Canine Friends

Ruger

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We rescued Ruger Red Label through the UT Viszla Rescue Organization in March 2004. We had been looking for a Viszla to be a hunting dog that would help Calli in the field and decided to check out the rescues since that is another aspect of the dog world that we want to be involved in. Ruger and a couple of his brothers were taken from their breeder because of neglect. He suffered from malnutrition and that with weeks on a small concrete area had nearly flattened his feet to the crippling point. He was also fearful and shy. But he slept quietly in my arms on the way home from UT and quickly endeared us with his loving personality. We started his hunter training after he had a chance to settle in with us and his intelligence and natural abilities were quickly evident. By the fall of 2004 we felt he was ready for his first hunting experience but then we discovered the painful side of his personality. Because of his months of neglect and no socialization and limited food, Ruger is basically very insecure when not at home. As we started his first hunt, we watched his fear emerge and his self-confidence fade. It was sad to see him feeling that way. He has become our snuggle puppy. In addition to his constant desire to give affection, one of Ruger's other talents is his speed and his gazelle-like runs are a marvel to watch. He is always looking for someone to run with and any new puppy will engage in his favorite game even though they can never keep up or out run him. When the puppies leave Ruger tries to get the other dogs to run with him but with their age and physical limitations they just look at him as he runs circles around them. Then in the fall of 2008, Ruger discovered that he loved the scent of pheasants and especially liked the old wily ones that would rather run than fly.  Because of his speed, he was able to catch up with them easily and flush them.  His new joy of hunting and his loving personality make him a wonderful part of our pack.

Ruger hates to get wet but Patrick managed to coax him into the water for a brief swim but he says we can forget about asking him to help Freezy retrieve any ducks or geese!