Sylvie Sieg's Daydream Notion

2011-03-03T18:31:00.000-08:00

Sylvie is fanatical about her cupcake toys.

Window-hunting.

2010-12-30T07:58:00.001-08:00

2010-12-26T18:39:00.001-08:00

2010-12-24T13:37:00.001-08:00

2010-12-23T10:31:00.001-08:00

V took a break from looking out the window to help me put clean sheets on the bed.

2010-12-23T09:03:00.001-08:00

V and Rigby love to hunt cats together through the window.

V's hobby.

2010-12-19T09:51:00.000-08:00

Sylvie will literally spend hours and hours a day staring out of the windows of the house while the rest of the gang naps. It doesn't matter if she gets a good run in in the morning and afternoon, she will still stare out of the windows in hopes of a cat sauntering by or a squirrel shimmying down a tree. I've caught her dozing a few times in front of the window, but even that's a rarity.

2010-12-06T17:26:00.000-08:00

My Novice A dog is now in Open!

My little huntin' dog, Sylvie, made me so proud this weekend! In our first agility trial since Nationals, she finished up her Novice titles (a 3rd place for her last standard leg) and got a first place in her first Open Jumpers run! She would of had another Q in her open standard, but, well... handler error! I also just realized that she placed everytime she Q'd. Love that girl! It's taken almost SIX years to get the word teamwork through both of our heads, but it's so worth it!

Sylvie is now...
Sylvie Sieg's Daydream Notion CGC, CD, JH, NA, NAJ, NF, RN, NSD, NRD, JJ-N, CL1-R,H,F

another piece of sylvie.

2010-12-02T11:54:00.001-08:00

Soul Patch.

2010-12-02T11:45:00.001-08:00

2010-11-25T20:07:00.001-08:00

As soon as she heard the weather report, Sylvie decided to take advantage of the blanket fresh (and still warm!) from the dryer.

