Dreaming of Nova

Last night I had a very vivid dream about our Nova (CH Ferngold Varazs Innovation Can/Am CD FDJ, JH, Am/Can RA, Am RE, CGN). I dreamt that she was still alive and with her breeder, Eileen Wilks (formerly Wright). I was overjoyed to see Nova. Did she come to 'speak' to me? I don't know. I am very close to my dogs who are like my 'kids', albeit four-legged but I don't often have dreams about them. Recently both Sasha and Nova have been in my dreams but they have been on my mind so perhaps it's nothing more than a transference of daytime thoughts to night-time dreams. Regardless, it's wonderful for me to have contact with dogs that I love and miss very dearly. You may think I'm cuckoo but so be it.

Relatively speaking

This week, I receive an email from a woman who just found my website and discovered that we have Vizslas in common!  She happened to have owned the brother of our Buster (Am/Can CH Kezdet's Adrian Buster Am/Can CD CGC)!!! And surprisingly and amazingly, "Bert" aka Kezdet's Adrian Albert lived so close to us but neither Bert's owner nor I knew of each other until just now, several years after both dogs had died.  If I had only known, I would have loved to have visited and seen Buster's brother.  It turns out that Bert was imported into Canada from New York state to the same person in Toronto from whom we acquired Buster.  Bert apparently developed an overbite by 6 months of age and so was placed elsewhere.  Our Buster was a replacement for Bert but the importer decided to sell Buster at 16 months of age because he was rather tall - although not outside the Canadian standard - and that's when we entered the scene and adopted Buster into our household. From there, Buster went on to finish his Canadian and American Championship titles, American and Canadian obedience titles, and was # 3 Vizsla in Canada in 1992 and sired one litter that resulted in our wonderful Sasha and Jazz.

Bert's forever home was with his loving owner Anne Freeman and her family.  She acquired Bert at 6 months of age in 1989.  "Up to the age of 12.5 he was extremely healthy and we only saw our vet for yearly vaccinations. The last six months he began to lose weight, had a decreased appetite and lost muscle tone in the hind quarters. We had runners everywhere to ensure he didn't fall because he certainly never slowed down!! The last week he became disorientated at times, had difficulty with mobility in his hind legs, seemed weak, confused and would wander and just stare at walls. So pitiful to see, but the discomfort was ours not his. We finally had to make a decision based on quality of life. I still grieve at times when I see his pictures as he was truly a beloved friend and such a spirited character. Once you've been adopted by a Vizsla, no other breed will do."

I am so glad to learn of another relative that has lived a long and healthy life.  Anne and her family said goodbye to Bert on August 28 and the very next day, we said farewell to Buster on the 29th.  I just learned of this fact tonight and can't believe they both crossed the Rainbow Bridge within a day of each other.  RIP brothers.  You are both still greatly missed.

Anne doesn't have an digital photos of Bert but wrote that he looks just like Buster. Here are some photos of Buster to remind me of what they looked like.

Buster below, August 28, 2001 one day before he was euthanized. We love you and still miss you.

Rochne

Gingersnap Rochne

June 17, 1997 - December 24, 2009

Sire: BPG Am/Can CH Varazs Kiraly Sassy Sasha Am/Can CDX FDJ CGC TT (Sasha)

Dam: CH Gingersnap Dunmore's Pride (Cindy)

I recently received sad news that Rochne passed away on Christmas Eve, 2009 at almost  12.5 years of age. Rochne was bred by Joanne Baxter of Medicine Hat, Alberta and sired by our beloved Sasha.  Even as a young dog, Rochne became a spitting image of our Sasha, both of whom had beautiful heads.

Sometime ago, Rochne's owner, Carol Snedden wrote to tell me that "Rochne takes my husband for at least one walk a day and sometimes two. That keeps them both in good shape! Rochne loves going in the canoe fishing with us but doesn't like water or
swimming! He loves chairs, beds and sitting as close as possible to anybody."  For Carol and Jack Snedden, there will never be another breed as wonderful as the Vizsla.  If Rochne took after his dad in temperament, then I know how exceptional a dog he was even though I never had the opportunity to meet Rochne or his family.  My deepest sympathies to the Sneddens on the loss of Rochne.  Here are some photos of Rochne supplied by the Sneddens.

