Baby lessons

So, Romilly has been part of my pack for 11 weeks now, and she and I are learning a lot from one another. So far, I have taught her that:

1. A happy life is one in which time is divided between eating, playing and snoozing. 

2. There is no such thing as getting too much attention. 

3. Making lots of noise is a good way to attract said attention. 

I have to say that she's outclassed me already when it comes to lesson 3. Boy, can she make a lot of noise! And with consistently excellent results - mum and dad are there in a flash! I must study her technique. But I'm also learning from her. So far, I have learnt that:

1. Milk is the best food. Romilly gets fed first, but she's very generous in directing any excess towards the floor for me. 

2. Cuddles are great. I've never been a cuddly sort of dog, but watching her spend so much time on mum's lap, I've realised what I've been missing out on. 

I'm sure we have plenty more to teach each other. I'll keep you posted. 

Elfin marvellous

Oh, the humiliation. The pictures say it all.

I much prefer being a big sister than being an elf.

a BIG surprise!

Mum and dad have been muttering for ages about me getting a new brother or sister. Fantastic, I thought, picturing me and V2 romping in the garden, curling up on the sofa, wrestling over sticks, and all that good stuff. 

Turns out that wasn't quite what they meant. 

Instead of a Vizsla sibling, I've got a human sibling! Her name's Romilly, and she arrived some time last week while I was away on my holidays. Can't turn my back for a minute. Anyway, this is her:

At first I was a little bit upset. But I've given the matter some thought, and decided she has her good points:

 - she smells really interesting 

 - and she can do lots of 'special effect' smells

 - her feet taste a lot like dad's - and his are just the tastiest! 

 - she's pretty small right now, but if I'm not mistaken has the promise of a great 'stick' arm

 - mum gets 10 months off work to look after her. Which means 10 months with me, too!

Oh yeah, and she makes mum and dad really really happy. Which makes me happy too.

So I say welcome to my pack, little Romilly person. Please can we be friends? 

Shoes? Really?

Something bizarre has happened over the last week. Mum and dad have bought me... some shoes. What do I want them for? It's almost as bad a present as the time dad bought me bath soap. I mean, I know I'm a girl, and human girls are really into shoes, but honestly. 

As shoes go, I suppose they're not too bad. Not like those high heeled things mum wears sometimes. They've got comfy elasticated cuffs, and suede soles, and reflective velcro fasteners. And I only have to wear one of them, not all four. But it's rubbish cos it stops me getting at the cut on my paw, which is quite sore and badly in need of a good licking. 

Anyone else ever had to wear them? And more importantly, anyone got any good tips for getting them off?

God Bless America!

Today is a very proud day for me. 

You see, I'm a proper pedigree hound. O yes. This blog, I believe, provides ample evidence of the ancient bloodlines, the proud pose, the archetypal combination of keen hunting instinct and lovingly velcro-esque family dog. 

But I was born in France, and registered there, and when I asked if I could join the snooty old English Kennel Club they said 'non'. Quelle horreur! 

Here in America, though, the land of opportunity, liberty and justice, I have been welcomed with open arms into the American Kennel Club. Hurray! I'm an American Citizen! 

Privileges revoked

Hmmm. So, after my world class stealth demonstration last week, in which I managed to sneak onto the bed without waking mum, this week dad is back and bed privileges have been firmly revoked. S'rubbish. 

Am thinking of starting a union to lobby for Vizsla rights. After all, I'm a hard working family dog. It's only right that I should be allowed to rest in comfort after a strenuous day of fetching sticks, finishing off leftovers, licking feet, giving out cuddles, and following my family lovingly from room to room. 

What d'you think? Anyone want to join? 

Shhh, don't tell dad!

He's away this week - more 'business' to do back in London. Dunno why he has to go so far - I just go in the woods...

But anyway, after weeks of trying and failing, last night I managed to sneak onto mum's bed without waking her up! It was soooooo comfy and warm, and I snuggled up right in the crook of her knees. Bliss! 

Mum says it's not going to happen again, but we'll see. I'll keep you posted...

Messing about on the river

Ok, so it's not actually a river, it's the Chesapeake Bay at Quiet Waters, near Annapolis. And it's my bestest new place - the dog beach! Not sure you can quite see on this picture (mum's not exactly David Bailey) but there are about thirty dogs there, all having a fantastic time. 

Including me!

And if this is my bestest new place, my bestest new toy is Mr Duck. He flies (see below). He floats. He squeaks. He's chewy. What more could a dog ask of a toy? 

So needless to say, when a few of the locals took a shine to Mr Duck as well, it was time for a bit of friendly competition. I'm happy to say that with my superior doggy paddle and almost Phelpsian physique I was easily able to hold those pesky labradors at bay. 

