Rescue can be wonderfully rewarding, but it can also be heartbreaking. While this year was slower than years past, we seemed to have had more "issue" dogs... And unfortunately not all of them were able to make it... These are the dogs that make us question why we are in rescue. All the good we do goes out the window and we focus on the ones we couldn't save. It hurts... and puts us in a funk. Thus the late wrap-up for 2017. But we're going to tell you about our year anyhow because you care, or have/had a Vizsla from us or hope to get one Vizsla from us. This year consisted of 8mo to 9yo Vizslas. One was euthanized in our care and another after placement due to health issues. The others are doing fine and below are updates sent into us from happy families. And as always - Topo, our spokesdog pops up every now and then to help tell our story.
I never thought about the ones that don't make it... These folks never let on when they were sad - they just want to make sure we get the best homes. PERIOD. I am Topo and this is my pal Silly and we're here to tell you about Midwest Vizsla Rescue.
2017 News from our Rescues:
BRUNO FARINA captures the holiday spirit with his festive outlook for the year!
I'm sorry that I've not updated you on Rex. I have no excuse, only that I have always been a poor communicator. Let me tell you about my best friend, Rex. We had a very tumultuous first year, and there were a few times that I came very close to calling you to discuss returning him, but I've always believed that there is no such thing as a bad dog, only bad owners. With that in mind, I continued to work with him. After completing a reactive dog training class with him, I saw a significant change. As we continued to work on the training that we learned together, our bond grew. The other thing that I discovered as we have progressed through this journey is that Rex has some health issues as well. After a lot of work with a very good veterinarian, we were able to ascertain that Rex has a significant allergy problem and is subject to pancreatitis. We have found a very good food and allergy med regimen that keeps him happy, healthy, regular, and free from the ear infections, digestive problems and foot chewing that plagued his first year with me. In February of this year, I remarked to my mother that I felt that Rex had finally decided he wanted to stay. She agreed that she had also noticed the change and that she, for the first time, truly felt comfortable with him. Since then, it's been nothing but wonderful. He is a completely different dog. He knows that he is part of the family, and acts it. The greetings that I receive when I come home are 100% pure "happy Viz" (his vertical jump is almost 4 feet!) He has become the typical Velcro-Vizsla and true "fierce defender when you're behind the door/fence/window, but best friend as soon as daddy says so" Viz. He spends his days defending my mother from the outside world and his evenings wrestling with daddy. His nights are spent pushing me to the very edge of my bed until I wake up and make him move, which results in a pretty good growl :-) Rex is a fabulous dog. I am so very happy that we found each other and so grateful to you for getting us together. We will continue to have a very happy life together. Thank you again, John
ZEKE helping his girl text. It was mean to be!
Duke and his sweetie, Lucy. He is a crazy loveable and active Vizsla. My oldest son (Will) just said "Duke is great because he follows all of us around not just you mom." Our previous Vizsla Rosie was devoted to me and usually followed me. We love this dog. Brenda
Doc (R) is Topo's brother. He too is one of our Five for Fighting (check out video on our website) - and as you can see very happy and healthy with his older sister Riley and now a member of the Toy family.
I've been thinking about updating you on Bugs' progress, but haven't put fingers to keyboard. I think it's about time, with his 9th birthday coming up on May 2! It won't surprise you to know that he is doing wonderfully and we are so pleased to have him as part of our life. He LOVES running through the woods on our walks, though he will miss the snow -- which he really liked roming through as well as eating! Silly boy. He still doesn't like loud noises, but we continue to expose him from time to time so someday he may accept noise better. He put on about 10 pounds within the first month he was with us, but we've figured out the proper amounts to feed him so he doesn't always think he's hungry and he can maintain his svelte figure after he shed about five of those 10 pounds. He had 13 teeth extracted in late February, and came through that very well. His food was softened for about a week, then we gradually worked back to the dry version. Bugs is a true charmer when meeting people out in public. We were at the auto dealership for some work to be done and he charmed the mechanics, sales people, and other customers! Bugs has enriched our days and nights, with his antics, his "kisses", his funny dances that he does when excited, and his gentlemanly ways when he meets anyone who will pet him. Thanks to Midwest Vizsla Rescue and you two ladies for entrusting us with this wonderful dog. Thanks also for all the work you do on behalf of the Vizslas that you place in carefully selected homes. We all know what a wonderful breed this is, and you have such a unique part in making sure that unwanted Vizslas have new beginnings where they are loved, cared for, and where they can thrive. We often think about Daffy and hope he came through his heartworm treatment well and is doing wonderfully with his new family. I really didn't expect to write such a long message, but there's a lot to be said! The short version is: "Thanks for Bugs, and keep up the good work!" Lori and Leo Allaire, and Bugs Allaire too!
