My Whiskey Girl

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My Whiskey Girl

Whiskey and Bourbon the Vizslas adventures in Squamish, BC and the great PNW (Pacific North West).

22/08/2024

Took a stroll with .sch on a perfect cloud day to some glaciers the other day. Both .sch and Bourbon are very similar skinny awkward, muscled creatures that love wandering far, peeing on the trail, and have way too much energy.

Bourbon pressed her luck walking on a half frozen lake as usual. She's run on every half frozen lake she's seen since she was a puppy and used to give me heart attacks but has somehow never fallen through.

Whiskey was her usual reliable self tasting every tarn and lake, taking measured steps on unstable rocks, and delighting in snow patches on a warm summer day.

Not every hike is about big technical peaks and challenges. I really love the days where I can take over 1,000 photos, walk slowly off trail, and wander until it gets dark.

18/08/2024

These two ❤️

When I wanted a second dog so many people told me not to do it. With one perfect dog, why ruin it? What if they hated each other? Got into fights? Two females will be terrible together. It'll be so expensive and so hard to go trips without them (ok the last is true).

Now, everyone always asks me if they're mother/daughter. They're actually total opposites in the breed. Whiskey's a show dog from the East Coast with European structure and mannerisms and Bourbon's an all American gal with field trial/hunting lines. Their gaits are so different, food preferences, voices, work drive, and social skills, but they work perfectly together. Now if I could just find my own perfect partner match...

13/08/2024

One of those peaceful mornings out on the lake.

I took Bourbon out for a spin while Whiskey waited on shore with It's more calm with one dog aboard and we had just spent the morning training Bodhi to canoe. Here's some tips on dogs and canoes:

✏️One dog at a time!
✏️Lots of treats and calm energy
✏️Wear a pfd (humans and dogs)
✏️Start on land, just getting a dog to jump in and out and hop front to back
✏️In shallow water, walk the canoe around with the dog in the canoe and rock it a little
✏️Take it out for a short paddle, stay low on your knees to stabilize, and keep sessions short
✏️With multiple dogs, try to have them sit or lie down (bring padding) for stability
✏️The highest chances of tipping are when you have multiple dogs all on the gunwales leaning over trying to catch a bird on the lake...so avoid birds 😅😅

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01/08/2024

The best feeling in the entire world? Knowing that you're going to spend the next 5 days with your best friends out of reception.

Ironically the 24 hours before is the most stressful trying to pack my entire house into a bag. What's the worst thing that was left behind on a camping trip? I'll start...my shoes!

23/07/2024

Thinking of those displaced and those fighting the fires in Jasper National Park. It's frightening and so sad how every year a place I love burns down and those fighting the fires risk their lives to save it. These were taken when Whiskey was 2 and 4 years old and I've got some beautiful memories from such a special place. I hope that everyone stays safe out there.

18/07/2024

These are the mornings I live for! Sunrise in the mountains with alpine meadows smelling like a flower shop, my two girls happy as could be and friends to share the hike with.

I know it seems like we're always in beautiful places but the reality is that I spent most of my days working, vaccuming, cooking, and in anxiety trying to figure out my life. Then I sacrifice everything else and drive and drive up some highway then dirt road and hope that the stars align as we hike in some quiet trails full of marmots and bears. There are usually many changes in plans, wet shoes, wrong gear brought, bugs, heat, mud, smoke, rain, snow, but I would still rather all that than be inside at home.

I hope you welcome that discomfort and get out a bit this summer! We all work towards our rewards in life and I think this beats any Chanel bag or fancy dinner.

12/07/2024

This little girl is about to turn 4 this weekend. 4 years old! I think 4 must be a magical number because we've been having the best relationship lately and I feel like we finally have an understanding. I'll be taking Bourbon out to a hike this weekend so she can do what she loves most- run her butt off and eat junk food.

I cannot believe how fast time has gone since I braved some crazy covid rules to pick her up from .vizslas to fly her back to Canada. This unfiltered emotional pup has taught me so much and made me cry from laughing more times than I can count. From undiluted joy, to suspicion, fear, love, intense focus, and sillyness I find myself looking forward to seeing what new antics B will show up with everyday. She's always got to do things her own way.

I'm just packing up for the weekend and we'll report back from the mountains soon with cheezies in hand (and mouth).

