The Barking Lot The Ofcial Newsletter of 2nd Chance Vizsla Rescue, Inc.

Volume 30 Summer 2020

President’s Letter – Summer 2020

I sure didn’t think we would still be having a problem with the COVID-19 pandemic. I am still housebound, only out for trips to buy food, gas, and trips to the vet for the dog’s nail trim. I am sure Chilli and Annie are appreciating all the attention they are getting since I am spending more time at home. Still no Vs in need crossing my path. The only Vs needing help are either in the eastern or western states.

Please remember I am open to articles or some info to post in our newsletter, please let me know. I am always looking for something to pass on to the red dog lovers.

I would very much appreciate updates and photos of your special furry friend.

I so apologize for the incorrect financial report sent last newsletter. I am still trying to figure out how to use the updated software. Almost all of my software that I was used to was out of date and no long available to use. Oh well, got to go with the times, I guess.

Please remember WAYS YOU CAN HELP RESCUE. Details in this newsletter: Vizslas are a great breed and I am so happy that we are here to help them find permanent/loving homes. On that note I am asking for your help. We had several dogs in house, Silly Willy, Buckshot and Gunner that had extensive medical costs. As a result this has caused a severe hit to our bank account and jeopardized our ability to help other Vizslas in need. We would appreciate your help by sending a check or you can donate through PayPal. Your donation is tax deductible. Thank you.

Rita

1 2nd Chance Vizsla Rescue Revenue and Expense Summary January 1 - March 31, 2020

REVENUE Adoptions $ 0.00 Donations $1,005.44 Originally Published Grants $0.00 Fundraiser $0.00 Interest - Savings Account $4.40 Uncategorized Income $0.00 TOTAL REVENUE: $1,009.84

OPERATING EXPENSES Computer Software $0.00 General Expense $852.47 Vizsla Direct Expense $765.79 TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES: $1,618.26

Excess of Revenues over expenses -$608.42

CASH IN BANK (Savings/Checking) $5,926.69

2nd Chance Vizsla Rescue Revenue and Expense Summary Corrected January 1 - March 31, 2020

REVENUE Adoptions $ 0.00 Donations $674.00 Grants $0.00 Fundraiser $0.00 Interest - Savings Account $2.80 Uncategorized Income $0.00 TOTAL REVENUE: $698.54

OPERATING EXPENSES Computer Software $0.00 General Expense $1,356.55 Vizsla Direct Expense $391.92 TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES: $1,748.47

Excess of Revenues over expenses -$1,049.93

CASH IN BANK (Savings/Checking) $4,753.83

2 Ways you can help 2nd Chance Vizsla Rescue

Ways you can help 2nd Chance Vizsla Rescue

King Soopers - Did you know that if you select 2nd Chance Vizsla Rescue in their Community Awards program, every time you buy groceries a percentage goes to 2CVR! Here are the steps to sign up.

1. You must have a King Soopers member’s card. If you don’t already have one, pick one up next time you are at the store and open your account. 2. After creating your account, if you didn’t already have one, sign in. Then go to Account, then Community Awards. 3. Type in 2nd Chance Vizsla Rescue Inc. The organization number is QW541. Select the organization. 4. That is it! Now every time you shop, remember to sign in with your member card and 2CVR will earn money.

Amazon - Who doesn’t shop on Amazon? This is also very easy and can add up!!

1. Log into Amazon. Go to Your Account. Then go to Other Programs. 2. Select Change Your Amazon Smile Charity. 3. Type in 2Nd Chance Vizsla Rescue Inc. Then select it. 4. The one catch is, when you log into Amazon, you MUST use the link smile.amazon.com in order for the program to work. Once you get into the habit, you don’t even have to think about it! When you log into smile.amazon.com, you will use your same password. You do not need to open a separate account.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me, Geri Paxton, at 970-667-3364 and I will help you.

