Life with Star, Part 1

''Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole''

     Six years ago my life changed, in the best way possible. My best friend was born and in a few short weeks, I would be on the ride to pick her up. I've never seen my dogs as just dogs, they are a part of my family. A wagging tail and sloppy good morning kiss is what I wake up for. 

     Study after study has shown that owning a pet is good for your health. They can ease depression and help fight anxiety. Do you know why this is? Dogs offer unconditional love and acceptance. You can spill your guys to them and they will never judge, nor tell a soul. Let's not forget, they don't interrupt you, except for an occasional kiss. They automatically alter your behavior for the better. I can't tell you how many days I've come home from work in a bad mood and their excitement to see me makes me forget just how frustrated I was. Dogs also increase your levels of oxytocin, known as the "love hormone", the hormone that helps you relax.

''The human-animal bond bypasses the intellect and goes straight to the heart and emotions and nurtures us in ways that nothing else can''

-Karen Winegar

How did I find out about the Hungarian Vizsla?

     Most folks favorite kindergarten activity was either computer lab or recess, mine was going to the library to check out books. I've always had a love for animals so you could find me with my nose in any book from that section. There was this book with a black and white checkered border and it had the prettiest golden red dog I'd ever seen. I was only five so I had no idea what breed it was but needless to say it caught my attention. I took the book home and my grandpa read it to me every night for the next two weeks. This book referred to the Vizsla as a "cat-dog", and I remember telling my grandpa, I'd have my own cat-dog one day. Twenty-one years later I am not only blessed with one, but two. Fingers crossed for more in the future!

Hunter & Star

September 15, 2013

     I had been on the hunt for a Vizsla for a few weeks. I get these random bursts of, ''I've got to do it now!'' and I know patience is a virtue, but in this particular case, not being patient paid off. I was searching for pets on craigslist anywhere near me and I decided to see if Vizsla would pop up. Now keep in mind, they are purebred dogs so it's rare to see them outside of breeders. They were considered a national treasure in Hungary in the 1940's for their prowess in hunting and retrieving and to me. To my surprise, there was one "Vizsla Puppies for Sale'' in Lawson, Missouri which at the time was about three hours away. I took a look and unfortunately the picture was a big blob of brown so I couldn't see if they were actually the dog I had been dreaming about for years. I started reading and saw the prices, thinking there is no way I could get a female for only $250. I called the number and a lady answered. She told me the puppies were ready to be picked up.

September 16, 2013

     Today is the day! The day I pick up my very own cat-dog I had been thinking about since I first laid eyes on that checkered covered book. This excitement was like I'd never experienced before. My mom and I hit the road around 9am and arrived in Lawson around noon. Sitting at a stop sign, on our right was a neighborhood full of large, expensive houses, and on our left was a surprisingly destitute mobile home park. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against mobile homes, but this one looked unfit for human living let alone a breed of royal hunting dogs. And as fate dictated, the GPS told us to turn left. With growing skepticism we double check the address and continue on. We pull up to this trailer that had two busted windows, one covered with a plastic bag, and one less than friendly looking golden red dog barking at us. We assumed that must be the father. This was no longer a simple adoption, this was a rescue mission.The owner came out carrying three females out and I made eye contact with Star and immediately grabbed her. The lady and my mom asked if I wanted to at least play with the other two and I kindly declined. I had already made my connection. After discussing the pup's shot and health records (there were none) I had her sign me over the a female pup on paper since there was no standard form.

      As she took the other puppies into the trailer the mother made her way out to say goodbye. It wasn't a pretty sight. The mother was very thin and looked worn down. Her nipples were almost dragging on the ground. It was obvious that she has been overbred and it hurt to see. I was checking Star over at that fateful stop sign and I noticed black little things crawling all over her. My mom knew immediately they were fleas. Yikes. My mom asked me if I wanted to turn around and get my money back. Obviously my answer was no. I had only had Star for five minutes but I already felt forever connected to her. 

(Please note, My mom called the city of Lawson, MO. We aren't sure if anything was done about the puppies or the mom)   

     We make it home and I discuss what I should do with my grandpa. We decided to take her up to Pawsh Wash so they can give her a flea dip. Now I knew Star was going to make a big impact in my life, it's in her name, but I had no idea she would make the newspaper on her first outing! If you'd like to see her moment of fame, CLICK HERE! This won't be her last time in the spot light.

     After her flea dip we were informed she had pooped and that she had worms as well. Not off to a great start. Shout out to Pawsh Wash in Lawrence, KS for catching this! I started to panic a little because I knew what worms could do to a dog, but my grandpa called my uncle to find out what vet he uses. We made our way to Eudora Animal Hospital and they did a top to bottom examination on her. They were thorough, gentle, and overall amazing to work with. (Thank you to the staff for always take care of my both of babies, Star and Hunter.) If you are in the area, I highly recommend them.

     The results of her exam showed that she not only had fleas and worms, but an ear and nose infection as well. Having doubts that the original owners gave them their puppy shots she was given those as well. They provided us medication for her worms, an ear cream and a nose cream. In case you have never had the pleasure of applying a nose cream to a dog, it is nearly impossible to get it on without them wanting to lick it.  

     After a long and thorough vet trip I finally got to bring Star home, knowing she was on the road to being healthy. After years of waiting, my grandpa and I were very excited to have her home. This was our very first Vizsla, which makes her extra special. The next couple of weeks were tough though as we tried to improve her health. Stating the obvious, she made it through.

     Star is now 6 years old, weighing 54 pounds. She is healthy and I like to think she is very happy. 

     A lot happened on the first day that I brought Star home and I have so much more to tell. I will also introduce her brother Hunter, in time. My goal is to write a book with the adventures we've shared and continue to experience every day. 

I rescued Star without knowing she'd rescue me.

Until Next Time

-Ky