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| Springtime has arrived and the hills are alive |
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| Chloe in a field of Golden Poppies |
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| Open Spaces above busy and crowded suburban Contra Costa County |
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| Chloe, Bailey and Penny loving the warm spring air |
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| I love the hills as much as Bailey and Chloe |
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Three Vizslas in fields of Golden Poppies
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Bailey ate my I-Pad
In an updated version of "The dog ate my homework!" Bailey enjoyed munching on my Apple I-Pad last Friday night when my wife and I went off to a restaurant. It's dead.
Was it that I had been on the Hungarian Vizsla Forum too much?
Looking at pictures of other Vizslas?
At almost six years old Bailey started about a year ago with an annoying by lovable habit. He chews on my clothing that has my body odor on it when we are away.
Since I place the I-Pad on my lap, the leather case holds my scent and becomes the target of his desire.
So this year the totals are something like:
8 shirts,
6 pairs of pants
4 pair of shoes (just the tongues)
2 sweatshirts
3 jackets
1 Apple I-pad
This is an unexpected owning expense but I never catch him doing it and he never does it to any of my wife's clothes, the items around the house or anything of mine that is washed. Just those items with my sweat.
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How to you punish that kind of love? I don't even know if I want to try. Weird, huh?
How to you punish that kind of love? I don't even know if I want to try. Weird, huh?
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Out Fox Protection
"STOP! I know better",
I told myself Sunday as I hiked the hills above our town.
Foxtails are now the thickest I have ever seen them and they are drying out quickly. Billions of them. Each one dangerous to the health of my dogs as they dry.
A nasty barbed weed in the nose is an immediate emergency trip to the vet and a $500+ charge.
Monday I went out again into the same area. This time Bailey and Chloe were wearing their Outfox headgear.
The rattlesnakes were out on this warm spring afternoon. Our rattlesnake avoidance classes came in handy as the dogs avoided the two poisonous snakes we came across.
Link to my 2011 post on rattlesnake avoidance training
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Link to my 2011 post on rattlesnake avoidance training
But the dogs did not have to avoid the foxtails. They could run with abandon through them.
This invention has taken the fear of the hills in the late spring and early summer away.
Here is a link to another friend that sells them:
Happy and safe trails.
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Silly Looking is the new Smart
We can have a great time while still staying safe!
Tonight Bailey and Chloe ran and swam wearing their "Outfox Protection Head Gear."
We hiked for a little over an hour with the inventor of the Outfox in the hills above our town. The dogs wore them comfortably for the whole hour.
The other dogs, that we came across, looked "naked" with their noses and ears unprotected.
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Turkey Treed by Bailey and Chloe
Bailey and Chloe enjoyed the hill run last night.
About 45 minutes into the hike I heard the turkey, then saw its flight, and its not so graceful landing into the oak tree pictured.
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Bailey and Chloe pointed the big bird out to me.
"Hey dad! Get it!" They seemed to be saying as they barked at the treed bird.
They just could not understand why I didn't do my job as a hunter. They had done their job.
How do explain that to your dogs that we are in the 'burbs?
To them that big fat bird should be dinner. I couldn't blame them.
That big turkey would have fed a family of four for a week.
That big turkey would have fed a family of four for a week.
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REDBIRDDOG.COM is Now Active
One day I may want to take my passion for Vizslas one further step.
REDBIRDDOG.COM
Not sure if I will ever take this anywhere but a friend of mine told me about how to go about getting my own .com.
Now it is mine.
Almost five years as part of BlogSpot (Blogger) has been wonderful. Very easy to post pictures and our stories.
Still having a great time.
Happy trails.
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Vizsla as Psychotherapist.
"Take a look at this Vizsla video.
It was made by psychotherapist Kalila Borghini and shows how our dogs can be very useful in helping people with their problems."
Personally I love the concept of these dogs as therapist.
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The Road Less Traveled
by Kit McCallum
How often we must bear the challenges of life;
The endless roller coaster between happiness and sorrow;
The constant ups and downs of daily strife.
And always the question remains .... why?
And always the question remains .... why?
It twists and turns with many forks in the road,
Although always, and inevitably, we are given a choice ...
Do we take the high road ... or the low road?
Do we take the easy path ... or the difficult one?
