Almost Like You

The calm before the storm means we’re squeezing in quick potty breaks and burning off as much energy as possible before the thunder rolls in. The first rumbles already have a few tails tucked and noses pointed straight at the door.

So now comes the part nobody sees… me, sprinting around the yard making weird noises, flailing my arms like I’ve completely lost my mind, trying to convince everyone that this is the greatest game ever invented. 😂

Burning nervous energy before a thunderstorm is one of the best ways to help anxious dogs settle, even if it requires Mommy Dearest to sacrifice what little dignity she had left. If you happen to drive by HOWA today and see a grown woman acting like she’s escaped the local psychiatric ward… don’t worry.

It’s just thunderstorm cardio. 🌩️🐾

Today’s vote was unanimous… the heat can kick rocks. 🥵☀️

Marley and Milo stepped outside, handled their business, then immediately parked themselves on the porch and stared at me like, “Well? Are you coming, or are we just going to stand out here and make bad decisions?”

Jacob, being Jacob, decided lizard patrol was far too important to abandon, but even Luca eventually said, “I’ve had enough of this nonsense,” and headed back inside.

Today’s outdoor adventures officially lasted about as long as everyone’s patience. The rest of the day will be spent exactly where we belong… stretched out in the air conditioning, recharging until the sun stops trying to cook us all. Stay cool, keep fresh water available, and don’t forget that if it’s too hot for you, it’s definitely too hot for your pups too! 🐾❄️

Please help me welcome my newest foster that is through Viz Whizz Vizsla Rescue… the incredibly handsome, always-smiling, 5½-year-old Vizsla named Boomer❤️

Now, before everybody completely falls in love with that face, I should probably mention one tiny detail. Boomer’s switch is currently stuck in the “ON” position. Not just physically… mentally too. 🤣 So I’m currently digging through his owner manual to see if I can figure out how to rewire him into the well-adjusted gentleman I know is hiding under all that chaos.

Boomer didn’t come here because he’s a bad dog. He came here because life has been unfair to him. Since puppyhood, he’s struggled with significant resource guarding and food aggression that eventually led to multiple bite incidents. Instead of getting the long-term consistency he needed, he experienced rushed placements, failed adoptions, and repeated transitions that only increased his stress and anxiety.

The good news? This dog has an incredible foundation to build on. He’s intelligent, highly trainable, crate trained, housebroken, has phenomenal off-leash recall, loves swimming, playing ball, car rides, and genuinely enjoys other dogs and most people. He responds beautifully to structure, leadership, and having a job. The dog is absolutely in there… we just have to help him make better decisions.

For the next several weeks, Boomer won’t be available for adoption. This is strictly a behavioral evaluation and rehabilitation. My focus will be learning what makes him tick, identifying his triggers, building trust, and helping him understand that he no longer has to solve every problem with his teeth. We’ll be tackling his resource guarding, separation anxiety, impulse control, leash manners, and teaching him that life doesn’t have to be lived at 110 miles an hour.

One thing you’ll quickly learn about the wonderful team at Viz Whizz is that they don’t give up on dogs simply because they’re difficult. Dogs like Boomer are exactly why I volunteer for this Rescue. Every dog deserves someone willing to read the entire owner manual instead of throwing it away when the warning lights come on.

So welcome to the Viz Whiz family, Boomer. ❤️

Your reset starts today, and I can’t wait to show everyone who you really are. Stay tuned… I have a feeling this boy’s journey is going to be one worth following. 🐾