Sasha, In Memoriam

In loving memory of our wonderful Sasha
(BPG Am/Can CH Varazs Kiraly Sassy Sasha Am/Can CDX, FDJ, RE, RAE, TT, CGC, CGN).

December 31, 1992 - January 22, 2008

"A thing of beauty is a joy for ever;

Its loveliness increases; it will never

Pass into nothingness; but still will keep

A bower quiet for us, and a sleep

Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing."

from "A Thing of Beauty" - John Keats (1795 - 1821)

Sasha is still sorely missed. Fortunately his beauty, spirit, talents, and exceptional temperament live on in many of his offspring.

Sasha (green collar, R rear), 3 months old  with his littermates Jazz (L rear) and Marco (front)

8 months old

14 years old

Happy New Year!

Wishing everyone good health, friendship, prosperity, love and success in 2010. 

December 31st is special for another reason too. It's the day the puppies from our very first litter were born in 1992. Our beloved Sasha would be 17 today if he were still alive.  And Happy Birthday to Bill L. and Robby H. who owned Zoe and Jiggs from our 1992 litter. They shared the same birthdays as their Vizslas. And birthday greetings to Tracey C., another Vizsla owner but not one of ours.  Thinking about all of you today!!

Merry Christmas!

Season's Greetings to all of our fans and puppy owners!

We are currently living in Arizona for the winter so Christmas feels very different in the desert. No snow (yippee!) although it does get cold here! Wishing everyone a very happy holiday.

Gunner's a Champ!

Gunner is the 4th dog from our June 2008 litter between Ozzie (Ch Hubertus Quality Control FDK) and Miska (Am/Can CH Varazs Kiralyi Kedvesem FDJ, FD, NAVHDA NA Prize III, JH, Am/Can CD, Am/Can RN, Am/Can RA, Am/Can RE, CGN) to earn his Championship title. He took four Best of Breeds and finished his championship title by going Best of Breed over another male champion for a 3-point win at the Credit Valley dog show on December 12, 2009. Gunner is now officially known as CH Varazs Kedves Quincy. Gunner is owned and loved by Donna Hildebrant and her son Scott. Gunner is now the 6th dog out of 6 puppies in this litter to earn a title. Andras, Piper, Quest, and Gunner all have their championship titles. Diva and Blaze have earned hunting/field titles and Blaze also has several points towards his Cdn championship.

Shandy does well in Rally!

Today Shandy and her owner Chrissie Diron braved the elements (cold wind, torrential rain and on the way home snow too!) to attend the CKC rallyO trials in Courtenay, BC.  They had a great day though - brought home 2 "legs" towards her RA (rally advanced) title! Good scores (94/100 and 96/100 respectively), the latter earned her 2nd in class.  They will have to wait until the New Year to get to any more events like this, but with just one leg of her CKC RA to go and one leg of her CARO RE, Chrissie is confident they can look forward to 2 new titles in 2010 :-). Congratulations to Chrissie & Shandy!

Howling great Hallowe'en

Two of our dogs had howling great success this Hallowe'en weekend.

Milo (out of Am/Can CH Gardenway Gunners' Moon "Charlie" and CH Varazs Kincses Natasha FDJ "Tasha" born June 13, 2002) and owner Corrine Sellars earned Milo's 5th and final "C" leg in the Cdn Assoc. of Rally Obedience to give him Bronze Championship title!!! And this weekend, they also earned his 3rd Versatility leg - and 3rd place with a score of 191 - adding yet another title - Rally Versatility (RV). Milo is now officially known as CRB Varazs Mokany Ficko FDJ, CGN, SSGDC, SADC, AG.N.J., CL1-R, AG.N., Am/Can CD, Am/Can RA, RXCL, RAE, RNT, RV. If you want to know what all these title initials stand for, I suggest you click on the link to his name which will take you to his webpage. Great work Corrine and Milo!! Corrine, you're going to have to build an extension onto your home to house all of Milo's rosettes!!

