Radar & Rio - Two Red Dogs in Dorset

Budapest - Visit to the Vizsla homeland

2011-10-20T20:40:00.003+01:00

Slightly off the topic of two red dogs in Dorset - in September I travelled to Budapest to run the Nike half-marathon as part of a team organised by the company I work for in Germany. Great I thought - a chance to search out some Vizsla on their home turf!

I checked out some kennels but in the end landed on a sunny Saturday with no real plan other than to survive the run! Over three days I had fleeting and tantalising glimpses of red dogs in this large and ancient city straddling the Danube... It started with promise as my first sighting was from the plane as it came into land. On the wide grassed areas beside the runway there was a chap striding along with a Vizsla ranging out in front of him...shining in the bright sunlight. What they were doing I have no idea but they looked very much like they were working...scaring birds maybe? Second sighting was from the bus to the hotel - a "city boy" loping along on the promenade next to the Danube - just a glimpse again before the bus swept on.. I spotted my third V at the start of the race on Sunday, where there was a male "white face" milling around with his family, there to support a local runner. No time to test my Hungarian but great to see the Vizsla spirit alive and kicking in an older dog... I survived the race but saw no more V's that day... Last day on Monday and last chance for V spotting - it wasn't looking too promising - plenty of sights in the old city but no V's. But then! A flurry of red surging from the back of a car and disappearing in through the doors of an old office building - three boys, one older, battered and with the shortest tail on any V I've seen - surely an accident I think. Running up I startled the lady handling them as she was closing the large wrought iron and glass doors; she understood enough English I think to realise I was only admiring her Magyar Vizslas and perhaps like me is used to total strangers being interested in our Vs. Somewhat bemused she paused long enough for me to see the three dogs turn on the ornate stone stairs inside, one giving me that classic Vizsla look of curiosity, head up, ears hooked up, steady golden gaze...then the lady spoke and they were off up the stairs and gone - that lovely head sticking in my mind like an echo...

So not a great trip for Vizsla spotting but maybe slightly more than I'd see on an average day in downtown Bournemouth...and there's always the race next year - maybe I'll do a bit more research next time though...

Been a long time....

2011-09-06T19:10:00.007+01:00

Radar - standing in the sky

Well it's been awhile since "Radar" posted... Maybe he just got bored, maybe his budgeoning interest in Vizzies of the opposite sex got the way or maybe he's just been too busy, what with his agility, prancy around in the showring, hospital visiting and general running around (lots of running around)...he hasn't told me why he hasn't posted anything but then he is a dog...granted one that gives every indication that he can talk sometimes.... The final straw in me taking over was the suspicion that the "R-dude" might be tempted use his internet access to plan a raid on the local brand of Pets at Home during the recent riots...I saved him from himself!

It's been a busy year for Radar, now a grown up 4, and his nephew Rio, 18 months and I'll be posting some updates soon, work and running around not withstanding...to start here's a couple images of the two of them having a high old time
in sunny Germany in July...

Rio concentrating on the next throw of the ring..

Radar with a Swedish MG TF (but more interested in the distribution of chicken wings going on behind me)

More later....

John

22nd March 2011 - carnage in Bournemouth!

2011-03-22T10:26:00.000Z

When I looked outside this morning, I couldn't work out what the mess was on the back lawn (more mess than usual that is!!):

Feathers...!!

What I hadn't noticed at first was this Sparrowhawk eating his breakfast!!

Oh dear...poor Blackbird!

Rio soon saw the Sparrowhawk off & then worked on getting feathers up his nose!!

Monday 21st March 2011 - a walk in Ramsdown Forest

2011-03-22T08:53:00.000Z

It was such a lovely day yesterday (REALLY spring like) that our afternoon walk just HAD to be in a forest. This time I chose Ramsdown which isn't too far from home so easy to get to. Here are a few photos & short videos for you to enjoy!

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What do I do with a turkey neck...?!

2011-03-21T14:01:00.000Z

Lovely sunny day today so it was out in the garden with the lunchtime bones! For a change the boys had a turkey neck each...are they huge or what?!!! It was Rio's first time to sample this particular delight &, at first, he wasn't quite sure what to do with it so had to watch Radar for a while until he got the idea...

Ummm...what's this? It doesn't look or smell like a chicken wing or a lamb rib!

I'll just nip across & see what Radar's doing with his!

Can't quite see...let's get closer...

Out the way Radar...I could share yours now that you've got it started...!

Just some pictures...

2011-03-21T07:35:00.000Z

Who's that sitting in the drivers seat...?!

Oh it's Radar...what a clever boy he is!!

Vizsla bookends...!!

The door Sphinx (aka Radar!) & his ceremonial rope!!

Sunday, 21st March 2011 - Radar's First Show!!

2011-03-21T06:47:00.000Z

Guess what Radar did yesterday...after all this time I finally plucked up the courage to enter him in a dog show (why should Rio have all the fun!) - it was the Hungarian Vizsla Club Open Show.

Here's my boy "standing" so nicely!

My clever, precious boy did so well...he came 3rd in the Novice Class. I was so proud of him...he got lots of extra treats & cuddles!

Nail Clippings & Filings

2011-03-18T13:19:00.003Z

As you may remember, one of my recent posts contained a plea for everyone to contact Di Addicott (01576 202258) to ascertain whether a SALIVA SAMPLE from your dog(s) would be useful for the Polymyositis research – thanks again to everyone who’s been in touch…keep those phone calls & offers coming!!!

Now I have another request…!

We also believe that, with ever advancing Technology, TOE NAIL CLIPPINGS or FILINGS will prove to be useful for future research into any inheritable illness(es). Currently, extracting DNA from things such as toe nails or hair is laborious so will not be done routinely, however, the plan is to build up a library that could be called on should any of its participants prove to be “key”.

Please could we have your dog(s) Nail Clippings or Filings!

It’s really simple…next time you give your red boys & girls a manicure, pop the clippings into a dry paper envelope that’s been clearly labelled with the:

• Vizsla’s Kennel Club registered (Pedigree) name
• Owners name, phone number & email address

Then put it into another envelope addressed to Di Addicott, Murrayfield, Lockerbie, Dumfriesshire, DG11 2PJ. If you’d find it easier, I have a supply of both types of envelopes that are ready prepared…if you’d like some let me know your address & I’ll get them to you.

This is a project to which we hope all Vizsla owners will be prepared to contribute.

Hope you & your red boys & girls are all well…keep watching this space as I’ll be trying to organise another whizz very soon…promise!

9th, 10th & 11th March 2011...busy three days...phew!!

2011-03-16T08:37:00.003Z

Wednesday 9th March started REALLY early...5 a.m. - I don't think Radar & Rio knew what hit them particularly when I took them out for their morning walk at 6 a.m....they were NOT impressed!!! Mind you, they probably knew that something was up because the night before I'd been packing up the car with a mulitude of stuff! So why the early start...well, it was Crufts week, so we were heading north so that Rio could compete at Crufts for the very first time.

We took a "slight" detour first...as Radar wasn't allow to go to Crufts (you have to be "invited"!!), he was going to stay with our good friend (& his number 2 Mum) Vicky Martin for two nights. Vicky runs this incredible kennel called To The Manor Bourne which is in a village called Dyke, just north of Peterborough. To call it a "kennel" is really totally inaccurate...it's a real home-from-home & Vicky loves & cares for all her "clients" as if they were her own, so we knew that Radar would be well looked after & would have an amazing time. After a four hour journey, we arrived at Vicky's at about 11 a.m. just in time for Radar to join her & her own dogs & "clients" for a fun swim at a local Hydrotherapy pool (Newborough Dogs Hydro Pool). Here's a very short video of him & Vicky in action...he looks a bit confused at having to wear a buoyancy aid...bless him!!!

After dropping Radar off, Rio & I headed west to a lovely village called Wyre Piddle, near Evesham...this time we were off to our friends Lynn & Roy (Rio's two-legged Grannie & Grandad) where we were going to stay the night. It was another long journey (about 3 hours...I think every tractor, caravan & learner driver were on the road at the same time as us!!) but we eventually arrived at about 3 p.m. We had a lovely relaxing afternoon & evening with Lynn & Roy & their 4 gorgeous vizzies - Digby (Rio's dad), Ali, Easle & Tango...Rio thought he was in seventh heaven with all those red dogs to play with!

Thursday morning was another early start (up at 6 a.m. & on the road at 7!)...this time Lynn was with us as she was going to handle Rio for me...yes, I know I'm a whimp...but I wanted Rio to enjoy himself & not have to deal with a quivering wreck!!! We arrived at Crufts(which is held at the NEC in Birmingham) at just before 8 a.m. so we had plenty of time to find our bench & relax a bit before judging began at 9 a.m. Rio's class (Special Puppy Dog) was second up (after Veteran Dog) & all too soon it was his turn!

You know what...I was just SO proud of my little boy...he trotted beautifully round the ring &, when necessary, stood like a rock (though his tail was wagging so fast it looked like a helicopter blade!!). Here's a few pictures/videos of him "in action":

Rio "standing" with Lynn holding on to his tail to keep it still!!

Rio being examined by judge Peter Upton.

Then came the moment of truth...would Rio get placed? YES...my precious pup was awarded SECOND place (which, apparently, qualifies him for Crufts 2012!)...wow...I was so proud of him (& of Lynn too!). Here's a picture of him in final line up - again standing beautifully while the judge did his critique:

From left to right: 1st - HIGHFORCE MIDNIGHT FLYER (with Elaine Cannon); 2nd - ADOLPHUSTOWN ACORN (Rio, with Lynn Eales); 3rd - RANCHSTAR HENRY GRUBSTICK (with Pam Joyce)

And another photo...

Rio with his rosette & certificate...& handled by me...but I'm hiding!!

If you'd like to see the full results for Hungarian Vizslas go to this link: http://crufts.fossedata.co.uk/Breed.asp?ShowYear=2011&GroupID=GUN&ScheduleID=8

And so our exciting day at Crufts ended...unfortunately it was too late (& too longer drive) to collect Radar, so he spent Thursday night with Mum Vicky...here he is having an explore:

Our exciting 3 days ended with me leaving Roy & Lynn's (thank you both so much for looking after us!) first thing Friday morning...then it was back to Vicky's (thank you for taking such good care of our precious boy!) to collect Radar & finally home...arriving back at about 6 p.m....phew...exhausted!! Radar & Rio didn't seem particularly tired though as witnessed by this video...no peace for the wicked eh!!?

7th March 2011...Spring is here...

2011-03-07T19:06:00.000Z

...or at least it is today!! Radar & Rio took advantage of the lovely sunshine to top up their suntans...

Togetherness! In case you're not sure...Radar's on the left & Rio's on the right!

Bright sun = squinty eyes!!!

This picture was taken on 15th March 2010...it doesn't seem possible that
Rio's been with us for a year now...& is slightly bigger!

A Pet's Ten Commandments

2011-02-23T19:40:00.000Z

My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
Give me time to understand what you want of me.
Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.
Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.
Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.
Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.
On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

~Take a moment today to be thankful for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without these critters.

~Now please pass this on to other pet owners. We do not have to wait for Heaven, to be surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness. It is here on earth and has four legs!

Two things...a "thank you" & a little reminder!

2011-02-23T17:13:00.000Z

Hi everyone

First & foremost, I’d like to thank everyone who has contacted Di Addicott (either by phone or email) to check whether or not their Vizsla’s DNA sample would be useful for the current research project into Polymyositis.

Now for the second thing…following a few calls/emails, there seems to be a bit of confusion around the PM research project itself – some people were under the impression that they had already contributed to the research as they had provided a DNA sample a couple of years ago via a “cheek swab”. This “cheek swab” project was actually for something completely different – it was for a possible Epilepsy project.

The Polymyositis SALIVA KITS are something quite different…they are state of the art & are capable of collecting high yield, good quality, DNA.

So, if you haven’t had a chance to get in touch with Di yet…PLEASE, PLEASE could you do so as soon as possible – every phone call, every email &, ultimately, every sample will bring us one step closer to finding the genetic marker for this horrendous disease that is causing so much pain & suffering to our beloved red friends & their two-legged guardians.

