m/v SCRIMSHAW

Our dear sweet Vizsla boy, Sparky, went to Heaven 2 months ago. He lived a very full and adventuresome life for nearly thirteen years. He was the smartest, handsomest, and the sweetest and most sensitive dog I have ever had. He was a loyal friend, always by my side. There will never be another boy like him.

Spark was a regal beast.

Our first day together.

Sparky's breeder told me that "Sparky" was the perfect name for him.

He was full of life, and spread JOY to all he met.

"Sparky", "Spark-plug" "Spuddy", and "Sparkman" when we were serious.

He was always by my side.

He sailed to Mexico twice.

Here we are in the Sea of Cortez.

He loved Darrell, and smooth sailing.

Sparky loved to kayak.

He loved glamping in the Airstream.

Sparky loved to swim.

Sparky loved dinner parties.

He never ate from the table.

Such a good boy.

He learned to do the Hokey Pokey with Jack

He helped fix things around the house.

And, old Spark, could run like the wind.

Sparky loved the long stretches of Mexico's beaches.

Dinghy rides were one of his favorite things.

He was crazy about Hana.

You can see his Rhodesian Ridgeback bite?

Man, he loved running in the snow.

Sparky liked our move to the Puget Sound. The cooler weather was good for him, San Diego's heat slowed him down. Me too. The abundant shorelines, our large backyard, and lots of PNW boating was good for him. I thought we'd share his company longer, but am relieved he went quickly and suffered little.

RIP Spark of Life, You will always be My Boy.

Spark was always a good sport, eager to follow us anywhere. Sailing, kayaking, swimming, camping, driving for hours to visit our kids, staying in motels, dining at restaurants, or just lounging around watching television, he was a Loyal Family Man.

I want to share a picture that shows what a good sport he was from the first day we brought him home.

Once, and only once, he let me dress him in a cute life vest.

Our sailboat, El Tiburon, in the background, was encased in netting for Spark when he was a baby. As he got his sea legs, he maneuvered well around the deck. At sea, he always wore a safety vest, and stayed connected to me with a leash. A few years ago, as the 3 of us started slowing down from the active rigors of sailing, we bought a Grand Banks trawler. Sparky appreciated the levelness of the boat as she glided through the sea. He always waited patiently for the anchor to drop or the docklines secured, as he jumped ship for terra firma. Ahhhh, to run and play, and pee on grass was always a welcomed event.

Our life was good,

but Sparky made it better.

Here we are in 1997 cruising San Francisco Bay onboard our 1956 Chris Craft 46' with Abby. Abby was my first Vizsla, Darrell had owned and bred Vizslas since his college days at CalPoly. Abby was an exceptionally sweet dog, and was really close to our daughter Hana. Vizslas and Boats and Family. What else is there?

In times of Covid. Ugh.

Family prevails.

We are now preparing for our third Vizsla, while no pup will ever replace Spark of Life, we welcome all the joys that come with owning a well-breed, handsome, quirky, intelligent, family-loving pet. Our new pup will come with his individual sense of fun and curiosity. One reason we love VIZSLAS is they are very curious. They are not only fun, but their antics are so very FUNNY. They are pretty high maintenance dogs, I suppose that's one of the reasons we love them so. They demand copious amounts of exercise, especially off leash. We are forced to exercise each and everyday, sometimes more! Vizslas are very popular now, but they are not for everyone. While they are loving family members, they are easily bored. They do not like to be left attended at home or in the yard alone for very long. When they get bored, they can be destructive. They may entertain themselves with your new bedding, or redistribute plants in the yard. They can jump fences, so I never leave mine in the yard while I am gone. They love to play, and socialize with other pups (I swear they prefer Vizslas over other breeds) and humans too. For Spark, exercise and socialization were of the utmost importance, without them, he would become "depressed" and lethargic. As a Vizsla owner, it's your responsibility to provide both exercise and socialization to keep your Vizsla fit and happy. They are extremely active dogs and require a good solid training program. No one likes a 50-55 pound jumping up on them. After Sit and Stay, No Jumping is my cardinal rule. This is a working breed, and they need to develop and use their God-given working skills. Enough said, but please before you commit to getting this prized breed, do your research, and if you can't meet their lifestyle needs, select a more sedate breed.

We are most excited for our 5 year-old grandson, Jack, to bond with our new pup.