Milo with more beautiful rosettes
(Above photos courtesy of Corrine)

Gunner (Varazs Kedves Quinn) out of CH Hubertus Quality Control FDJ (Ozzie) and Am/Can CH Varazs Kiralyi Kedvesem FD, NAVHDA NA Prize III, JH, Am/Can CD, Am/Can RE, CGN (Miska) born June 2008 and owned by Donna and Scott Hildebrant of Oakville ON, was Winners Dog two of the three days of shows at the Trillium Dog Fanciers show in Etobicoke, ON. And on Sunday, he was also selected by Judge Patricia Laurens of Newton, CT for Best of Breed! This gave him 4 more points this weekend. He now only needs 2 more pts to complete his championship. Way to go Gunner!

Gunner handled by his breeder, Sylvia Dorosh

Gunner, natural 'stack'

Gunner (R) with his mom, Miska (L) taken October 2009

Happy Birthday Rita

Happy 13th Birthday Rita!!!

Rita (Lyons Keiralea Of Varazs) was a Vizsla I imported from Joy Lyons of Florida in January 1997. She was born October 28, 1996 and that makes her 13 years young today! Happy Birthday Rita! Rita developed bilateral entropion, an inward rolling of the eyelid, and since I couldn't use her in my breeding program, I placed her with a couple who already owned one of my dogs, Varazs Summer Solstice "Bob". Rita became a fast and inseparable companion to Bob, who sadly passed away in August of this year just shy of his 14th birthday. See http://varazsvizslas.blogspot.com/2009/08/remembering-bob.html (Bob was a littermate to Jester who crossed the Rainbow Bridge this week.) Rita initially found it hard to be without Bob at her side but I hope she's adjusting now.

Rita has spent most of her 13 years happily living with Karen Johnston and Doug Wheeler. I visited Rita and Bob in August of this year and the photos above were taken of Rita that day. Below are photos of a younger Rita and Bob, taken by Karen Johnston. So enjoy your special day today Rita! Hugs and lots of love.

L - R, Rob and Rita

L - R, Rob and Rita

Farewell Jester

Varazs Starbuck's Mocha Java TT "Jester"
August 22, 1995 - October 25, 2009

Owned & cherished by Lorie Way Hrycuik, British Columbia

My deepest sympathies to Lorie on her loss of Jester. It seems like only yesterday when I was getting him ready for the long flight to Vancouver, BC back in October 1995 to meet his new forever family. Rest in peace Jester.

Jester as a 10 week old puppy

Getting ready for the flight to Vancouver

Meeting his new family

Jester hunting

Jester's beautiful head

Autumn colours

Vizslas look so beautiful in autumn against the gorgeous colours. These photos were taken in within the last week.

Below: L - R, Tyro, Diva, Miska

Below: Tyro (born 2006)

Below: Miska (born 2003)

Below: Miska (rear L) with son Gunner & daughter Diva (at front)

Below: Carol Fickling with Tucker (formerly Chili)

Happy 5th Birthday!

Wishing our Sasha-Nova grandkids, born 2004, a very Happy 5th Birthday. Mom of this litter is Shandy, (aka officially as CH Varazs Artemis Vizsandy CD, AGN, AGI, RA (CARO), CGN) and her parents are Sasha (Am/Cdn Ch Varazs Kiraly Sassy Sasha Am/Cdn CDX, Am RAE, FDJ, CGC, CGN) and Nova (CH Ferngold Varazs Innovation Am/Can CD, Can RN, Am RE, FDJ CGN).

Sending birthday hugs and kisses to Rodaidh, Pia, Okos, Polo, Drake, Genmai and Ramses, the grandkids! In this photo, Rodaidh is at the back, far L with the red collar and Pia is at the far R. Shandy is hidden from view and is behind Cirrus (2nd from R with the slightly white face). Photo is courtesy of Chrissie Diron.

Linda Sellars

Linda Sellars

I am very saddened to learn today about the death of Corrine Sellar's mother, Linda, last week. Corrine owns our Milo (Varazs Mokany Ficko FDJ, Am/Can CD, Am/Can RN, AgNJ, AGN, RACL (CARO), SSGDC, SADC, CL1-R, CGN). Linda accompanied Milo and Corrine to many agility trials and also visited our puppies from Nova's 2006 litter. Milo's wonderful temperament and funny antics helped Linda overcome her fear of dogs and she became a great 'grandmother' to Milo. Linda never hesitated to express her generosity and condolences when one of our dogs passed away by providing a donation to the OVC Pet Trust Fund in their memory. She will be missed.

