Florida Morning

It's a cold Florida morning...41 degrees!  On mornings like this I love to snuggle under a blanket, enjoy a hot cup of coffee and watch some TV.  But it's a sunny morning, so off to the dog park I'll go to enjoy the nice crisp air with Ralphie.

I wanted to share these pictures that I took this morning...keep in mind, Ollie isn't all that fond of Ralphie...but when it's cold, it doesn't matter...

Love.

Run Ralphie Run

It's been months and I'm still suffering with plantar fasciitis which is putting a huge damper on my running.  I was so looking forward to running with Ralphie but right now I'm not seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.  I thought after three months of no running, my heel pain would be gone.  But it's the same. :(

I realize as a puppy Ralphie can't run any long distances yet, as his bones are maturing.  So between my problem with my heel and Ralphie's growing body, we have been doing short 2 mile interval run/walks.  My gosh, Ralphie is fast!  Even at the dog park, I noticed Ralphie is doing less wrestling and more running.  I  look forward to the day I'm up to par and Ralphie is a big boy to possibly run a race together.  But in the meantime, I will continue to soak my foot in ice water, do foot stretches, try to find comfortable shoes and enjoy our short puppy runs.  Run Ralphie Run.

Last Christmas Memory

I have to share this last Christmas memory of Ralphie's first Christmas.  He's been a little frisky today...

What's this...a broken Christmas ornament?!?  Who is the culprit??

"Oh boy, I love playing with sparkly things that roll around!"

"Oh, Oh...it's Ollie's fault!

"Mama, truly I'm innocent!'

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas!!  Ralphie really enjoyed his first Christmas.  He definitely needs to learn proper etiquette and not hang, lick, and jump on my guests.  He has a lot to learn for sure.  I will be spending more training time with him after the holidays.  But overall, he's a great, smart puppy who I love so much!

Me, Ollie, and Ralphie...my two boys just hate having their photo taken. Haha

Lovin' my Ralphie!

Ralphie snagged one of his gift bags, ran under the table to open and eat!

Under the table enjoying his Christmas gift making sure Ollie has no chance on getting it.

Ralphie opening another gift...more treats!!

And another gift...a new toy bird. He destroyed his last one.

Playtime at the Dog Park

 Playtime at the dog park...

Ralphie meets a new friend at the dog park!

Oh boy, tug 'o war ..who's going to get it?

Tug, pull, tug, pull

.Ralphie gets his way again!! Tough little guy!

Let's Talk About Ralphie

I had many kinds dogs in my lifetime.  I've had several mixed breeds, English Bulldogs, Dachshund, Basset Hound, Poodle, Yorkie, and Vizslas.  I loved and enjoyed all my pets and enjoyed their personalities. But the Vizsla breed stands out with their most unusual characteristics.  Let's talk about Ralphie...

Life has changed for me since Ralphie.  Ralphie follows me everywhere.  He will follow me to the bathroom and sits and stares waiting patiently...talk about the lack of privacy.  It never fails when I take a shower, his little nose is peeking around the shower curtain.  I get out of the shower, he'll lick my ankles dry.  While relaxing on the couch, Ralphie needs to lay on the back of the couch resting his paw or head on my shoulder. Of course he needs to sleep in my bed. It never fails after brushing my teeth...there he is laying on my side of the bed with his head resting so comfortably on my pillow. So I move him over to the other side, turn off the light to go to sleep.  It doesn't end there, Ralphie starts to nudge over to my side again, tucks his head under my chin and snuggles up closer than ever and starts snoring away.  Along comes 3am or so, I feel a cold nose in my ear, then a lick, and more cold nose...I wake up.  Time for his potty break.  Back to bed all nuzzled up against me again. He needs to be touching me in some way even when it's not the most convenient situation.  For example, yesterday I spent hours in the kitchen baking Christmas cookies...Ralphie was there every minute.  He sat watching every move I made. When he had a chance he would lean against my leg...truly a Velcro dog.  Do I mind this abnormally clingy dog...absolutely not!  Vizslas are definitely a unique breed that no one would understand until having one of their own.  I LOVE every little thing about my squirrel chaser, my lizard hunter, my Vizsla puppy named Ralphie!!