Di will be able to tell you immediately if your dogs sample would be useful to the project…her contact details are: 01576 202258 or diane@murrayfield.wanadoo.co.uk

Thank you again in advance!

Take care…big hugs for all those gorgeous red boys & girls!!

Juliet x

New Friends - 20th February 2011

2011-02-21T18:14:00.000Z

Rio & I made some new friends yesterday! Mum & Dad took us to Fritham, in the New Forest, for a walk & we met up with Jimmy & Ozzy (2 black labs) & their Mum & Dad (Aunty Debbie & Uncle Clive). We had a brilliant time running around the forest & swimming in the stream...here's a Smilebox of some of our antics:

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Our Cornish Holiday....

2011-02-15T20:33:00.000Z

The Sunday 6th February saw us heading west to Cornwall for a weeks holiday. We stayed in a cottage at Hilton Farm, Marhamchurch which is just south of Bude...very convenient for the north Cornish coast.

We arrived mid-afternoon & so were able to start exploring a couple of the local beaches, Summerleaze & Widemouth, straight away. They are so typical of North Cornwall beaches...vast expanses of "proper" sand, rugged cliffs & BIG waves...perfect for us & our red boys!!

Summerleaze Beach

Widemouth Beach

Monday 7th saw us heading west again...this time to the pretty village & fishing port of Boscastle. You may remember hearing about the flash floods that devatated Boscastle in 2004. It's amazing that the village survived at all, but it did, & those buildings that were lost or damaged have been rebuilt in the orginal style.

Water raging through the fishing village of Boscastle in 2004

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Tuesday 8th saw us heading south to the lovely village of Rezare, Near Launceston where we spent the day with our good friends Martine & Andy & their two Vizslas...Rudh Kai (meaning "Red Dog" in Cornish) & Rudh Maw ("Red Boy"). Kai is actually Radar's nephew (like Rio!) even though he & Radar were only born 2 days apart!!

In the morning we went for a lovely walk through the fields & woods of the Tamar Valley. Our ginger boys had a brilliant time including playing in the River Inny as you'll see on the Smilebox below. After lunch (yummy, homemade, chicken & sweetcorn soup...thank you Martine!) we headed out again but this time the two-legged boys took guns with them so that we could do some proper gundog training...! It was the first time Radar & Rio had actually trained with guns & we were delighted that they weren't fazed in the least & on the "seek on" command were off quartering like the proverbial bullet from a gun! Unfortunately, the rabbits must have heard us coming & stayed firmly underground - John & Andy blamed Martine & me coz we were chatting but we reckoned the rabbits thought it was too cold to venture out!!

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On Wednesday it was time to head west again! We stopped off in St Tudy so that I could see my old primary school - it had hardly changed at all apart from now having about 60 pupils...when I was there, there were only 20!!! The other big difference was that the current Head Mistress doesn't sit with her back to the fire chain-smoking...times change...thankfully!!

St Tudy Primary School

Our next stop was Port Isaac a picturesque fishing village, again on the north Cornish coast.You would probably recognise this village as it was used for the ITV drama "Doc Martin"...though it was known as Port Wenn in the series!!!

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After we left Port Isaac we went to Polzeath...a beach I have fond memories of from childhood! It's absolutely enormous with proper caves & huge rock pools that are deep enough to swim in! There wasn't any swimming today though...far too cold...even Radar & Rio only paddled! Mind you, they were far more interested in playing "fetch" again, & again, & again, & again!!!

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Radar felt a bit left out so I gave him his own bandage!!!!

The final full day of our holiday saw us at Polzeath (again!) & also, in the afternoon, at Rock...this time, however, we were joined by Martine, Andy, Kai & Maw...fantastic! Unfortunately the weather in the morning was absolutely atrocious...we were all soaked through...luckily the only cafe open at Polzeath had a big log burning stove...the ideal place to let our coats "steam"!!!!

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After drying off, we left Polzeath & headed for Rock which is situated on the east side of the Camel Estuary - Rock has a lovely, long sandy beach that stretches from Porthilly Cove to Daymer Bay & much of it is backed by sand dunes...a real favourite with the dogs! We had a lovely lunch at a restaurant right by the beach (great home-made burgers!)...it was quite "posh" but, despite this, the dogs were allowed in as long as they behaved...which of course they did! Though Maw & Rio did manage a surreptitious play fight that probably looked, to the uninitiated, really vicious!!!

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And so our holiday came to an end...we all had a fantastic time...thank you John/Dad!!

New Forest Viz Whizz Update...

2011-02-15T05:35:00.000Z

I’ve just received a lovely letter from Sue Millson (HVC Welfare Officer) thanking us all for the money we raised at our last whizz. I’ve attached the letter so that you can read it for yourselves but I think you’ll agree that our contribution has already helped.

I’d also like to thank all those who’ve contacted Di Addicott offering their dogs saliva samples…every single sample received means that we’re one step closer to finding the genetic marker for the horrendous disease, Polymyositis. If you haven’t managed to contact Di yet, please, please do so as soon as possible – she’ll be able to tell you immediately if your dogs sample would be useful. Her phone number is 01576 202258 or you could email her at diane@murrayfield.wanadoo.co.uk

Hopefully see some of you at the next whizz…I shall be organising another one for April/May time when, with any luck, the weather will be slightly warmer…& drier – I’m beginning to think I’m going to have to have my waterproofs surgically removed!!!

Take care…big hugs for all those gorgeous ginger nutters!!

Buyer Beware by Sheila Gray

2011-02-14T18:57:00.000Z

I read this article recently & thought it was worth sharing particularly considering the number of rescues both the Society & the Club are having to look after/rehome.

"The HVS feels prospective Vizsla owners should be made aware of contra-indications in the description of Vizslas as ideal family pets.

The Vizsla is a complicated character who requires lots of attention, exercise and training when adult.

Training should begin early in the puppies life. It should be firm, patient and consistent. Vizslas have a low threshold for boredom and will become either highly excited and silly or nervous and whingy if pushed too hard or dealt with in an aggressive manner. However, they may try to become boss dog, or manipulate their owner if not shown their place in the home.

A highly intelligent dog, they require activities to engage their brain, otherwise they will use this intelligence to devise their own amusement which can spell trouble!

Vizslas are bred to have copious energy and are capable of working eight hours a day during the shooting season. If not utilised this energy can cause the dog to become hyperactive and neurotic. By nature Vizslas are excitable and extrovert, who display great affection toward their people. This can be jumping up or taking hold of hand, wrist or a piece of clothing and mouthing it.

This is the Vizsla, it needs much attention and is not happy without sufficient exercise and will fret if left alone for long periods.

Can you cope with this? If you have any doubts – do not get a Vizsla.

Sadly, there have recently been problems where the rescue team and some owners who have had to take the ultimate step - euthanasia. The Vizslas in question had shown repeated aggression.

Circumstances have varied as to the cause of this sad situation, it has been noted that some of the dogs involved have been somewhat closely bred.

Do examine the Pedigree and seek advice before deciding this is the dog for you.

Lifestyles have changed and people do not always have the time to devote to a dog. Vizslas do not make good trophy or weekend dogs.

When in the right environment, there is no better companion than this breed, they just do not suit everybody.

In return for your care and commitment a Vizsla will give a lifetime of fun and devotion."

15th & 16th January 2011...

2011-02-14T18:36:00.000Z

Almost up to date now!!! The main events in January took place on the 15th & 16th. The 15th was Rio’s first birthday…wow...it seems only yesterday that he was little tiny pup that fitted in the palm of my hand!!

Rio aged 4 days!!

Like Radar, Rio is pretty good on the computer!!! Here’s part of the email that he sent to his litter mates:

“I ‘ad a real gud birfday wee-kend. On Saturday morning Mum & Radar took me to an agility party…coz I’m ONE I woz ‘lowed to do big, growd up jumps (Mum says they’re “medium” height…not quite as high as Radar jumps…but I could do those too no probs!). We played lots of games at the party like “pass the ball” (I’s good at that coz Mum’s taught me to give her the ball when she says “hand”!), “sit in the hoop”…I’s good at sitting too!! We also did knock-out races over the jumps n frew the tunnels…I woz real fast…I got to the third round but, in the end, got beaten by my mate Lizzie…she’s a collie & is very very very fast & is FOUR!! Then, in the afternoon, Mum, Dad & Radar took me to St Catherine’s Hill…we had a grate time running up n down the hill n frew the bracken n stuff. Mum had a surprise for me…she’d brought me a nuw dummy & had wrapped some nice smelly pheasant wings round it (thank you Grannie Lynn…Mum said they were from you!)…I then had a good time doin’ my “seek on” thing…I orlways found it & took it back to Mum nicely!”

And so to the 16th…

10:45 on 16th January 2011 saw an extraordinary sight at the picturesque &, normally, peaceful New Forest area known as Mill Lawn, near Burley. Despite being a very gloomy day with torrential rain being threatened, when we arrived, the little car park was already filled to overflowing, with the excess cars lining the narrow forest road in all directions. So what were all these people doing there? Today was another New Forest Viz Whizz – we had hoped for a good turnout as we were celebrating Rio’s 1st birthday plus we were keen to hand out as many leaflets as possible about the horrendous disease, Polymyositis, that is affecting some of our beloved red dogs. The hoped for “good turnout” turned into an understatement…numerous times we tried to count the number of Vizlsas but gave up after 50 (!)…as usual, they just weren’t prepared to stand still for more than a nano-second!! In addition, there were about 10 “honorary Vizslas” enjoying the delights of the woods, the open areas of bracken & fern & the lovely meandering stream. As for their human companions – there were at least 100…& these hardy people, fully kitted out in their wet weather gear, had travelled from a variety of places across the South of England to join us…wow, that’s dedication to our wonderful breed! The walk was a great success – the dogs had a fantastic time socialising with each other & they ALL got on so well…just watching that red froth of Vizslas running & playing together was enough to bring tears to our eyes! The weather was really kind to us, it was mild & the rain held off though it was incredibly wet underfoot but no one complained...& certainly not the dogs!!! Here are some links to photos' of the walk plus a couple that Dexter & Ditto's Mum (Kate) put together:

http://www.fergusthevizsla.blogspot.com/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cheekydevil/sets/72157625713110727/

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=260268&id=714036008&l=02a7e4a32f

In addition to this being a brilliant walk, that humans & red dogs alike enjoyed, we also managed to collect £115 for the Polymyositis/Welfare funds of the two breed societies HVS & HVC - THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!

Time to catch up...

2011-02-14T17:18:00.003Z

I can't believe where the time has gone...apart from our Christmas wishes, I haven't posted on Radar & Rio's Blog for absolutely ages! It's not that nothing has been happening...quite the reverse...between shows & ringcraft training, agility, PAT dog stuff & starting gundog training (phew!!), life for us & our two precious red boys has been hectic to say the least! So this will, hopefully, catch you up with just some of the things that they’ve been up to!

Rio experienced his first snow in December – initially he was quite confused by all the white stuff but soon got to enjoy racing around in it & learning how to catch snowballs. Radar, of course, is a snow veteran & seemed rather put out that there wasn’t more!!!

The 12th December saw us all at Rio’s final show of the year…the Ladies Kennel Association Championship Show which was held at the NEC in Birmingham. As I’m still trying to get my nerves under control when in the ring, Lynn offered to handle him for me which was fantastic & she did an absolutely brilliant job…plus it was great for me to actually see the little chap in action!! Clever Lynn managed to get our precious pup yet another 2nd place…wow…we’re all so proud of him…& her! Here are all the judging critiques for the shows where he managed to achieve 1st or 2nd i.e. multi-qualifying him for Crufts!! (in addition to the below, he also managed 2 VHC!!):

Paignton, 3rd August 2010 (Judge – Mr G Upton), SECOND – 6 months, nice head, good neck and shoulders, good topline, moved well, just needs a lot of time.
Bournemouth, 15th August 2010 (Judge – Mrs R Da Silva), FIRST – Charming puppies, both for whom the future bodes well. 7 month old baby giving his handler a hard time. Sweet expression, elegant in outline and well balanced. Moved well once settled. Won the class on a better infill of forechest.
Richmond,12th September 2010 (Judge – Mr Frank H Whyte), FIRST – A 7 month baby with good head and eye, good bone and feet, good depth of rib and well muscled quarters, promising but needs time to put it all together and firm up in outline.
HVC, 3rd October 2010 (Judge – Mrs G Burgoin), FIRST & RES. BEST PUPPY IN SHOW - Well proportioned at 8m but difficult to assess (nerves travelling down the lead!). Moved close behind.
Gundog Society of Wales, 13th October 2010 (Judge – Mrs Donna Holman), SECOND – Nice young dog and with pleasing balance, good topline on move, not as settled as 1.
LKA, 12th December 2010 (Judge – Mrs R Herbert), SECOND – 10 mths, loved him for type, lovely head and neck, correct angulation, super feet, moved very well in profile but pinning a bit from behind. Unlucky to meet 1.

