some field dogs that have almost as much white as golden rust on them. It's a minority, but it is still happening and I am probably more concerned about the aggressive puppies that are being identified. Most of this I believe is coming from the overreaction to any white on the Vizsla, period, and the type of breeding that is taking place to eliminate any and all of it. Most of the original Vizslas carried some white and to destroy the companionship temperament of the Vizslas to get the perfect show dog to me is downright sad and deplorable. What in your "pre-dog" life helped prepare you for your dog training and competition? Jack: I've had a dog all my life, but only as a pet and companion. In fact, I bought Hunter and Chartay only because I wanted a couple of retirement buddies. Having competed in some type of athletic event since I was a kid growing up in Northern Wisconsin, I guess I have always enjoyed some form of competition. I have also enjoyed instructing and tutoring so translating to the dog world was easy. I guess I am also a quick study because what I did was ride every field trial brace, watch and score every obedience performance of all the dogs that were in my event, and especially watch the top handlers at an agility trial. I always asked for input from fellow competitors and judges. I would then take what I saw and learned and tried to adapt it to me and my dogs. So in other words, I picked and chose that which I felt comfortable with and could work in a team relationship. Each team is different and because your friend, seminar leader, or instructor do well with their dog, it doesn't automatically mean that the same handling or training technique will work for you and your dog. So I guess having an attitude of independence is also one of my pre-dog life attributes. Do you compete in non-AKC events? Jack: In almost ten years of dog competition, I have never competed in a non-AKC event and I guess the reason for that is that I was too busy with AKC events to even consider another. I am a competitive guy by nature. First and foremost, I compete because I love competition and if winning is a byproduct, all well and good, but the most important thing is to have fun with your dog. My question to fellow competitors or those I judged is: "Were you happy with your dog?" If the answer is yes, and most of the time it is, then be happy even if you did not place. Different judges have different opinions of performance and that is why we have a variety of winners. If you are happy with your dog's performance, the next time around a different judge may also be happy with your team's performance. Additionally, I would like to add that the AKC events are, almost without exception, well run and challenging at all levels. What are your non-competitive dog activities? Jack: My non-competitive dog-related activities almost consume the rest of my available time. Until recently, I judged both field trials and hunt tests and obedience matches. I am past member of the VCA and the Conestoga Board of Directors. Today, I spend much time just answering dog-related Email questions that seem to come from everywhere and putting down notes for future dog training articles. What honors and awards have you received for the QC? Jack: My dogs have kept me on a continual high from Hunter's first ribbon almost ten years ago to Chartay achieving the QC title this past June. My biggest thrill was at the 2000 VCA Nationals after Chartay and I had taken our lap around the ring during the Parade of Champions. Char and I were called over to our VCA president, Sandra Parody, who in turn read a most beautiful letter from the AKC regarding Chartay's accomplishments. We were then presented with a beautiful cut glass recognition trophy from the VCA. During the second lap around the ring there was the most emotional outpouring of cheers, tears, and clapping that I have ever experienced by any audience. And all this followed Chartay taking two firsts in agility earlier in the day. The next day we were honored at the AKC National Agility Events by the president of the AKC, Al Cheauré, presenting us with an AKC Certificate which he read aloud and in turn, over 400 agility banquet participants all stood, cheered and clapped. The Eukanuba folks then presented me with a beautiful embroidered jacket with Chartay's name and her titles on it's back side. The next morning, the AKC taped Chartay's agility run and then the next day Animal Planet finished their taping after earlier being at my house for two days of taping. When they finished the interview, and taping our final agility run, I was thoroughly exhausted and higher than cloud nine. Chartay's run for the Quintuple Champion will shown on Animal Planet as a feature segment of the AKC National Agility Event. In addition to the above recognition, there have been many newspapers and magazines that have picked up Chartay's story. The Iams company will begin a Eukanuba product promotion sometime this Spring. As an aside, Hunter was used by Eukanuba to introduce their then new Senior Dog Food formula product in New Orleans two years ago. His picture is still used on their advertising pamphlets. The greatest honor of all is the wonderful response by all the Vizsla community. The support that I received from everyone in our run for the QC was really uplifting and kept us going. Since we achieved the QC, the congratulatory responses just keep coming. I guess I am destined to stay on cloud nine and I love it! What's next? Jack: As with all the competitive sports that I have played pt through the years, there comes a time when the old body says give this one up and go onto one that is a little less strenuous and body debilitating. Hunter is now ten and basically in retirement except for doing his thing in the field and making babies. Chartay is now nine and probably not up to the shoulder pounding that comes with agility and Jack at 68 1/2 finds that on and off horse back, running agility, and plowing through the brush following the dogs in the field is getting tougher by the day. So what then is next? Would you believe that Chartay and I are now learning all about tracking. This is a walking sport and this we can do as it is mostly level low cut vegetation that makes up the tracking course. Yah, I know some of you have read about my being queried about tracking earlier and I responded "no way". But, it was pointed out to me, that a tracking champion would make Chartay a six-time champion which is a sextuple champion and then I could change my license plate from QUINT CH to SEX CH. Kinda motivational, don't you agree? A Final Ironic Note... Nancy Schmitt, who has known Jack many years through obedience, had a suggestion: "When you interview him, you have to ask him about the time he showed Chartay at Waukesha in obedience and Elmer Willems (the Judge that day) told him to give it up. My obedience friends and I still laugh about it. We always wonder if Elmer realizes who he and the dog are now!" Jack's Reply: I do remember that incident. That one is almost as bad as the one in VA when I put the CH on Char. The judged asked me after we finished if I intended to special her and I said "no, we are outta here". Her response was, "good, because I was going to tell you to either take lessons or hire a pro as she won in spite of you". That one I probably will never forget. I also had a long time obedience handler, OTCH type, tell me early on that if I ever wanted to put an OTCH on her, I'd best get a new handler. That remark probably gave me more incentive than anything anyone could have said to me. Thank you again, Penny, for considering me for an interview.   Life Before and Outside of Vizslas Where were you born? I was born in Wausau, WI and lived in Mosinee, WI through my high school days. Went to West Point, the USAF; lived in 13 different states; arrived in Alexandria, VA and current residence in 1965; left the USAF; joined the Civil Service and was the Assistant Administrator of the Veterans Administration for Computers and Communications for the last 9 years of my government career. After 3 years of running my own company, I found that playing with the dogs was more fun and for the last seven years have made dogs my retirement hobby. Who are the members of your non-dog family? Wife, Bette of 46 years and retired school teacher. Son, Mike is a skin cancer surgeon in Georgia and daughter, Marianne, in the health fair business in Virginia. What magazines do you read? Actually, I get too many magazines. I always feel that I must read them and just don't have the time. I get the AKC Gazette, AKC Afield, Gun Dog, Clean Run, Front & Finish, VCA and some of the regional club's newsletters. Read both the Washington Post and Washington Times daily newspapers and other reading material such as USA Today and Newsweek. Excluding a Vizsla, what breed would you get next? After having many different breeds from cockers to boxers to 17 years of white poodles before the "wash and wear" Vizsla, my choice forever will be the Vizsla, no other choice! Any other pets, hobbies &/or activities? Three cats. Almost too many hobbies to mention from coin collecting to gardening. Jack's Favorites Cheese? Almost any good Wisconsin cheese---baby swiss can't be beat. TV show? JAG Movie? Hunt For Red October Singer/music group?  Frank Sinatra, Kenny G. Restaurant?  No real favorite as I like most all foods and go where my taste buds take me. Food?  Chinese, Mexican, Italian, and the best, BBQ ribs. Dessert?  Pecan pie.