Decisions are not easy for those struggling for direction ...
And sometimes the many choices and signs become overwhelming.
And sometimes the many choices and signs become overwhelming.
The urge is to take the most comfortable path;
The road with least resistance ...
The shortest or most traveled route.
The road with least resistance ...
The shortest or most traveled route.
Have gleaned its lessons in life, and learned from our experiences;
Or does our destiny lie in another direction?
The fear of the road less traveled is tangible and all too real;
It manifests itself in many ways,
And tends to cloud the issues that might otherwise be clear.
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It is in these times of confusion,
That we must seek peace and solitude;
Time to contemplate on our life,
It manifests itself in many ways,
And tends to cloud the issues that might otherwise be clear.
That we must seek peace and solitude;
Time to contemplate on our life,
Our experiences and our choices past;
Time to look back, and reflect on what we have learned
Without fear or confusion.
Time to look back, and reflect on what we have learned
Without fear or confusion.
For only each of us knows our own personal thoughts;
Our unique past and personal history;
The experiences that brought us to the crossroads we now face.
We can always learn a small degree from others experiences,
And yet ... no one person can walk in our shoes,
Others know not, the trials and tribulations faced in private ...
For each is individual ... unique ... and personal.
Our unique past and personal history;
The experiences that brought us to the crossroads we now face.
We can always learn a small degree from others experiences,
And yet ... no one person can walk in our shoes,
Others know not, the trials and tribulations faced in private ...
For each is individual ... unique ... and personal.
And that is why ... while standing at a crossroads,
Only "we" can formulate the decision for ourselves;
The true direction that lies within;
The choices we must deliberate on with clarity and wisdom.
For it is only through personal reflection,
That we can now choose our destiny; ...
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Our next adventure;
Only "we" can formulate the decision for ourselves;
The true direction that lies within;
The choices we must deliberate on with clarity and wisdom.
For it is only through personal reflection,
That we can now choose our destiny; ...
... And the future we will embrace.
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Wirehaired Vizsla gets full AKC Recognition
A wonderful breed finally is recognized in the US
Post from AKC about the Wirehaired Vizsla introduction modified to just reference this breed.
... An expert hunter joins the AKC Family
(Monday, April 28, 2014)The Wirehaired Vizsla Gains Full AKC Recognition
New York, NY
(Monday, April 28, 2014)The Wirehaired Vizsla Gains Full AKC Recognition
New York, NY
The pack has expanded!
The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) announced today the Wirehaired Vizsla will be welcomed to its litter of recognized breeds this year, growing AKC’s family to 180.
...Wirehaired Vizsla is an athletic breed with an excellent nose for hunting and tracking, the Wirehaired Vizsla joins the Sporting Group. The breed originated in Hungary as a hunting dog that could withstand extreme weather and rough field conditions, which is why they have a long, dense, wiry coat. They are gentle, outgoing, friendly dogs that make wonderful companions. Because of their athletic nature, Wirehaired Vizslas do best with active families. Additional information on the breed can be found on the Wirehaired Vizsla Club of America’s website at www.whvca.us.
The breed will be eligible to compete beginning July 2nd of this year.
To become an AKC recognized breed there must be a minimum number of dogs geographically distributed throughout the U.S., as well as an established breed club of responsible owners and breeders. Breeds working towards full recognition are recorded in AKC’s Foundation Stock Service® (FSS®). More information on the process can be found at akc.org.
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Coloma Resort - Hidden Treasure
On Hwy 49 in the Sierra Foothills lies the historical site of Coloma. Where gold was discovered in 1848.
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| Bailey and Chloe sitting nice for a picture in front of the statue |
At the hill overlooking Coloma is a statue of Marshall pointing down to the American River where he discovered gold. The statue was erected back in May 1890 for $5,000.
"The Marshall Monument stands at the summit of Marshall Hill, overlooking the town of Coloma and the site of Sutter’s Mill. The bronze Marshall, holding a gold nugget in one hand, points with the other to the site where he discovered those first few flakes of gold. The monument is made of granite and stands thirty-one feet tall, atop of which is the ten foot six-inch tall bronze statue of James Marshall. The monument was designed and sculpted by J. Marion Wells, and cast in San Francisco. It was erected by an Act of the Legislature, in May of 1890 at a cost of $5,000. James Wilson Marshall is buried beneath the monument."