Something else really exciting happened at the LKA show…we’d taken Radar with us (though not for competition) & whilst there Gill Barwick of the Bequerelle affix, a Championship Show Judge Breed Specialist, was kind enough to assess Radar not only for conformation but also for temperament. She said that: "He is a nice dog with a good conformation, good colour, good dark eye, sound bite & of a lovely steady temperament". As a result of this (& his very healthy 3/4 hip score), Cathy & Rich Austin (Radar’s breeders) have lifted his Kennel Club endorsement & have suggested that he would be suitable as a Stud…!!!!!

Now, to give you a break from reading, here's a few photos:

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Happy Christmas!!

2010-12-20T21:45:00.000Z

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Another GREAT weekend...continued!!

2010-10-19T19:25:00.000+01:00

After we left Indy & Alf we headed up the motorway to a place called Basingstoke...this was so we could go visit my mate Charlie (& his Mum & Dad...Aunty Sally & Uncle Steve). On the way there we decided to check out a new walk that Mum & Dad had seen on a cool website called Driving with Dogs - this website really is brilliant if you ever go driving on motorways with your owners...it tells them (coz we can't read...yet!!) all about walks that are within 5 miles of motorway exits!!

Anyway, back to our walk...this one was off Junction 10 of the M3 & was at a place called St Catherine's Hill near Winchester. This walk was a real winner for Rio & me coz our favourite walks are anywhere with water as we just love swimming - on this walk there was water, water everywhere (plus loads & loads to drink!!). Here are a few pictures of St Catherine's Hill & the fabulous views:

The Itchen navigation canal

Apparently this is called a "Kissing Gate"...yuk...luckily
Rio didn't try to kiss me on the way through!!

This is an Iron-Age ditch...just imagine...it would have been dug by hand!

This lovely crown of Beech trees marks the very top of St Catherine's Hill - this was the centre of a human settlement around 3,000 years ago with a fort being built here in the 3rd century BC.

This is called a "Mismaze". It's 624 metres long & is made up of nine
nested squares cut out of the chalk in, it's thought, the 17th century.

On the North East edge of the beech copse lies the buried the remains
of a Norman Chapel that was built in the 12th century AD.

This is a view across the Itchen Valley toward Bushfield Camp,
which was once used as an Army barracks.

The Hospital of St Cross can be seen in the centre of the view.

In the foreground you can just see a series of ancient parallel pathways (known as 'Dongas') that criss-cross the area. These paths were formed over centuries by people walking their animals into market & from travelling between ancient sites & monuments.

Here you can see a view, in the distance, of Winchester

Believe it or not, this used to be the Winchester By-Pass!!!

Another GREAT weekend!

2010-10-19T11:17:00.000+01:00

We were busy, busy, busy last weekend which was brilliant. It started on Saturday with Rio joining us "big boys & girls" at agility training for the first time - I was so proud of my little bruv...he does proper jumps now though only at the lowest level but I don't reckon it'll be long before he moves up to "medium" as he already jumps really high! I was also real impressed with how he did the "dog walk", "A-frame" & the weaves...no problem - I can see I'm going to have some competition particularly as he is REALLY quick!!

Then on Sunday morning we got up really early & met our mates Indy & Alf at our most favourite place for a walk...Mill Lawn. We all had a great time running through the undergrowth & splashing around in the stream. Here's a Smilebox with some of the photos Dad took:

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My mates...Charlie & Ezsti...

2010-10-11T08:39:00.000+01:00

This afternoon Rio n me had a really great walk (& swim) at Hengistbury Head...&, guess who we saw...our mates Charlie & Ezsti - they'd brought along Ezsti's Mum & Dad (Mandy & Ian) so that they could get a bit of exercise too...though I didn't notice any of the humans doing much running around...they did do quite a lot of talking though! I hadn't seen Charlie for ages n ages...in fact I've only seen him once since our brilliant holiday in France back in January...it was SO good to catch up with him again...it was a shame his Mum & Dad weren't there ('pparently they were at something called a wedding)...it would've been good to give them some special Radar & Rio kisses!!!

There's Charlie sitting at the back (coz he's the most growd-up!!), then in the front "row" there's (from left to right) Ezsti, me n Rio...you can see Mudeford in the background!

We were pretty good at posing don't you think?!! Here's a couple of videos that Dad took of us all getting ready for the posing pictures...Dad reckoned it was really funny watching the "preparation"...

Rio's turn for agility photos!

2010-10-10T14:01:00.004+01:00

Mum & me were taking part in an agility competition yesterday but Dad stayed at home with Rio & the camera (!!) so there aren't any pictures of me this time. By the way, I did three runs...got 5 faults in one but had two clear rounds...!! Dad came along in time for Rio's lesson...here's a Smilebox with a few of the photos he took of my little bruv:

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And a quick couple of videos (one was such a big file that Mum had to put it on UTube first!!)...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EsCU1IWA-Q

Agility Stuff!

2010-10-06T19:23:00.000+01:00

It's Wednesday so that means it's agility for me & Rio...our favourite!! Coz Dad was home he was able to come to my session & took loads of photos of me & my agility mates...I hope you enjoy the Smilebox that Mum's put together:

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Busy old weekend!!

2010-10-06T16:14:00.003+01:00

Loads of great things happened this weekend...first & foremost, Dad came home! He's been away for AGES...me n Rio have missed him loads & loads! He actually got back on Saturday night...we waited up specially so that we could give him BIG licks & nibbles...I think he wished he'd been wearing armour coz we well & truly mobbed him!! He did look a bit different tho...he'd got all this fur on his face...maybe he was trying to look like us...it didn't half tickle when I gave him kisses!!!!

Our Dad...!

I spent some quality time with Dad on Sunday...just me & him...yeah!! This was coz Mum took Rio to another of those show things...this time they went to the Hungarian Vizsla Club Championship Show in a place called Brackley. Guess what...my little bruv did us proud again...he came first in the Minor Puppy class...he was also Best Puppy Dog...AND...he got Reserve Best Puppy in Show...what a clever boy. As usual Mum forgot to take any pictures of him at the show so Dad took one when they got home - here he is "standing" with Mum in the garden...just look at those rosettes & trophies:

And here's one of me...

I don't do "standing" but I do a very handsome sit!!

After all the excitement of Dad coming home & of Rio's show success, we were pretty tired so, coz I was so proud of him, I let Rio share my duvet when we went for a little nap:

Yesterday, Rio n me just wanted to stay close to Dad...just in case he decided to go to sea again:

Rio camping out on the bean-bag in Dad's office!

Here's me "lying" guard at the office door!!

Yesterday afternoon, Dad & Mum took us to a new beach called Studland...& guess what...to get there we had to go on a thing called a ferry...was that exciting or what?!! Here's a picture that Dad took of Studland beach...it's looking back towards Sandbanks & if you look real carefully you can see the ferry:

We had a really great time...we did loads of swimming & there were masses of sand-dunes to run around in:

Mum using the ball chucky thing...just to encourage us to run around the dunes...as if we needed encouraging!

PLEASE READ the New Polymyositis Page!

2010-09-30T20:23:00.000+01:00

Polymyositis (PM) has been known in the Vizlsa breed for at least 6 years - it's a horrendous disease that causes terrible suffering to both our precious red friends & their owners &, unfortunately, it is becoming more & more prevalent. One of the first Vizslas we met was the gorgeous Radio - here are a couple of pictures of him:

Radio before he was diagnosed with Polymyositis

Radio after he developed Polymyositis - sadly, Radio died aged 3.

What I want to know is how any breeder could knowing allow this to happen...but they do! Incredibly there are breeders out there that CONTINUE to breed from bitches & dogs that are known to have produced PM puppies in the past - to my mind, that is not only irresponsible but is also verging on the criminal.

THIS HAS GOT TO STOP NOW...

Responsible breeders are already doing everything they can to ensure that proposed matings are safe & if there is any doubt whatsoever they STOP...they DON'T breed from their bitch & they REMOVE their dog from the stud list...that's what being responsible means!

Here in the UK we are so lucky to have someone like Di Addicott who is working tirelessly trying to persuade people who are known to have PM in their lines to swab their dogs. Up until now she has sometimes felt like she was bashing her head against a brick wall such has been the ostrich like attitude of some people. Happily, she now has people like Elaine Bradley, Lynn Eales & Rosemary Frost (to name but a few)...people who are standing up for our beloved breed & supporting Di's efforts to find a way to free our genetic pool from the scourge of this devastating disease. Hopefully, there are people just like them in other countries round the world who are doing the same?

So what can we all do to help? The simple answer is "spread the word" because the more people who know about this devastating disease & the ongoing research the better - one of the easiest ways of doing this is by taking copies of the fact sheet with you every time you go out walking & handing them to every Vizsla owner you meet...it doesn't sound much, but, believe me, even that would help!

So what else...:

if you know, or even suspect, that there's PM in your lines
or
if you know, or suspect, that your dog or bitch has produced a puppy with the symptoms (even if you haven't had a definitive diagnosis)
or
you know someone with a PM dog or bitch (even if that dog or bitch has now passed away)

Then please contact Di Addicott (or your breed society if you live outside the UK) & she will tell you how to go about collecting a swab from all the necessary dogs.

This wonderful breed give us so much love & affection, so much loyalty & braveness...please do help if you can...thank you!

Another Viz Whizz...

2010-09-28T16:16:00.000+01:00

This time at Fritham in the New Forest...

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Check out Fergus' blog for some more brilliant photos: http://www.fergusthevizsla.blogspot.com/

Radar at Agility...& Mum's new camera!!

2010-09-28T14:57:00.000+01:00

It was agility again for me & Rio last Wednesday. Dad had bought Mum a new video camera so she (with Aunty Tracey's help!) just had to try it out when I was running...only one problem...she's just discovered that she can't load the videos directly to the Blog...it's something called an MP5...eh?!! Anyhow's...we've put them on UTube...here are the links:

Click here for the first one Radar at Agility... - silly Mum, she forgot that I needed time for my eyes to readjust when coming out of the tunnel...she gave the "stretch" command to quickly...doh!

Here's the second one Radar at Agility...take 2!...that's better, she got it right this time!!

Mill Lawn Viz Whizz...continued!

2010-09-28T12:24:00.000+01:00

Thought you might like to see a few more photos of our great walk at Mill Lawn - my mate Graham, from the Juniper Centre, gave Mum the photos that he'd taken...enjoy!

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Now here are a couple of videos as well...

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If you'd like to see even more photos of our walk, check out my mate Fergus' blog: http://www.fergusthevizsla.blogspot.com/

New Forest Viz Whizz - Mill Lawn

2010-09-19T19:10:00.000+01:00

Well another great walk with some great people & vizzies (plus some honorary vizzies too!).

We thought this whizz was going to be quite small considering the short notice (just over a week!)...but no...about 20 vizzies managed to make it which was absolutely fantastic! What was even more fantastic was that we managed to raise £35 for Vizsla Welfare & Rescue...thank you so much for contributing to this very worthwhile cause!

Here's a Smilebox of some of my photos...

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Watch out for the New Pages!

2010-09-13T13:44:00.000+01:00

For those of you who know us (either personally or just because of this Blog), you will probably have gathered that we are passionate about our "boys".