2010-11-21T19:25:00.001-08:00

2010-11-13T17:29:00.000-08:00

2010-11-13T17:25:00.000-08:00

2010-11-13T17:15:00.001-08:00

2010-11-11T06:17:00.000-08:00

   A year ago today marks the date that my Sylvie became a seizure dog. I still have a hard time believing it, and I still have a hard time saying her name and the word “epileptic” in the same sentence. As a matter of fact, I just asked my vet this afternoon if Sylvie really would be considered an epileptic--- a fraction of a second after I asked, I was met with a resounding “yes” followed by the definition of epileptic, which I managed to quickly tune out. I’ve always been the kind of person to question and wonder about everything I’m told, so I figured it wouldn’t hurt just to ask...again. Even as I typed that last paragraph, I felt like I had suddenly inhaled a baseball. Believe me, this is an improvement compared to what I was like a year ago.
   I’m not sure if it’s hard for me to believe that V’s an epileptic because it literally happened overnight, or simply because I just don’t want to believe that it could (and does) really happen to her. Truth can be a bitch sometimes, and I’ve never really liked surprises to begin with.
   I’m not going to go into details about every seizure V has had, but I’ll just throw out there that her “tonic clonic” seizures seem to last for hours when in reality they last about 10 seconds. Her “psychomotor” seizures last a little longer, but she settles down after she’s had her dose of diazepam. A reiki practitioner and communicator once told me that Sylvie’s seizures bother me more than they bother her, which is actually a statement that I’ve tried really, really hard to believe in and not to question too much.
Yes, Sylvie is a rescue, and yes I know where she came from. Supposedly, her sire and dam and every dog before them were totally healthy, which could be true. But, this is coming from people who brag about raising “crop and swine” as readily as they “brag” about breeding dogs. The dogs live in kennel runs, are bred often, and have no health testing, and little to any loving. V was then sold to an oblivious couple just because they had the $400 for her upfront. She was then overvaccinated, had two eye surgeries, had to have her dewclaws redone because they’d been butchered the first time through, and then was spayed all before she was 6 months old. Then I got her. And despite all that (plus ripping herself open going after a goose) V has always been a very, very healthy dog. I’ve never had any reason to worry about her, in fact, she has always been my steady and I’m positive that she’s always the one looking after me instead of the other way around. There goes that baseball to the throat again.
I had everything from total body function tests run on Sylvie, to tick disease tests, to thyroid panels, to anything else I could think of and everything came back negative. At this point, I was secretly hoping we would find that she had RMSF or Lyme disease or a really low thyroid so that I could explain the seizures away. It’s hard to understand something so straighforward at times- Sylvie is a seizure dog, is a seizure dog, is a seizure dog...
At first, Sylvie’s seizures were happening once a month, and bounced back and forth between tonic clonic and psychomotor. They all happened in the early hours of the morning. She would suddenly jump out of bed and either hit the floor and go into a seizure, or start her crazed pacing and manic confusion. I still wake up with my heart racing if I hear her get out of bed or wake up suddenly to realize that she’s not in bed. To my relief, she’s usually just downstairs getting a drink of water, but you never know, right?
Sylvie is not and has never been on any traditional seizure medications. She gets MinTran, which helps to calm her nervous system, a random dose of acupuncture here and there, which helps to balance her “Qi”, lots of good and fresh food, and heaping tablespoons of romps through fields, plenty of birds, and more love and kisses to the face than she’s comfortable with. We’ve also played with Reiki, in hopes of healing and straightening out her energies. I truly believe that all I’ve mentioned above has helped us from going to one seizure a month to one seizure every three months. Knock on wood.
After Sylvie’s first seizure I went into panic mode about “what it meant” and “what it means” for Sylvie to of had a seizure. Would she still be able to go on our marathon hikes, go hunting, and jump off the boat at the lake? What did it mean for “us?”
Would she still be able to compete in agility? Train for SDX and senior hunter? Would I ever be able to run her in field trials or fly her to Alaska again in search of long trails and Ptarmigan?
The answer to all the above, I’m slowly realizing, is yes. Yes, she can still do all those things, and yes, WE can still do all those things. It may just take us a little longer to get there and a little longer to figure out what all the sidenotes and scribbles in the margins mean, but I’m positve that we’ll get to where we both want to be and enjoy the ride just a little more, because it will mean that much more. I knew when I got Sylvie that I was in for a wild ride, and she’s still proving that to me at six years old. I can’t help but wonder where we will be at this time next year? As the saying goes, not all who wander are lost...

   Champion tree climber, cover stealer, treat begger, photo poser, and cat chaser
  Sylvie Sieg’s Daydream Notion CGC,CD,JH,NSD,NRD,RN,NAJ,NF,CL1-R,H,F, JJ-N

*A version of this musing will be available to read on Just Weimaraners, a fun site that is well, all about Weimaraners!

2010-11-04T19:38:00.001-07:00

2010-10-24T20:11:00.001-07:00

Well, we didn't go squirrel hunting or birding because of the weather today and because Sylvie has the first injury of the season. A nasty looking "scratch" on her eye. It's watery and so painful looking. I don't know if it's from running through the field, or a cat claw. Don't worry, she's already been to the vet and will go again tomorrow (hopefully!) My poor girl...

Farmland

2010-10-21T09:26:00.000-07:00

Sylvie and Panzar (Timberdoodle Velvet Little Panzer)

She held, but you can tell exactly what she thinks of this situation!

Voicing her complaint of being made to watch rather than DO!

2010-10-14T20:21:00.000-07:00

V did an awesome job on her birds today. On her first one she just needed a little help remembering to hold through the shot. We thought the bird was shot, but the way it flew we couldn't tell exactly, so we released V and off she went! She ran full tilt ahead and then started to run by a sourgum patch then did one of those slam on the breaks and spin into a point moves- if your dogs have done it, you know what I'm talking about and how awesome it is to see! Trevor, the gunner, then went into the patch to flush the bird again (or try to) and couldn't find it, so we sent V in to locate it again and sure enough- there it was! She did a nice retrieve and that was that!

2010-10-05T18:34:00.001-07:00

spooooookyyy.

Look who's playing the game!

2010-10-02T19:17:00.000-07:00

After almost two years of not playing by the rules and me almost calling it quits on getting Sylvie steady through wing and shot, something changed yesterday... she decided to hold her point and not bolt until I SAID SO! Who is this dog? Was it just a fluke? Oh well, I'll take it!

2010-09-19T12:35:00.000-07:00

I'll admit it, Sylvie has taken part in several cat deaths. But, not this one. Ohhhhh no...

