One of Life's Miracles will Arrive Ten or so Months from Now

Yesterday - Jon, the kids and I went for an all day car trip to Michigan to meet the relatives of our future "bundle of joy".

After our "yearning" for the "doggy in the window" - we started researching breeds of dogs and settled on a Vizsla.  Then the next step was to look for a breeder.  Vizsla's aren't exactly the most "popular" breed, mostly because I don't think people have heard of them or know much about them.  I didn't until we were researching dogs shortly after we got married.  It was always a breed that was sitting in the back of my head as a potential dog to get, just finding them are next to impossible.  At least they were back about 6/7 years ago.

Jon actually stumbled upon this breeder, loved what he read about his breeding practices and all of the non-solicited positive comments from owners of the dogs he bred.  So he emailed him and the breeder had us come up to Michigan to visit with him and meet his dogs.  Fortunately for us, we got to see the dogs in almost every "age range".  He had 4 little 6 week old puppies that were as cute as can be.  Made you want to scoop one up and bring one home.  He breeds his dogs and for the most part they are whelped in the family room of his home.  He knows each of his dogs by name so he introduced us to his two "older" girls and they immediately took a liking to Norah and Jon.  They jumped up on the couch and nuzzled their way into Jon's lap and licked the devil out of Norah's face.  Norah is an animal lover, and the animals gravitate to her.  Donovan is more of a "I like them from afar" kind of person.  Then once he warms up he become consumed by them.  Much like he was with Zoey.  I never really knew how much he loved Zoey until Zoey was gone.  He talks about her all the time.

The dogs were wonderful!  Just what we want in a breed.  We loved our Lab, but can't stomach getting another one.  Zoey will never be replaceable and I don't even want to try.  Plus, I'm not sure I want a Lab knowing that knees can be an issue again.  All this factored into my "ideal" dog breed.  The Vizsla is an active dog.  Needs to have exercise, which is not a problem with me.  I like to exercise, I want a dog that has some sort of energy to keep us all on our toes a bit.  Field dogs are typically easier to train than most dogs, just by their very nature of being a field/hunting dog.  The size of the Vizsla is more along the lines of a dog I can easily handle - roughly 30-50 lbs and medium in build.  The dogs don't bark much either.  With the dozen of dogs the breeder had in his house and yard, the only time the dogs barked was when we arrived at the house.  After that, we did not hear a peep out of them.

The dogs have very short and fine hair, much like a Weimaraner.  This was sort of odd for me - sensory wise.  All the dogs I have ever had you could literally run your fingers through their fur - not easily done with this dog breed.  The bonus though is that the dog sheds much much less than my Lab, Beagle and Brittany did.  So that makes me quite happy.

The attached link are pictures of the gorgeous dogs we met yesterday afternoon.  Like I said, he had dogs in almost every age range -puppies, adolescents and adults.  This way we got a chance to see what the dog is like at ever stage in its life.

http://www.midnightrunvizslas.com/dogs/dogs.htm

The dogs were very warm and welcoming.  They were obedient and loving.  All they wanted was someone to cuddle up to them.  Just what we need!  Zoey wasn't a cuddly dog.  She would snuggle up when she knew you were scared, worried, sad or sick - as if it was her duty to take care of you.  Which is why it has been hard for me that she is gone, because she did take care of me.  Zoey knew me inside and out, better than most people.  Jon and Norah need a dog that cuddles.  Me, I'm okay with a little distance between me and the dog - but if they want to cuddle that's okay too, just not required.  I think Donovan is more like me.

The breeder is a single guy, who appeared to be in his mid-30s has taken a break from law and has put all his energies into breeding Vizslas.  This was one thing that concerned me at first, because I wanted to make sure that the breeder wasn't breeding for his income but breeding for the benefit of the breed and future owners.  After talking with him, I believe his heart is in doing the right thing with the breed and not a means for him to "get rich".

He noticed how Norah was very into animals and asked her if she wanted to see his horses.  Well, if that wasn't the coolest thing for a 5 year old who loves horses.  He walked us over to the pasture and showed us the horses, let Norah pet a horse - and right then and there, Norah said she wanted to stay with the breeder.

While walking behind the breeder and Norah, Jon and I looked at each other and gave each other the "yes" lets put a deposit down sign.  We were hooked, lined and sunken.  Or better said, smitten with the dog breed.  Jon wanted to take one of the older girls home - the one that attached itself to him like velcro!

We went back into the house to "transact business" and Donovan walks over to the two older girls on the couch and starts petting the dog.  He then gave it a hug and a kiss.  He then walks over to me grabs my hand and says "Momma, I want to show you something."  So I walk over to the dog with him.  He says to me, "Momma, I want to take this dog home, it looks like Zoey."  I told him that the doggy was the nice gentleman's and that we will come back before he turns 4 years old and bring home a puppy.  He then hugs the dog again and gives it a kiss.  He turns to me and says "But I want this dog."  I'm with him, I'd much rather have a trained dog, but who can resist a puppy?

I'll update as things progress.  I'm actually looking forward to getting a dog, just glad I have 10 or so more months before it'll be a reality!