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 Sherrie & Mark Anderson - We have a new family member: Allie! Born December 19, 2000, out of BIS BISS Am/Can Ch Penlee's Leader of the Band JH NA NAJ ROM and CH Vizion's Dawn at Sunnyside (breeder - Sharon Misiak). Her official name is "Sunnyside's C U Later AlliGaiter". She has fit right into the "pack". Brother Arlo (Vizsla) thinks she has the best tasting teeth (he is constantly licking them!) and sister Penny (Golden Retriever) thinks she is great unless Allie is eating her tail. Maddie (Berner) has decided to ignore her for now, as she is much too little to play with yet. Allie is WAY different than Arlo...she is much more snugglier, but MUCH louder! Her screams (and I mean screams!) echo through your head for hours after she has stopped :-) We start puppy class soon, and Allie is looking forward to meeting everyone at the CWVC events. Kathy Harmer - Polarkap Vizslas has a new family member - we call her CHEERS (Sunnysides Vizion of PolarKap), and indeed she has brought a lot of cheer into our lives. I'm lucky to co-own her with Gwen Tomlinson. (Editor's Note: Cheers is Allie's littermate, as is Cathy Cook Gallagher's new male puppy, "Kave", /kavee/, Sunnyside's Coffee at Dawn, and a male puppy, "Buddy", owned by our newest member, Michael Walsh DVM from Highland, IN.) Greg Hedien - I am proud to announce that Berry's Diamond Lk Cleopatra JH had a litter of 6 puppies (1 male, 5 females) on April 5. CH Diamond Lake Caesar MH is the father. Dad, Mom and puppies are doing fine. I'm tired.  Westminster Kudos Nancy Schmitt - My niece, Amy Marshall, went BOB at Westminster with the #1 Ibezin hound that she shows, Ch Luxor's Playmate of the Year (Bunny). Kathy Engelsman - The top 5 dogs in each breed are invited to compete - CH JNEK's King Ralph JH was invited the second year in a row. He was given the 1st (of 2) Judge's Award of Merit under Judge Elliot Moore. Christine qualified to show in Junior Showmanship at Westminster and she was 1 of 2 sporting breeds in her group which consisted mostly of toy breeds - she had a great time and has almost qualified for next year and is looking forward to returning to Westminster with Ralph in 2002