Radar & Rio are our family...some would call them "pets" but, to us, they're more than that...they're our four-legged, hairy children &, like children, we want them to be secure, happy & healthy...we want the absolute best for them. For us, this means doing all the same things that we would do for/with a human family:

Choosing a vet (in their case!!) that we trust & can relate to.
Giving them a good diet - which just happens to be the BARF diet.
Making sure they have lots of "friends" to play & interact with.
Ensuring that they get the opportunity to do lots of different/appropriate activities so that they are both mentally & physically stimulated (hence the agility, PAT dog stuff, swimming & showing etc)...no different to kids really &, like kids, if we find that a particularly activity doesn't suit, we stop it!

But, above all (& I know this sounds soppy), they get our total, life-long, commitment & love...& yes, they can sleep in the bedroom if they want & get on the bed for a cuddle!!!!!

It seems incredible to us that we only met our first Vizlsa about 7 years ago...but from that moment on we were hooked.

Our first Vizsla experience...the lovely Amber having a typical vizzie cuddle with her Dad, Ken!

Initially it was the striking appearance that completely bowled us over but soon, having done our research, we found that the Vizsla could offer so much more & would be the ideal dog for us & our life-style! This is just some of what we discovered:

Vizlsas are very gentle, loyal, caring & highly affectionate. They very quickly form close bonds with their owners, including children, & for this reason they are often referred to as "Velcro" dogs!

Radar & Rio with my little grandson, Otto. Unfortunately, Otto is allergic to dogs but that doesn't stop him loving them & they have both learnt not to touch!

Generally, they are quiet dogs, only barking if necessary or if provoked...though those of you who know Radar will know that he can be extremely vocal particularly if he's getting a back or ear scratch...he actually groans with pleasure!! The other time they can be "vocal" is if they feel neglected or want something..."crying" is not unheard of...well it's definitely "heard" & can sound pretty pathetic!!

As with many breeds, they can suffer from "separation anxiety" so this is definitely something to consider before taking a Vizsla into your home. If other commitments keep you away for too long or, maybe, you just like going to the bathroom on your own, then a Vizsla may not be the dog for you!! They thrive on attention & interaction &, hence, like being close to their owner(s) as much of the time as possible...if given the chance, many of them will sleep in bed with their owners, burrowing under the covers so that they can snuggle up!

Radar & Rio burrowed under "their" duvet!

Rio deciding that Mum & Dad's bed gives him a bit more space to stretch out!!

Vizslas are also VERY energetic & need a good deal of exercise to remain healthy & happy. They are highly intelligent, & thrive on being challenged & stimulated, both mentally & physically - I guess that's one of the reasons both Radar & Rio love agility so much...it gives them physical exercise but they also have to "think"! However, as Vizslas have sensitive temperaments, they can easily be "damaged" if treated or trained unkindly - so, all training must be done gently & without harsh commands or strong physical correction.

They are one of only 15 HPR (Hunt, Point, Retrieve) breeds that are recognised as such in the UK. This means that they are natural hunters, great pointers & excellent retrievers. As Vizslas are excellent swimmers, they will not only retrieve on land but also in the water...check out some of Rio's recent videos of him retrieving from water!!

So what, you may be thinking, was the point of the above waffle?! Well, the passion I mentioned at the beginning isn't just reserved for Radar & Rio but for the Hungarian Vizsla breed as a whole. It's because of this that I've decided to add a few extra pages to our Blog...just stuff that I hope you might find useful &/or interesting, whether you're a current Vizsla owner, are about collect your new Vizsla puppy or are just considering whether or not a Vizsla is the dog for you. I won't pretend that it's all my own work...some is but much of it is information that I've gleaned from other, far more experienced, Vizsla owners...so thank you to them.

11th September 2010 - Radar at Agility

2010-09-11T20:15:00.000+01:00

It was Radar's regular agility class today...& his turn to be filmed - thank you Tracey. He did fantastically (in my opinion of course!!) only knocking one jump down which was excellent considering he's only just moved up to jumping full height...clever boy!

Hope you enjoy watching us in action:

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A bit of "furry" training!!

2010-09-11T20:07:00.000+01:00

As you've probably realised by now, we like to give "the boys" variety in their training & try our best to make it all fun!! Today was a case in point...I managed to get hold of a "fur on" bunny & thought it would be good for Radar & Rio to get used to handling it...gently - neither have much, if any, experience in holding something furry in their mouths (apart from each other!!!). I guess, being "bird dogs" it would have been better to get a pheasant...but the season hasn't started yet so a rabbit had to do!!

Meet our training pal...Bugs!

The idea was to introduce them to "Bugs" & then to let them hold him gently (without chewing!) until I said "hand"...which is the command I use when I want them to put "something" in my hand...ball, dummy &, in this case, Bugs! Here they are "getting acquainted":

Umm...Rio's first meeting with Bugs!

Radar gently nudging Bugs with his nose!

Unfortunately I found it impossible to use the camera when they were actually holding the rabbit...needed another pair of hands!! But they both did really well...both eventually holding it & then giving it back to me in one piece...clever boys!

Bugs has now been returned to our local Barf pet food shop...

Our Dad!!

2010-09-11T10:11:00.000+01:00

Hey look at this...Dad sent us a picture of him on the cable ship...isn't he just so handsome! And what's this...he's missing us such a lot that he's grown fur on his face...I wonder if it's as soft as our fur!!!!!

Don't forget that you'll need that hat when you get home Dad...for protection!!

Time to catch up...!

2010-09-11T08:44:00.000+01:00

Where's the time gone...Dad's been away since 23rd August...he's doin' cable stuff in a place called the North Sea - we all miss him loads & can't wait for him to come home again...he'd better watch out when he does get home coz I'm going to mob him!! I reckon he'll think Mum's swopped Rio for a new vizzie coz Rio's just SO big now...almost as big as me though, of course, not as grown up or as sensible...hee, hee!

Mum's been a bit lax on the photo front but at last she's got her act together & has put together some Smileboxes for you enjoy...I hope! By the way, do watch Rio doin' his first proper agility course...what d'ya reckon, is he good or what...I'm so proud of my little bruv!!

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We went to Hurn Forest yesterday morning for a great walk...Mum reckoned the pictures were a bit boring but, I promise you, the walk was brilliant...there are just SO many lovely smells in the forest!!

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Then, yesterday evening, Mum took us to Queens Park Golf Course for a walk...yes, we're allowed coz it's a public course!! It's a really great place to walk...wide open spaces (Mum says they're called Fairways!) where we can run & run & run...there's water too that we can swim in...& lots of woody bits where we can sniff n stuff! BUT...the best bit is the sand-pits...apparently they're really called Bunkers...we don't care what they're called coz they're just great for doin' mad dog runs in!! Sorry to all you golfers out there but it is fun & Mum does rake them smooth afterwards!!!!

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I don't believe it!!

2010-08-15T21:58:00.000+01:00

I don't believe it &, maybe, you won't believe it either...but it's true! Young Rio entered his third "proper" show today (the Bournemouth Canine Association Championship Show) &...guess what...he was placed FIRST in the "Puppy Dog" class AND he then went on to achieve Best Puppy Dog...wow, were we proud or what! Here's the proof of his first place achievement:

"Standing" at Mill Lawn

2010-08-13T14:05:00.000+01:00

Radar & me had a lovely mini-whizz yesterday at Mill Lawn in the New Forest - my mates Ruby, Lexi & Kodi brought Aunty Jane & Uncle Paul for a walk by the river!! For once Mum didn't have her camera in her hand...or so I thought! Just as we were finishing our walk Mum asked Uncle Paul if he could take some pictures of me "standing"...I thought I'd better oblige as I know Granny Lynn & Mum Caroline wanted to see how I was doing!! So, here goes, a Smilebox for you to "enjoy"!!!

A free photo slideshow by Smilebox

We're SO proud of our boys!

2010-08-13T07:49:00.001+01:00

The last couple of weeks have been incredibly hectic one way & another but everything that's happened has proved to John & me, in no uncertain terms, that we've got two VERY SPECIAL & PRECIOUS Vizslas...in our opinion of course!

First thing...you already know that Radar did well in his agility competition...guess what...there's now even better news...he actually came FIRST in his group! Well done Radar...you clever boy!! Plus...he's now moved up to jumping FULL height...way to go Radarski!!

If you look at the red jump in the foreground you can see the, at the moment, empty notch at the top...that's where the bar will be raised to & how high Radar's having to jump now!!

Next thing...on Tuesday 3rd August, Radar spent the day with our friends, Andy & Tracey & their two collies (Lizzie & Charlie) - apparently, he was incredibly well behaved doing everything he was told to do...including 100% recall, playing nicely with Lizzie & Charlie & getting on Andys lap for a BIG cuddle!! Isn't it great when you can leave your boy with friends & know they're going to be so good?!!

So why did we leave Radar for the day...well, young Rio was competing in his first "proper" show - the Paignton & District Championship Show at Exeter.

I can't begin to tell you how nervous I was at the prospect of trying to put all our ringcraft training into practice...my stomach started churning about two days before & I'm not sure that I had much sleep either! On the day itself, we left home at about 6:15 a.m. - the "boys" were a bit surprised that they had to get out from under their duvets SO early!

Having dropped Radar off with Andy & Tracey, Rio & me headed west to the Westpoint Show Ground just outside Exeter. Thankfully, we arrived in plenty of time so we/I had a chance to try to relax & unwind before Rio's first class at 9:30! Well, I say relax...I think I'd have rather have had my head cut off with a spoon...& Rio...well he was just overwhelmed by all the people & dogs...particularly all the vizzies! He thought he was in "dog heaven"...all those potential red-dog playmates! Poor puppy...he didn't realise he was there to "work"!

Anyway, 9:30 came round all too fast & we found ourselves in the ring for the Minor Puppy Dog class. Despite all our practicing & the ringcraft lessons, I went into a serious "senior moment" & my brain turned to mush!! Thankfully, the judge quickly realised that I was a complete "greenhorn" & explained what we needed to do in words of one syllable!

First task..."stand" Rio - yeah right...he just wanted to go & play with all the other ginger ninjas! Eventually, after wriggling around like a bag full of ferrets, Rio did a beautiful "stand"...front legs straight, rear legs stretched back, head/tail/ears up etc etc! The "stand" probably lasted for all of a nano-second! Then came the moment when the judge wanted to feel him all over! Rio didn't mind that at all (even when the judge felt his "boy bits!) but then it came to the teeth checking bit - easy...Rio opened his mouth to show off his lovely, new, white teeth...the problem was that the judge was leaning over him...what else could Rio do except...LICK HIM ALL OVER!!!! At this stage I probably looked like a complete blithering idiot...need I say more?!!!! Then we had to "trot" in a triangle - have you ever seen bucking bronchos...?!

By now my nerves were completely shot to pieces & I was praying that the ground would open up & swallow us both for ever!!

However, Rio did eventually settle down (& so did I...well things couldn't get any worse could they!?) & did a beautiful "trot" followed by a reasonable "stand".

Then came the moment of truth...i.e. being told the "placings"! I was already planning Rio's new "career" as a sled-dog...well they don't have to stand still do they?!! But...guess what...Rio was awarded SECOND place...wow...what a clever puppy! Then, in his next class which was "Puppy Dog" he managed to get "Very Highly Commended" & that was against puppies that were nearly 1 year old! Here are his certificates:

Do you know what is really scary...the 2nd place qualifies Rio for Crufts 2011!!

Next thing...on Friday, 6th August (having left Radar at home with John) Rio & I headed north for Worcestershire...! We were staying the night with Rio's Dad (Digby) & his Mum & Dad (Lynn & Roy). Here's some photos of Digby...isn't he a handsome boy?!

We were staying with Lynn & Roy because the next day Rio was entering his next show - the National Gundog Association Championship Show! It was so lovely staying with Lynn & Roy...I got the chance to relax & also to do a bit of, much needed, ringcraft practice with the experts guiding me! Rio had a brilliant time playing with Digby, Rosie (his Grandmother), his Aunty Easle & his sister (Tango)...plus he had lots of cuddles from Roy & Lynn!!

Saturday morning saw Lynn, me, Tango & Rio heading to the 3 Counties Show Ground near Malvern. We arrived with plenty of time to do a bit more practicing before Rio's "Puppy Dog" class. Lynn also made sure to introduce me to loads of the other Vizsla owners many of whom I'd heard of but never met before....isn't it lovely being able to put faces to names!