Rigby put Sylvie in her place the night I went and picked her up. He would hide behind things and jump her or herd her into the small corners of the kitchen and not let her leave. She would scream and scream until I would come get her. Now they have a love/hate relationship. Rigby loves to pester her and rub against her when she's trying to nap. Sylvie grumbles, but never says anything more than that.

Living Lightly Fair

2010-09-19T12:22:00.000-07:00

V and I had fun helping to represent the community garden we dig around in at the Living Lightly Fair. Sylvie did a wonderful job drawing people and kids to our table and wheelbarrow. For a dog that doesn't like to be pet or mauled too much, she did fabulous!

Garden help.

2010-09-19T12:02:00.000-07:00

Sylvie thinks she's so cool because she's the only one allowed in the garden.

2010-09-19T11:57:00.000-07:00

Sylvie will literally spend hours in this spot. One job that V takes very seriously is that of squirrel patrol. From this vantage point, she can see the two squirrel trees across the back alley, and keep an eye on any using the phone lines to try to get into our garden.

2010-09-19T11:54:00.000-07:00

Sylvie finally convinced Rick that something was living IN the RV...

2010-09-19T11:50:00.000-07:00

: Sylvie's 6th Birthday Party :

2010-09-19T11:43:00.000-07:00

I'm a little late getting these photos up, but had to show how much fun V's birthday was.

Quinn had a blast running with Zig and checking out the pool.

Everyone enjoyed the food.

Sylvie cleaned plates...

Chad and twill got to know each other...

Believe convinced everyone it was time to party!

Vera pouted because for once, something didn't revolve around her...

Believe gave away free kisses... or maybe was tasting the beer?

Bayley, an LWR foster, showed everyone his new trick- opening a cooler for drinks!

Sylvie found a heavenly stick to chew on...

Dylan had fun playing and visiting.

And everyone enjoyed free handouts...

Twill loved visiting with everyone.

Martha enjoyed digging in the pool...

And Bayley found the BEST toy ever- a ball within a ball!

2010-09-18T18:48:00.000-07:00

When Sylvie doesn't want her photo taken, she cranks her head as faaaaar back as possible.

2010-08-26T21:43:00.001-07:00

An Ideal day.

2010-08-15T12:15:00.000-07:00

Digging for muskrat.

Running the field.

Nooking with bunny while waiting for clean sheets.

2010-08-15T12:06:00.000-07:00

"Hey Lady, open the gate and let us run!"

It's so surprising how old fencing comes in handy.

Beautiful, happy, and wonderful Sylvie.

Throw the freaking ball.

2010-08-15T11:48:00.000-07:00

Do it again...

2010-08-15T11:42:00.000-07:00

Sylvie rarely slows down enough while running in the field for me to get a good photo of her. This was an exception (though I forget what I bribed her with!)

She's also the first to find where critters are living.

And typically the last to leave them alone until she's got them. Here, she found a nest of raccoons.

2010-08-15T11:33:00.000-07:00

Sylvie's not very happy in this photo. Wanna know why? Because I'm trying to teach her patience. In hopes of getting her RD (which may not happen this fall) we've really been working on waiting to be sent for a retrieve, and bringing it to hand. She's gotten used to the decoys and the waiting part, but we're still working on bringing it to hand in a clean fashion. While the water portion is going well, and she's starting to understand what exactly I want, the land portion is another story!

Sylvie is a tough dog to train, and is constantly pushing me- but in the end, makes me so proud!

Bark for Life

2010-07-17T10:07:00.001-07:00

Sylvie, Vera, and I spent our morning at the American Cancer Society's Bark for Life shindig. We got to hang with other dogs and people from our training group, and have fun practicing weaves, jumping, and going through the tunnel. Sylvie made sure she was in prime position for cookie dispensing. Needless to say, her plan worked.

romp.

2010-07-17T09:49:00.000-07:00

Sylvie will literally keep this ball in her mouth for hours- whether that involves sleeping, hiking, romping, swimming, running...

She'll even find random places to mooch on it.

The one exception to the rule is if she gets a good whiff of a critter.

But if it doesn't pan out, she's back to her ball.

saturday morning romp.

