Home Is Where The Vizslas Are

This past Thanksgiving holiday marked one year since Zuzu and Tootie were rescued from the puppy mill. Val, who leads the rescue program for the Gateway Vizsla Club, welcomed two emaciated and nervous vizslas not too long after each had a litter of puppies. She fostered Dolly (Zuzu) and Susan fostered Betty (Tootie). They visited our home several times before we adopted them. Separately at first and then both together. They were very nervous during their first visits to our home.

In this picture, Zuzu (Dolly) is peering at the camera from the safety of the bathroom, her ribs and hip bones poking through her skin.

And in this photo, Tootie (Betty) is keeping her sister company while keeping a watchful eye on me with the camera. 

On January 3, 2010, we welcomed Zuzu and Tootie into our home. It was the beginning of a new adventure in their lives filled with new surroundings, routines, and freedoms. Early on, days were spent sleeping in the closet or under the desk in the office. Mealtimes were filled with apprehension. Food bowls were first placed in their kennel in the bedroom, then next to the kennel, and eventually in the kitchen. Eating was anything but relaxing and enjoyable for them. This, like most other apprehensions, soon faded as they gained confidence and realized that the food was theirs and only theirs to eat and that they could choose where they went in the house. 

Zuzu and Tootie were only at our home in St. Louis a little over a month before we moved to Sugarloaf Key. The process of acclimating to their surroundings and establishing routines began anew but they settled in quickly and found a whole new level of comfort and confidence. 

Every morning, Zuzu stirs at first daylight (6:45 in the winter but much earlier in the summer) and is ready to check out the yard. Tootie goes along but is more interested in eating breakfast. After breakfast, they relax on their bed on the lanai while we drink our coffee. The lanai is one of their favorite spots to watch the world (and boats) go by and will often spend most of the day out there. From this perch, they espy the occasional iguana sunning on the dock across the canal, the cormorant diving for fish in the canal, or the flock of ibis probing the lawn for food. They particularly enjoy this time of year as the weather permits leaving the sliders and front door open which facilitates their quick descent into the yard to chase the iguana or investigate the ibises.

After our morning walk down the path during which we usually meet up with Bart, Tyson, Sparky, Spike, Brindle, and Sky, and sometimes Miss Scarlet, Winston, Sam, Spencer, Moose, Toby, and Bella, and often get pats on the head from Bill, Sandy, Alan, Charlie, and treats from Edie, an hour later once back at the house, they usually take their morning nap on our bed, Zuzu with a watchful eye on the canal.

When a cold front pushes south in the winter, a cool brisk (by our standards) north wind chills the lanai. The south side of the house, however, is a warm sunny oasis offering optimum sunning opportunities. We put their car bed (Tootie must have a soft surface on which to lay) on the walk in front of the stairs. Tootie takes most of the bed and Zuzu tries to occupy whatever space is left.

In the afternoon when the low winter sun casts long shadows, Zuzu and Tootie enjoy hanging out at the top of the stairs on their dog bed. From this perch Zuzu can observe the foot traffic (both two and four legged) on the path across the street. Tootie simply likes to take advantage of the soft bed in the warm sun for her afternoon nap.

And when it gets too hot in the sun, they will once again retreat to the shade of the lanai. Tootie has recently discovered the soft and comfortable chaise...she's such a princess...

Zuzu at watch. Tootie at rest.

I think they are getting more and more comfortable and confident in their new home.

Daddy's girl...

After soaking in daddy's affection, it's time for another nap...

This was a rare sight just six months ago. Tootie in a deep and comfortable sleep. Confident. Safe. Trusting. 

Zuzu and Tootie are usually sleeping together, side by side, but lately they have begun to sleep apart yet in the same area.

Perhaps they now know that this is their home, their space where they are safe and free to do as they please. While they still have some issues and insecurities to work through, the puppy mill is a distant memory. They are home...our happy vizslas.

Thank you Val and Susan for believing in us and giving us the opportunity to give Zuzu and Tootie a forever home.