I have long believed that I am a Vizsla in a human body and when the time comes, if I am lucky, I will be reincarnated as a Vizsla.

I bought my first Vizsla around 1975 out of a cardboard box at the Raleigh Flea market for $50. Vizslas were not a well-known breed at that time, and honestly, when I saw a big red dog next to a box of puppies, I thought it was a red Doberman with natural ears.

After speaking to the owner and consulting some much more “dog savvy” friends, I purchased my first AKC reg. Vizsla, Scarlet, and they have been my constant companions ever since. My second Vizsla, April, accompanied me to live in England from 1988 to 1993 when I was in the US Air Force.

When I retired from the USAF, I still had Vizslas as pets and farm dogs, but my focus was on the horses. I didn’t begin showing Vizslas until I bought Miss Darcy, who is my seventh. After finishing Darcy's championship in confirmation, I turned her to Agility and Rally and finished several titles.

Darcy whelped her (and my) first litter in 2020, and I kept Susie, the only female. It was during this time that a friend mentioned handling classes at the Durham Kennel Club where I began taking Susie, when she was just over a year old. Through this I learned of the other classes and events at the club. I am still showing Susie in conformation and have begun competing in scent work trials with her.

I have been most impressed by the willingness of members to help each other improve their dog skills. There is a wonderful feeling of camaraderie, and the volunteer system is a great opportunity to meet other members and obtain insight into many other dog sports. My understanding of all things “dog” has expanded exponentially since joining the DKC and I hope to avail myself of the full range of puppy classes when I welcome (hopefully) my next litter in November.