Here's proof...hogging my side of the bed!  LOL

 Having fun today with his new Dalmatian puppy friend.

Mange Update #2

Ralphie is on week 3 of his medication for the mange.  Each week the medication is increased, now it's up to .5ml.  He seems to be handling the meds pretty well.  I don't see any difference in his behavior or appetite.  I just wish his hair would grow in faster.  He's very splotchy and very thin hair along the sides of his back.  Here are a few pictures I took today...

 The hair that Ralphie lost around his eyes seems to be growing in.

 You can see his neck and chest are bald, well actually it was worse. His hair is growing back very slowly.

 This picture shows his thin hair and some bald spots on his top neck. (sigh)

His legs are very splotchy, doesn't seem to be growing in yet.  :-(

 But Ralphie is a beauty no matter what!!! So sweet.

Training Time

I really need to start training Ralphie more.  My biggest problem now that he's getting bigger is walking without pulling...loose leash walking.  I saw this video along with several others.  They make it look so simple!  I'm going to get my fanny pack of treats and start working on this for sure.
But I am proud to say Ralphie sits on command and today I was teaching him how to shake hands.  He picked that up quickly.  He also knows "go to your bed", meaning go in your crate.  He goes into his crate freely and on command.  
So right now my goal is to teach him how to walk with a loose leash...no pulling, no tugging, no darting at squirrels, no biting and pulling the leash.  I believe Ralphie will have this mastered in a couple of weeks...Smart Ralphie.

Fun With Ralphie

 Silly Ralphie full of fun and play!

Sweet Ralphie...trying to calm him down.

Nope, still wanting to play...full of kisses.

Finally, my baby boy is calm.  Love.

In My Eyes...

Just an update on Ralphie's mange that he's been battling...poor guy has a lot of bald spots.  I don't see any hair growth yet, actually seems a little worse from when he was diagnosed.  He's in good spirits, no itching, and no open sores.  Just bald.  I increased his dosage of his medication to .3 ml.  Each week it goes up. He's handling the medication pretty well.  He has a great appetite and certainly not depressed.  I'm using a topical cream called Nu-Stock that I ordered online.  This stuff is supposed to make his hair grow back faster.  I've only used it twice so far, every 3 days.  This cream has an odor to it, like menthol. I can smell Ralphie a mile away. LOL  I put it on all his bald spots, it's sticky with a yellow tint.  Let's put it this way, it's not very attractive on. LOL  My poor little boy is not too handsome right now in the eyes of strangers, but in my eyes he's the most adorable, cute, handsome, kissable, smoochable, lovable little boy ever! 

 Can you believe it...Ollie and Ralphie sleeping together??!! Brotherly LOVE.

Reindeer Ralphie

Ralphie had a good day at Erica's place.  He loves going there while I'm at work.  He went to the dog park in the morning...ran and ran, of course with the biggest dog at the park.  Then Erica took him on a shopping spree at Petsmart.  She got him some holiday lollipops and a Christmas jingle bell collar.  Ralphie tried on the reindeer antlers and by the look on his face, he was not happy with these strange things coming out of his head...LOL

F in Conduct

Ralphie seemed a little mellow this morning before leaving for work.   He threw up in the car while driving over Erica's to drop him off for the day.  So I thought he was going to be 'sick' today from his medication.  Well it all turned around as the day progressed.  I picked him up at 5pm and got the report from Erica. Truly an F in conduct today.   He pooped in her apartment while she was in the shower.  He escaped the gated kitchen while Erica ran errands.  Ralphie must of felt that he was in heaven ... he discovered freedom to have the whole apartment to himself.  He dumped the garbage, shredded paper towels everywhere, and oh, Erica's beautiful Christmas tree was invaded my Ralphie's little red paws and puppy teeth.  Luckily he didn't hurt himself, but I can probably say he sure had a lot of fun!

O Christmas Tree

The Christmas tree is up looking so beautiful.  Ralphie has been very interested in this tree.  He's thinking, "What is a tree doing in my house and there are so many toys hanging on it!"  "Is this all for ME!?" 