When Rio's class came round I was very nervous (again!) but Rio certainly "performed" better than at Exeter - he trotted beautifully & did some reasonable "stands" though he still needs to learn to stand still for a bit longer! Once again, the judge was really kind to me & gentle with Rio...obviously realising that we were newbies at the showing game! So what was the end result...Rio was given another Very Highly Commended...well done puppy! Here's a picture of his certificate:

I have to admit that, for the first time, I really enjoyed the Malvern show - not only was it great to meet so many lovely people but I also got loads more tips on how to "handle" Rio...thank you to everyone for being so supportive particularly Lynn & Cath (Harris). Please keep "watching this space" for more of our showing antics!!!!

31st July 2010 - Work hard & play hard!!

2010-08-01T15:30:00.000+01:00

Yesterday was agility competition day for me (Rio's not big enough yet!!) - I was real excited but poor Mum...she was so nervous that I could see her knees shaking!! Anyhows...guess what...I managed THREE clear rounds AND woz faster than before too - Mum & Dad were real proud of me...& I woz proud of Mum...for not forgetting where we were supposed to be going & for NOT falling over!! Here's a few pictures that my Uncle Andy took of Mum & me doin' our stuff:

Uncle Andy & Aunty Tracey have got a new pup called Charlie...he & Rio go to the same agility class. Now this is wot I don't understand...when I go to 'gility Mum won't let me play coz she says I'm there to work...seems that the rules are different for Rio - here's some of the pictures Uncle Andy took of him & Charlie PLAYING!!!!

Ok Charlie...if you put your paw over Rio's shoulder...he'll try to trip you up!!

Look at those lovely new, white teeth!! BTW...this is "play" honest!!

Lovely smile Charlie! Is that a look of adoration in Rio's eye...or is he just waiting to pounce?!

25th July 2010 - Fording the River Stour...Dad Style!!

2010-07-26T10:17:00.002+01:00

Mum took us down to the river again today. When we got there...big surprise...Dad was there too coz he'd decided that he wanted to go in the river too! Only trouble was he seemed to forget that going in the river meant he had to wear his swimmies...instead he'd put on all these funny clothes including big boots, gloves & a hat...silly Daddy...didn't he realise that water is wet!! Even weirder...he was riding on this thing called a motor bike...!! Anyhows, after Rio had had a few turns fetching a ball, Dad made the motor bike make big noises & then took it in the river...weirder & weirder! I was really worried that Dad might fall in the water coz he was wibbly, wobbly all over the place...I just had to follow him in case he needed rescuing! Luckily he didn't fall in coz I don't think I'd have been able to pick up him or the motor bike for that matter...coz I haven't got opposable thumbs!! Here's a Smilebox with videos of our antics:

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17th July 2010 - Dorset Charity Horse & Dog Show

2010-07-18T13:07:00.002+01:00

Yesterday was yet another busy & exciting day for Rio & me...aren't we the lucky ones!!

Mum woke us up pretty early - 7 o'clock...yuk...doesn't she know that we both love our beds! She took us straight out for a walk in the woods behind our house - that was pretty cool as we managed to play with some dogs that we don't meet very often. After we'd had our breakfast it was into the car - I was a bit confused at this stage coz I usually have a bit of a nap after breakfast!! Anyhow's, Mum took us to some big fields not too far from home...there were LOADS & LOADS of other dogs there (& horses too!) including my vizzie mates Alf, Ellie, Sasha & Rufus plus my honorary vizzie mate Gem!

First of all we watched Sasha, Rufus & Gem do an agility competition...I was watching really closely to get some tips for when I do my first competition. They did SO well...all getting clear rounds &, guess what, Sasha was FIRST - way to go Sasha!! I would have liked to have a go but, coz I'm a big boy, I would've had to jump at full height whereas I'm still only jumping "medium" at my classes...oh well, another time!

Then it was time for Rio to have a new experience...

Mum had entered him for the "Open Puppy" pedigree class...his very first show! I was so nervous for him that I could hardly watch!!!!

It was a big class (about 18 other dogs including 2 vizzies that we hadn't met before) & Rio was near the back of the queue so he had a lot of waiting to do. Mum kept talking to him & getting him to "stand" to distract him from everything else that was going on. At last it was Rio's turn - Mum asked him to "stand" in front of the lady judge, which he did quite nicely (he didn't do too much "hokey cokey" with his back legs!!)...though I'm not sure why Mum kept holding on to his boy bits...she's a funny Mummy!!!! The lady judge looked in his eyes & at his lovely, new, white teeth, rubbed his ears, scratched his back & tummy, & felt all down his legs...I could put up with that!! Then she felt his boy bits too...weird or what?...though Rio didn't seem to mind...double-weird or what! Then Rio had to trot round in a sort of circle...he looked very handsome & so grown-up.

After the lady judge had stroked all the dogs she walked around a bit looking at all of them again. Then...oh I'm excited just thinking about it (!)...she pointed to six dogs & asked them to go towards her...RIO WAS ONE OF THE SIX! She looked at all the dogs again & then asked Rio to do a little trot - he did it beautifully...if I'd been a hooman I'd have cried with pride (hee, hee...I'm a poet & didn't know it!!)! The judge had one more look & then pointed to 3 dogs...guess what...RIO WAS ONE OF THE THREE!

The judge then handed out these rosette things...guess what...RIO WAS SECOND & got a lovely blue rosette...way to go bruv!! Mum n me were so proud particularly as the dog that came first (a Lowchen) was nearly 1 & had a very experienced handler Mummy!! When we got home, Mum gave us both a yummy lamb rib to celebrate!

Unfortunately we haven't got any pictures of Rio strutting his stuff in the ring but here are a couple that Mum took when we got home:

Rio having a well derserved rest!

Ah, handsome boy!

Yet more cuddles for Rio!

2010-07-15T08:58:00.000+01:00

Last Sunday we all went on a fantastic New Forest walk that my mate Kodi's Mum & Dad (Paula & Stuart) organised - thank you very very much Aunty Paula & Uncle Stuart. It was a mini-whizz as there were 7 vizzies there...me, Rio & Kodi (obviously!) plus Indy & Alf came with Uncle Roger & Aunty Gail, and Ruby & Lexi came with their Mum & Dad (Aunty Jane & Uncle Paul). After our walk we all went back to Kodi's house & the hoomans had this thing called a BBQ...it smelt really good but, as usual, us vizzies had to make do with bones...not that I'm complaining as I LOVE my bones!!

However, I do have one complaint...my little bruv gets LOADS of cuddles (just look at the photos below!)...what about me folks...I like cuddles too!!

Rio & Uncle Stuart...who do you reckon looks more content?!

Rio snuggled up & asleep in Dad's arms!

14th July 2010 - Rio's in trouble!

2010-07-14T23:42:00.000+01:00

Rio’s in disgrace…on our way back from a walk this evening, he decided to roll in the wettest, smelliest fox poo imaginable – it was not only all over his back but also all down his neck AND in his ears AND on his collar....yuk!

It gets worse...I managed to pull him off the stinking pile of fox c***p & put his lead on. What happens...he tries to roll again...so his lead is now covered in the stuff...double yuk!

It gets even worse...he then decides to shake so I get covered in it too...triple yuk is an understatement! BTW, Radar, at this stage, has decided, sensibly, to keep his distance!

We then get home & I open the stair-gate so that I can go upstairs to remove the offending clothing...what happens...he manages to fly by me & promptly jumps straight on our bed & ROLLS...I probably don't have to say anything else apart from the fact that the washing machine is now on!!

Here's the picture for you to "enjoy" of Rio's back…shame it isn’t smelly vision!!!!

Anyway, the end result was that he had to suffer the garden hose treatment (he was NOT impressed!) this was then followed by a Neem bath because he still smelt disgusting (believe it or not, I felt a bit guilty giving him a cold shower so the bath was warm...yes, I am beyond help!)!! Go on tell me how to stop him rolling in disgusting stuff...he's had more baths in 6 months than Radar's had in 3 years!

But his "mischief" didn't end there...

While I was putting my clothes, the sponges, towels, his collar & lead etc into the washing machine he decided to pull a load of poo bags down off the kitchen surface & tear them into a million pieces...luckily they were unused!

9th & 10th July 2010

2010-07-14T22:49:00.004+01:00

Just a few pictures:

Radar, Dad & me at Fritham in the New Forest

Hey Dad, didn't Hilary Mantel win the Man Booker Prize? Will you read Wolf Hall to me please?

Ummm...it's ok I suppose!

Well maybe not!!!!

Rio swimming to Dad at Sandbanks

And then having a well deserved cuddle for being such a clever boy!!!

29th June to 8th July 2010 - Our Road Trip Holiday!

2010-07-14T22:38:00.000+01:00

Radar & me have just got back from my very first proper holiday...whoopee...did we have fun...oh yes!!

Tuesday, 29th June

We left home just after lunchtime bones (!!)...you should have seen all the stuff that was packed into the car...luckily there was plenty of room for Radar n me in the back but I think Mum & Dad were a bit squashed up!

First we went to Cirencester to see Grandma Iris...I gave her loads of big cuddles & licks which she seemed to like!! Mum took us for a walk in the old Abbey grounds - we had great fun racing round the lake tho Radar n me got a bit scared when some swans hissed at us!!

Abbey grounds in Cirencester

After we'd had our dinner, we headed off to a town called Bewdley. We arrived there at about 7 o'clock in the evening...just in time to go & see some friends of Mum & Dad's called Geoff & Jenny - they live in this really cool house right by the river. After we'd had some more plays (including Radar escaping onto the cricket pitch behind the house...luckily no one was playing cricket!), drinks n stuff Dad said it was time to sort things out before bed. I thought we were going to sleep in the house but oh no...we were in for a brand new experience!! Dad drove us to a place called a "camp site"...I was really confused coz I couldn't see any houses or beds anywhere! Mum & Dad then put this thing called a "tent" up...it was a bit like my crate at home except that it had soft sides!!! It had one little room that we slept in together...very cosy...I snuggled up to Dad for most of the night!!!

Our crate for the night!!

Wednesday, 30th June

In the morning, after we'd had breakfast, it was back in the car again to go to more new places. This time we went to visit a friend called Nigel & his very pretty Collie/Jack Russell cross girly called Poppy. They live in an old farmhouse about 10 minutes drive from a town called Kendal, on the southern edge of the Lake District. The farm is actually in the middle of nowhere which meant Radar & me got to have some great walks on the Fells. Here's a few pictures so you get the idea of where we were:

Haygarth Farm

Radar looking very hot during one of our walks!! His tongue's almost as long as my tail!!

Here we are with Mum walking down the "road" towards the farm

Pretty isn't it?!

Not another house in sight!!

My handsome bruv standing in one of the meadows!!

We woz really lucky coz we got to stay the night at the farm but because Nigel is having to do loads of work on all the buildings there was nowhere for us to sleep in the main house so...guess what...we slept in a funny little shed called a "bothy"...here's a picture of it:

We had a really great time with Nigel & Poppy...here's a video of us dogs playing together. I think Mum thought I was getting a bit too amorous with Poppy (whoops...sorry...so rude!) but she was so nice & smelt yummy!!!

Thursday, 1st July

After breakfast we headed north once again...this time towards Scotland &, in particular, Edinburgh. We stayed with a friend of Mum & Dad's called Kathy...she's got this cute little boy called Lewis who we both loved playing with. Kathy lives really near a brilliant park called Holyrood Park...it's ENORMOUS so we were able to have some really great walks there. Here are a couple of photos of the park:

Friday, 2nd July

Today was really lovely & warm so Dad, Mum, Kathy, Lewis, Radar & me all went to a really big beach called Gullane, on the Firth of Forth.

Gullane Bay

I bet you can't guess what Radar & me did on the beach...yup, you're right...we did loads of swimming & digging...just for a change!! Here's a Smilebox with just some of our photos:

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Saturday, 3rd July

Mum & Dad went to something called a wedding today but we weren't allowed to go (SO unfair!!) so, instead, we spent the day with Kathy & Lewis...they took us for some great walks in Holyrood Park & spoilt us loads by giving us some yummy treats & chicken wings.