03/07/2024

A photo series each 6 years apart from my visits to one of the most unique places, Chicken, Alaska. Originally settled by gold miners and named ptarmigan, no one could spell it so Chicken it became.

Chicken is the last stop on the highest border crossing in the world (it's only open in the summer). Somehow with little planning we made it before it closed when we visited. There's no reception so you really need to organize yourself before you drive within a day of the area.

One of the best parts of travelling with a senior is looking back on all the places we've been! We've been so many places and done so much and I'm such a fan of revisiting my best memories. We've passed these all onto Bourbon and from there we will keep going ❤️

30/06/2024

A really nice moment before I found myself stuck with broken car across the border.
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Winter has really hung around this year. We've had lots of rain and colder weather which means more snow up in the mountains with less than ideal hiking conditions. The car's been struggling, and outright not working for the past couple months and I've been working hard at paying for the fixes as well as learning to live without it while it's continuously in the shop.
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These smaller life problems are so much harder when you're living solo and I'm always so grateful for all my friends that have been helping. I don't think I would have ever set out to live single, rural, with two dogs and a cat but life just keeps throwing some very interesting curves. Thankfully Whiskey's always there when I'm feeling low, and Bourbon reminds me that everyday is a new day to find some joy. Moo reminds me that every scratch can lead to sepsis so be grateful for every breath ☠️

18/06/2024

Happy Gotcha day Whiskey! There was a week she was the same size as Ginger, our friend's miniature dachshund and they played so well. Whiskey was the calmest most serious Vizsla puppy I've ever met, but only hated the crate with a passion. What I would give to make those years last longer...

17/06/2024

Welcome to Between Two Ferns. I'm your host Whiskey and my guest is Bourbon
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"So are you ever embarrassed about your face?"
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"You know this account is in my name right?"
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"I've been trying to lose you for 4 years, why is it so hard?"
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"What is wrong with your brain?"
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"How does it feel to know I'm mom's favorite?
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"Can you stop hu***ng my Llama?"
🤣

13/06/2024

And just like that...she grew up.

Bourbon, like Whiskey, shows me what's most important in life. Apparently it's not ribbons or dog sports or work. 🤷🏻‍♀️

It's the joy of running around watching the day's robins and cuddling at night. It's about admitting when you're scared and making friends. Sometimes it's judging others while never having any shame about your own farts. And lastly it's about living life on your own terms because you only get one, so you might as well enjoy it.

10/06/2024

It's been ages since I've thrown balls for Whiskey. When we first got Bourbon, she would steal the balls and throw them down cliffs. Bourbon had some sort of affinity to gravity and really enjoyed watching things fall down. She also had absolutely no predisposition to fetching so I would then ask Whiskey to retrieve the balls if possible (sometimes a lake below the drops) and we would repeat the process until I gave up on balls.

Recently I've sometimes brought back fun balls for Whiskey to retrieve as a reward when Bourbon's not looking. We don't do any hard throws with quick turns but Whiskey enjoys watching the ball bounce around and she's so happy carrying it around.

08/06/2024

One thing I've learned from Bourbon is undiluted joy. Like everyone else she can overthink the small things but when she feels free and in her element she runs with with such raw happiness.

05/06/2024

Every year the lupines signal that summer is here. This year I feel a bit more lost than usual. Last year I was in panic distraction mode so summer hiking took on a whole new level of intensity. This year I feel very much myself but a bit insecure about my direction. I don't have any big month long trips planned and most hikes are usually last minute condition, people and weather dependent so there isn't anything concrete to work towards.

I signed up for a new program .mentors where I was lucky to be paired with a mentor that will help me with some of my fears outdoors (yes I absolutely have them!). If you're in the area, this program is really fantastic for helping marginalized genders get outdoors (backcountry, climbing, hiking etc).

It's been very uncomfortable asking for help and letting myself be supported, and we haven't even started! Here's hoping I'll grow a bit this year in my discomfort and once in awhile spend a day away from the girls to work on my own goals. If you're interested I can keep you updated about my progress ♥️

02/06/2024

I feel so privileged to watch her face grow sugared. Recently I bought her some steps to get into bed and I've been helping her in and out of the car.

Time is really all we have, and I know she's going to break my heart in a zillion pieces one day but I would never ever change it for the world. It's just such a honor to love a dog this much and be able to watch her grow old.

