This Vizsla's Life

Spring has sprung in Napa?

2011-02-12T15:28:00.000-08:00


The mustard is blooming in Napa! Beautiful!

Sawyer surveys the land at Alston Park as we start our walk this morning


It's a pretty quiet day so far but he's hoping to meet a friend or two


And he does! These two are quite the match and the pairing makes for a nice quiet afternoon for me!

More of the gorgeous early spring flowers

Blowing off steam at Point Pinole Regional Park

2011-02-10T18:38:00.000-08:00

What's a Vizsla to do in between shows, hunt training and naps? How about an awesome run on the Bay at Point Pinole this morning?

Sawyer buzzes by again... Smiley!

Sawyer loves the water and enjoys his fun day splashing around

Hunt Training

2011-02-04T18:13:00.000-08:00

With lots of help from the VCNC members Sawyer is introduced to birds, here he is watching seasoned hunting Vizslas do their bird work. And it also seems that he is working on his free stack as well, way to multi-task!

Sawyer hitting the scent cone of a chukar that was planted for him

He's learning that birds are an awful lot of fun! He's introduced slowly and safely to birds and the sound of the blank gun before ever being fired over with live ammunition.

The Hunt Begins...

2011-02-04T17:48:00.000-08:00

Sawyer and I have begun our next endeavor, the pursuit of the Junior Hunt title "owner-handled", here is Sawyer working it at Hastings Island in Rio Vista, CA yesterday. We are very fortunate to be members of the VCNC, Vizsla Club of Northern California, and have many knowledgeable members who are great mentors! Thank you to everyone who had a hand in showing us the ropes and getting Sawyer and I on track! A very special thank you to Steve A. and Pam L. for getting us hooked.

Sun Maid Kennel Club Of Fresno Show! Sawyer's First Best of Breed wins!!!

2010-02-08T22:19:00.001-08:00

No exciting ring photos, but here we are taking our first official Best of Breed photo!!! Its nice to see the results of all the hard work you put into these amazing red kids!

Then comes the challenge to not look freakish yourself in your picture! Smile! Look up, smile down at your pooch. Straighten out your jacket! Its a work in progress!

AND here we go! Our first trip into Groups! Here we are with all the other lovely Best of Breed winners from the Sporting Group.

Here we are waiting our turn, trying to stay entertained as well as looking good! A special thank you to handler Bill McFadden for graciously letting me enter ahead of him, I had no idea it was a free for all and frankly I think I was about to be trampled!

Nervous? Who me? Uh, yes.

Advice from my Peanut Gallery! It was mostly, "Get that bait out of your mouth!!!!". Oh yeah, judges don't really like that, and seeing photos of hot dogs jammed in your cheeks like a chipmunk storing up for Winter, not pretty!

Yup. I find that like Sawyer I too can lose my mind in the ring! Ugh! Hot Dog! But here we are being gone over by Judge Mrs. Jean Fournier, who complimented us on how "Very, very nice." Sawyer felt. :-)

Now he's over stretched, but better not to fuss with anything at this point, hey! He is standing still! There's that...

He's being such a good boy! This was a long time in the ring for Sawyer, and he's handling it like a champ!

Almost all the breeds have been examined, now time for the "Pick me! Pick me!" look, can I manage that with what appears to be yet another hot dog in my cheek?

Our last look before the Judge makes her cut. It wasn't our day, but I think my boy did a great job anyway! We'll be back tomorrow!

Our second Best of Breed from the following day!

Happy New Year from The Golden Gate Kennel Club benched show in Daly City, CA

2010-01-30T21:23:00.084-08:00

Here are Joye and I back at it in 2010 with Sawyer and Brenna!

The Cow Palace show is always interesting, a two day benched show makes for a long day, but it is only once a year and we are always amongst good company. "The AKC is proud to recognize AKC Breeder of Merit participants who are dedicated to breeding beautiful purebred dogs whose appearance, temperament, and ability are true to their breed. These accomplished breeders are the heart of the AKC."

I am always happy to be there to support Sawyer's Breeder, Joye Bondanza of Aristo Acres who has always been a tremendous support for Sawyer and I during all these new adventures! She has a wealth of knowledge, and I would say Sawyer and I are still novices.

There are over 1200 dogs entered, representing 136 breeds.

Here are Joye and I waiting for the classes to finish up before the Breed ring

Always nice to have your husband take pictures so you can see how your dog is stacked. In my case not so well!

Here we are on the second day, doing a little better! Practice, practice, practice!

Much better! But Sawyer? Where is your tail??? (this question is often followed by a bark! So I chose not to ask today)

Ms. Brenna getting her turn with the judge, despite the time and all the hard work, it was a great weekend with friends!