Sunday, 4th July

In the morning Mum & Dad took us for a walk to Arthur's Seat which is in the middle of Holyrood Park - Mum was a bit concerned that the walk would be too much for me coz I'm only little...she didn't have to worry..I managed no problem!! Here's a picture of Arthur's Seat followed by a bit of information about it that you might find interesting reading!!

"Arthur's Seat is the main peak of the group of hills which form most of Holyrood Park, a wild piece of highland landscape in the centre of the city of Edinburgh, about a mile to the east of Edinburgh Castle. The hill rises above the city to a height of 251 m (823 ft), provides excellent panoramic views of the city, is quite easy to climb, and is a popular walk. Though it can be climbed from almost any direction, the easiest and simplest ascent is from the East, where a grassy slope rises above Dunsapie Loch.

Like the castle rock on which Edinburgh Castle is built, it was formed by an extinct volcano system of Carboniferous age (approximately 350 million years old), which was eroded by a glacier moving from west to east during the Quaternary (approximately the last two million years), exposing rocky crags to the west and leaving a tail of material swept to the east.[2] This is how the Salisbury Crags formed and became basalt cliffs between Arthur's Seat and the city centre. From some angles, Arthur's Seat resembles a lion couchant. Two of the several extinct vents make up the 'Lion's Head' and the 'Lion's Haunch'."

Monday, 5th July

Today we left Edinburgh & started our journey home but our holiday was definitely not over as we had a few more stops to make! Before we left though, Radar & me had a bit of quality time playing with Lewis...he's such a cute hooman!!

Radar enjoying a story!

Here's me listening to Lewis talking about his tiger!

Ah...so cute! Radar looks like he wants to give Lewis a morning lick...or it might be the marmite on the front of his pj's that attracts him!!

After we left Edinburgh we headed south to a place called Penrith in the Lake District. This time we were staying with Uncle Mike & Aunty Jayne (friends that Mum & Dad had met skiing) & their Springer called Milo. As soon as we arrived Mike took us out for a walk at a place called Beacon Hill...it was a great walk through woods & undergrowth...loads of new sniffs to smell!

Tuesday, 6th July

Today was very special coz, guess what, Radar & me did our first "Wainwright Walk"...you impressed yet?!

Uncle Mike (Aunty Jane had to go to work...boo, hoo) took Mum, Dad, Milo, Radar & me to walk "Latrigg" which is 1203' (about 367 metres) high & is near a very pretty town called Keswick. We basically walked to Keswick & back - on the way to Keswick we walked up to the top of Latrigg & on the way back (having had some lunch in Keswick) we walked along the disused railway next to the River Greta...which, of course, we got to swim in! Once again, Mum was a bit worried that the walk would be too much for me...she didn't need to worry...I managed really well & didn't have to do too much climbing! Here's a few things that Alfred Wainwright said about Latrigg that Mum particularly likes & thinks are appropriate:

"Latrigg: a small hill, an excellent viewpoint, a great favourite of local folk and visitors. Latrigg is pastoral and parkland in character, not rough fell, and the summit is the easiest of promenades, so that this is not a climb calling for old clothes and heavy boots: 'Sunday best' is quite appropriate dress."

"The River Greta flows along the southern base, occupying a wooded gorge of outstanding scenic beauty, appreciated best from the disused railway from Keswick to Threlkeld."

"The top of Latrigg is a grand place, especially for fellwalkers on the retired list: here they can recline for hours, recalling joyful days when they had energy enough to climb to the tops of all the mountains in view."

Here's a Smilebox with some of the pictures Dad took:

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Wednesday, 7th July

We stayed last night with Uncle Mike & Aunty Jane again but in the morning we had to say goodbye & head south again...I was very sad coz I really liked the Lake District...I'll have to try to persuade Dad to take us there again one day...I want to walk some more Wainwrights!!!!

We planned to stay at the camp site in Bewdley again tonight but we still had time to pop in to say "hi" to Nigel & have a quick play with Poppy on the way. Here's some photos of Poppy & me:

Isn't Poppy is pretty girl?!

Oh come on Pops...please, please play with me!!

Ok Poppy, you hide & I'll try to find you!!

After leaving Nigel & Poppy's place we drove (well Dad drove actually!!) to Bewdley & to the camp site where Mum & Dad set up the tent again for the night. Before bed, we went to see Geoff & Jenny again. Radar & me had a really good night's sleep in the tent...Radar decided he was going to put his duvet right next to Mum...I then cuddled up on top of Radar...I like this tent sleeping stuff!!!!

8th July 2010

In the morning, Dad took Radar & me for a walk next to the river...Mum stayed at the camp site so she could catch up with some sleep...apparently Radar & me kept her awake last night with our snoring!!!!

Then, after lunch, we set off again & I got the BIGGEST BESTEST surprise ever...you'll never guess where we went! We went to see my doggie Dad (Digby) & my hooman Granny Lynn & Grandad Roy...I was so excited to see them!! Granny Lynn wanted me to practice "standing" ready for the shows Mum's entered me for...I wasn't too keen as I'd been in the car for ages but I did manage to stand still long enough for Mum to take one reasonable photo of me!!! Here's a Smilebox of the pictures...plus there's a few of Dad & me getting to know each other!!

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At this stage I just want to apologise for my big bruv's behaviour while we were seeing Granny & Grandad...do you want to know what happened...I bet you do!! Granny Lynn breeds chickens & ducks...they walk round the garden all the time quite happily coz Granny's 4 vizzies are used to them - can you see where this is going...bet you can?!

Well...Radar was walking round the garden & met Granny's PRIZE cockerel...he followed him around for a bit & then decided he wanted to play...oh dear...not a good idea! Radar grabbed the cockerel by the tail feathers and.............the cockerel ran away leaving Radar with a mouth full of feathers. Luckily the cockerel was ok but Mum was mortified...I thought she was going to cry as she was REALLY embarrassed!!!! I think/hope Granny Lynn has forgiven her & Radar!

Well back to our holiday stuff...after we left Granny & Grandad we went to Cirencester to see Grandma Iris again...more licks for her!! Then it was home to Bournemouth - Radar & me were pretty sad that it was the end of our brilliant holiday but it was REALLY good to be home again.

Thanks Dad & Mum for a great time!

25th June 2010...more fun at Sandbanks dog beach!

2010-07-13T14:31:00.000+01:00

Mum & Dad took us back to the dog beach at Sandbanks today...what fun we had swimming fetching the dummy & wubba from the water. Here's a few pictures of us doing what vizzies do best:

We just have to fetch the wubba together!!

Radar looking very elegant!!

Rio...the mini torpedo!!

Mini Whizz with Fergus!

2010-06-20T19:06:00.000+01:00

Hey folks...guess where we went today? Mum took us to Mill Lawn for a walk (our most favouritist place!) & we met our mate Fergus n his hooman Mum, Aunty Nicky. Poor Winston & Uncle Mike couldn't come this time...we missed them loads! Hopefully Mum'll take us to the woods near where Fergus & Winston live so that we can all have a walk together! Aunty Nicky took some brilliant pictures of us vizzies having fun...running, sniffing, paddling, swimming, fetching sticks n stuff - here's a link to Fergus' blog so you can have a look see: http://fergusthevizsla.blogspot.com/

17th June 2010 - Birthday swim!

2010-06-18T20:56:00.000+01:00

It woz Mum's birthday yesterday so, after we left Otto, Dad took Mum & us for a special swim at Branksome beach!!!! We had a great time fetching the dummy & the wet-wubba from the sea - Rio's getting really fast...I reckon he's going to be faster than me soon! He's also brilliant in the sea...not at all scared of the waves as you'll see:

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By the way, Dad took Mum out for some dinner after we left the beach...I have a feeling she didn't get chicken wings!!!!!

17th June 2010 - Time with Otto!

2010-06-18T20:08:00.000+01:00

Rio & me had a great time yesterday afternoon. Mum was looking after her grandson, Otto...it's funny to think of Mum as "Granny J"...does that make him Cousin Otto to Rio & me?!

Otto is 21 months old & is walking & running everywhere...he's also getting to be a real good talker...he can say Radar & Rio, & sit, & wait & leave it & off & eat grass. He was saying "eat grass" loads coz both Rio & me like munching grass - Dad reckons we're goats...hee, hee! He was also saying "off" loads coz we really wanted to explore the flower beds where Emma (Mum's hooman daughter!) had planted some nice new plants!!

Unfortunately, Otto is 'lergic to dogs so, even though he loves us loads, he mustn't touch us - if he does he gets all itchy, scratchy red bits. I'd, obviously, really like to snuggle up & give him a special Radar kiss (!), but I learnt ages ago not to touch him...I woz real impressed that Rio seemed to know straight away not to touch either...what a good puppy! Anyhows...here's some pictures of us three boys:

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13th June 2010 - fun at the beach!

2010-06-14T18:59:00.000+01:00

Yesterday afternoon, Mum & Dad took us to the dog beach at Sandbanks...we had a great time swimming & fetching the wet-wubba & wet-dummy. Even better, Dad came swimming with us...he was wearing a funny black coat that he said would keep him warm in the cold water. Note...me & Radar didn't need a special coat coz we're big roughty, toughty dogs!! Here's a Smilebox with the videos that Mum took (btw...she says sorry about the background noise...it was very windy!!):

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First Agility Class!

2010-06-14T18:58:00.000+01:00

Hey folks...guess what...I had the best time on Saturday coz Mum took me to my first agility class...how much fun was that!!!

Coz I'm only little I can't do proper jumps yet (like wot Radar does!) but Aunty Jo, my teacher, said it was ok to run between the wings of the jumps & to go through the tunnels. Plus she's got a baby dog-walk so I got to try that out too. Aunty Jo said that I had to listen to Mum very carefully & do what she told me...I learnt 3 new commands..."jump", "tunnel" & "walk"...am I clever or what!!!

Dad came to watch me & took some videos...have a watch & see what you think:

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Is Rio cheeky or what?!!!!

2010-06-08T12:40:00.002+01:00

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30th May 2010 - a bit of ringcraft practice!!

2010-06-04T13:01:00.000+01:00

Dad & Mum took Radar & me to see Mum Caroline & Dad David last weekend...it was really great coz we also got to play with my doggie Mum, Maple - we had a great time! Then Mum asked Caroline to give her some ringcraft tips...did they REALLY have to make me stand on the trampoline...?!!!!!

30th May 2010

2010-06-03T21:30:00.000+01:00

I love my big brother...!!!

25th May 2010 - a walk in the forest!

2010-06-03T21:25:00.000+01:00

Here's a few pictures of Radar & me (well, mainly of me!!) on one of our walks:

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Oh dear...

2010-06-03T20:59:00.000+01:00

...I think I'm getting a bit big for my puppy crate...what d'ya reckon?!!!!!

Summer's here!

2010-05-24T18:57:00.001+01:00

Wow...it's been really, really hot this weekend so, when we were at home, Radar & me spent loads of time lying in the shade & drinking loads of water...phew! Then Mum & Dad put this paddling pool thingie in the garden & filled it up with lovely cool water - at first I thought it was just a giant drinking bowl but Radar soon put me right & so after that I had a great time paddling & playing with my toys in it. Here's a few pictures of me doing just that:

Hey this is fun...!

Just looking handsome...sorry about the bad "stand"!

Is there room in there for both of us?!

So who's going to get the ball first!?

Oh it's disappeared...!

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In between playing in the garden, Mum & Dad took us for some great walks...on Sunday morning we went to a place called Sandbanks - it's a brilliant beach that dogs are allowed to go to all the year round...it's got loads of lovely sand to dig in & water to paddle in - Radar did lots of swimming & I had a little go too!! Then, yesterday evening, Mum & Dad took us to the river & guess what...for the very first time I did some proper swimming &, even though I say it myself, some brilliant fetches from the water - I think my doggie Dad, Digby, would be really proud of me!

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Caught out!

2010-05-16T15:42:00.000+01:00

I know I'm not supposed to do big jumps but it was all Mum's fault...she'd moved my bed (well, it's Radar's really!!) & toys on top of the chest!!!