This all brings back memories of my last Vizsla, Jazz around Christmastime.  It never failed, Jazz managed to knock the tree down each year.  But I'm smarter now...Ralphie doesn't have a chance at this tree...well at least I thought so.  He already decapitated a cute angel ornament, he pulled Santa out of another ornament, he gnawed on another ornament, and lovin' the garland.  No Ralphie these are NOT toys!

  If you notice, I tried to strategically leave the bottom of the tree bare so Ralphie isn't tempted to play with the "toys" hanging on the tree.  But no stoppin' Ralphie, he's discovered Christmastime!

Mange Update #1

Today is the 3rd day Ralphie has been on his medicine to clear up the mange.  He seems more tired than normal, but still in good spirits and has a great appetite.  He's been taking more naps.  He actually went into his crate earlier today to be alone and sleep.   He has more hair loss, more bare spots, and thinning along his back. He's pretty much bare along his neck and belly.  His face has a few bare spots and behind his ears is bare as well.  From what I've been reading it may take three months for the mange to clear.  I feel sorry for my poor little guy.  :-(

Demodectic Mange

Mange - ASPCA

  "What Is Mange? Mange is a skin disease caused by several species of tiny mites, common external parasites found in companion canines. Some mange mites are normal residents of your dog’s skin and hair follicles, while others are not. All mites can cause mild to severe skin infections if they proliferate. 
All dogs raised normally by their mothers possess demodectic mange mites (Demodex canis), which are transferred from mother to pup via cuddling during the first few days of life. Most dogs live in harmony with their mites, never suffering any consequences."

Ralphie had his vet appointment yesterday for his last series of puppy shots and rabies shot.  He's getting to be a big boy weighing in at 27.9 pounds at 4 months old.  I had him checked for mange since he's developing bald spots and I heard a couple of his siblings were diagnosed with mange.  I'm sorry to say Ralphie has demodectic mange.  He's not itching or scabbing but he is losing hair.  The vet said it's common in Vizslas, but I never experienced this with Jazz, my previous Vizsla.  So this is all new to me.  The vet indicated it's from his mother while nursing as a new puppy.

This is something the breeder would never know especially being the first time she bred the mother.  I can tell you one thing, I am so impressed with the breeder.  She is very concerned and is paying for Ralphie's exam and treatment.  The vet gave me a med called Ivermectin.  I've read about this med and I'm not so thrilled about it especially when the doc said Ralphie may get depressed, if so to discontinue it plus he will lose more hair before it all grows back again.  I will use this med very conservatively.  I did some research and ordered a product called Nu-Stock, which seems to have great reviews. So I'm planning to use this since it doesn't have any side effects. 

But in the meantime, Ralphie is still the crazy, playful, energized Ralphie. 

Frog

This evening was a rough one.  Before I vent, I want make it clear, I love my Ralphie.  I love having a puppy...well most of the time. Haha

I'm tired this evening. Very tired. I had a busy day at work.  I just wanted to relax when I got home.  I wanted to stretch out on the sofa and just veg in front of the TV.  Well Ralphie had different plans this evening.

Ralphie had to stay home today because Erica worked.  So he was a burst of energy tonight.  I got home from work at 5:30pm and it's 10:00pm now and he is still on the go!

The craziness all started when I took Ollie and Ralphie for a walk around the block after work.  A neighbor comes running out of her house darting at the dogs to pet them.  Ollie did his normal thing...barking and barking, then Ralphie gets all excited and started going after Ollie because he thinks Ollie wants to play because of all of his barking.  The leashes get all tangled up, Ollie is snarling at Ralphie.  I drop the poo bag, Ralphie picks it up, I grabbed it out of his mouth.  It took me and my neighbor to untangle them and in the meantime I'm sweating from all this commotion.  Exhausting.

Finally we get home, Ralphie continues to go after Ollie wanting to play.  Ollie snarling and barking..."leave me alone you crazy puppy!"