Vizslas in the Media

Animal Planet - Chartay, a female Vizsla owned and handled by Jack Sharkey, was the first dog ever to become an AKC Quintuple Champion when she completed her Agility Champion (MACH) in June 2000. Jack and Chartay were featured on Animal Planet's 1-hour broadcast of the AKC Agility National Championships on Feb 19 & 27 (Jack Sharkey) ESPN - International Kennel Club dog show (held at McCormick Place in Chicago the end of February) is to be televised on May 2 (ESPN2, 9:30am) and May 18 (ESPN, 7pm). Ralph, CH JNEK's King Ralph, owned by CWVC members Jeff & Kathy Englesman, took a Group 2 at this show! (Kathy Engelsman) Benjamin Moore Paints - On Benjamin Moore's web site, there's a page describing "Negative Images" painting technique. In the photo of the room, right in the corner on a stuffed dog bed lays a lonely Vizsla! http://www.benjaminmoore.com/past-projects/detail.html   (Pam Groeschl) O - The Oprah Magazine - In the March 2001 issue, an article on bathrooms, "Suds and Sensibility", displays comforting decor. In one of the photos, standing in the middle of an old cast iron clawfoot tub is a Vizsla. (Anonymous)  The National Enquirer - In the March 27, 2001 issue, excerpts from "Dog Miracles - Inspirational and Heroic True Stories" are printed. The tale about a "10-year-old Hungarian bird dog" protecting its owner's 8-year-old girl from a cougar attack is accompanied by a photo, and sure enough, there's a Vizsla (it must be a computer-enhanced photo since the Vizsla is on point to the cougar, not looking particularly ferocious and protective!) (Penny Honetor - it is my mother's Enquirer!) Drs. Foster & Smith - The vet-owned wholesale catalog based in Rhinelander, WI ( www.drsfostersmith.com ) uses Vizslas Hawk and Buck to "model" its products or as "demo dogs" for canine health info/care & training tips. Does anyone know who owns these Vizslas? (Penny Honetor) Rosie Magazine - There's a Vizsla in a Reebok ad in the May 2001 issue. I don't subscribe, it was posted to the big V-list. Thought I'd share the sighting. (Michel Berner) American Dog Trainers Network - From the Home Page of this web site http://www.canine.org/directory.html , click on "Directory" and there's a photo of a young Vizsla at the top of the Web Directory page. (Michel Berner)  Editor's Note: I added a link to this web site on the "About Other Stuff", Health and Training Category..