Togetherness!

2010-05-16T15:38:00.000+01:00

Radar & Rio...relaxing together...for a minute!!

Agility Piccies!

2010-05-16T15:18:00.000+01:00

Mum's mate, Debbie, has just sent us some pictures of me (& Mum) doing agility last month - I thought they were so great that you'd like to see them too! What'd ya reckon?

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25th April 2010 - Rio...all stacked up...not!!

2010-04-26T14:13:00.000+01:00

As some of you may know, I'm going to be going to these things called "shows"...I'm not really sure what that means but I think I get to see loads of other vizzies (which is great)...I also have to stand still (which isn't so great...or easy!).

Anyhows...I've started going to these classes called "Ringcraft" every Wednesday - when I'm there I have to do all sorts of different stuff like...stand still with my head & tail up...let different people feel me all over (including my boy bits!!!)...trot up & down a mat thing! I'm getting better at the trotting thing though it's hard not to look at all the other dogs...particularly the pretty ones! I also don't mind people touching me (Mum does it all the time so I'm used to it)...I don't even mind when they put their fingers in my mouth coz I'm learning to have a "soft mouth" which means I don't bite! But the standing bit is REALLY REALLY HARD...I just want to run around meeting new friends, sniffing good smells n stuff. I think I'm getting better though...last week I stood still for all of 5 seconds!!!! However, Mum wanted to get some pictures of me standing yesterday so asked Mum Caroline to help - they thought I'd be happy to stand still as I'd be tired after the walk...yeah right!! Here's a Smilebox of my attempts...no laughing now!!

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25th April 2010 - quality time with Mum!

2010-04-26T13:34:00.001+01:00

Yes, it's me again!! The other great thing that happened yesterday was that I got to spend some quality time with my Mum, Maple...here's some pictures of us sitting together...by the way, that's my Aunty Darcy in the background!

Ah...such a pretty Mum...I think I'm quite handsome too!

What d'ya reckon to our right hand profiles...?

And the left...!

Look at those ears...!

Snuggling up close!

Ah...!

25th April 2010 - Rio & Coco make up for lost time!!

2010-04-26T13:12:00.001+01:00

Radar's been hugging the computer for TOO long...now it's my turn to post something on this bloggy thing!

I had a brilliant time yesterday meeting loads & loads of other red dogs...thank you Mum & Dad for arranging it! I also got to have really nice cuddles with masses of hoomans...in can't remember all their names (sorry!) but my special Mum Caroline, Aunty Clare & Aunty Martine gave me some particularly nice cuddles & squeezes...in return I made sure that their faces were squeaky clean...hee, hee!!

I also got to play with my two litter sisters...Lilly & Coco. It was a pity that none of my brothers could make...perhaps another time? Anyhows, Coco & I had a real good play fight at the pub place...did we have fun or what...here's some pictures for you to enjoy:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/radar_rio_reddogs/sets/72157623810245419/show/

New Forest Viz Whizz - Mill Lawn, Burley

2010-04-25T22:14:00.001+01:00

We've just had the most amazing whizz in the whole wide world...Mum & Dad took us into the New Forest for a walk &, guess what, we actually had a walk with about 40 other vizzies!

This whizz was a particularly special one as it was Rio's first official Viz Whizz...what a brilliant way to start - he had a great time "meeting & greeting" all the other vizzies & their human companions!! In fact, half the time Mum & Dad couldn't find him as he'd gone off for a cuddle with someone!!!

Our Uncle Rod (from California), should have been at the whizz, but, unfortunately, couldn't come this time...I don't really understand 'xactly why but it was something to do with a silly volcano thingie putting ash stuff in the air which meant the big white bird plane couldn't fly! Hopefully by looking at all the great photos of us ginger boys & girls he'll be a little bit less disappointed that he couldn't be with us! A bit of good news...'partently he's told Mum & Dad that he & Aunty Joanie will be coming to see us another time...please, please, please come soon...we'll arrange another Viz Whizz just for you!!!

So to the photos...boy were there loads & loads! Mum & Dad love this one of me (Radar)...clever Uncle Damian took it...do I look like I'm having fun or what!!!

Here are some links to loads of others on Flickr. This first one is of pictures that Dad & Mum took:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/radar_rio_reddogs/sets/72157623810188797/show/

Now to some really professional shots courtesy of my mate Morph's Mum & Dad...Uncle Damian & Aunty Laura:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cheekydevil/sets/72157623927843726/

My mate Fergus had also posted some photos on his Blog...check it out:

http://www.fergusthevizsla.blogspot.com/

20th April 2010 - fun in the garden!

2010-04-25T20:57:00.001+01:00

It's so good that we're getting some sunny weather now...it means that Radar & me can play in the garden every day! Here's a quick Smilebox of us doing our normal rough & tumble stuff:

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18th April 2010 - Dad's just SO strict!!

2010-04-25T20:30:00.000+01:00

I love my Dad so much despite him being really, really strict with me...he says I have to sleep in my crate, am not allowed on the furniture etc etc. So what'd you reckon to this photo of me (Rio)...hee, hee?!!!!

11th April 2010 - Mini Whizz!

2010-04-13T15:07:00.000+01:00

We had a great walk today...Aunty Rachel phoned up & invited us to a new walking place near Broomhill. As well as Sasha & Ellie, Aunty Gail & Uncle Roger came too with Indy & Alf...so there were SIX vizzies...good practice for our big whizz on the 25th!!!

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10th April 2010 - Radar's Agility Competition

2010-04-13T14:45:00.001+01:00

We had a competition at my agility club today...doing jumps, tunnels & weaves. It was brilliant fun...we each had 3 turns. I think I was disqualified during my first run (I ran past a jump by mistake...whoops!) & I got 5 faults on my 3rd run (I knocked down the last jump...typical!) but on my 2nd run I got a clear round (yippee!!) - here's the video Dad took:

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9th April 2010 - At Sandbanks beach...

2010-04-13T13:42:00.001+01:00

Dad, Mum & Nana Iris took us to Sandbanks beach today. It was really sunny & we had a great time digging & running in the sand...Dad had also bought us a bright orange Kong wet Wubba. I had a brilliant time fetching it out of the sea! Rio didn't go swimming this time but he did some good paddling...maybe next time he'll try out the swim thing! Here's a Smilebox for you...don't laugh too much at Mum's throwing...!!

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8th April 2010 - Just me (Rio) & Dad!

2010-04-13T12:15:00.001+01:00

Quality time!!

6th April 2010 - Fun & bones!

2010-04-13T12:12:00.002+01:00

I just love my bones & Rio does too...loves MY bones that is!!!

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5th April 2010 - Playing at home!

2010-04-13T12:04:00.000+01:00

We haven't had a chance to post anything for ages...busy, busy, busy!! Anyhows...here's a Smilebox of Rio & me playing together...just for a change!

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Vizsla Club of America...

2010-04-03T13:04:00.000+01:00

I just had to post this link - it's the VCA's 50th anniversary & they've put a superb video on their site. For those that love this breed, & its history, this is a must watch:

http://vcaweb.org/VCA50th.html

Keep watching...don't stop in the middle!!

Our boys together!

2010-03-30T19:44:00.000+01:00

Just looking gorgeous!

Rio paying Radar back for yesterday!!

29th March 2010 - No, Rio hasn't suddenly grown!!

2010-03-30T08:26:00.000+01:00

Hey this brings back memories...Rio's crate is pretty cool...& peaceful!!

Who you looking at?!!

PS...sorry about the eyes...Mum just can't get to grips with the anti-red eye function!!!

27th & 28th March 2010...loads of stuff!

2010-03-28T21:30:00.001+01:00

Radar & me have had a really busy, busy weekend...we've done loads of great things, been to new places & seen masses of different people who, of course, wanted me to kiss them...I happily obliged!! We also met loads of dogs...some were friendly & were happy for me to play with them...others were happier playing with big bruv Radar!

Anyhows, just so's you know exactly what we did...

On Saturday morning we met Aunty Rachel & Uncle Ian at Fritham in the New Forest - they're owned by two really pretty vizzies called Ellie & Sasha...yippee...my first mini viz whizz...getting some practice in for April 25th! I thought Ellie & Sasha smelt really nice (eau de girlyviz!!) & would have really liked to play with them but they said they were scared they'd hurt me so I'd have wait till I was bigger...sooooo unfair! Guess what...Mum let me "go free" (off the lead) for some of the walk coz I'd proved to her that whenever she called "Rio come" I'd run straight back to her...am I a good puppy or what!!

Then, on Saturday afternoon, I went to agility with Radar. I had to make do with watching him do it (he's really good...though Mum did keep forgetting where she had to go next!!) coz Aunty Jo said I'd have to wait till I was a bit bigger before I could take part even though I told her I'd been practicing "go tunnel" at home!! Luckily Aunty Emily played "fetch the ball" with me which was really cool!!

This morning (Sunday) Mum took Radar & me to a place called Hengistbury Head - it was a really nice day...there were loads of people & their dogs out walking so I got to "meet & greet" lots. I watched Radar going for a swim...that looked like fun but when I tried paddling I decided it was very very cold on my toes...burrrr...maybe another time!

Then, this afternoon, we went to the Dorset Dogs Doggie Festival in Poole Park. Radar & me didn't enter any of the competitions (we wanted to give everyone else a chance...hee, hee!!)...we just did some socialisation...as you can imagine, there were LOADS of dogs to say "hello" too! We also went to see Aunty Sue & Aunty Julie at the Caring Canines stand...that's who Radar works for...they said they were looking forward to me starting work too...yeah right...I want to do loads more playing first!!

So, as you can see, it really was a busy weekend...but loads of fun too! Here's a Smilebox with a few pictures for you to enjoy!!

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Another day...another play!

2010-03-23T18:56:00.002Z

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Monday morning fun!

2010-03-22T09:47:00.000Z

Just a few pictures & a video for you to enjoy!!

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Morning play - 21st March 2010

2010-03-22T09:28:00.000Z

I can't believe it...Rio wants to get up early every morning to play...doesn't he realise I'm a teenager & need my sleep!!!

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Houdini Rio!

2010-03-18T08:08:00.000Z

That little brother of mine is a real houdini monkey!

Mum had put him in his crate with the door open, but with the puppy pen in place, while she had a shower. I was still snuggled up under my duvet when Rio started barking SO loudly. Mum & me rushed downstairs to see what was going on & this is what we found:

Rio'd not only managed to scale the side of the puppy pen (you can just see the top of it on the left of picture) but had also managed to cross the gap & get on top of the “bar stool”…& was stuck with no where else to go!!!

Quality time!

2010-03-16T19:16:00.002Z

I think this Smilebox says it all...

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Sunny Day!

2010-03-15T19:03:00.000Z

It's been such a lovely sunny day today...me & Rio had a great time playing in the garden together. Here's a Smilebox just for you to enjoy!

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Me & Mum!

2010-03-15T18:40:00.000Z

We certainly have had a busy old week...I love my new little brother Rio loads but he isn't half noisy...here's me & Mum having a quality cuddle...I reckon she's catching up on some sleep!

Busy first week!

2010-03-15T17:50:00.000Z

Well it's the end of my first week in my new home...ha, ha...who said I was too little to use the computer!! Anyhows, I thought you'd all like to know some of the things that I've been up to with my Mum & Dad & my bestest, bestest brother Radar!

Mum took me on quite a few of Radar's walks last week but she said I was too little to actually walk & insisted that I sit in a bag...how uncool is that...I made sure that I did a lot of wriggling to keep Mum on her toes!!! Then, on Friday, we went to see the vet lady to have my first 'jection - she must have liked me coz she tickled my tummy & my toes & then gave me some yummy liver treats!!

As I've had my 'juection I'm allowed to do a bit of walking...hurrah, the bag's been put back in the cupboard!! On Saturday we went to a place called St Catherine's Hill...here I am with Radar...I'm practising my "sits"!!

One thing I really love is my food...coz I want to grow big & strong like Radar, I'm a Barf dog...that means that I get to eat loads of yummy raw meat & bones & vegetables & stuff. Here's a picture (sorry it's a bit fuzzy...there was no way I was going to sit still!!) of me having a scrummy chicken carcass for breakfast...Dad reckoned it was almost as big as me & was really surprised when I ate every scrap!!

