:: ZigZag ::

ZIG has been ADOPTED!

2011-07-11T17:46:00.001-07:00

Updates and maybe photos coming soon!

2011-03-13T09:11:00.000-07:00

Zig had a fun home visit with some friends last Sunday. Besides being a bit of a space cadet, I think he had a good time and could easily get used to having a human boy to play with and horse poo to eat everyday :) Thanks Melissa and Brian, for giving him a chance!

2011-03-12T13:32:00.001-08:00

Not an uncommon sight.

Because I'll miss him IF he ever gets adopted...

2011-03-12T08:44:00.000-08:00

Freaking Awesome Dog Portrait "Arteest"

Don't tell the Weims, but I entered Zig in a contest. YES, I chose his photo to enter over all the thousands of adorable Weim ones I have, and YES I chose a GSP over my beloved Weims... but, what can I say? He's a hunky monkey and if he wins, and if he gets adopted, I'll have a nice reminder of him hanging on my wall- cause lord knows I'll miss the goober. With that said, you should enter the contest, too! Here's the link to her facebook page...
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pet-Portraits-by-Aimée-aka-Dog-Arteest/280907289493?sk=wall

Wish us luck!

2011-03-10T19:08:00.000-08:00

2011-02-27T19:41:00.001-08:00

10 miles ain't nothin'

2011-01-20T11:34:00.000-08:00

"walk like a man..."

2011-01-18T09:45:00.001-08:00

2010-12-26T18:43:00.001-08:00

Holiday Card outtakes...

2010-12-24T13:33:00.000-08:00

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday born I was Thursday's Child

2010-12-02T09:54:00.000-08:00

2010-11-25T20:04:00.001-08:00

"Why, hello there, ladies..."

2010-11-19T10:52:00.000-08:00

Poor Zig dude. Just found out he has Lyme disease. I can't say I'm really all that surprised considering the condition he was in the first time I had him... He's started his first round of doxy and then we'll go from there.

2010-11-06T06:53:00.001-07:00

It's time my dogs and fosters went to work. In an effort to keep up with my obsession with fostering Weims and Zig, the GSP, I'm offering up some of my favorite photographs of the individuals that make up my current "gang." Most of the photos are marked to cost the equivalent of a bag or two of dog food. All monies made go directly to the mouths of the fosters, or to their vet bills.
Check back often for new photos and options. Don't see a photo that you've enjoyed in the past? Let me know and I'll see what I can do!

2010-11-04T19:43:00.001-07:00

Zig, pointing a cover of Coot as they swim by...

2010-11-04T19:41:00.001-07:00

2010-10-24T09:17:00.000-07:00

Dear Fosterlady:

Don't I look pathetic tied to the front of this guys truck? I really, really think it's unfair to make me wait around like this while you work the other dogs in the field. I want my birds now! The only thing I get to enjoy from here is that sweet sound of gunfire.

If you make me do this again, I'm turning you into the dog warden.

PS- See... my new buddy Ollie gets to run around... Being taught patience sucks.

Love, Zig.

2010-10-05T18:28:00.000-07:00

spooky.

2010-10-02T19:31:00.000-07:00

I don't say this about many dogs, but Zig unquestionably LIVES for birds. He had a blast training this weekend and showed his enthusiasm by forgetting that he is a POINTING dog and not a "screaming, throwing yourself at the bird" dog...

Home Visit.

2010-09-19T13:17:00.000-07:00

Zig here. I know, I know... the words "HOME VISIT" can mean a lot to a dog in my situation. But, the home visit wasn't for me. I did go along though! I tried to get these people to want to adopt ME instead of a greydog. They almost fell for it! The family has a kickass yard, a CAT, an apple tree, and a 4 month old GSP girl that was fun to run and play with.

Sounds like HEAVEN, right?

Zig goes camping and dogshowing...

2010-09-11T21:45:00.000-07:00

Zig here. I went camping with the gang for a few days in a state called O HI O

It was fun at first...

In ONE morning we saw wild turkeys, 3 deer, lots of cats, some squirrel, and birds!

But we had to stay in this pen thing so we wouldn't wander off...

Then we went to this place called "dog show" I was told by some GSP people that I was a good looking boy and had a nice head. Whatever that means.

Foster sister Vera did some fancy prancing stuff and I guess she did really, really well. Something called Winners bitch and Major. I always knew she was a MAJOR BITCH, but for some reason whenever I say it, it's not as cool...

But I had fun at the dog show thing anyway...

2010-09-11T21:33:00.000-07:00

More field photos...

2010-09-11T21:29:00.000-07:00

And they're off!

Zig stops to check out a scent...

Nope, nothin' there anymore. Movin' on!

Critter hunting.

Zig is still learning to tell the difference between old bird scent...

and new bird scent...

Bird found! Nice back leg point Zig!

2010-09-11T21:17:00.000-07:00

Zig is one of the most handsome shorthairs I've met.