San Mateo County Cluster! San Mateo, Salinas, Oakland and Santa Cruz Kennel Clubs

2009-12-30T09:13:00.000-08:00

Joye (here with Brenna) and I are all smiles for the first day of the show!!! One of our favorites due to the fact that its actually in San Mateo! Its too close to home to pass up, and maybe we miss showing a little bit....?

Here's the line up for Best of Breed! I obviously did not get the memo on wearing red for today...

Trying to figure out what the heck he wants us to do now. This is our third meeting with "Joe". Always memorable...Never the same!

Not a bad showing! And Joye and Brenna take Best of Opposite Sex! Go Momma Brenna!

No... I was mistaken and did not miss the ring as much as I had imagined! Today Sawyer takes a turn around the ring with his buddy Josh

Beautiful Brenna floats around the ring with Joye! If you look carefully you will see that neither one of them are even touching the ground! Wow!!


On to day 3! And a little practice outside the ring couldn't hurt!

Sawyer loving on Josh before ring time... I'm always amazed at how lovey-dovey my little mouthy bruiser is! Its all an act!

No, that sweet look is not for me!


Sawyer gets a nice thorough examination from Judge Mrs. Betty -Anne Stenmark


Note to Self: The boy can free stack! Remember? Stop fussing with the dreaded (and disliked by Sawyer) hand stacking!


Every dog has his day! Today is not Sawyer's but I think my little man looks pretty good!


Nothing like a good stretch after the show! Look fast or you'll miss him! Sawyer is in hot pursuit of his BFF Bond


OK. Not the most regal photo, but Sawyer, Chloe, Bond and Diamond are tearing up this field!

Ms. Chloe only has eyes for Sawyer

The prize!

Day 4! And the last show of the cluster, the Oakland Kennel Club


Dog show etiquette! Pay attention to your dog! Make sure he is not swapping spit with another male because you weren't paying attention! "Don't look at the fat ass losers or freaks, look at me!" - Hamilton Swan, Best In Show

And we're done. Four shows in 4 days. Now I remember why I get so stressed out over this! Time for a break so we can forget all over again! Happy New Year!! *Smile*

A California Vizsla Christmas!!!

2009-12-25T16:30:00.000-08:00


A Merry Christmas playdate with Ms. Chloe and a new camera for me!


Chloe and Sawyer enjoy their sunny December run

All fun and games until one Vizsla takes a dip in the marsh... followed by Vizsla number 2!

All cleaned up and home, Sawyer is so patient while I try out my new Canon Rebel T1i

So handsome! Love the new camera! Two paws up!

Sir Francis Drake Kennel Club

2009-09-12T19:02:00.000-07:00

Back to the show ring! Today is Ms. Diamond's debut in the ring and Sawyer's debut as a special! Our little Miss Diamond goes on to win her class and Best Puppy! Way to start off her show career!

Here is Vino with our breeder Joye showing in the Bred By class

Lookin' good! Vino take first in Bred By and Reserve Winners Dog

Its a return trip to the ring for me as well showing Sawyer in the Breed competition. He's a very good boy in the ring with the big guys!

The judge pauses to take a look at Sawyer's expression... Which is "Give me that hotdog"!

Good Boy!

After the show Sawyer and I take a few stack photos for the Nationals ad Joye so kindly put in for us!

Sawyer stacked at 16 months old

More Disco Swims and Diving!

2009-08-29T18:35:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful day on the Delta! Dane and Theresa were nice enough to invite us back up for another day of sun, swimming and good company. A wonderful time was had by all! Here Bond and Diamond look on as Sawyer paddles around with the prize toy of the day!

Bond taking a dive!

The happy trio! Bond, Diamond and Sawyer-Boy

Sawyer opts to ditch the life vest for this outing, he's become a very strong swimmer

Diamond and Bond look on as Sawyer takes a turn retrieving the ball

Taking the V's for a ....swim. Much more interesting than a walk!

OH NO! Watch out Sawyer, here comes Miss Diamond. She seems to take extra pleasure in landing on the boys!

Introducing A New Champion! Finishing with 4 Majors and 16 points, CH Aristo's Sawyer Gonna Love Me!!

2009-08-21T11:19:00.000-07:00


And We Are Back to the Show! Lake County Kennel Club of Northern CA and Mensona Kennel Club Shows in Santa Rosa, CA. Having won the Open Dog class, here is Sawyer back in the ring for Winner's dog. Which he wins for a 3 Point Major!


Back to the breed ring for Best of Winners

He's looking good! Holding a nice stack despite the tremendous heat today

Sawyer waits for his turn with the judge

Today is his day, taking Best of Winners over a very nice bitch for his 3rd Major. No judge photo due to scheduling, but Sawyer's breeder Joye was very proud to hold his ribbons and pose with Josh and Sawyer for a photo to mark the day.

Back again the next day, Sawyer competes in Open Dog

Heading up the line for Winner's Dog.... This could be it! I manage a few clicks while holding my breath!