Historic bridge off of Hwy 49 that crosses the American River.
This bridge takes you over to Coloma Resort.
- From Sacramento, take Highway 50 east towards South Lake Tahoe.
- After about 30 miles take exit #37 (Ponderosa/North Shingle Road).
- Turn left over Highway 50, and then turn right at the light onto North Shingle Road.
- Follow North Shingle Road about 5 1/2 miles. North Shingle Road becomes Lotus Road.
- Follow Lotus Road about 6 miles until it ends at Highway 49.
- Turn right on Highway 49 and drive 3/4 mile to Mt. Murphy Road just past Sutter’s Mill.
- Take an immediate left to cross over the one lane bridge onto Mt. Murphy Road.
- As soon as you cross over the one lane bridge Coloma Resort is on your right.
Our Lazy Daze parked along the river next to a small cabin available to rent. This is just 30 feet from the river.
From the hills overlooking the river valley looking back towards the American River where it flows past Coloma Resort.
After sunset the row of RV and campers fire up the campfires along the river bank.
A very clean and well run resort for tent campers, RV campers and cabins for rent.
Our space. #63 right on the river.
Bailey and Chloe hanging out on a rock in the river.
A quiet pond next to the flowing river. The dogs enjoying some off-leash paradise.
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Dutch Creek in Coloma - Hidden Treasure
The pictures following are of Dutch Creek that lies behind this gate. Next to the gate are these seven signs. Almost all parks in the California State Park System are "officially" not accessible to dogs.
Asking locals, I have always been given guidance on how local rangers enforce these rules.
Things change, so always check for yourself.
Things change, so always check for yourself.
On our two-hour hikes along the creek, we did not come across one other person. We hiked it on both a Friday and a Saturday morning.
Ask the locals in Coloma how to find Dutch Creek east of Coloma Resort.
The creek is found after a .4 mile hike through open fields along the canyon.
This artesian well came out of the hillside.
These were great spring hikes.
A true HIDDEN TREASURE.
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Freedom to Run Through the Fields
I am trying to find the right picture that expresses the freedom I have to run Bailey and Chloe through hills full of spear grass and foxtails.
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| Picture taken this morning in Briones Regional Park top of Mount Mott |
The "Outfox" headgear has been a solution to a problem we have here in spring and summer.
I know of only three ways to deal with a problem:
confront it, avoid it, or ignore it.
confront it, avoid it, or ignore it.
The first three years we would avoid going into places with foxtails.
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We would only go to the beaches, deserts, or deep forests to let the dogs run free.
Now we confront the problem with the right gear.
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| The open fields with wildflowers of hundreds of types being enjoyed on a great spring morning. |
Ignoring the problem is never a good option.
Picture of Sawyer with stitches removed after lung surgery to get foreign object out of his lung.
Below link is Sawyer's benefit drive link to help off-set $7,000 vet bill.
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Outfox Field Guard. Keep those fox tails from harming your dog!
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Redbirddog's fifth anniverary today
Five years ago, I just got back from a field trial in Hungry Valley Nevada (30 miles northeast of Reno). Bailey had come in fourth in a Derby stake our of twenty upland bird dogs. I was feeling good about my dogs and wanted to share.
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June 8, 2009 I posted this:
redbirddog.blogspot.com/2009/06/sitting-in-dog-house.html
There was this guy out of New York City "The Regal Vizsla" that had a blog. I loved reading the stories of his adventures on the East Coast. I thought why not do one for the West Coast in a similar way.
A friend of mine suggested several names including Red Bird Dog. I was thinking of what to call this blog. Perfect! Now it is evolving into a business. Redbirddog.com
Never would I have imaged that five years ago.
So on June 8th, 2009 I started sharing places, pictures, adventures, advice, dramas, wins, loses, breeding, puppies, human and dog relationships, and dog books I love. I never ran out of things to post. Some times time would restrict me from posting but never the desire to share what a great adventure these two Hungarian Pointers have added to my life.
Didn't think about it today until I got the below e-mail. Name left out but everything is just how it came in.