2010-07-10T20:51:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday's mini adventure.

2010-07-10T20:33:00.000-07:00

V's 4th of July weekend!

2010-07-10T12:01:00.000-07:00

2010-05-27T19:13:00.000-07:00

V had a great time at Nationals! She earned her NF title with a first place, and earned another leg towards her standard title with a second place! We don't get to trial often, but Sylvie constantly amazes me with how adaptable she is and how ready she is to try anything at any time. I do believe though, that her favorite thing at Nationals was going through the fields after the hunt tests and ratings tests and cleaning the fields of birds. V also participated in the rescue parade and strutted her stuff. What's next for V? I'm thinking a field trial if I can continue to steady her!

practicing for Nationals!

2010-05-09T18:33:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the photos, Teresa!

2010-04-23T14:18:00.000-07:00

It took her all afternoon, but she finally reached the other side of the world.

2010-04-23T14:14:00.000-07:00

Sylvie helps in the neighbors garden.

2010-04-23T14:12:00.000-07:00

Sylvie's Qi and the balancing of it.

2010-04-15T18:37:00.000-07:00

In an effort to help calm V's nervous system and maybe lesson her monthly seizure, V visits Dr. Sayre at Westview Animal Clinic for acupuncture appointments. While V isn't really one for touching or cuddling, she doesn't mind the needles so much and actually falls asleep during the appointment. Afterwards she is much calmer, less grouchy, and a bit goofy.

2010-04-08T15:05:00.000-07:00

Um, Sylvie? What are you doing?

Meet Rascal!

2010-03-28T12:47:00.000-07:00

While I don't normally post dogs that are up for adoption on V's blog, I decided to post Rascal anyway. Rascal came from the same breeder V came from and is looking for a new home. The owner of Rascal didn't feel right about contacting the breeder or taking the pup back there because of the conditions of the "farm." While several area rescues do get a lot of dogs in from this breeder, I don't always get to see them or photos of them, Rascal is one of the first. I've been told that Rascal really lives up to her name and that she's a very active and super sweet girl.

Here's the link to her Petfinder page: http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/16025828?recno=9

Oh! And I believe the photo was taken by the owner of this blog- http://sagiratherapydog.blogspot.com/

Stop by and say hello if you get a chance!

2010-03-28T12:20:00.000-07:00

Sylvie didn't try for her SD the other weekend, but had fun running the field and having some birds shot for her. She had what I'm going to call a "mini" seizure Saturday night, but was up and at em' Sunday morning and ready to hunt for more birds! On a side note- I think the weekly accupunture appointments are really helping!

2010-03-28T12:01:00.000-07:00

Yes, she always looks this serious as she runs through puddles.

training?

2010-03-14T17:00:00.000-07:00

snow daze.

2010-02-06T10:37:00.001-08:00

awards night.

2010-02-04T19:04:00.000-08:00

Sylvie received her plaque tonight from MOTC training club. I'm so proud : )

Must Destroy.

2010-01-15T16:22:00.000-08:00

keeping an eye out for kitties...

2010-01-03T08:56:00.000-08:00

she's been doing this for about 2 hours now.

2009-12-29T16:24:00.000-08:00

"snuggie"

2009-12-27T16:06:00.000-08:00

a blanket hot out of the dryer makes for a happy V

2009-12-23T18:11:00.000-08:00

Sylvie and I spent some time at the vet office this morning getting blood drawn for her tick panel. The results will hopefully be back sometime next week. She spent the rest of the day searching for cats and helping me cook.

2009-12-13T16:45:00.000-08:00

Sylvie earns her NAJ title!

2009-12-07T18:23:00.000-08:00

V finished her NAJ title this weekend in Lafayette. She had three clean runs with three firsts, and also received a goody bag for being the Highest Scoring Novice dog!

V's Thanksgiving

2009-11-29T07:34:00.000-08:00

Seizure.

2009-11-11T17:14:00.000-08:00

While this blog is typically a happy go lucky kind of project, full of funny Sylvie stories and photos, I'm going to get a little serious this evening. Ready?

Sylvie had a seizure.

The good news is that she is doing well, and has no neurological damage, the bad news I suppose is that we don't know what caused it.

V has always been my healthiest dog and always full of extra energy- and if you know me at all you know that she means everything to me.