Ottawa Update

by Penny Honetor Last Meeting: March 13, 2001 - No Minutes Received. Wanda Berner and I make up the Audit Committee and are waiting to receive records from the Treasurer to perform the audit before the next meeting. John McGrath has volunteered to replace me as CWVC Delegate in June, and joins Mark Smith, our other Delegate. However, if Treasurer's records are not received before the June meeting, I will extend my term until the next meeting to fulfill the audit duties to which I committed. Grounds Notes: No burn was done this spring. A well was dug and faucet installed - no hauling water from home for our Ottawa events! There are also a couple more sturdy, large tanks for dunking dogs on hot days. A slab of concrete was recently laid around the north and west areas of the shelter - it is functional (no mud or water running into the shelter) and it looks great too! It was donated by a training client of Mike Kindler (GSP breeder, pointing breeds trainer). These are welcome additions before our Hunt Tests (May 19-20) and Events Days (July 7-8). Ottawa Work Days: Work Days have been scheduled for the 3 Sundays: July 15 & 29 and August 12. Volunteers can show up as early as 7:00am or anytime later for as long as they can spare. Projects are being organized and may include installing fence (posts will likely have been installed beforehand), chipping brush, fixing gates and existing fencing. The CWVC needs volunteers at these Work Days to help fulfill our obligation for continuing to receive free pheasants from the Poynette State Game Farm. Please show up if you have a few hours and make sure to sign in and indicate "CWVC". Ottawa Hunting Dog Seminar: Though previously scheduled for August 29, all of the Trainers (pointing, retrieving and flushing) have conflicts that day. Possible rescheduling will occur at the next meeting. Though I have handled most of the secretary duties in the past, my schedule cannot accommodate the hours required this year so volunteers from other clubs are being solicited. Next Meeting: June 12, 2001

FVAs - Funny Vizsla Antics

Most of these are from stories members shared on their club application or renewal forms. Landscape Contractors ● By Marilyn "Lynnie" Brown When Florida gets very dry and therefore is easier to weed, I head out to the yard. My velcro Vizslas Favor and Scorch haven't quite got the concept down (no opposing thumbs) but they do try to help. They dig very small holes right next to where I pull out weeds, their bodies touching mine the whole time. The back yard is full of tiny holes now, but we don't mind. It is quite amusing and looks like an armadillo went through the yard!  The Cover Up ● By Sue Budjac Our Vizsla, Molly, likes to sleep under our bedspread. In the morning, we make the bed much to Molly's dismay. If we don't watch her, Molly will go to the side of the bed, use her nose to flip up the covers and the crawls under again. On an average, we make our bed 4-5 times a day!  Fruitless Fishing Fun ● By Pam Groeschl Our Vizsla loves to go fishing! At our cabin, there's a pond. Abbey spends all of her time wading at water's edge searching for fish. She will go on point when she sees a fish and then attempts to stalk it. She's never caught one but that hasn't stopped her from trying for four years!  Psychokinetic Vizsla ● By Ginger Tierney Comet was crated near the couch. She somehow managed to strip the cover off a throw pillow. When we came home, we found Comet sitting calmly in her crate. She had hidden the pillow cover under her crate blanket. She was sure what we couldn't see wouldn't hurt her. But what we cannot figure out is how she managed to hide the pillow stuffing BEHIND the couch while still in her crate! The Selective Sentry ● By Becky Fortney Recently, a man who Teca, our Vizsla, doesn't know, came walking right up to our glass door. She stood looking at him, not making a peep. Later that same day, however, she did an excellent job of warning us of a plastic bag in the back yard! Dizzy Water Dog ● By Kelly Kolo Our Vizsla, Finley, loves to get in the bathtub and splash. When the water goes down the drain, he tries to stop it with his mouth, only to come up coughing from a mouth full of water. He also chases his tail nonstop for about 5 minutes and then he tries to walk and he can't walk straight and falls over.  Food For Thought? ● By Becky Smith Who says dogs can't reason? Well, maybe not all dogs, but we're convinced Jennie can! Jennie is well known for being a food thief and able to open any door, cupboard, or container to get to it. Thus, we must keep the door to the mudroom, where the dog food is stored, tightly closed. When Jennie disappears, the first place we check is the mudroom to see if we forgot to close the door. So, what is the dilemma for Jennie? How can she chow down when we leave the mudroom door open without getting caught? The solution is quite obvious! Push the door shut after she is in so we don't know we left the door open to begin with! I think she could qualify for Ripley's Believe It or Not. I'm not kidding when I tell you she has now started closing the door behind her when she goes into the mudroom to steal food. So how do we find Jennie when she is missing--Listen for the telltale sound of the door hinges creaking and the door clicking shut!

End May 2001 "The Paw's Print" excerpts

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