Success Stories

Success Stories:
Amber II

December 14, 2003 – January 1, 2004

Amber was dropped off at the Boulder Humane Society because her owner had fallen ill and could no longer care for her or her canine sibling. Amber is six years old and spent her life in an outdoor kennel. Supposedly she was trained for hunting at one point, but she is scared of just about everything. Amber was claimed to be “unadoptable” by the shelter because she was so scared and therefore they called vizsla rescue to pick her up. Her sibling (a cattle dog) was friendly enough for the shelter to find it a new home.

Mark and Alyssa picked up the terrified Amber from the shelter. She was trembling and just looked terrified. It broke our heart to see a dog (nonetheless a vizsla) in this condition. She was spayed the day before, had surgery on her back to remove a fatty tumor, and surgery around both eyes to remove growths. We brought her home and she stayed under the kitchen table. That night she curled up in the bathroom, still trembling. She seemed to be crying, worrying about her owner, worrying about her canine sibling, and wondering where she was and what was going to happen to her. Alyssa sat and snuggled with Amber on the bathroom floor crying along with her.

Over the next couple weeks Amber’s sweet scared soul found its place in her foster parent’s hearts as she learned about snuggle time on the couch, eating popcorn with dad, and how to go up and down stairs. She’s great on and off-leash. She does run and hide if you throw something or lift up a pole or long stick. She also takes our shoes and puts them under the table when we leave the house.

Amber went along with her foster family to spend Christmas with Alyssa’s family. She quickly won over everyone, including Santa Claus! She was spoiled with new toys and a bandana that reads “If you can read this, start petting!” Amber soon began to play and wrestle with her foster sister, Hailey. On New Year’s Day, Mark, Alyssa, and Hailey decided that they couldn’t live without Amber. Amber LOVES to snuggle and Alyssa LOVES to snuggle…it’s a match made in heaven!

UPDATE…Amber loves to sleep right between her new mom and dad while Hailey takes the foot of the bed. Hailey has taught Amber how fun it is to chase tennis balls (somehow Amber knows how to drop it while Hailey likes to play keep away). We’re still working on housebreaking, but have faith she’ll come around. While Amber’s still frightened of new things, she’s starting to understand life is fun and doesn’t have to be scary! We love her dearly!

Amber II Update – July 18, 2005: Amber is on her way to being 8 years old now and she’s never been younger! Being a member of the rescue group I hear many times how people want a young dog so that they can do active things, be easier to train, have more time with them, etc., etc.

Well for one we’ve had Amber for 1 ½ years now and it honestly feels like she’s been a part of our family from the beginning. I can’t imagine life without her. She has accomplished so much since she’s been with us. She is always the first to greet our new foster Vizslas and make them feel welcome. She LOVES to play tug and wrestle with them all. Her confidence is soaring! A couple weekends ago we attended a training seminar with well over 60 dogs and more handlers. She preformed beautifully in a sit-stay (I was quite a distance away) in the middle of all of the people walking their dogs around (not shaking with head held high – I almost started crying!) She even ran through the agility tunnel. She has her timid moments as we all do, but she relaxes so much faster.

This last weekend we climbed 2 mountain peaks over 14,000 feet (Grays and Torrey’s) and Amber did AWESOME!! As I was at the back of the group, slowly making my way, Amber was so sweet and stayed with me to make sure I’d make it. You can’t find friends like that very often! The trail was PACKED with people too! Many of you remember the first days we took Amber to the Coot Lake gatherings and how we had to carry her because she was shaking so bad she couldn’t walk. Well those days are long gone! I could go on and on about Amber's successes. Amber is so much more than a canine companion; she’s a best friend! THANK YOU VIZSLA RESCUE!!! ~ Alyssa, Mark, Hailey, and Amber

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Success Stories: Amber II

Success Stories:
Amber II