Her seizure only lasted a few minutes and started with her getting out of bed this morning and vomiting twice. I heard her puking downstairs and was about ready to get out of bed when I heard her slamming into things, like she was scared of something. She then made her way to the stairs, bashed into them (from what i can tell from the blood on the wall) and came back into my room where she knocked the light over then jumped on my bed looking for me. She was extremely scared, hyper acting, and urinating and defecating by this point. She then collapsed on the bed and started seizing. I moved her to the floor, where her hind legs stuck out and went rigid, and she started gnashing her teeth and thrashing. I kept my hands on her and talked to her while all this was happening. When she came out of it, she was again, very scared and blind acting. She also had no idea who I was.

She had a fever when I took her in to my vet this morning. She's slept most of the day, and is actually curious about the yard cats and is playing with her tugajug as I type this.

Her bloodwork came back normal, and she has been started on Doxy because it seems the seizure may of stemmed from a tick illness.

I'm beyond worry, but have finally calmed down enough to start to think semi- straight. There's a chance that she could have more seizures, so any good healing thoughts you can send her way would make her and I both feel better...

Sylvie approves of the new digs.

2009-11-08T18:13:00.000-08:00

There's always trees to find squirrels in...

Cats to keep an eye on...

Blankets to cover up in...

And chairs that help to survey her new yard.

2009-10-28T19:01:00.000-07:00

We met up with the Zauberhaft Weim this afternoon for a fun romp and some bird chasing.

entertainment.

2009-10-26T19:47:00.000-07:00

2009-10-21T14:15:00.000-07:00

cute and cuter

2009-10-17T12:33:00.001-07:00

V knows how to work the camera.

We have a house!

2009-10-17T07:47:00.000-07:00

Sylvie was the cosigner...

Rainy day afternoon...

2009-10-09T15:27:00.000-07:00

V isn't really the cuddle type, but lately she's been buddying up with Vera and laying it on thick. She's even been extra playful with everyone... I'm sure the other girls are wondering what's going on as much as I am!

This is my stick.

2009-10-07T19:23:00.001-07:00

Sylvie turns FIVE!

2009-09-10T16:30:00.000-07:00

Besides earning her NRD this past weekend, Sylvie also spent her 5th Birthday hanging out at the lake with the grandparents, eating icecream, dockdiving, and chillin' on the boat... not a bad way to celebrate!

V earned her NRD!

2009-09-07T20:00:00.000-07:00

Sylvie earned her NRD this last weekend! Not bad for a girl who loves to retrieve, but never brings anything back to ME!
Two more points towards her Versatile award...

2009-08-31T20:48:00.000-07:00

2009-08-23T19:21:00.000-07:00

Cute.

"Cuppie"

One of Sylvie's favorite things ever...

2009-08-21T15:14:00.000-07:00

Will YOU be there?!

2009-08-02T15:45:00.001-07:00

2009-07-30T18:26:00.000-07:00

Sylvie, the calm one...

Who's gonna get it?

Sylvie of course!

V's first AKC agility trial

2009-07-25T15:09:00.000-07:00

V had her first AKC agility trial last weekend and did a wonderful job! She now has a leg towards her novice JWW and novice Standard titles- along with two first places!

Hike!

2009-07-12T18:15:00.000-07:00

Sylvie's USDAA debut...

2009-07-11T12:37:00.000-07:00

Sylvie had a great time 4th of July weekend at her first USDAA event. We ran our first snooker and gamblers courses, and ran a standard course as well as a jumpers course. We messed up in a few places, but I'm very proud of my V!

Highlights:

She only knocked one bar at 26 inches, and it was my fault : )

She hit her weaves and got them all on the first try!

She hit all her contacts

She remained confident even though it was pouring as we ran our courses on Saturday and she was feeling too hot on Sunday

AND... we got better as the weekend progressed!

And now on to our first AKC trial in Michigan next weekend...

An everyday occurrence.

2009-07-01T10:20:00.000-07:00

oh, Sylvie...

2009-06-29T12:43:00.000-07:00

Last Friday Sylvie was slammed hard by Vera and ended up hurting her shoulder- just in time for this weekends USDAA agility trial too!

The bird is in the tree!