Corrine, I am so sorry for your loss and my deepest sympathies go to you and your family.

Handler errors

Well, despite some stupid errors on my part, 3 of my dogs completed their Rally titles this weekend at the London Kennel Association shows & trials in Tillsonburg, Ontario. Miska (aka Am/Can CH Varazs Kiralyi Kedvesem FDJ, FD, NAVHDA NA Prize III, JH, Am/Can CD, Am/Can RN, Am/Can RA, Am/Can RE, CGN born 2003) completed her Cdn Rally Excellent (RE) title in three straight trials. I was thrilled that she did the backing up 3 steps perfectly. Unfortunately, I did some poor handling at one of the jumps and she went around it instead of over. That cost us 3 points and were it not for that mistake, she would have had a perfect score of 100 at one trial. Oh well! Notwithstanding, her scores were 98, 94 & 97.

Congratulations to brothers Tyro and Tucker (formerly Chili) from our 2003 litter. Both completed their CKC Rally Novice titles by earning their final 2 legs and are respectively known as CH Varazs Napkelte Tyrone Am/Can RN, Am RA (Tyro) and CH Varazs Nyar Hot Sauce FDJ RN (Tucker). Early in September, Tyro also earned his American Rally Advanced title which entailed working off leash and the trials were held outdoors with far more interesting smells to be distracted by. So the novice stuff was a lot easier for Tyro and you'd have thought - duh! - with all my experience, I would not be making any stupid handler errors. But I was rushing (big mistake) because of potential conflicts with having to be in the conformation ring (why does this always happen?) and so messed my dogs up. However, Tyro & I did manage a score of 99/100 at one of the trials and got an 86 (where I screwed up and did a station incorrectly). I handled Tucker and he scored 93 and 96. Well done boys!

Tyro (L) and Tucker (R)

And in the conformation ring, Gunner (Varazs Kedves Quincy) born 2008 earned another 2 points on Friday October 17 towards his championship title under Judge James Reynolds. On Saturday, he was Reserve Winners Dog under Thora Brown. On Sunday, he just didn't want to stand for the judge so did nothing more than win his class.

More titles

Milo (above) from our 2002 litter earned his AKC Rally Advanced (RA) title on September 5 and Diva (below) from our 2008 litter earned the final leg needed for her CKC Field Dog Jr. (FDJ) on Sept. 20/09.

Great August weekend for Ozzie-Miska puppies

What a weekend for our Ozzie-Miska puppies born June 16, 2008! Three earned new titles!

Piper completed her CKC Championship title on Friday August 28 at the Markham Kennel Club in Richmond Hill, Ontario by taking Winners Bitch and Best of Winners for her final two points. The judge was Deborah Graffman of Kilbride, Ontario. Piper's official name is now CH Varazs Kedves Quinn. Congratulations to Piper's family!!! What a sweetie she is. We really enjoyed having her stay with us for the weekend while she was in shows. She's a delight to have around and everyone misses her now that she's gone home.
Blaze was entered in a NAHVDA Natural Ability test in Alberta on Saturday August 29 and scored a Prize III. He's now known as Varazs Kedves Quasar NAVHDA NA Pz III. Well done to his human, Iulia, for handling him. This was her very first time handling a dog in NAVHDA. According to his owners, "although his water and field work were good, he had a little trouble at the tracking with the very high wind. He picked up the scent a little late and he trailed off a little. He showed a good field search despite the dense fog, low temperature ( 5 C) and extremely wet high grass at 7 AM. The water work was the easiest for him as he is really going for the water lately. " His owners felt he should have done better but experienced field people know that even seasoned hunting dogs may not perform well under such variable and challenging weather conditions. Great job!

Blaze on point, courtesy of B. Tanko

Quest was entered all four days at Markham Kennel Club and took Winners Dog each day, earning a total of 8 points this weekend to complete his CKC Championship title on Sunday August 30. Way to go Quest! He's now CH Varazs Kedves Quester. Quest is shown below with Judge Michel Chaloux of Quebec.
The Markham Kennel Club show was where these puppies' maternal grand-dad, Sasha, also finished his Championship and took a Best Puppy in Group as well as Best of Breed from the 6 to 9-month old class over Specials (champions) at a Vizsla Society of Ontario Booster Show so this venue has very special meaning for me. How nice that Piper and Quest also earned their champion titles here.