30/05/2024

Swipe for 3 years later 👉
One of my favorite photos of the two (it's my profile pic!) recreated earlier this year. Bourbon looks so grown up now but I'm happy to report her noodle brain is still bouncy and distractable. They don't spend much time apart but every reunion is just the sweetest moment with lots of kisses and love between the two.

28/05/2024

Would you drive 3000km (1870miles) for a hike? Grizzly Lake and the area around is just so special. I'm totally in love with the tundra and after driving all this distance weather stopped us from doing the full hike so I've got to go back eventually. There's a big list of hikes I have to retry again and again due to weather or other circumstances but none so far as this one! Here's a couple tips for Grizzly Lake in Tombstone Territorial Park in the Yukon

🥾The hike isn't technical nor physically difficult if you're used to mountains, carrying a pack, and random rain and snowfall (class 2 with a very clear trail)
🥾You must reserve the campsites and they disappear really quickly
🥾You must to carry a bear canister (bear bags are not allowed)
🥾You have to check in with the rangers and watch an orientation video before you start
🥾Dogs are allowed but must be on leash
🥾Weather is extremely temperamental and it's common to experience all seasons in one day
🥾There are 3 lakes and campsites you can hike to, Grizzly is the most popular as it's the first one and most people stop here
🥾You can heli in if you don't feel like hiking
🥾You can also head in for a quick day hike/run if you've got the stamina

24/05/2024

Hard to believe my self pleasing puppy is going to turn 4 in a couple months. She still acts so much like a puppy everyone thinks she's less than a year with all her bounce and energy.

When you meet Bourbon she immediately judges your personality type and then assumes a personality she thinks will draw you in. Are you reserved? She pretends to be shy, crouching down and slow and uncertain you'll like her. Are you smiling and making eye contact? She'll bounce over and lean into your legs. Are you into flowers? She's into flowers. This all lasts until you give into pets and compliments and then the little punk is off to the next person or dog, your heart in her paws.

Here I took out my agility jump and carried it over to the flowers (jump is edited out). I took the girls out for a longer walk then came back to take photos. Bourbon decided to go for swim and of course she's totally soaked in the shots. Life is never boring with her.

21/05/2024

The Mountain Dog series 🗻🐾
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This weekend we got back out into the real alpine and I cannot stop smiling. Both Whiskey and Bourbon were so happy running free, playing in the (very steep) snow, and scrambling on some pretty tough rock.
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The mountain dog overlay is a photo I took overlooking Squamish mixed in with Whiskey's silhouette. Both the sweater and t-shirt are on sale and won't be restocked. The hat pattern is a collection of different dogs I've hiked with of all shapes and sizes...do you recognize any of them?
🗻

12/05/2024

Whiskey gave me the best mother's day present. I used a wide lens at F4 meaning the shots all took several seconds at minimum and Whiskey held it so well!

The tie dye ones are right from my house. I was trying to go to sleep but I've always had it in mind to get a photo of Whiskey on a lake with the Aurora (we've seen the aurora several times but never in a place I know well).

I feel like I haven't been around photographers crazy about the Northern lights so I've always gone to sleep with everyone not wanting to bother anyone about our next days plans. Being alone, I grabbed Whiskey and we jumped in the car and headed up, and I only regret not spending the whole night visiting different locations.

01/05/2024

I've been feeling really tired lately so I took a bit of a break from everything but realized it's almost Mothers (and Dog Mom) day! Last call for orders for Mother's day at my shop if you have any Birddog Moms you want gift to. A reminder that everything ships right from my home to yours and I'll aim to get everything out within 24 hours for the next couple days.

Whiskey and Bourbon have been reminding me we don't have to go 100% everyday all year and sometimes it's ok to just sit back and take a rest. We're slowly transitioning to summer plans, remembering what the sun feels like, and hopefully getting all those muscles working again. With Whiskey at 10 years old, I've just been feeling really grateful for every season we get to hike together and hopefully learning better how to enjoy each step rather than being focused on the upcoming eventualities.