Then I'm thinking, gosh I need to exercise this puppy, so I took Ralphie for a run outside, about a mile.  We come home, he still has more energy to burn.  I played ball with him, I played with the rope with him,  I played with the squeaky toy with him,  I wrestled with him,  then for another walk.  Ralphie picks up every stick, palm, paper as we're walking, so I have to stop, put my finger in his mouth, scoop out the debris and continue our walk.  We get home to the front door, again, something in his mouth, stick my finger in it, scoop it out, it was a FROG!!

Finally he snoozes for 20 minutes, only 20 minutes...now he's up and at 'em again.
Round 2.  I am sooo tired!

Ralphie still up to no good on top of my laptop...making it difficult for me to write my blog this evening.  Ralphie, Ralphie, Ralphie!

Braggin' Mama

I don't want to brag but I feel a human mama has the right to brag about her little puppy and that's exactly what I'm going to do.  LOL

First, VIZSLAS ARE THE BEST DOGS EVER!   Ralphie is so adorable.

Erica and I took Ralphie to this beautiful dog park this beautiful Florida morning.  Tons of dogs were there, all kinds of breeds frolicking around.  Again, Ralphie was the show-stopper.  After two hours of play everybody knew Ralphie by name.  People are so intrigue by him, asking questions after questions about the breed.  He played so nice with every dog possible and of course he showed some lovin' to all the humans, portraying his velcro personality.  His demeanor is absolutely the best and I can see why so many people were in awe with him...Ralphie the Vizsla is unique, kind, lovable, playful, happy, and one of a kind.  He brings so much joy to my life and I am one lucky girl to have him in my little family.

Love.  

Thanksgiving - 2012

Yesterday was our big Thanksgiving celebration.  It's time to reflect on all that we are thankful for.  I can honestly say my list can go on and on.  Of course Erica and Rusty are number 1.  I couldn't ask for the best kids ever. I'm thankful for my faith, the roof over my head, the food on my table, being employed in a job I love, my family and friends, and of course Ollie and Ralphie.  They bring so much joy and laughter into my life. 

Enjoy this video of  Ralphie chasing Rusty around the pool yesterday.  That's Ollie in the background barking because of all the excitement.  Check out Ralphie slipping into the spa, but of course keeps on running...

Here's a picture of Ralphie after an exhausting Thanksgiving Day.  Notice the spots of puppy hair he's losing on his leg...hopefully his beautiful adult coat will grow in fast. I guess we all had to go through that awkward, not so pretty stage before becoming the beautiful swan we are today.  LOL

3 1/2 Months Old

Ralphie is now about 3 1/2 months old.  I'm starting to see changes in him.  Although he's still a little guy, he weighs 25.2 pounds.  I'm not sure if that's average or above or below average for a Vizsla his age.  I do know he has a mighty appetite and loves his treats.  Ralphie is starting to lose some of his hair, mostly around his neck but also tiny patches here and there.  I was concerned at first about hair lost, but after research I find it's completely normal.  His adult coat is coming in.  I also notice Ralphie's cute short squared-off snoot is becoming longer and narrow.  He developed his own individual Ralphie personality...barking more, watches the TV with interest, scratches the back screen door to go out to play, sits and stares at the front door when he needs to go potty, he plays with the big boys at the park, the little dogs bore him, he sits above me on the couch with his paws over my shoulders, he steals a kiss whenever he can, and he still annoys Ollie...LOL 

Puppy Magic

I truly believe puppies are magical, especially Vizsla puppies.  I've lived in my neighborhood for many years.  My neighbors have always been cordial, we wave to each other as we drive down the street or a wave on a walk.  Rarely do we have conversation maybe because we all feel it's a way to 'mind our own business'.

Well then a cute little puppy became a new member of our neighborhood. namely Ralphie, who changed everything.  Now when I take a walk with Ralphie on my side my neighbors stop their car as their heading to work with a "how adorable" or "boy he's getting big" or "how is potty training going" or "how's he getting along with your other dog", etc etc.  The other day I was walking Ralphie and a neighbor ran out of her house and said, "you're the one with the Vizsla puppy that I heard about" then at the same time just lovin' little Ralphie with a lot of ohhhs and ahhhs.  Then she tells me the story of the Vizsla she once had.  Ralphie stops curious people in their tracks with questions like, "what kind of puppy is that" or "what a beauty" or "wow, what an active puppy" or "is that a hunting dog" or "how cute, look at him", etc etc.  I've realized I'm meeting more people and talking to more people than ever now with Ralphie by my side.  He sure is an attention getter, but most of all he is a real lovey-dovey.