3 How to love your dog to death I was at my vet clinic to have my foster dog Ryker in for stitch removal when Doc asked me to step into the back room. He wanted me to meet a patient of his a beautiful 3 year old black lab. She was going to get to go home in a couple of days Doc said, “Her family has loved her almost to death”. She has Canine Pancreatitis. Now he knew I would understand what that means as Ryker my sweet little foster dog has a high Lipase, pancreas specific level of 432.0 normal for a dog is less than 2000. Her blood sugar is 297, normal is 70-138, total bilirubin is 1.6, normal is 0.1-0.3. Ryker is on a low fat diet in hopes of not having pancreatitis. The young lab however was not as lucky as Ryker. Her Lipase was over 2000. Both of these sweet dogs have one thing in common even though they had never been close to each other. Ryker and the lab both had families who fed them poor dry dog food and lots of table scrapes. Ryker has hopefully dodged a bullet so to speak. But how many dogs are out there who are headed for Canine Pancreatitis? Ryker is the second dog that Rita and I have taken in with this deadly condition Ryker had a Lipase of 1500. He recovered but has to be on a low fat diet for the rest of his life. Did you know that for a 20# dog, one small oatmeal cookie………is the caloric equivalent of 1 hamburger or 1 chocolate bar for a person? For a 20# dog eating just 1 hot dog is the same as a person consuming 3 entire hamburgers or 2 entire chocolate bars. Only 1 ounce of cheddar cheese for a 20# dog has the same number of calories as 2 ½ hamburgers or 1½ chocolate bars does for a person. These facts are from Hill’s Prescription Diet; for more information visit PetFit.com.

4 Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas which disrupts the normal integrity of the pancreas. The pancreas is a glandular organ that secretes enzymes needed to digest food. When something causes these enzymes to be activated prematurely, they can actually begin to digest the pancreas itself, resulting in pain and inflammation. There are 2 types of pancreatitis acute and chronic, and both can be either mild or severe. Either one can be painful. Additional symptoms may include diarrhea, drooling, fever, and collapse. Most dogs with pancreatitis are unwilling to eat and display some behavior issues mostly caused by the pain that is either mild or severe. If the pancreas is affected so as to disrupt its ability to produce insulin, diabetes mellitus can result, which can be either temporary or permanent. It is really easy to give into those soulful eyes as you are munching on those greasy French fries or cheese on a cracker and a tiny piece once in a while may not hurt. But resist the temptation to scrape your plate into the dog’s dish. Just remember dogs are dogs and people are people and don’t confuse the two. Yes, I baby talk to my dogs and yes once in a while I give them a tiny taste of cheese, but I mostly use low fat cream cheese or oven baked F r e n c h f r i e s . F o r m o r e information about Canine Pancreatitis there are many articles on the web. If you have any questions about Ryker you c a n e - m a i l m e a t [email protected] Remember Don’t Shop instead Adopt from a Rescue or Shelter. - Polly Eastin Ryke

5 Ryke Stew

Ryker stew

½ cup canned pumpkin ½ cup frozen vegetable soup mix ½ cup low fat low sodium chicken or beef broth

Thaw the vegetable mix in running cool water. Then add the other 2 items and warm up. You can pour this over your dog’s dry dog food or just serve as is. Makes a nice treat and they believe they are getting table food.

Lots of things can be added to the basic stew, boiled chopped chicken, or even fat free canned chicken. Alpo has a canned dog food that is called “Select Cuts” which, in small amounts, can be added also works great on dogs that have been fed table scrapes. Water packed tuna is another thing that can be added to the stew. BUT if your dog has pancreatitis the special diet from your vet is the best with just the addition of the Ryker stew.

6 Dedicated to those who are involved in Rescue.

THE RESCUER

Unlike most days at Rainbow Bridge, this day dawned cold and gray, damp as a swamp and as dismal as could be imagined. All the recent arrivals had no idea what to think, as they had never experienced a day like this before. But the animals who had been waing for their beloved people knew exactly what was going on and started to gather at the pathway leading to THE BRIDGE to watch. It wasn’t long before an elderly dog came into view, head hung low and tail dragging. The other dogs, the ones who had been there for a while, knew what his story was right away, for they had seen this happen far too oen. He approached slowly, obviously in great emoonal pain, but with no sign of injury or illness. Unlike all the other dogs waing at THE BRIDGE, this one had not been restored to youth and made healthy and vigorous again. As he walked toward THE BRIDGE, he watched all of the other dogs watching him. He knew he was out of place here and the sooner he could cross over, the happier he would be. But, alas, as he approached THE BRIDGE, his way was barred by the appearance of an Angel who apologized, but told him that he would not be able to pass. Only dogs who were with their people could pass over the Rainbow Bridge.