So, what a fantastic weekend for these Ozzie-Miska puppies and also what a wonderful month because earlier another littermate, Andras, completed his American Championship. I am thrilled with the accomplishments of these puppies to date and know that more achievements are forthcoming. Congratulations to their owners for their love, dedication, hard work in training, laying the groundwork, and for taking such great care of our puppies. And well done to Ozzie (CH Hubertus Quality Control FDJ) and my Miska (Am/Can CH Varazs Kiralyi Kedvesem FDJ, FD, NAVHDA NA Prize III, JH, Am/Can CD, Am/Can RN, Am/Can RA, Am RE, CGN) for producing such talented and gorgeous puppies!

To the dog that started it all

In tribute to Am/Can CH Kezdet's Adrian Buster Am/Can CD TT CGC 'Buster'
who crossed the Rainbow Bridge on August 29, 2001 - eight years ago today.

I don't know where the time has gone but a lot has happened with dogs between then and today. Buster was born on September 6, 1988 and his birthday is also approaching. He lived until just shy of 13 years. Buster was my first real show dog even though I didn't acquire him until 16 months of age. Not only did he finish his Championship in Canada, he also earned his American CH and his American & Canadian Companion Dog titles. In September 1992, he earned one group placement which put him into the Top Five Vizslas in Canada. Then on Hallowe'en October 31, 1992, he mated with our foundation bitch, Nekah, who went on to become Am/Cdn CH Maritza of Kezdet Nekah Am/Cdn CD, CGC (Nekah). That breeding produced six wonderful puppies on New Year's Eve December 31, 1992, two of which became titled dogs:

BPIG* Am/Can CH Varazs Kiraly Sassy Sasha Am/Can CD, Am/Can CDX, FDJ, RN, RA, RE, RAE, TT, CGC, CGN "Sasha" (owned by me)

and

Am/Can CH Varazs New Year's Eve Jazzsong, Am/Can CD TT CGC & Delta Therapy Dog "Jazz" (co-owned by me and Joy White).

How auspicious were those dates? Hallowe'en and New Year's Eve?

Our Sasha was my most wonderful Vizsla ever, living into his 16th year and producing many great and wonderful offspring and grandkids. These are also Buster's grand- and great-grand kids who have shown & continue to show beauty in the show ring and talent in so many other venues.

Buster - thank you for really getting me started in this dog show business and breeding. I still miss you and I will always be grateful to you for your Top Vizsla achievement. But what was best overall about you was your son Sasha. Here's to you Buster!!!

Sasha (L) and Buster (R), June 2000

More rally titles!

Congratulations to two Varazs Vizslas for more new Rally-obedience titles earned just recently!

Katya earned her American Rally Excellent (RE) title along with her 1st RAE leg. She's now Ch (Cdn & UKC) Varazs Sziv Jump For Joy RN, RA, RE, CGC CGN.

Milo continues to steam his way through more rally and earned his Cdn Assoc. of Rally Obedience Rally Novice Team (RNT) title, earning a score of 197 and 3rd place under extreme weather conditions. He's now officially known as Varazs Mokany Ficko FDJ, Am/Can CD,Am/Can RN, AgNJ, AGN, RACL (CARO), SSGDC, SADC, CL1-R, CGN.

Piper picks up points

Over the past two weekends of dog shows, 14 month-old "Piper" (by CH Hubertus Quality Control FDJ "Ozzie"ex CH Varazs Kiralyi Kedvesem CD FD RA CGN "Miska") who was Miss Purple in this litter born June 16, 2008 picked up 6 points. She earned 2 points at the Kilbride KC show in Milton, ON and this past weeked at the St. Catharines & District KC show, she took Best of Breed each day (3 days), 4 more points, and made the cut in the Sporting Group under Swedish judge, Nils Molin. She just needs 2 more points to finish her Canadian Championship title.

Piper is a very fun-loving and happy little Vizsla with a big heart and I am delighted with her looks, movement and temperament.

Best of Breed under Judge Fred Peddie of Hamilton, ON

L-R: Piper, mom Miska, sister Diva (August 2009)