📷 .moonriver

25/04/2024

Swipe for before and afters, 🔊 audio on for Bourbon's daily self affirmation, ✍️read below for an update of Bourbon.
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It's taken several years for me to really understand Bourbon. I love her so much, she's loaded with personality and cuddles and provides laughs everyday. She's just got alot going on in her head and really isn't the easiest dog to work with. I think she would be an easier pet if I just stopped trying to work her, but both her and I are well matched in stubborness.
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Bourbon prefers to enjoy life on her own terms without the indignation of having to obey orders. I've learned over time that although she doesn't want to work for me, Bourbon does want everyone to like her and she loves when everyone's happy (she just doesn't see it as her job to make others happy).
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In the end, I feel like Bourbon's telling me we're all responsible for our own happiness, which is true, I'm just happier when my dog listens to me 🙈🤣

22/04/2024

Spring has sprung and we're just getting excited about summer. We took a little trip to Vancouver for the cherry blossoms and Bourbon went crazy for the city's fat and bold squirrels that don't live under constant threat of predation. Whiskey felt right at home trying to get as many people to pet her as possible. Sometimes I wonder how Bourbon would have been if we had lived in the city just like Whiskey.

18/04/2024

Shooting in full sunlight is one of the hardest things to do, especially with short haired dogs (longer hair softens the sharp light). We passed by the tulip fields on a roadtrip and although the weather was sunny and warm, it made taking photos much harder.
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Whiskey was a very patient model, sweet and working really hard. Bourbon on the other hand wanted to be in photos but gave me 5 chins, squinty eyes, and murdered a tulip while attempting to sit on the rest of them.
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Sometimes I question what will happen to this account without Whiskey. I hope y'all like chins!

11/04/2024

Whiskey through the years. She turns 10 years old next Monday and it seems like it was just yesterday,.yet it's feels like my entire life. I cannot believe how special she has been for me, how much she's changed my life and how much she continually gives each and everyday.

2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2021, 2023, 2024

03/04/2024

Big camera photo dump from backcountry this weekend. Instagram wants reels but I still love my stills and the girls were so happy to be out day after day.
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Whiskey's been going strong with lots of long days in snow even with the warmer weather creating challenging snow conditions. She's always close and worrying when I sound like I'm dying uphill, checking back like the bestest girl she is.
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Bourbon's got some insane zoomies. I think she missed the open alpine and this weekend really put on a show. I can't say I was happy when she went off 1.3km away after (I think) rabbits but .sch did mentioned it was Easter so at least she was on theme. Garmin trackers were made for this girl. I'm also waiting on industrial Velcro for her pink jacket so she borrowed Whiskey's this weekend in case you're wondering.
❄️
We have one more month of agility before we mostly drop the sport for adventures all summer. I'm SO close to getting Bourbon to do teeter in competition I can taste it. Trying not to have expectations with this dog but it's a challenge! Hope you had an amazing Easter...now back to the grind.

23/03/2024

Happy National puppy day! I don't think my girls have changed a bit since they arrived. Same expressions, same faces, can you tell who is who?

20/03/2024

I feel like I ask too much. Both of myself and of Whiskey (Bourbon's got excellent boundaries and ability to say no). It's really easy to get frustrated and to think you're failing when you don't live up to your standards which are based on perfect performance and scenarios. I definitely think it's my upbringing and Whiskey's ability to just keep giving and trying harder.
😩
Sometimes I just spiral when I get frustrated because it's so easy to forget that I'm just a person, and Whiskey's a magical unicorn. Even magical unicorns can have an off day and would prefer to watch tv and eat cookies instead of working. And that's ok.
🦄
Perhaps we should all just be a Bourbon and train everyone to have low expectations and just cheer if you turn up to say hi for a minute.... perhaps. I still want to aim high but I think it's good to embrace just trying.
🥃
Photos from a magical evening where Whiskey was perfect and Bourbon photobombed and showed up for the wrong minute.