With no place else to turn to, the elderly dog turned toward the fields before THE BRIDGE and saw a group of other dogs like himself, also elderly. They weren’t playing, but simply lying on the green grass, staring out at the pathway leading to THE BRIDGE. And so, he took his place among them, watching the pathway and waing.

7 One of the newest arrivals at THE BRIDGE didn’t understand what he just witnessed and asked one of the dogs that had been there for a while to explain it to him. “You see, this dog was a rescue. He was turned in to rescue just as you see him now - an older dog with his fur graying and his eyes clouding. He never made it out of rescue and passed on with only the love of his Rescuer to comfort him as he le his earthly existence. Because he had no family to give his love to, he has no one to escort him across THE BRIDGE.” The first dog thought about this and then asked, “So what will happen now?” As he was about to receive his answer, the clouds suddenly parted and the gloom lied. Approaching THE BRIDGE could be seen a single person - a woman. Among the older dogs, the whole group was suddenly bathed in a golden light and they were all young and healthy again, and they began to frolic around the field. A second group of dogs from those waing came to the pathway and bowed low as the woman neared. At each bowed head, she offered a pat on the head or a scratch behind the ears. The newly restored dogs fell into a line behind the woman and followed her over THE BRIDGE. “What happened?” That was a Rescuer. The dogs you saw bowing in respect were those who found new homes because of her work. The will cross when their families arrive. Those you saw restored were those who never found homes. When a Rescuer arrives, they are allowed to perform one final act of rescue. They are allowed to escort those animals that they couldn’t place on earth across THE RAINBOW BRIDGE.”

- Author Unknown

8 Adoption Updates

Poo

Polo Update: June 2020

Polo is doing great! Loves the property, loves the family, plays with pesky Khal Vizsla all day... Still not fond of visitors, change, noise. But he is coming along. And we’re still celebrating the way he dealt with the rattlesnake he encountered: such a relief, as all avoidance trainings had been canceled: it seems his instincts are pretty sharp!

Here's the story: I’ve had Polo for about a year now. A failed foster, he joined a relatively new family with Buddy Weimaraner, a 6-month resident senior and Khal Vizsla, a returned yearling who didn’t like to hunt. All three dogs needed rattlesnake avoidance training but Polo had some leash and stranger aggression issues to work through so I held him back. As it happens, Polo has great instincts. I live in a wonderful rural home, with lots of open acreage in the neighborhood. It’s a blessing when you have Vizsas and Weimaraners, because they can entertain themselves for hours check in with me and return to their distractions outside. It’s also a concern when wildfires are threatening, brush-clearing is hard work and wildlife imposes on you.

9 Polo Update continued…

This was the case when some field rats found a way into my wedge-shaped “basement” that is open to the backyard, being built on a slope. Polo is an expert rat-catcher, patient as a cat, and he found his own distraction in the basement waiting to Poo catch an intruder. Following the rats, a pair of rattlesnakes moved in eventually, and one morning an agitated Polo kept running into my office and nipping my fingers, then running back to the basement and barking. I finally got it: something unusual was up. I heard the rattles and steered the dogs outside and found the snakes curled up in a low shelf near the door. Darn. Not an easy catch. While I’m used to rattlesnakes around the property, this is the first time they had moved indoors, and although I try to spare their lives and turn them over to the training folks this wasn’t going to happen with two large snakes. My brother-in-law was only too happy to dispatch them for me. Once they were gone, I could reflect on Polo: he’s difficult because I never know what will set him off. He’s strong and fierce and roars out a bark that terrifies people. But he was calm and stayed back a safe distance without being told to. His behavior in telling me about them was what I would have expected from a dog who had been through rattlesnake avoidance training, which I’m sure he has not, but what great instincts! I walk through that space several times a week, dogs following along—it could have been disastrous. But Polo saved the day! By the way, Polo is great on obedience: he listens when I call him back and have him sit while someone comes into the house. But he is comfortable with his home and his family and doesn't want any more additions. He and Khal get along great, he takes so much nonsense from the little pest, and they play, nap, play all day together. Erin