Go team GB! 

beach bum

Mum and dad took me to the beach on Saturday, and it was awesome! It was a dog beach. That's right, guys, a whole beach just for dogs! It was a gorgeous hot sunny day, perfect for bounding through the surf, and some strenuous doggy paddle. Needless to say I rose to the occasion magnificently.

First I swam for my ball, until it got a hole in it and sank. Next I swam for sticks. And more sticks. And some more. Then I played with some other dogs for a bit. And then I swam for my favourite floating duck toy.

And then... I slept all afternoon on the sofa. Mum and dad were so impressed with how tired I was that we're going again next weekend. With a picnic! Hurray!

Humans call it Quiet Waters Park, near Annapolis. I call it Vizsla heaven.

Phew!

Mum and dad got home today after a week away. I was a bit worried cos they left met at home. Literally. Not on my own, obviously. They know I'm not very good at cooking, or at door handles. Or at being on my own, for that matter. So one of my dog walkers came to stay with me. I wasn't very sure about him being here at first, but after a few days I decided he should join my pack - and soon had him twisted round my little finger. He wound up letting me sleep on the bed and everything. Ha! 

I got some good presents, too. Dad got me a stars and stripes bandana so I can blend in at the dog park. Very fetching. And mum got me a cookie cutter in the shape of a bone. No cookies yet, but hopefully soon. If anyone knows any yummy dog biscuit recipes, please pass them on! I also got some soap. I think this is of dubious merit as a gift, but dad says it keeps bugs off (it's made with something called citronella) so I guess I'll give it a chance. 

They also told me that next time they go on vacation I might be allowed to go with them. They thought it would be difficult finding places where I'm allowed, but apparently everywhere around the Chesapeake seems to be really dog friendly. In North Carolina, I'm even allowed on the beach. Woo hoo! 

Am off for some quality cuddles on the sofa. Then I'm gonna see if I can persuade mum and dad to carry on the fine new tradition of letting me sleep on the bed. Fingers crossed...

Am I being silly?

Mum and dad are getting a tiny bit annoyed with me at the moment. You see, when they go out to work (to earn money to buy pigs ears for me), they leave me behind, so they get someone else to come and play with me at lunchtime. I get lots of attention when they're home, a nice long walk in the morning, and another in the evening, as well as playtime in the middle of the day. They've done this ever since I was small, and although I much prefer weekends, I'm usually quite happy. 

The last few days, though, have been a bit different. Dad arrived in America for good at the weekend, and I was really really really pleased to see him (I gave him my best wagging and wiggling and bowing routine). He doesn't have to go to work at the moment, so he's been at home with me quite a lot. 

Thing is, when he's here, I'd rather be with him than with my playtime person. So I've been refusing to go with them. I mean, no offence, but dad's ears are the tastiest in the world, and he's super good at throwing sticks, and he's great for sharing a sofa with. Playtime person just can't compare. 

For some reason this makes mum and dad cross. They think I should go with playtime person and enjoy myself. I say I'm a traditional velcro Vizsla and they should know better! 

What d'you think? Am I being silly? Or are they?

Lazy days of summer

Hi all. Sorry I haven't been very good at writing my blog recently - I've been a bit busy. Like I explained last time, there are lots of critters to keep an eye on in our new garden. Don't want those squirrels getting ideas above their station. 

And I've been going to my favourite water hole in the woods most days. First I learnt to dive in to fetch sticks...

... and now I've progressed a bit and I'm starting to practice walking on water. They say it can't be done, but I'm determined to prove them wrong. If only I can get my legs to go fast enough!

Oh yes, and there's always plenty of lounging to be done. Mum says I can be quite decorative when I want to be. All I know is this new sheepskin thing is darned comfy. Zzzzzzzz.

Neighbours

So, as if moving from London to Washington wasn't enough, we've now moved house again. Mum says we're staying put this time, though. Fingers crossed, because I like this place a lot. There's a creek right across the street where I can paddle. And a forest at the end of the block with a pool where I get to go swimming most days. I'm also meeting lots of new neighbours. In our back garden, we have:

 Deer, like Bambi's mum

Baby deer, like Bambi

Racoons, who look like cartoon bank robbers

Foxes, just like in London, only cleaner

Fireflies, which are confusing cos they disappear just as I get close

Chipmunks (but sadly not the singing kind)

Black squirrels

Grey squirrels (a bit dull after the others, but still good to chase)

Hopefully I'll get some photos of them soon. Mum says they're a bit elusive, but she'll keep trying. 

A watery weekend

Hi y'all. Do I sound American yet? I'm trying. 

I'm also doing some exploring, in the manner of a Hungarian Columbus. This weekend I discovered the Potomac River, at a place called Great Falls. 

