I knew I had a great veterinarian when he looked Scout dead in the eye and asked him excitedly “have you ever seen a kitty cat?” Scout had seen a kitty cat and was fairly oblivious to it but the cat was on the fence and stayed out of Scout’s way. So, until yesterday, Scout’s temperament around cats was pretty much unknown! Fast forward a few months and I’m searching for someone to Scout Sit when we leave town for a few days in June. My friend and Scout’s trainer, Megan, offered to watch him while we are away. Her only concern was how he would get along with her cats.
I was a bit worried also as several prominent websites note that Vizslas notoriously do not get along with cats. Yesterday was the test! The Marine and I had plans and Megan “Scout Sat” for us. We were having a lovely time when I received a text from Megan. I thought “Uh Oh” but no! It was the BEST text. A picture of Scout and Zebulon the cat lounging like BFF’s!
By the way, that is one of Megan’s Siberian Huskies, Kaytu, hanging out in the background. If you’ve followed my Scout tales you will know that it is tough to keep Scout calm long enough to obtain a good photo never mind one of him hanging out with a CAT! Scout is 20 months old and though he’s a grown dog he is a typical Vizsla and as one website states they are “slow to mature.” In other words, they are wild and crazy puppies until they are about 4 years old.
Megan has the “touch” though. In fact, until she offered to watch Scout when we go on our little vacay, I was quite worried about where I would leave him. Another benefit of leaving Scout with Megan is that he will likely get some good training. Megan just cannot help herself. She’s a natural with animals.
To that end, I am linking her website here and giving her a huge shout out and recommend. Megan is not only a great friend but she’s an excellent dog trainer. Megan offers services that I’ve never seen in San Diego such as urban mushing. This is where she teaches owners to harness the dogs and have them pull them on their bikes. Or, in my case: this is where Megan harnesses Scout and one of her Huskies and has them pull HER on HER bike! If you live in San Diego County please check out Megan and The Mannerly Mutt. I have no hesitation in giving her a FOUR PAWS UP recommendation! Scout has had 3 trainers since we got him at 7 months of age but only Megan has lasted. Only Megan can get him to lie with a kitty cat. Call her!
Oh, p.s… There is no truth to the Rumor that we named Scout after Demi Moore’s daughter (of the same name). We dubbed him “Scout” based on a recommendation by my friend Kathy on twitter and I thought it was perfect! “To Kill a Mockingbird” is one of my favorite books and movies and the character “Scout” embodies everything that I had hoped for my puppy. That he be curious, happy, get along well with people and animals and always “Scout” around the corner for the next adventure. He has certainly lived up to his namesake. Interestingly, Zebulon the cat was named for Zebulon Pike and more specifically for Pike’s Peak in Colorado (from where Megan and her husband hail).
Finally, please note that Megan is a true patriot who is married to a service member and offers Military Discounts on all services. Please do give her a call and tell her that Scout sent you!