Sir,
My name is (VIZSLA LOVER) and I am a Soldier in the California National Guard currently deployed to Kuwait. I return to the states in December and will be looking for my buddy. I have never been a hunter of animals, outside of the two legged kind who hurt good people, but wish to learn. I have researched the bejeezers out of dog breeds and have been surer of few things as much as I am that v's are for me. I have seen your handle and your postings all over the net. I like what you say and your reputation. I'm not just looking for a breeder. I'm looking for advice on how to start bird hunting and all the things associated with that. I have a few hundred questions but don't want to over impose. If you have the time please shoot me a line and I'll be more than happy to give you my full background and desires for my future with my buddy.... Thank you.
Redbirddog has changed over the last five years. Hope for the better. I keep learning and sharing. Isn't the internet great. 150,000 visits and 280,000 pages viewed.
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Happy trails.
Rod aka RBD
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June 8, 2009 I posted this:
redbirddog.blogspot.com/2009/06/sitting-in-dog-house.html
There was this guy out of New York City "The Regal Vizsla" that had a blog. I loved reading the stories of his adventures on the East Coast. I thought why not do one for the West Coast in a similar way.
A friend of mine suggested several names including Red Bird Dog. I was thinking of what to call this blog. Perfect! Now it is evolving into a business. Redbirddog.com
Never would I have imaged that five years ago.
So on June 8th, 2009 I started sharing places, pictures, adventures, advice, dramas, wins, loses, breeding, puppies, human and dog relationships, and dog books I love. I never ran out of things to post. Some times time would restrict me from posting but never the desire to share what a great adventure these two Hungarian Pointers have added to my life.
Didn't think about it today until I got the below e-mail. Name left out but everything is just how it came in.
Sir,
My name is (VIZSLA LOVER) and I am a Soldier in the California National Guard currently deployed to Kuwait. I return to the states in December and will be looking for my buddy. I have never been a hunter of animals, outside of the two legged kind who hurt good people, but wish to learn. I have researched the bejeezers out of dog breeds and have been surer of few things as much as I am that v's are for me. I have seen your handle and your postings all over the net. I like what you say and your reputation. I'm not just looking for a breeder. I'm looking for advice on how to start bird hunting and all the things associated with that. I have a few hundred questions but don't want to over impose. If you have the time please shoot me a line and I'll be more than happy to give you my full background and desires for my future with my buddy.... Thank you.
Redbirddog has changed over the last five years. Hope for the better. I keep learning and sharing. Isn't the internet great. 150,000 visits and 280,000 pages viewed.
Happy trails.
Rod aka RBD
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Elk Patties Merle loved
Subject : About Elk Sausage you make
Hello. I love your books and your dogs.
I have two Vizslas of my own (Bailey and Chloe).
I wonder if you have a recipe (yes, you are really being asked for a recipe!) for the elk sausage you say Merle loved so much. How do you make it, if you don't mind sharing.
Thank you,
Joanie (RBD's better half)
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Dear Joan,
Thanks for writing and I’m glad you’ve liked the books.
The sausage Merle liked is a breakfast sausage, patty style:
2 lbs. ground elk meat
black pepper
red cracked pepper
salt
garlic powder
cumin
allspice
chopped parsley
chopped onion (very fine)
Mix everything together, form into patties, fry or grill.
All my best,
Ted
Ted Kerasote
http://www.kerasote.com/
Hello. I love your books and your dogs.
I have two Vizslas of my own (Bailey and Chloe).
I wonder if you have a recipe (yes, you are really being asked for a recipe!) for the elk sausage you say Merle loved so much. How do you make it, if you don't mind sharing.
Thank you,
Joanie (RBD's better half)
Thanks for writing and I’m glad you’ve liked the books.
The sausage Merle liked is a breakfast sausage, patty style:
2 lbs. ground elk meat
black pepper
red cracked pepper
salt
garlic powder
cumin
allspice
chopped parsley
chopped onion (very fine)
Mix everything together, form into patties, fry or grill.
All my best,
Ted
Ted Kerasote
http://www.kerasote.com/
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Vizsla Study on Neutering and Cancer
Full article here: Vizsla study on Cancer and Neutering
By Dr. Becker
Go to link at top for complete article.