And inspired by Buster B. Brown, the renowned canine scientist and investigator, I conducted an experiment to confirm that water does in fact have the same buoyancy in America as in Britain. Evidently there was some doubt about this, as I wasn't allowed off my lead. All the better for pulling dad in to join me for a swim... 

My next discovery took place on the banks of another of America's fine rivers, the Shenandoah. Here I unearthed what I think must surely have been The Biggest Stick In The World, and persuaded mum to throw it for me. I will be submitting photographic evidence to the Guinness Book of Records, and fully expect to be published as a record breaker in due course.  

All in all, a highly satisfactory weekend! 

I made it!

I made it to America! As Charlie Morph says, I'm a transatlantic Vizsla. Probably there aren't very many of us. We should form a club or something. 

The flight wasn't really my cup of tea, but it wasn't too bad. I got picked up the day before and spent the night in kennels (boo) but then when it was time to get on the plane I got my very own specially made compartment with food and water and my favourite blanket. And when I got off at the other end - mum and dad were there to meet me! Yeay! I had intended to sulk for a bit, but in the end I forgave them pretty much straight away, and did my best bowing and bouncing combination to remind them how great I am. 

And so far, America is pretty great too. I live right on the edge of a fab park that has not one, not two, but three types of squirrels in it. Everyone thinks I'm really pretty, and loves my English accent - especially the other Vizsla's who live nearby. And this weekend was a holiday, so we went to West Virginia to stay in a cabin on the banks of the Cheat River. Wish I had some pictures, but mum's camera broke...

Hi everyone

I've had a really confusing couple of months. You see, my mum has moved to America. And she's left me and dad behind! It's rubbish! Don't get me wrong, dad's great - his ears are just the best for chewing on, and he throws a mean stick - but one dog plus one human doesn't really make much of a pack. And dad's been away quite a lot too, visiting mum, so I've been staying with my friend Michael. 

Anyway, this week is a really big week for me cos I'm moving to America too. Gulp. I get picked up by some people on Thursday, then on Friday they put me on a plane to fly to Washington DC. Dad's told me that he'll be on the flight too, but he gets a big old comfy seat while I get stuck in a crate with nothing but my favourite blanket for comfort. It's a dog's life alright. 

So on the one hand I'm really really excited about seeing mum again. But on the other hand, I'm really scared about this flying business. I'll let you know how I get on... 

And to all you Vizslas in America - here I come! 

The more it snows, tiddley pom

Wow, I love Easter. Five whole days with my folks! Friday we went to Norfolk, to visit Grandma. She's got a great house with a big garden, and she likes me a lot so I always get plenty of leftovers. This time we had fish and chips, and I got a battered sausage all to myself. Pretty good going. 

After Norfolk, we went up to Middlesbrough. People say it's grim up north, but boy are they wrong! We stopped off in Ilkley, and went up on the moors to stretch our legs. Dad tried to get me to swim in one of the tarns, but even I don't like water that much. It was freezing! Then on to stay with my other Gran and Grandad. They made me pheasant pie (no, really), and took me to the seaside for the longest game of ball ever.  They weren't very sure about me when they first met me three years ago, but these days they like to tickle my tummy while I lie on my back on their sofa. Ha! 

Best of all, it snowed while we were there. So on Sunday morning we went for a walk in the woods in the snow. Snow is my favourite thing. I especially like snuffling around for smelly things that are hidden underneath it, and then snorting like a horse to get it out of my nose. Snowballs, though, are a puzzle. When they've been thrown, where do they go? Huh? Huh?

 

Time flies. But I'm not sure I want to...

Hi everyone. Blimey this year's going quickly. I've been really busy - checking out different vintages of fox poo on Wimbledon Common, trying to resist the urge to chase the deer at Richmond (mum thinks I'm getting better, but I'm just lulling her into a false sense of security...), giving squirrel stalking displays to Japanese tourists in Hyde Park, and generally being a top dog about town. 

Oh yeah, and I spent three not-so-busy weeks in February being 'in season'. Glad that only comes round once a year. It's so tedious! Wouldn't be so bad if I was allowed a boyfriend, but no, I have to stay home, stay on my lead, and stay away from the boys. Apparently things might be different next year... 

We've got some quite exciting news as well. Or at least, I think it's exciting. We're moving to America for a while! Mum's got a new job over there, in Washington DC, so come the summer I'll have a whole new continent to explore. Hopefully I'll get to meet some American Vizslas. I've heard they tend to be a bit smaller than British ones, which is good cos it means people might stop mistaking me for a puppy. It's getting kind of embarrassing now I'm three and a half. I'm a bit worried about how I get there, though. It would be a pretty long way to walk, so dad says I've got to fly. But I don't like the sound of that. I mean, I'm not a bird, am I? So if anyone out there has flown before, and has any tips, please let me know... 

Walks, glorious walks...

Dad's away at the moment on something called 'business'. I only know one meaning of that word, and if that's what he's doing, then he's taking a very long time about it.