10 Adoption Updates

Coco

Coco and Dave

Coco on snake patrol

11 Adoption Updates

Silly Willy Update

Polly Eastin - June 9. 2020

I haven't done an update on our foster Silly Willy in a while because there has not been much change in the goof ball.

We will be taking him into the vet on June 15th for his shots and just a general wellness check. He is on the same medication and sleeping in some days until 7:30 cst which is great. I have observed two episodes of cataplexy when thunder was happening and I can't say that I blame him. We did have a disturbance in the pack - Diesel is going to be 13 in August and he has decided he no longer wants to be the alpha. Diesel handed the crown to Phoenix which thrilled me. Drifter is a good dog and the enforcer of the pack, but he has no patience. Drifter had his nose out of joint because of Phoenix and Silly Willy Willy's close relationship. Drifter thought he was being placed at the bottom of the pack! Danny wanted me to do something about the issue and as always, I refused. They figured it out. Willy was a little confused as Phoenix always came in the house after Willy because he waited on him. Phoenix now comes into the house first, then Diesel, Drifter next, and Willy last as it should be. Willy has caught on without my interference or Danny’s. If there had been a real problem, Diesel, I'm sure would have stepped up to settle any issues. Yes, Phoenix still watches out for Willy and they play together when Willy isn't on fence patrol or guard duty. Drifter is playing with Willy so peace has been restored.

Willy still bounces around like a mountain goat and still comes upstairs and gets on Danny's lap. Only one behavior is new: He was throwing his bedtime snack dish to the back of his crate. I told him that I wasn't crawling into his crate to get it, so he went back into his crate and brought the dish out and dropped at my feet! Now when I let them out first thing in the morning Willy comes out of his crate with the dish in his mouth. Willy has issues, but he is smart. He will never be able to go to a family. There is no way he could handle the changes - he'd fall asleep or turn to stone.

I will let you know how his vet appointment goes. Polly

Dani’s comment: Polly has been a Vizsla in a past life. I've never seen anyone who is so keyed into these dogs and instinctively knows what to do, or not! Great report and so heartening to know that Willy has become part of a pack and can function. He landed exactly where he needed to be. Thank you, Polly. You're a super V in my book!

Thank you, Dani. I do my very best to help these dogs. Willy went in to Dr Jess on Monday and got his shots he also got his nails done. He weighs 75# and Dr Jess was amazed because this weight is perfect for his size and it is muscle and not fat! He did very well but he knows everyone at that clinic. As always, he rides very well in the car, but is thrilled to come home. He is a very good dog and worth the extra work and attention to details that is needed to maintain his well-being. Polly

12 Volunteer Spotlight

Introducing:

