Trip to Iowa and Nebraska

I'm back from my two plus week trip to the midwest to attend a couple of Vizsla field trials (Show Me Vizsla Club and Hawkeye Vizsla Club), the NVA Quail Classic, and the VCA National field trial. The Show Me and Hawkeye trials were held at grounds near Thayer, Iowa. These are beautiful grounds. Dylan and Sara both ran in the derby at Show Me. Dylan unfortunately went birdless and Sara took a 4th place even though she had a mishap tripping over a log that then popped up and whacked her on the chest, leaving quite an abrasion and a big knot. The Hawkeye trial was cut short due to terrible thunderstorms, and the Open Limited Gun Dog and Derby stakes were canceled. On to the Hickman Ranch we went, a few miles south of the Thayer grounds. This was the site for the NVA Quail Classic. Dave ran a few dogs in the Open Shooting Dog stake and brought home the Winner and Runner-Up awards with Mason and Colonel. Sara and Dylan both ran in the derby stake and did well, but did not place.

From the Hickman Ranch, we caravaned to the VCA National field trial at Branched Oak in Nebraska. Mason, Colonel and Moxie all did well in the National Championship, with Mason and Colonel making the second series. Dylan ran a beautiful race in the Derby, but alas went birdless once again. Sara had one find but was a bit too busy at times during her run. I ran Colonel in the National Amateur Championship and we made the second series, where he demonstrated just how much of a bird dog he is with one find after another. Unfortunately, he was not called back for a retrieve and our bid for a championship title ended. I was proud of his effort though and received many compliments from other participants.

Dixie and Dylan came home with me from the Nationals. Dixie is due to whelp in about a week or so. She is huge now. Dylan is just getting a little break and some "mommy time".

Loss of a Friend

Today is a sad day. My friend and first Vizsla mentor, Carol Wynn, passed away this morning. Ten years ago Carol was diagnosed with breast cancer, but she did not let it take her down. This summer she wasn't feeling well, and found out that her platelet count was quite low. For two months she went in twice a week for a "fill-up". Last Friday she was checked into the hospital with low blood pressure and failing kidneys and liver. Today her friends and family must wish her farewell on her journey to Our Lord. She will rejoin with Samantha and Blue, her first two Vizslas, and hopefully will be watching over my Ricochet and Angel, both of whom passed on this past year.

I got my first two Vizslas, Ricochet and a couple of years later Phoebe, from Carol. She was there to help when Ricochet had her first litter. She always welcomed us into her home when we would come south for a visit or to go to the Greenville shows. It didn't matter how many dogs were in tow - everyone was welcome. There were many fun times around Carol's dining room table. What a wonderful, generous, giving person. I will remember her fondly.

First Fall Trial

Got back from the first field trial for us this fall, and have one brag... I won the Amateur Limited Gun Dog stake with Colonel. He is such a fun dog to run. Dave ran Colonel in the Open Limited Gun Dog, but about half way he disappeared and neither Dave nor I could find him. We knew that he had to be on point somewhere. When Dave pulled the Tracker out, sure enough it indicated that he was on point. It took us some time to pin-point exactly where he was. We rode by him at least twice. He was buried pretty deep in some thick cover.

Dylan and Sara ran in the Open Derby stake that had a very large entry. Both did a nice job, but neither placed.