Maybe I'm biased because I've known him awhile...

and have seen him grow from a pup...

To a dog that is starting to understand how to use his nose and instincts...

But really, sometimes I just can't believe that a boy like this was found running an intersection and chasing cars! He's beautiful and is turning into such an outstanding companion and working dog. So hard to believe that there hasn't been any interest in adoption, either...

2010-09-11T21:07:00.000-07:00

Zig had a blast playing at Sylvie's birthday party.

His BFF, Quinn, even stopped by for some romping and swimming.

A tired Zig is a good Zig.

2010-09-11T21:02:00.000-07:00

Don't tell anyone, but Zig does know how to take it easy...

You are worthy of being Loved.

2010-08-30T09:20:00.000-07:00

No, this isn't some fancy trick of the camera or Photoshop, my little camera got some condensation on the lens during our hike through the woods then into the sun.

Zig was trying his best to balance on this log with the girls, and was hilarious in doing so. Someone actually wrote on the log "You are worthy of being Loved" and I thought it was very appropriate since over half the gang living with me is a rescue :)

Here, kitty, kitty...

2010-08-30T09:14:00.000-07:00

Dear Stray Cats-

I don't know how to say this, but I think I love you. You give me a sense of joy and a thrill everytime I leave the front door. Food Lady thinks it's annoying to be knocked off the steps when I go after you, and yes, she's trying to teach me manners in this area... but, I confess...I think about you all the time and whenever I look out the front window I pray that you'll be there. Please don't leave. I'm sure Food Lady won't mind if you have your illegitimate babies in her landscaping for me to point and bark at when they get older...

Love, ZigZag

2010-08-30T09:05:00.001-07:00

2010-08-30T09:04:00.000-07:00

Zig is a very adventurous fellow-

But, sometimes, I don't think he realizes he's on an adventure until he finds himself smack-dab in the middle of an "Oh shit! How'd I get here?" moment.

But, like any good adventure-er, he takes everything in stride...

and in point...

and always, always finds his way to a snack, ear rub, and happy ending.

2010-08-29T11:13:00.000-07:00

mon nom est l'amour

Dear Zig.

2010-08-28T13:36:00.000-07:00

Thanks for picking and bringing me the most ripe melon in the garden. Next time though, do you think you could just notify me first, before picking it yourself?

Thanks,

Food Lady.

Partyman Zig.

2010-08-15T13:02:00.000-07:00

Zig was so well behaved at the dinner party we went to last night! He remembered his manners and got some good romp time in with his Lab pal, Quinn. There were several people there, along with 3 Weimaraners, 1 Clumber, 3 Welsh, 2 Labrador, and one old Coyote.

2010-08-12T18:07:00.001-07:00

Now you see me...

2010-08-11T20:36:00.000-07:00

Still a runnin!

Zig's downtime.

2010-08-09T19:35:00.000-07:00

or something that resembles downtime.

2010-08-09T19:27:00.001-07:00

"Can we play now?"

kitchen help...

2010-08-09T19:24:00.000-07:00

Zig loves a good breakfast.

a runnin' fool

2010-08-09T18:26:00.000-07:00

I wasn't kidding when I said that Zig lives to run.

Or when I said that he can run 3 acres as fast as a sighthound chases rabbits.

Yup.

Zig has a preoccupation with racing cars. It's really no wonder that he was found chasing them in the middle of a busy intersection. I'm starting to wonder if he wasn't raised in someone's backyard, and this was his only form of entertainment and outlet for energy he had.

Yes, he truly believes he can beat the train.

And yes, moments before I took this photo, the engineer was pointing at him and laughing.

Oh, Zig...

a swimmin' fool

2010-08-09T18:10:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, if I can't find Zig when we're in a certain field running around, I automatically look to the pond. Most likely, he's there, in the middle of it, just swimming around and minding his own business. You don't even have to throw a stick or bumper for him- he'll chase the geese, dragonflies, or any kind of bug hovering around. Seriously.

Zig's new BFF

2010-08-09T17:55:00.000-07:00

Meet Quinn- Zig's new buddy. Quinn is a handsome 2 yr old Labradorable who quickly became Zigs swim and romp buddy yesterday on our romp through the field.

bird in tree...

2010-08-09T17:44:00.000-07:00

If let alone, Zig would spend HOURS running around this tree just because a trash bird flew into it...

and the point is...

2010-08-09T17:39:00.000-07:00

Nice one buddy!

I think I smell something...

Zoning in on something good!

If I had the money, I would get Zig's JH on him. This boy loves to hunt birds! Now that he's using his nose and not just sight pointing everything, he's on a roll! Zig is currently learning that busting birds isn't the way to go- though sometimes he juuuuuust can't help it...

Zig 1 - Groundhog 0

2010-07-24T12:15:00.000-07:00

romp.

2010-07-17T09:34:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning romp.