Alyssa McCluskey

I first became involved with Vizsla rescue around 2005, I believe. We were thinking of potentially adding a second Vizsla to add to our family and decided to foster. When I started with Vizsla rescue I helped with everything from going to shelters to check on dogs, pulling Vizslas from shelters, doing home visits, Alyssa with Dakota coordinating home visits, helping transport, fostering, etc. Many years later after adding two human kids to the family and more demanding work life, my volunteering is mostly centered on home visits. The fosters of course are the most memorable part of being a part of Vizsla rescue for me. Each one of them has a special story and a special place in my heart. I can remember our first foster being adopted and I stood in my driveway sobbing to where the new mom, came back and just hugged me. After you go through a few adoptions and then get to hear about how well they are doing in their new homes and sometimes even get to see them with their families years later – that’s the true reward. I had to keep telling myself, your job is to be their transition home, you have to let them move on so that you can help more. Of course, there are 2 Vizslas that came to us and never left. There was Amber, a 6 yr old intact female, kept as an outdoor kennel dog for hunting by an older man that passed away. Boulder Humane Society called for rescue to come as she was curled up and scared to death and wouldn’t move. I picked up this heartbroken Vizsla. I remember sleeping with her on the bathroom floor that night. She would try to curl up and hide in all kind of places. On a hike, she heard a whistle and just curled up in a ditch and my husband had to carry her back to the car. Long story short, given time and love that girl enjoyed her second life to the fullest. She and I were even in a rescue parade in a dog show once! She lovingly welcomed 2 human babies into our family, was an incredible hunter, and was the most amazing and loving companion you could ask for. Our second foster failure, another 6 yr old female, kept as an outside dog because her family worried she’d knock over the toddler, came to us after losing our first 2 Vizslas. We were wanting to start again with younger dogs, but Dakota had other plans and again proved to us she was meant to be – again, an incredible hunter, so sweet and gentle with the kids, so loving, so amazing and still going strong at almost 14 years. I think what surprises me the most is how these rescues understand their own journey. They seem to be a little more grateful, a little more present in taking in love and living a happy life. They have taught me many lessons.

13

My husband and I were introduced to Vizslas in the late 1990’s while working as graduate students in a research institute in Austria. A colleague would bring his Vizsla puppy to work – we fell in love. Before human kids our weekends consisted of Vizsla outings – meeting up at the reservoir, hunting, agility, hikes, etc. Now our Vizslas get to share their time with kid activities. We have had 4 Vizslas over the years (and countless fosters). We currently have 2; Dakota – 13yr and Duke – 6yr. Duke Kahanamoku – named after a famous surfer and was swimming before 8 weeks, turns out to HATE the water. Dakota swimming Dakota – foster failure, only lived in CO, turns out LOVES to swim. Her heaven is at our lake house in IL. She literally swims the entire day and has even caught some fish in her mouth. We love being outdoors, at the lake, in the woods, camping, etc. with our Vizslas.

Dakota Daisy Adoption photo

14 RAINBOW BRIDGE

Bennie fka Eureka February 8, 2011- June 7, 2020

Bennie

Hello, Bennie here. My story is a short story since I am only a puppy and have not had many things go on in my short life. I am only 7 months old and my owner had a death in the family and she couldn’t keep me so she sent me to Vizsla rescue. My foster mom was just great and she fell in love with me and wanted to adopt me. I was so happy because I really love her. - Bennie

Our beloved friend and companion Bence (Ben crossed the Rainbow Bridge in his sleep last Monday night). It was a surprise. He hadn’t felt well over the weekend, but picked up Monday. Monday evening, he ate then shared ice cream, his favorite snack. He went to bed and crossed the bridge in the night. Ben was a loved and a good companion for us and will be missed terrible. His two Best friend Devin and JD, miss him a lot as do we.

Sue and Larry

15 RAINBOW BRIDGE

SheBee aka Violet November 2006 - October 2019

Just sent you a photo of my dog SheBee that SheBee we lost last October. She came to us in November of 2006 as "Violet" and we changed her name.

She was the perfect dog! Loving and energetic. I wanted a Vizsla to run with and she was the best running partner I ever had. She could run circles around me for miles, and always came when she was called. She was the most loved member of our family and it broke our hearts to see her go.

SheBee was the best dog ever born. She came to us as a rescue, so we never knew her history but it was evident that she had already had puppies. She was quite skittish and nervous when we met and very afraid of men in general although the moment my son sat on the floor she came and cuddled next to him. From that point on we knew she was our dog.

I wanted a running partner and started to run short distances with her but it became evident right away that she had the endurance of a distance runner. We put in many happy miles together; she was very motivated to run and stayed right by my side. She found her place in the family as the older sister and would treat the boys accordingly. She was definitely a mama’s girl; I think mostly because she knew I was her running partner. She was easily trained and would run right next to me or come the moment I called. She could run circles around me; it was not uncommon for me to see her joyfully bounding after a deer and then racing back to jog by my side.

