May 31, 2012

Riley is too smart!

I didn't teach her this, she figured it all out on her own. :) We've let her have the empty cardboard roll as a special treat for leaving the toilet paper alone ever since she was a tiny puppy... now she knows how to get it off herself if we don't get it for her!


May 29, 2012

Bacon Jam!

Okay, so I know this is not at all "Vizsla" related, but it should count because Riley ate quite a few pieces of bacon and generally made things difficult while I was cooking the jam. If you like bacon, you will LOVE bacon jam. Here is a link to the recipe I used:

http://iamafoodblog.com/bacon-jam-recipe/

The jam keeps for up to 4 weeks in the fridge, although I guarantee it will not last that long. ;)

May 27, 2012

Internet Shopping + Vizslas = Disaster!



Please don't buy Vizslas over the Internet.

 People can make themselves sound so good!  Buyer beware.


Example:

Frank Popolizio issued a press release today, entitled
 "South Side Dogs Owner Frank Popolizio Announces Rise in Vizsla Ownership".

Except: Worcester, NY, May 26, 2012 --(PR.com)--" Owner and founder of South Side Dogs, Frank Popolizio has recently announced that his organization has seen a great surge in demand for Vizslas. The Vizsla breed’s popularity stems primarily from their highly affectionate nature, which makes the animal the ideal family pet for those with small children, in addition to those looking for a robust dog that just loves to run with their owner.

The Viszla breed originated within the greater Hungarian Kingdom, and is one of the oldest dog breeds emanating from that region of the world. Vizslas are extremely rare in modern day because they were previously held closely by nobility due to their statuesque physique and calm nature. In fact, until the early 1940s, few of these animals ever left Hungary. But as more and more dog lovers discover the breed, Viszla ownership levels are rising across North America...."

________________________________________________________________________________

RBD note: The press release by PR.com goes on with a glowing report of the South Side Dogs operation.  I will not pass on the rest of the article but you can Google South Side Dogs or Southside Farms.


People may actually call or e-mail them.  
___________________________________________________________________
Four short months ago:

http://www.wktv.com/news/local/Dogs-removed-from-kennel-amid-investigation-into-neglect-138000833.html
Except: January 24, 2012
WORCESTER, N.Y. (WKTV) - A veterinarian, members of the Susquehanna SPCA, and a New York State Trooper removed 19 dogs from Southside Farms in Worcester on Tuesday.

Just last week, another 26 dogs were taken from the kennel.

"What concerned me was the weight and size of the animals," says State Trooper Walter Schliermann. "Quite noticeable were the ribs of the dogs and their bones were very defined and you could see the structure of the animal very easily."

At the end of December, State Police received a complaint of malnourished dogs at Southside Farms. When law enforcement first investigated, they gave the owners a deadline to make improvements. As of Tuesday, the conditions had not changed.

Now, clinicians and police are bringing the dogs out of the kennel and into a veterinarian's office to be evaluated and treated. After being examined, the animals find temporary residence in a number of other local shelters.

"What they are doing is examining the dogs, taking a look at the dogs and any issues with their weight or size or any injuries, the veterinarians are looking at and determining what dogs will be removed at that time," says Trooper Schliermann.

As the dogs were removed from the kennel, spines and protruding ribs were visibly noticeable. Clinicians pointed out that some of the tails are infected.....  (see rest of story on link)

___________________________________________________________________________


From Yahoo Vizsla Talk Listserve: May 26, 2012



"The next court case is June 5. Please DO NOT contact the local shelter, as they are a small
organization and do not have the time nor manpower to be deluged with phone
calls again, as they were back in December. The shelter manager was sent this
article by me when it first appeared and asked what we, as a vizsla community can do. 


The dogs that were seized back in December were only the ones in medical need. This is the law. Most of them are living a wonderful life as fosters in homes.

He has been selling puppies all along advertising on many different websites. 



Horrible, yes.  Illegal no. 


Hopefully with all the press releases by the local papers, people interested will Google his name or kennel and be aware.

I will update the yahoo groups when I hear the outcome of the next trial.


These trials take place in the afternoon at about 4:30.

Again, we need to support the SPCA in their efforts with all the dogs seized. Donations are still needed. Lets not take time away from their care with the animals to have to answer calls and emails.



I will do my best as the appointed point person to keep everyone up to date.

Thank you,"


Stephanie Fischer
President and Rescue Chair
Vizsla Club of Long Island



I find it ironic that sandwiched between two stories of abused Vizslas, on my blog, is the post of how Bailey's pups are going to their new homes. 

 Hobby breeding vs. Commercial Internet selling breeding.  

Quite the difference. 

 Please support hobby breeders and avoid commercial "puppy mill" breeders. 
 If you get anything from ever reading this blog, this would be the most important part to take away, in my opinion.  

May 24, 2012

Vizsla Hike!

We're finally going on a Vizsla hike with Riley for the first time in over a month! I don't think she will make it very far, but we are going to let her set the pace and let us know when she's had enough.

I'm also signing her up for 2 hunt tests - 1 in Reno in June & 1 at Hastings in July. She has been really wanting to hunt lately, so she's going to have a blast! :D

May 19, 2012

Riley & the Bunnies

We went to the Half Moon Bay Feed & Fuel store today to get my mom some chicks (birthday present). Riley tagged along & as they allow well-mannered dogs in the store, I brought her in to explore a little while we waited for mom to choose her chicks. There were several cages filled with little bunnies & Riley was naturally super curious about them. I was worried because she is a hunter & I thought she might try to go after them. Nope. She pressed her nose up against the cages, tail wagging frantically, & LICKED them when they came up to her. It was so cute! The bunnies didn't quite understand what was happening, but they didn't seem to mind. I guess we won't be taking her hunting for rabbit! :p

May 14, 2012

1st Walk/Swim in 3 Weeks

We took Riley a little ways down the Los Gatos Creek trail yesterday. She had so much fun smelling everything & finally being able to explore again. The leash stayed on until we arrived at the creek because she is in heat & we don't want to add any more Vizsla/pittie mixes to this world... lol! We were both shocked when she jumped in the creek several times after sticks. She finally got some water therapy for her leg! The poor baby tired so quickly, but we had to practically drag her away from the water. She spent the entire ride home with her nose pressed up against the window opening. I think she had a good weekend. :)


May 6, 2012

Feeling better!

Riley went to UC Davis last week for vet care and they decided to flush her knee joint with saline (ouch!). After that day, she has steadily been improving! She will now put almost all her weight on the leg & is bouncing off the walls with crazy energy. We have to crate her a lot to keep her from injuring her knee. :( I'm looking forward to going on some more hikes when she is 100% better!!!


May 1, 2012

Time to bring out the big guns!

I had Riley scheduled for a follow-up at our local vet, but I decided we're going to take her to UC Davis instead. If we want to get the best care available, it will be at Davis. 4hrs plus a $5 toll is so worth it if they can help my Riley's leg get better! :)