📷 .moonriver

10/03/2024

I'm just going to say it, it's been almost a year since my separation, a legal year Canada requires so that I can divorce and move on. I don't even know when "the date" was because it's not important.
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It was 13 years of my life and the only thing I keep resenting is that all of my puppy photos and videos have him in them. Those are the only ones I continually look at and can't delete. Both pups are both 100% mine and of course I'll continue to give them the best life I can afford but I can't lie, it's been scary, hard, straining and exhausting.
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Most of the time I'm able to find the joy in the little things everyday, in nature, a silly Bourbon antic and the love I have for everything Whiskey. My friends have been amazing, understanding, and supportive. I've been sort of private as this is a very public forum but I feel like I can at least acknowledge that behind some very lovable dogs, beautiful locations and a online shop is sometimes a very real, very tired human.
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Whiskey's been doing really well lately, and even though I can still feel her inner stitches she's been happily running agility, playing with Bourbon, and keeping up with our multi-hour runs. I'll be getting her heart and neck tested in the summer to see if all is still well. I couldn't ask for a more empathic dog and Whiskey is always there to make sure I'm doing ok, always ready to cheer me on. Bourbon has absolutely no loyalty and hasn't skipped a beat to her own drum. She continues to teach and test my patience while making me laugh the entire time.
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Finally, thank you so much everyone that checked in with me last year, that bought something from my shop, and supported Whiskey's surgeries through the "buy me a coffee" app. It really means the world to me that so many of you love my girls and follow in on our adventures. These dogs bring me so much joy and it's really such a privilege to be able to share them with you so thanks for being here for our journey.

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Videos

Can you carry your dog in case of an emergency? Depending on the size of your dog and your abilities, the fireman carry can be a great method to learn. ✔Make sure your dog is used to being handled ✔Move slowly and deliberately ✔A second person to spot ✔Start with your dog on a higher surface ✔Short sessions when your dog is in a calm state ✔Make sure your dog gets rewarded ✔Weight should be evenly distributed over both shoulders ✔Firemen can carry a heavier person over short distances in emergencies! ✔Smaller dogs may work better with a football carry or alternate Whiskey and Bourbon are around 50lbs and I can carry them for a couple kilometers over uneven ground. Accidents happen in life and luckily our local Search and Rescue will help hikers with injured dogs but it isn't always the case. Stay safe out there!

Is your dog ready for bear season? They've all now woken up and are very hungry and active. I've added bear spray to my bag in addition to sunscreen and bug spray (hellooooooo summer!!). 🐻 Sometimes I add an airhorn but really the best is to be aware of local bear sightings and a good loud group of people (hello my crazy friend group). So far we've never had a bad bear encounter and I'm really hoping to keep it that way! That and porcupines, coyotes, and cougars (oh my!) 🐻 Saying all that, it would be really nice if my local bears didn't get into my garbage (bear proof isn't necessarily bear proof) this summer 🤞 and if they didn't squishy 💩💩 all over my yard thanks bears!

This is home! And I absolutely love it. With a loud alarm clock, adventurous dogs and friends, truck, ice axe, GPS system, and a bag of avalanche gear and food, you can both freeze your butt and get a sunburn in the same day.

What goes on in her head? Everything about her is just funny 🤣

This little life of 360 mountains, clouds, and happy red dogs. Can you see that insane mist coming over the sun, the frozen waterfalls, and Whiskey carefully hitting her mark? This makes my heart swell so large I feel like it could burst.

Thank You! I couldn't have done it without you and this is for you. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Hit me with your best ones... I'll go first "Oh you'll have a tired dog now!"

Whiskey on Ice. One of my favorite unexpected shots...We were several days into the backcountry, no trails, no expectations and Whiskey found this cave. The sound of running water was deafening and the dripping melting ice was distracting. I used to sometimes train Whiskey without voice, just hand signals and it really came into use. I'd love to find another one next year and spend more time getting shots!

The best thing I ever did was wait for the perfect little sister to come along for Whiskey. 2 years of searching and reaching out and I love my pair of opposite dogs that work so well together.

She's become the happiest free spirited pup in the mountains. This year she really found her legs and confidence, it just feels like yesterday she was being carried in my backpack.

It's going to be a white Christmas ❄️

Mountain weather is really something! We checked the weather right before we went but it's always a surprise. Still got in a quick video before it came down on us! #canadianrockies

Did I spend 15 minutes trying to capture them take off at the same time? Is this what makes me happy after a really really long week?

New video @vancity that we got to be a part of! Check out the whole video on FB (link on their page). We helped both in front and behind the camera and are so happy to be part of such a beautiful city! #vancouverisawesome #dailyhivevan #vancitynow

Pulled over on the roadside for a little drone + chase on a rainy day. #dji #vidoftheday #droneoftheday @vancouveraerials

Skyline Trail Day Out

A short video of our day hiking the Skyline trail in Washington state. Apparently Whiskey doesn't slow down running in deep snow (drone shots!).

Hide and Seek with Whiskey

Press Play! We just finished a fun little video playing hide and seek in forests around Vancouver. Feel free to share! with Red Bark Photography Natalia Gubareva

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