As she aged she became unable to run but she was still the most affectionate and loving member of the family. She would curl up next to us anytime any of us even sat down. Late in life she had a stroke and was wobbly on her feet after that but we got a good six months from her before we finally had to say goodbye. We will remember her fondly; I still can’t go for a run without wishing that she were there by my side.

We can't imagine life without a vizsla now❤

Thank you,

Naomi

16 RAINBOW BRIDGE

Sienna aka Seanna December 29, 2012 – March 10, 2020

Seanna was surrendered by her owner who was moving out of state. Rita says she found her to be just about the most perfect foster she ever had. She was a very special girl and Sienna she wanted to make sure she found the perfect home. She found her perfect home and here is her new mom’s story.

Six year old Sienna came to live with us only a month ago but it seems like we have always been a family. Although we all still need some training (not just Sienna!), the transition to living in our home with two active boys has gone better than we had ever imagined.

Sienna protects us fiercely, listens and obeys very well, loves her new backyard which has several areas for bone burying, one area for going to the bathroom (she decided this on her own) and tons of space to play catch with a tennis ball, chase squirrels and play with her doggie friends who come to visit.

Although there are so many dogs we could have adopted or purchased, and so much advice to get a puppy or a different breed, we could not be happier to have found Sienna. She is a true Velcro Vizsla with love in her heart for her family and everyone she meets. - Lori

Hi Rita

Sienna crossed the rainbow bridge on March 10th this year. In my mind, I saw her running (so fast like she used to!) to my late husband and sharing all the things with him.

Sienna was born on June 1, 2006. We met her and brought her to live with us on December 29, 2012. Her death in March of 2020 means she was just shy of 14 years old!

The day we brought her home from your house she sat in the front seat of our car with me. Pretty much every day of her 7 years with us she was right there by my side. In the car taking boys to and from school, running errands with me and in the yard with us. Always with me, watching out for me, following me. She was a true velcro dog.

We sure miss her!!! Here are some photos. Thanks for sharing her with us Rita. She helped us through so much.

17 Who’s Who in 2CVR

Officers/Directors: Founder/CEO/President - Rita Prindle VP – Rick Prindle Secretary – Cathy Lund Tresurer - Kathy Kregel Rita Prindle – Chairperson Directors: Denise Lashme Larry Smallwood Judy Wagner C.P.A. – non vong Carolyn Levy – Advisor – non vong Financial Consultant – Judy Wagner, CPA Legal Counsel B Terry Ryan Law Firm Newsleer Editor – Mary Ellen Keskimaki Jr Editor – Kelly Renz Proof Reader - Sandy Cook Cartoonist – Tracey Adams Fund Raiser Coordinator – Open Grant Writer – Kristen Wrona Transport Coordinator – Ilona Francis Adoptor Follow-Up – Donna Wolosin Facebook Managers – Diana (Berger) Sinatra & 2nd Chance Vizsla Rescue Katherine Giese Revenue and Expense Summary January 1 - June 30, 2020

Adoption Team: REVENUE - Rita Prindle – Chairperson Adoptions $ 0.00 - receive & review adopon apps Donations $688.60 Grants $0.00 - Ilona Francis - revew & assign HV Fundraiser $154.96 Telephone Interviewers - Donna Wolosin, Dani Interest - Savings Account $2.80 Commendador, Denise Lashmett & Polly Eastin Uncategorized Income $0.00 -call approved adoptive family after positive HV prior TOTAL REVENUE: $846.36 to final adoption must have information on fostered OPERATING EXPENSES dogs in order to make a suggestion as to which dog will Computer Software $0.00 be a good match w/family General Expense $2,220.02 -e-mail Rita with telephone report for her decision Vizsla Direct Expense $535.75 whether adoption is ok or not TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES: $2,755.77 - Foster Liaison - Open - work closely w/Chairman, assign rescues to foster Excess of Revenues over expenses $1,909.41 homes, receive rescue profiles/success stories/pictures CASH IN BANK (Savings/Checking) $5,070.01 from foster families

18