 Ralphie's kisser in action.  LOL

BFF

It's a calm evening at home...Nice.   Ralphie went to the dog park today while I was at work with his BFF, Ellie Mae.

Ralphie and BFF, Ellie Mae in the car heading to the dog park.

They are Best Friends Forever!

Sweet Ralphie.  Love. 

Friends Galore!

Erica took Ralphie to a really nice dog park today while I was at work.  Ralphie met up with his girlfriend, Ellie Mae, German Short-haired Pointer.  This park has a nice agility course, plenty of drinking water, and a wash-down station and it's BIG.  I'm looking forward to visiting this dog park with Ralphie often.  Who knows...he may be a great agility dog in the future!

The Bone

Ollie hasn't had interest in bones in years...now all of a sudden he has an interest.  Oh course he doesn't want his own bone, he wants Ralphie's bone.  He'll stand there, staring and staring until he has a chance to snag it.  That 'ol Ollie isn't so innocent for sure...LOL.

Dog Park

"What you need to do is drain the puppy’s energy through exercise before it joins the older dog...If you exercise the puppy and allow the puppy to interact with dogs that match his state of mind before bringing him around the older dog, you’re not going to have a problem. He’s (older dog) not being aggressive; he’s just asking for his space. You are right. If you don’t provide right solution, he can teach the puppy to be aggressive with others dogs as a way to solve problems." --Cesar'sWay

This is what I read about a puppy interacting with an older dog, which is exactly what's happening in my home.  Sometimes I think Ralphie is too rough with Ollie but other times I think Ollie just doesn't like his high energy and simply wants to be left alone.  So this morning I took Ralphie to the dog park with the approval from my veterinarian.  I had a few concerns...Will he have a bad experience?   Is he too young?  As a puppy, can he catch something from the park?  Should I wait until he's older?  Well, I asked these questions at our vet appointment this week and the doc gave me thumbs up. 

Ralphie was a hit at the dog park!!  He went on the small-dog side (under 40 pounds). There were about 8 dogs there.  He was thee attention-getter!!  He played so nice!  He ran so much!  He met so many new friends!  He did bring excitement to the park not only to the other dogs, but the owners of the other dogs. They laughed at his silly Vizsla puppy antics.   After an hour of play, we went home, cleaned up and he's been a relaxed puppy all day.  Ollie is probably wondering what happened to him..."why isn't Ralphie  chasing me or pawing me?" LOL
To sum it up...Ralphie is happy today and Ollie is happy today!  Peaceful.

Puppy Play

Ralphie simply wants to puppy play with Ollie...here's a video to prove it.  Believe it or not although it looks like Ollie doesn't want to be bothered, the two were busy all evening together sharing their bones, taking walks, sleeping.

Yesterday vs Today

What a big difference this evening is compared to yesterday's evening!  Ralphie had this built-up energy yesterday evening which was unreal.  I know the reason too.  The days Erica works I have to keep Ralphie home in his crate while I'm at work.  Although I come home during lunch to walk him and play with him, it's just not enough for a Vizsla.  Unfortunately I have no alternative.  So yesterday when I got home at 5:30pm, Ralphie was on the go nonstop!  We played for four hours straight!!  We played fetch, we took several walks, we played tug o'war, he annoyed Ollie, he dug holes in the dirt...this went on for four hours.  Now tonight is a different story.  Today he went to Erica's while I was at work.  Erica said he played HARD with the pugs all day.  Then after work he had his vet appointment for his 3 month puppy shots.  Well, now he is out cold!  Exhausted! Calm! Relaxed! Everything that Ollie likes. LOL  Yes, today was a busy day for Ralphie.

Just Being A Puppy

 Ralphie crying and begging for the bone that Leroy has...he will whine and cry until he gets what he wants! Such a puppy!

Ralphie at Erica's place...watch out Erica it looks like Ralphie has his eye on your lunch salad!!