New Evidence Shows Link Between Spaying, Neutering and Cancer
June 13, 2014
By Dr. Becker
A recent study raises even more questions about traditional spay/neuter practices for U.S. dogs.
The study, titled "Evaluation of the risk and age of onset of cancer and behavioral disorders in gonadectomized Vizslas,"1 was conducted by a team of researchers with support from the Vizsla Club of America Welfare Foundation. It was published in the February 1, 2014 issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Like previous research on Rottweilers and Golden Retrievers, the results of the Vizsla study are a call to action to take a closer look at current neutering recommendations.
Vizsla Study Results
The Vizsla study involved 2,505 dogs, and reported these results:
- Dogs neutered or spayed at any age were at significantly increased risk for developing mast cell cancer, lymphoma, all other cancers, all cancers combined, and fear of storms, compared with intact dogs.
- Females spayed at 12 months or younger, and both genders neutered or spayed at over 12 months had significantly increased odds of developing hemangiosarcoma, compared with intact dogs.
- Dogs of both genders neutered or spayed at 6 months or younger had significantly increased odds of developing a behavioral disorder, including separation anxiety, noise phobia, timidity, excitability, submissive urination, aggression, hyperactivity, and/or fear biting. When it came to thunderstorm phobia, all neutered or spayed Vizslas were at greater risk than intact Vizslas, regardless of age at neutering.
- The younger the age at neutering, the earlier the age at diagnosis with mast cell cancer, cancers other than mast cell, hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, all cancers combined, a behavioral disorder, or fear of storms.
- Compared to intact dogs, neutered and spayed dogs had a 3.5 times higher risk of developing mast cell cancer, regardless of what age they were neutered.
- Spayed females had nine times higher incidence of hemangiosarcoma compared to intact females, regardless of when spaying was performed, however, no difference in incidence of this type of cancer was found for neutered vs. intact males.
- Neutered and spayed dogs had 4.3 times higher incidence of lymphoma (lymphosarcoma), regardless of age at time of neutering.
- Neutered and spayed dogs had five times higher incidence of other types of cancer, regardless of age of neutering.
- Spayed females had 6.5 times higher incidence of all cancers combined compared to intact females, and neutered males had 3.6 times higher incidence than intact males.
Go to link at top for complete article.
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Too Hot? Watch the eyes
Today on this 85+ degree summer morning, Bailey and Chloe joined me for an 90 minute hike in the Las Tramps Wilderness Area.
We came across a cow trough about 20 minutes into the hike and the dogs enjoyed a cooling dip and drink before we continued our hike.![]()
I use these "baths" regularly on hill hikes.
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It did not take long in the dry heat for the dogs to dry off and start getting hot again. They run hard.
The picture below doesn't show it very well but Bailey was overheated about 45 minutes into the hike. His nose is pinker than normal but the true thing I look for is his eyes. If the tissue around the eyes are puffy and red, then I know he has to cool down.
We found a shade tree that we hung out under for about 10 minutes. The dogs drank water from my camel back water pack and just relaxed. IMPORTANT IN THE HOT MONTHS TO WATCH YOUR DOGS EYES CLOSELY.
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Front Page "News"
Diane, owner of Outfox Field Guard, ran a front page ad in the Contra Costa Times on July 4th and July 5th. Hope the ads did well for her business. Good looking models.
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Chloe on the left and Bailey on the right.
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6 Month Coyote Greets Us As We Hike
My friend Tess brought Penny, a three year old Vizsla, along for an eight-mile hike in Las Trampas Wilderness Area.
Two miles in we came across this lone juvenile coyote howling down at the four dogs and two humans that had dared come into his world.
He stayed about 100 yards up hill as we walked the high meadow.
Up on the ridge to the left I saw a man with his dog taking pictures. These are his shots
Kevin Nobel and his golden retriever were enjoying nature on this warm summer morning.
More of Kevin's work can be found on his website. Excellent.
Here is my site where I post my good pics - http://kevinnoble.zenfolio.com/ - Kevin
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Business Hikes with Vizslas
This is a new way I do a business meeting.
Hike 90 minutes to 120 minutes in the hills as we discuss business.
I have done dozens now over the last few months.
Fresh ideas come from fresh minds and fresh air.
Reviews from folks I hike with have been positive.
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