Anyway, it sucks, cos he's way better at throwing sticks than mum. But I found out this weekend that him being away does have good points. Because basically it means mum has nothing better to do than to take me for lots of lovely walks!

Yesterday we went to Hampstead Heath. I was hoping to find some hampsters to chase, but unfortunately it was just the usual squirrels. Pesky varmints. Still didn't manage to catch any. Mum kept stopping to look at the view, which apparently is quite famous.

But I thought it looked better upside down.And then today, we went to Wimbledon. I was promised wombles. But again, just squirrels. Oh well. At least I got lots of stick practice in. I'm pretty fast with sticks, you know. See?

I also found a great new trick. If I find lots of nice dry, dead leaves, and then I stand really really still, it takes ages for mum to find me!

Now if I can only work out how to get some home, they'll never be able to find me at bath time again! Ha!

My First Viz Whiz!

Well I made lots of progress with one of my new year's resolutions today. My people took me down to the New Forest to meet up with six other Vizslas.

There was Charlie, Radar, Eddie, Tuscan, Indy (all boys!) and Sasha (so I wasn't the only girl in the end). Not sure why it's taken my people so long to take me to one of these things, but I hope we're gonna go to another one soon.

I was a bit unsure at first. But I soon had all the boys chasing me through the bracken. They couldn't catch me tho, well, not very often.

It turned out that most of the boys - particularly Charlie - were far more interested in Tuscan anyway. So I didn't get all that much attention from the boys in the end, even though I'm about to have "that time of the year". Shame really, I quite like flirting.

It was a bit confusing with so many gingery brown dogs with red collars (at least that's why dad says he didn't manage to get any good photos), but I was the smallest one so it wasn't too difficult to pick me out. I am sort of the same colour as Charlie tho, so it wasn't always very easy to tell us apart as we raced through the bracken.

There was lots of very, very cold water to plod about in. And some really top quality sticks to get to grips with. There was also some very stinky fox poo to roll in. So not quite so much progress on that resolution. Well, what do they expect?

I was a bit disappointed that I got put in the car at the end while all the people went for a beer. I like beer, although I only get it when someone spills it on the floor and I lick it up when no-one's looking. Or when dad gives me a sip (shh, don't tell mum). Anyway, no beer for me today. Apparently I don't have very good pub manners. Pah.

It was a really good day though, and I was very, very tired when I got home which seemed to make my people pleased. I have a feeling we'll be doing this Viz Whiz thing more often. Hooray.

Happy New Year!

Well, here it is, my first post. I've been a bit slow to get into this blogging thing but I've enjoyed reading some of the other vizsla blogs out there, and I've decided to get one myself. So, better late than never, here I am! I hope it's gonna be fun.

It's all part of my New Year's resolutions, you see. I've got four:

1. make friends with some other vizslas. Hopefully I'll meet some through this and my people will take me to meet up with lots of other vizslas somewhere, soon.
   
2. eat less grass. I love grass, but it makes me sick, and my people tell me I shouldn't eat it because i'm not a ruminant, apparently.
3. don't whine when my people are eating at the table. I got quite good at this over christmas so we're going to keep up the good work, or so I'm told.
4. don't roll in fox poo. Yeah right.

I'll let you know how I get on with these, although I'm not doing very well with number 4 so far. We went for a nice walk on the common today. It was a bit wet, but there were a few fat squirrels to stalk, and plenty of interesting things to sniff out.

I was being very good and well behaved. But then I found a little pile of something really, really smelly. Mmm, it was soooo good, I just could resist having a little roll in it. It wasn't a really serious, four legs in the air, coat myself from nose to tail, kind of a roll. I just wanted to get a little bit behind my ears, to make myself smell nice. But apparently I wasn't supposed to do that. Oh dear.

I had to have a bath when I got home. I'm a bit fed up that they had to wash the smelly stuff off me. I thought I smelled great! What do they know anyway? I'm the one with the highly developed sense of smell. Grrr.

I can't really decide whether I like having baths or not. I like to give the impression that I'm really suffering, but actually if the water is nice and warm, and it doesn't go in my ears or in my eyes, I actually quite like it. Just don't tell them.

The other thing about baths is that they make me quite sleepy, especially if I've been out for a long walk. So I usually have a snooze afterwards, curled up, nose to tail on my bean bag. I think it's important to snooze a lot, otherwise how would I have to energy to charge about the place the rest of the time?

Well, I think that's enough for now. It's been a hectic few weeks, but I quite like Christmas, especially because my people are around all the time. It's like a really, really long weekend.

I've got high hopes for 2008. I'm gonna make friends with some other Vizslas, I'm gonna find the perfect stick and, somewhere out there, is the squirrel of my dreams...if only I can catch it.

Happy New Year!