Ivy and her sister, Lilly, are 5 yr old purebred, spayed, Vizslas. They were owner-surrendered to a shelter in Pratt, KS. They had been kept in a kennel together with little or no human contact their entire life. Ivy seems to be the more dominate of the two and the most attached to the other. Doesn't wag her tail, keeps it tucked under her. Very insecure.

Report from CO foster care giver 6/27/06 – as told by Ivy – I am learning to be a Vizsla little by little. I think that lady, Trisha, is a little crazy though. Today she made me walk to the park where there were all sorts of weird, frightening things – people, dogs, squirrels, birds, water, you name it. I really wasn’t so sure of any of it, but I kept on walking, didn’t have a choice. Sometimes I would hear a noise and I’d make that lady pull with all her might to keep me walking. I learned that the world isn’t too scary after all. She even made me run home! Then this afternoon, she made me walk again. I went by some weird noisy thing that some lady was pushing on the grass. It was a little scary at firs, but I made it and learned that it wasn’t going to hurt me. Then this evening after dinner, she made me and her dog, Canyon, go to a park. I wasn’t sure I really wanted to have fun, but she let Canyon and I off our leashes and she started running and laughing in the rain! I wondered what was so exciting, so I started to follow. Before I knew it, my tail was up and I was running with everything I had. I still don’t know about this canyon fellow. He sort of annoys me and tries to get the attention that I am craving. I really miss my sister sometimes, but think this place will be ok for now.

July 2, 2006 – Ivy was racing through the park with her tail up while playing with canyon, other strange dogs and even a stick very briefly. She LOVES rolling in the wet grass there. Yesterday she survived another 40 minute run with Jake and seems to be gaining energy while losing weight. Her fears are greatly reduced. She watches the vacuum with great interest, tail wagging. She sniffs everything on walks and inside the house. She also greets people at the front door without having to be pulled over there!

July 21, 2006 – Ivy found her forever home with Tara who lives in Frisco and works in Breckenridge at a ranch. So Ivy will have lots of room to get exercise and will have children to play with as well. Tara had quite a challenge when she adopted Ivy. Ivy came down with pneumonia that very day and we all decided that it was ok to let her go with Tara. Tara nursed Ivy back to health which bonded them together and gained Ivy’s trust in her new mom. We don’t make a habit of adopting our dogs out when they are sick. This was an exception to the rule and a very happy ending. - Rita
        

Ivy Update – March 2007

Ivy is slowly coming out of her shell. It is like having a puppy with everything being new. The only difference is that everything is scary and takes her sometime to explore on her own. She is definitely weary of adult males. It was interesting to read her sister, Lilly’ss bio because she also loves children. When she hears a child’s voice her ears perk up. It is also interesting to hear her sister was under weight because Ivy is definitely a fatty. I suppose her dominance in her kennel included the food bowls. She has lost some weight but has a few more pounds to go. Feedings are her favorite time of day and when you get to see her goofy personality. If I do not go fast enough she will get on the floor, tail up and wagging, barking at me to go faster. She has now traveled from coast to coast with me. It has been a great experience for her because she has to learn to trust different environments. My employers love her and that is why she is able to travel with us and her new friend Mattie (a rough coat collie). Thank you for allowing Ivy to be a part of my life. I love her with all my heart. Tara