WENDY SMIDT and her family!
RUFUS - Your guy tore-up the trails this summer. He did six major backpacking trips at high altitude. Here he is in Mineral King under the spine of the Sierras. I aspire to be as wonderful as him. All the best, Peter
A year ago the heartbreak from having our Vizsla put down healed a big bunch because we brought Duke into our home. The trash is locked, we can’t leave food on the counter, we have to take lots of walks, but we are always met with sloppy wet kisses and never have to sit on the sofa alone. He is s Vizsla in every way. We love our Duke. He played in the leaf pile this weekend and the only picture Kelly wanted for homecoming was a picture with Duke Brenda & Family
LOOK Who's In The News! Karen and Tom Farina of Naples enjoy the day at the Bonita Beach Dog Park with their pup, Bruno. With pleasant to warmer days everyone gets to enjoy the water. Dec. 21 is the first day of winter but it will be in the 80s in SWFL all week.
Wrap Up With Topo....
Our Midwest Vizsla Rescue Team is simply the best! All Red Heads coming thru their program live in the homes of their foster families. We become "their dogs" until we are ready to become someone else's. Some of us are easier than others. Some of us don't make it - and are held at the end just like these folks are there for their own dogs about to cross the Rainbow Bridge. Our Team consists of Barb Blaylock, John Markham, Jennifer Schawang, Linda Pickett, Jim Bowen, Tony Simcic, Jessica Provost and Meghan Tallman. Other folks are scattered about and step up as needed. They give of their time and treasure. But we couldn't do it without your help as well! Consider making a tax deductible donation to help the Vizslas who are unable to help themselves.
NEEDS
Ad Sponsors: We run monthly ads in the Kansas City Star. They are a great way to educate folks about our breed. If you'd like to sponsor an ad - they run $32 per month. Checks can be mailed to MVR PO BOX 366 Emporia, Kansas 66801 or you can donate via Paypal on our website under How You Can Help http://midwestvizslarescue.org/how-you-can-help.html
In-kind needs: Blankets, collars, leads, seat belt harnesses, wire crates, treats, food etc... Think of what your dog needs - we do too!
Donations of general support: Checks can be mailed to MVR PO BOX 366 Emporia, Kansas 66801 or you can donate via Paypal on our website under How You Can Help http://midwestvizslarescue.org/how-you-can-help.html
Giftcards: to Target or WalMart are always needed (Not all of us are close to PetSmart).
SPECIAL THANKS -
My year end wrap up reminds me of those who are there for us in so many ways. We appreciate the shelters and owners who take the time to find Midwest Vizsla Rescue. We thank you, our adopters and supporters for your continued belief in our program. We thank the foster families who allow our team to take time away from their families, jobs etc.. and transport, foster and rehab Vizslas who have nowhere else to go - even during the holidays. But most of all we thank the Team's OWN Vizslas who share their owners with our rescues. They know these Vizslas need help and go above and beyond "when duty calls".
Please join our Facebook page if you haven't already - Midwest Vizsla Rescue - we post there frequently. (https://www.facebook.com/MidwestVizslaRescue/?ref=hl). We hold mini fundraisers there as well as keep you updated on what happens throughout the year.
HUGS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
TOPO and the Vizslas of Veezleville
Best wishes to you and your red ones in the coming New Year!
Midwest Vizsla Rescue Team
In-kind needs: Blankets, collars, leads, seat belt harnesses, wire crates, treats, food etc... Think of what your dog needs - we do too!
Donations of general support: Checks can be mailed to MVR PO BOX 366 Emporia, Kansas 66801 or you can donate via Paypal on our website under How You Can Help http://midwestvizslarescue.org/how-you-can-help.html
Giftcards: to Target or WalMart are always needed (Not all of us are close to PetSmart).
SPECIAL THANKS -
My year end wrap up reminds me of those who are there for us in so many ways. We appreciate the shelters and owners who take the time to find Midwest Vizsla Rescue. We thank you, our adopters and supporters for your continued belief in our program. We thank the foster families who allow our team to take time away from their families, jobs etc.. and transport, foster and rehab Vizslas who have nowhere else to go - even during the holidays. But most of all we thank the Team's OWN Vizslas who share their owners with our rescues. They know these Vizslas need help and go above and beyond "when duty calls".
Please join our Facebook page if you haven't already - Midwest Vizsla Rescue - we post there frequently. (https://www.facebook.com/MidwestVizslaRescue/?ref=hl). We hold mini fundraisers there as well as keep you updated on what happens throughout the year.
HUGS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
TOPO and the Vizslas of Veezleville
Best wishes to you and your red ones in the coming New Year!
Midwest Vizsla Rescue Team
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