Then yesterday (Sunday) we went to this place called beach...it was very big & the water made funny growly noises which were a bit scary...when I get bigger I'll go back & growl at it!! The sand was pretty good though...it tickled my pads & was great for digging in!

Phew...all this new stuff to do...exhausting!!

Welcome home Rio!

2010-03-08T13:10:00.001Z

Well what a weekend we've all had...busy, busy, busy & noisy, noisy, noisy!!

Mum & Dad went to collect my new brother (now called Rio!) on Saturday. Aunty Caroline & Uncle David were a bit sad to see him go but we told them that Rio would be well looked after & loved lots. Plus we promised to get together again really soon so that they could see how Rio's getting on.

Rio's a bit noisy sometimes...particularly at night...so confusing...why does he want to go in the garden when it's all dark & cold...funny boy! We've already introduced him to lots of different people so that he can be as well socialised as me!! Aunty Gail & Uncle Roger came round to see him yesterday & so did Aunty Jilly...he got loads of hugs but, luckily, they didn't forget me & I got loads of hugs too! Then, this morning, he went on his first walk with me...he looked really funny coz Mum put him in a bag as she said he was too little to walk outside yet! He met two of my vizzie mates - Maestro & Toffee - & loads of other dogs & people came up to say hello too!

Mum & me have put together a small Smilebox for you to look at...when Rio's bigger I might let him write in our Blog but, at the moment, he's too small to reach the computer!!

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Another New Forest Viz Whizz!

2010-02-21T21:05:00.002Z

I had a really brilliant walk today...Kodi's Mum & Dad (Aunty Paula & Uncle Stuart) organised another whizz in the New Forest. We went to a different place this time...somewhere called Wilverley Plain...it was really cool with loads of space to run around & water & mud an' stuff to run through!! Mum didn't take many photos but my mate Fergus' Mum & Dad (Aunty Nicky & Uncle Mike) took masses - if you click on this link you'll be able to look at Fergus' Blog & the Smilebox that he made: http://fergusthevizsla.blogspot.com/

I've just received the following link from my mate Morph (it was his 1st birthday yesterday...I bet he loved the liver cake that Aunty Paula made!!)...anyhows, there's loads more pictures of our walk that you can enjoy: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cheekydevil/sets/72157623485913382/

Puppy Update!

2010-02-14T20:39:00.001Z

Yesterday, Mum, Dad & me went to see Maple & her pups. I was really excited as Aunty Caroline & Uncle David said that I could get to see them. I was a bit nervous coz I didn't want to upset Maple...me being such a big, grown-up vizzie an' all & her being the new Mum of 8 tiny pups! But I didn't need to worry coz Mapes really wanted me to meet them & she was really cool & relaxed when I said "Hi" to each of them! They were all really cute & smelt really nice (sort of puppyish!). I was a bit disappointed that they didn't want to play with me just yet...maybe next time when they're a bit bigger! Mum & Dad took LOADS of pictures while we were there...here are just a few of them on a Smilebox for you to enjoy!

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My brilliant sister!

2010-02-03T23:07:00.001Z

I expect you remember me telling you that my sister, Maple, started having her puppies just before we went away to France...well I thought you might like a bit of an update!!!!

Guess what, Mapes had EIGHT puppies...6 boys & 2 girls - I'm just so proud of her...I still can't quite believe that my sister's a Mum now! Their names (at the moment!) are:

Mr Blue (Macadamia)
Mr Turquoise (Peanut)
Mr Orange (Cashew)
Miss Red (Coconut)
Miss Pink (Butternut)
Mr Green (Pistachio)
Mr Yellow (Filbert)
Mr Purple (Acorn)

Ahhhhh!!!

Anyhows...Mum really wanted to see them so that she could give Aunty Caroline, Maple & the pups big hugs & kisses...yuk...girl stuff!! So yesterday (Tuesday) Mum, me & Aunty Gail (she wanted to do all that girlie stuff too!) drove up to Swindon to see them all. Here's a Smilebox with the pictures Mum took:

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Our Winter Holiday - 16th to 30th January 2010

2010-02-03T22:29:00.006Z

You might wonder why I haven't written much for a while...well, that's coz I took Dad & Mum on holiday again...aren't they just so lucky!!! We went back to that Chapelle d'Abondance French place that we went to last year but this time it was even better coz my mate Charlie came too which meant I had someone to play with. Course he brought his Dad & Mum with him (that's my Uncle Steve & Aunty Sally!!) which woz brilliant coz they're my bestest friends too!

Mum & Dad did that weird skiing stuff most days...still don't know why they need to put those funny long ski things on their feet...I manage going down-hill just fine. AND I can go up-hill too...they have to take their skis off & get in little cars to get to the top of the mountain! Mind you, I went in those cars a few times...it was pretty cool...I liked sitting on the seat & looking at the nice views!

As usual, Mum & Dad took loads of pictures - I hope you enjoy looking at them...as much as I enjoyed posing for them!

What's that white stuff on my nose?!

Ah...snow...yum!

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One day Charlie stayed with us while his Mum & Dad went off skiing...we had a great walk together up into the mountains to look at a waterfall...but, although Dad showed it to us, we weren't convinced...what do you reckon...have a look at this Smilebox & see if you can see any water?!!

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More snow came down overnight on the 24th...this is the view from our balcony...pretty isn't it!

On Monday afternoon, Dad went off to do some serious skiing, so Mum & me went for a great walk with Charlie, Aunty Sally, Uncle Steve & Grandma Jan. Yes, you've guessed it...more photos to look at!

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Another day, another walk...aren't Charlie & me the luckiest vizzies ever!

29th January...oh dear, it was our last day...we were leaving really early on the Saturday morning (30th)...about 7 a.m. (yuk!)...I'm surprised Mum & Dad didn't have to carry me out to the van...getting out from under my duvet before 8 a.m. is NOT what a teenage vizzie does!!! Anyhow, back to the 29th...

In the morning we had just the most brilliant walk! Dad, Mum, Uncle Steve, Aunty Sally, Charlie & me started fairly early (not 7 a.m. though!!!) & took the cable-car up the mountain. We then followed the snow-shoeing route to the top...Charlie & me, obviously didn't need snow-shoes...we're roughty, toughty vizzies!! Actually, our Mum's & Dad's didn't use them either...they must be roughty, toughty hoomans!!! It took us about an hour & a half to get to the top! We stopped for lunch at a place on the mountain...I say "lunch"...to be accurate "the hoomans" had lunch...they didn't bring anything for Charlie or me apart from a few dry treats...so unfair! After lunch Uncle Steve caught the cable-car down the mountain as he wanted to have a last minute ski! Dad then lead Mum, Aunty Sally, me & Charlie STRAIGHT DOWN THE MOUNTAIN...wow, was that fun or what! Not sure that Mum & Aunty Sally thought it was that much fun...they fell over a lot & kept asking if they could walk down the road...Dad wouldn't let them!!! Anyhow, here is a Smilebox with just some of the photos...

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And so we came to the end of our brilliant holiday. We left Chapelle at about 7 o'clock on Saturday morning...it'd been snowing all night so Dad had to drive really carefully until we got to the bottom of the mountains...Mum thought it was a bit scary but I just slept!! We stopped at a few places on the way to Calais so that we could all stretch our legs...my favourite was at a place called Chateauvillain Ogres - we stopped there last year & found this really brilliant walk through some woods - here's a couple of photos of Mum & me:

We got to Calais in time to catch an earlier train which meant that we got home to Bournemouth at about 9 p.m. - it was a long old day & we were all very tired...but it was worth it! Thank you Dad for taking Mum & me on, yet another, fantastic holiday...love you loads!

Just pictures!

2010-01-15T22:53:00.000Z

Sis Maple has now had 6 puppies...so I'm an uncle 6 times over...just so exciting!! I haven't got any more exact details but here's a couple of photos of my new nephews & nieces:

Stop Press!

2010-01-15T21:25:00.001Z

Hey guess what, I'M AN UNCLE. My sister Maple (who you'll remember was staying with me over Christmas & New Year) has just started having her puppies!! So far she's had 3 boys & 1 girl:

1) Macadamia (Mac) 314g/boy
2) Peanut 238g/boy (breach)...needs some help at the moment
3) Cashew 295g/boy (breach)...knows how to drink!!
4) Pecan/girl

I'll keep you all updated & will let you see some pictures as soon as I can. In the mean time, here's a short video of Mac...sorry about Uncle David's head...he just wanted to keep giving Mapes lots of kisses & got in the way a bit!!!!

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8th January 2010 - Time with Dad!

2010-01-10T17:38:00.001Z

Dad was having fun taking some "profile" pictures of me today...here's a couple of them so what'd reckon...am I handsome or what?!!

Afterwards he took me into the park for a run an' stuff...here's a short video for you to enjoy!!

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6th January 2010 - Snow in Bournemouth!

2010-01-10T17:18:00.000Z

I thought I was going to have to wait for my holiday before having some snow to play in but today it snowed in Bournemouth...wow...I've never seen it here before. Mind you there wasn't very much...certainly not as much as I saw in France last year...but enough to get excited about!!

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4th January 2010 - Back to Work!

2010-01-10T16:48:00.003Z

Excellent...back to work today...I'd really missed all my
friends at the Juniper Centre.

I quicky made up for lost time & had a great time being stroked & cuddled - Sandra thought my fur was real soft & kept running her hand along my back which felt lovely...she was very gentle. My mate Debbie was really pleased to see me too & kissed my nose...not sure Mum was too impressed with that but I liked it!

For the first time Michael was happy for me to sit near him - I was really, really pleased coz he seems really nice & I really, really want him to know that I'm nice too! The other thing I did woz play ball with Michelle - she kept throwing it so that I could take it back to her which was really good fun...plus I got stinky fish treats each time I took it back...yum!!

Here's me lying next to my friends Michael & Michelle.

Catch up time!

2010-01-10T16:38:00.000Z

I can't believe it's so long since I had a chance to write my Blog...it was really busy over Christmas & New Year what with parties & loads of other stuff too!

My lovely sister, Maple, has gone home now (boo, hoo!) - I really miss her as it was great having her to stay...even if she was a bit bossy sometimes! What I really miss is not having her to play with (she's a real good player!) & to cuddle up to particularly now that the weather is so cold!

I've put together a Smilebox of just some of the things we got up to between Christmas & New Year:

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See we love really each other!

2009-12-21T20:58:00.003Z

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20th December 2009 - Sunday Mini Whizz!

2009-12-21T20:53:00.000Z

Hey guess what...Mapes & me had a brilliant walk today with 3 other vizzies...my mate Indy, our new mate Eszti & our even newer mate Butler...check out our Smilebox:

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18th December 2009 - Pointing

2009-12-20T19:36:00.001Z

Just a quick post here - Mum took a picture of me in the garden pointing at a pigeon...what d'ya reckon, reasonable point? I suppose my tail could have been straighter...!

Wednesday 16th December

2009-12-20T19:31:00.000Z

Maple came to agility with me this morning - I had a great time but Mum was really mean...she wouldn't let Mapes have a go coz she said that Maple mustn't get too excited...poor Mapes - she watched me really carefully & I explained what all the different moves & turns were about when we snuggled up in the car afterwards! Mum sort of made up for it later...she took us to Ramsdown Forest for a walk which was great except that she made Maple wear my fleece...just in case she was cold - what d'you reckon...is she impressed or not?!

Hey, I've just noticed...Mapes looks really like me (when

you can't see her girl bits obviously!!) but then, she is my sister!!

Tuesday 15th December - down at the river!

2009-12-20T18:20:00.001Z

It's so great having Maple here with me...it means I've got someone to play with & sleep with...even though she won't let me share her blanket...it's so unfair!! She won't share her food with me either...I have to wait till she's finished & then sneak in to grab the scraps!!! She tells me that she's the boss (even though she's just visiting!!) as in the dog world, girls' are in charge particularly if that girl's expecting pups! I don't mind her being in charge coz I loves her lots & gives her kisses on the nose & ears all the time!

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