2009-06-25T12:58:00.000-07:00

Sylvie learns the joys of photography.

2009-06-16T19:02:00.000-07:00

Hike!

2009-06-07T19:03:00.000-07:00

Typical V antics- this time it was horse...

Anything for the duck!

V found the raspberries!

Goin' after REAL ducks!

What? I'm napping!

2009-06-03T13:28:00.000-07:00

2009-05-30T18:51:00.000-07:00

2009-05-22T04:51:00.000-07:00

While V loves to swim, she enjoys "hunting" for things far more. There was a bullfrog taunting her in the swampy area the girls found and I had to call her away from swimming in the swamp! She looked like a Weim/croc cross!

2009-05-06T15:05:00.000-07:00

Besides earning her CD last weekend, Sylvie led the way for many adventures. She was boat captain, rabbit hunt leader, and instant swimmer.

trouble.

2009-05-06T14:46:00.000-07:00

V seems to be teaching Vera bad habits.

Sylvie earns her CD!

2009-05-04T04:56:00.000-07:00

Sylvie earned her CD title this weekend, along with two 3rd places- finishing in 3 shows!

Now on to CDX training, dedicated heeling practices, and learning how to control ring nerves...

Look! She DOES slow down!

2009-04-30T13:04:00.000-07:00

2009-04-30T13:01:00.000-07:00

this is the face she gives me when I tell her to stop digging holes.

2009-04-26T03:23:00.001-07:00

egg hunt!

2009-04-18T12:10:00.000-07:00

V has the enthusiasm of all the Weims combined when it comes to finding presents and easter eggs.

While the other Weims ripped into their baskets by first grabbing the eggs out, Sylvie grabbed the toy first and proceeded to flip it into the air.

The grandparents brought the pups a sleeping bag back from their vacation. Perfect for camping out in the popup. Sylvie loves to open presents, even when they're not for her...

2009-04-08T18:15:00.000-07:00

The ONLY time Sylvie took a break today.

V earned her first CD leg!

2009-04-06T07:14:00.000-07:00

Sylvie earned her first leg towards her CD title this weekend at the Muncie Obedience show, along with a 3rd place. And yes, I cried! Something about this little girl just makes me go all mushy and gooey inside. We were both distracted in the ring, and messed up in spots that we normally don't have problems with, but I'm still proud of how we did.

Thanks to everyone for cheering us when we finished and gave both of us hugs!

nooking

2009-04-03T15:12:00.001-07:00

my turn yet?

2009-04-03T10:28:00.000-07:00

V's version of patiently waiting for her turn in the field.

Sylvie Sieg's Daydream Notion

Window-hunting.

V's hobby.

Sylvie is now...Sylvie Sieg's Daydream Notion CGC, CD, JH, NA, NAJ, NF, RN, NSD, NRD, JJ-N, CL1-R,H,F

another piece of sylvie.

Soul Patch.

Farmland

Look who's playing the game!

Living Lightly Fair

Garden help.

: Sylvie's 6th Birthday Party :

An Ideal day.

Throw the freaking ball.

Bark for Life

romp.

saturday morning romp.

Last Thursday's mini adventure.

V's 4th of July weekend!

practicing for Nationals!

Sylvie's Qi and the balancing of it.

Meet Rascal!

training?

snow daze.

awards night.

Must Destroy.

keeping an eye out for kitties...

"snuggie"

Sylvie earns her NAJ title!

V's Thanksgiving

Seizure.

Sylvie approves of the new digs.

entertainment.

cute and cuter

We have a house!

Rainy day afternoon...

This is my stick.

Sylvie turns FIVE!

V earned her NRD!

One of Sylvie's favorite things ever...

Will YOU be there?!

V's first AKC agility trial

Hike!

Sylvie's USDAA debut...

An everyday occurrence.

oh, Sylvie...

The bird is in the tree!

Sylvie learns the joys of photography.

Hike!

What? I'm napping!

trouble.

Sylvie earns her CD!

Look! She DOES slow down!

egg hunt!

V earned her first CD leg!

nooking

my turn yet?

Sylvie is now...
Sylvie Sieg's Daydream Notion CGC, CD, JH, NA, NAJ, NF, RN, NSD, NRD, JJ-N, CL1-R,H,F