WOO HOO! He get's it done! Sawyer's 4th Major and another show weekend with back to back Majors! Sawyer finishes his Championship in style with 4 Majors! He's so excited that he needs to tell me all about it, he can't even look at the camera!!

A New Champion, finished in 9 months at the age of 15 months. Amazing! Though I have to admit it felt a lot longer!

More Summer Fun in Discovery Bay!

2009-07-19T10:42:00.000-07:00

Another quick weekend escape to visit friends Dane and Theresa and their V's Bond and Diamond. Swimming, diving and a delicious lunch in Discovery Bay!


My little man tooling around the dock in his spiffy life vest

Sawyer and Diamond doing their river otter impressions

The threesome playing ball, Bond followed by Diamond and Sawyer. A wonderful time was had by all!

Our Second Day in Carmel... Back to the Beach!

2009-07-12T09:37:00.000-07:00

One last spin around the ring! Nothing exciting for Sawyer at this show, but he is ready for his beach time!!


All smiles for Sawyer!

Toldin's Senya (and Sawyer's future puppy momma!) come on a run with us.

He's coming in for a hug! Watch your important parts!

No other way I'd rather
spend my time than having fun with my little man Sawyer

MMM, delicious seaweed!

And the very best part of all is a happy tired vizsla that sleeps all the way home! xxoo

A Trip to Carmel for the Lone Cypress Vizsla Club of Monterey Specialty

2009-07-11T18:57:00.000-07:00

Now this is a dog show! Finally a venue worth the trip! We head to Carmel to show, dine and hang out at the beach! Here is Sawyer at the front of the line with his handler for the weekend Josh

Lunch at Pebble Beach Golf Course, Sawyer is doing a little bit of bird watching...

Our gorgeous dog friendly beach in with views of the Pebble Beach Golf Course

Sawyer takes some tips on digging from his daddy, and as you can see he really gets into his work!

Checking out the surf and recharging his batteries before Sunday's show, this beach was perfection and we'll have to come back before we head home!

A Beautiful June in the City!

2009-06-20T16:40:00.000-07:00

Its a beautiful summer! Sawyer and I enjoyed getting out to see our people and dog friends around the Bay Area and taking a break from those dog shows for a month! Here he is with his Chloe at Fort Funston.

Happy vizsla friends Sawyer, Bond, Ginger and Oscar enjoy a beach time romp at Fort Funston in San Francisco, CA

Playing ball with his Daddy

And of course, life would not be worth living if squirrels were let to run rampant in our yard! So squirrel patrol continues.

Woofstock Comes To A Close...

2009-06-07T13:52:00.000-07:00

We are so proud of our little guy's accomplishments over this past weekend! He placed in the Open Dog class each day! On Thursday Sawyer placed 4th, on Friday he took Winners Dog for a 5 Point Major!! Saturday was another 5 point Major and Best of Winners!!! And Sunday he placed 3rd. Thank you again to Sawyer's handler for the weekend, Josh Hargis.

The Aristo Boys! Vino and Sawyer

Sawyer got some much deserved social time and lunch on the way home at Stanford Mall

Vizsla Club of Northern California Sweepstakes and Specialty Show at Woofstock. Sawyer takes a second Major! That's back to back 5 point Majors!

2009-06-06T22:20:00.000-07:00

It's the VCNC Specialty and Sweeps day! Sawyer and I compete in the 12-15 month dog Sweepstakes

We're on deck after Vino!

Congratulations Vino! First in sweeps, followed by Sawyer in second and Miss Chloe's littermate Kiralyi's Oli takes third!

Aristo brothers Vino and Sawyer take a break before the BIG show!

The main show begins after Sweeps, Sawyer is back in the ring with Josh to have another go at that 5 Point Major that is up for grabs! Looking good boys!

They sure do make a great team! Sawyer is on, and very attentive.


It helps when your handler knows how much of a goof you really are and enjoys hugs and rough house play too!

Sawyer gets his turn with the judge! She went over him very carefully and guess what? She likes him!! Sawyer and Josh go on to win the Open Dog class and Winner's Dog for ANOTHER 5 Point MAJOR!! Back to back 5 point majors! Not too shabby for a pups first points/majors! "Go Big or Go Home" is Sawyer's new saying for the weekend.

I get to take my boy in for BOW's! And despite our fatigue, the noise and wind that decided to whip up....

Sawyer takes Best of Winners handled by yours truly, boy was I nervous!

Judge Mrs. Karen C. Wilson

Sawyer's handler Josh, followed by myself and the VCNC Board of Directors and Specialty Chairperson Nancy G. A great pic to end a great day!

Photo by Callea Photo

Skyline Dog Fanciers Of San Mateo County-Woofstock Day Two Sawyer Takes His First Major For 5 Points!!!