2010-07-10T20:52:00.001-07:00

I need to start timing Zig, but I'm pretty sure he's running the lengh of 3 acres in about 20 seconds.

Zig is an official Lake dog.

2010-07-04T14:28:00.000-07:00

The Zigster loved every second of his time at the lake this weekend. He learned the ropes of being a boat dog, a dock dog, and the fine art of chasing fish and stealing sips of beer. Good dog, Zig, good dog.

Zig trying out dockdiving- not bad for his first time!

2010-07-04T14:20:00.000-07:00

Zig LOVED swimming at the lake this weekend! Swimming and retrieving are the first things I've seen Zig be ultra serious about, besides birdwork. He was confused at first as to why he had to wear the vest, but with the way he swims and his obsession with chasing anything that MOVES it was a must so that boaters could see him coming!

Every retrieve was met with this much enthusiasm.

Mr. Cool.

"The line" is required of all new swimmers at the lake so that we can reel them in if needed and to guide them into the ramp for the dock. Needless to say, Zig only wore it once- he was a pro!

If allowed, Zig would of just swam around the lake for hours with his bumper.

2010-07-04T14:10:00.000-07:00

Zig got a kick out of watching the ducks, birds, and seaweed swim by the boat- more than once he tried to leap out!

Perking up at a good smell on his first boatride.

Trying for the 20th time to "sneak" out of the boat.

Part of the crew. Zig, Vera, Neva, V

Zig was fasinated by the boat motor- and everything else that moved!

2010-06-14T20:46:00.000-07:00

After his big adventure in field running yesterday morning, Zig attended a picnic at one of his favorite people's houses. Why's it one of his favorite places to hang?

1.) There's a pool

2.) Lots of other dogs to run with

3.) 3 acres, fenced

4.) Birds and bunnies galore

5.) There's always A LOT of attention and a LOT of things to chase!

Field dog.

2010-06-14T20:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the first time that I took Zig along on a field run with the girls. I was actually surprised at how clingy he was at first, but the longer we were out, the further out he would venture. He was a little concerned at first by the grass that was taller than him and the sticky bushes he kept getting tangled in, but learned very quickly how to charge through everything. While Zig's recall has gotten more reliable, I decided to put the collar on him as a safety precaution. My Weims tend to range pretty far out when hunting or on walks and I wanted to make sure I could still have control over Zig if he decided to follow.

2010-06-14T20:35:00.000-07:00

Romp!

2010-06-14T20:30:00.000-07:00

2010-06-14T20:29:00.000-07:00

ooo...birdwing!

2010-06-14T20:27:00.000-07:00

Zig and Vera love to help in the garden.

2010-06-14T20:25:00.000-07:00

While having a garden with 3 Weims and a shorthair running around is rewarding and challenging, it has been amusing, too! One thing for sure, it has (and still is) helping Zig learn what it means to have BOUNDARIES!

2010-06-14T20:15:00.000-07:00

It took awhile, but the extra weight has finally disappeared and my sweet ZigZag has suddenly come bounding back. He is more active, more balanced in body and attitude, and his phenomenal bird drive has returned! Zig's training continues, but isn't as such a battle of wills as it was when he came back. Stay tuned!

And the pounds just melted away...

2010-06-14T20:09:00.000-07:00

As with any high energy breed, exercise is a must! If you want to have a peaceful evening on the couch, be sure to run/work your pup before you want to relax! Zig gets in a good 5 hours of running and playing in the yard with my girls every morning. He relaxes in his crate in the afternoon, and then in the evening he is out in the yard and doing more structured exercising and training with me. A pup like this is a lot of work and can be exhausting at times, but it pays off in the end when you're both passed out on the couch and happy!

"But I rolled in THAT on PUPOSE!"

2010-06-14T20:06:00.000-07:00

Sit means sit!

2010-06-14T19:57:00.000-07:00

"Wha? Waddya mean no barking?!"

Zig survived the early and hardest stages of bootcamp! While he's still not perfect and occasionally goes deaf when you ask him to do something, he's a lot more receptive and is actually a very fast learner! Zig's new home will have to continue with the "Nothing in Life is Free" mode of training with Zig to make sure it becomes a "way of life" for Zig. Like I mentioned in an earlier post, he's a very demanding and determined boy!

Zig when he came back to me...

2010-06-14T19:41:00.000-07:00

When Zig left my home he weighed in at 52 lbs, when he came back a year later he was tipping the scale at over 80 lbs! I was in shock because I had a hard time keeping weight on him because of how active he was when he lived with me. The extra weight was hard on Zig and his body- he had trouble running and keeping up, jumping into the car, and his coat had become very dry and flakey. Poor guy! I could also tell that he hadn't been worked properly, or at all! He had become very demanding and loud, which doesn't mix well with the tiny stubborn streak that was already running through him!

Zig when he first came to me!

2010-06-14T19:35:00.000-07:00

He was such a puppy!