2009-06-05T18:35:00.000-07:00


It's Friday, day two! Sawyer is looking pretty good and stacking very nicely!

All set and ready to go!

Another day of good ring behavior! It's amazing how a change of handler can really bring a dog out and show him off so nicely!

The judge watches closely as Sawyer goes around

Sawyer waits like a good boy with his handler Josh Hargis

As I hold my breath and stop clicking away on my camera, my boy wins the Open Dog class! Insert lots of screaming and jumping up and down here! Away from the ring and dogs that are still in the ring of course!

Sawyer heads up the line for Winners Dog! Our boys get it done! Sawyer takes Winners Dog and his first point which was a 5 POINT MAJOR! And to top it off, his littermate Vino takes Reserve Winners Dog!!! Go Team Aristo!

Such attention!

Giving Josh some love while in for Best of Winners

Sawyer keeps Josh entertained during the wait. ;)

Aristo's Sawyer Gonna Love Me, handled by Josh Hargis, Judge Mrs. Mary Ann Alston and myself...I have learned not to dress quite so casual at shows in the future!

Photo by Callea Photo

Here we all are, go Aristo Brothers! Sawyer takes the 5 Point Major for Winners Dog with handler Josh and taking Reserve Winners Dog is Aristo's King Vino Gift of the Vine with his owner, handler and breeder Joye Bondanza! Vino also recieved his CGC this weekend!

Congratulations Joye and Vino!

Judge Mrs. Mary Ann Alston

Photo by Callea Photo

And So Begins Woofstock!

2009-06-04T13:02:00.000-07:00

Here we are on Thursday! Day one of the Woofstock Festivities! A four day show in Vallejo, CA that includes the VCNC Specialty and Sweepstakes on Saturday. Sawyer is in the ring for the first time in the Open Dog class handled by Josh Hargis. He has the touch! Sawyer places! Although its 4th place, but out of 8 dogs I am VERY impressed with my little man!

Sunday at Coyote Hills Kennel Club Show

2009-05-17T12:32:00.000-07:00

Today is casual day! I'm taking the day off! Sawyer is going to be handled by Josh Hargis to see how he does with a man's touch, and a professional handler, obviously someone who really knows what they are doing!

Wow, well they do look good! Sawyer went on to win the 12-18 month class. His brother Vino took Reserve Winners Dog.

Coyote Hills Kennel Club Followed By A Visit With Diamond...The Latter Being Much More Enjoyable!

2009-05-16T11:57:00.000-07:00

This was by far the hottest show of the year we have attended! 103 degrees by the time we left! Sawyer places second in 12-18 months, this is one we should have skipped. Way too hot for poor Sawyer! We have since purchased a kool coat.

At least we are both smiling!

A nice relaxing COOL visit at Dane and Theresa's after that hot hot show! Diamond is just as sweet as ever! Very smart and playful, she already has many commands down and is working on her tricks!

The "rubber chicken" pose...every puppy needs one!

Dane getting a kiss from his little princess Di

Bond is very patient with Diamond! Sharp little puppy teeth and all...

Camellia Capital Kennel Club

2009-05-09T23:27:00.000-07:00

After our spin around the ring in AOH, we are back in for Winners Dog right behind Mr. Vino!

This was a good day! Sawyer takes another Reserve to a Major.

Back on Sunday!

Sawyer is behaving pretty well this weekend...

Joye with Vino and Jessica with Csillan in for Best of Bred By Exhibitor

Way to go Vino! He not only wins Reserve Winners Dog but also Best of Bred By Exhibitor and Bred By Exhibitor Goup 4!!! Woo Hoo! Congratulations on such a great day!

Happy First Birthday Sawyer!

2009-05-02T21:43:00.000-07:00

We wish a very Happy First Birthday to brothers Vino, Tazie, Oscar, Bodie and sister Leah!

No photos please...

Sawyer poses for a pic with daddy

Poor guy had no idea what was going on!

Kisses to calm him down, but all is soon to be forgotten as Sawyer gets a taste of his first cupcake ever!

I have a feeling he won't be so shy next year!

Daddy helps him out with that pesky paper on his treat

Introducing "Diamond"

2009-05-02T10:56:00.000-07:00

Here she is! Isn't she a beauty! All the way from Pennsylvania! What a sweetheart she is! Congratulations Dane and Theresa on your new addition! I know she was well worth the wait! We are expecting big things from this little Miss!

Chief Solano Kennel Club Show- Vino Takes Winners Dog Again For Another 3 Point Major! He's On A Roll!

2009-04-19T19:27:00.000-07:00

No WD for us today, but at least we got a few good shots of Sawyer!

Proud Momma with her boy!

Gorgeous flowers on our walk

Buddies Sawyer and Toldin's Senya got to go on another Napa romp after the show