First time

Raven and Cruise got to run in harness for the first time this morning. They ran with Tesla and Kiska for only about 1/2 mile and did really well. I am so proud of my "babies" as they both were very well behaved and serious about their "work". It was fun to put them into harness for the first time, and both seemed to enjoy the experience. I love those puppies so much...they are so intelligent, loving, funny and vocal. Raven is especially affectionate, and tries to hog all of the attention when they are together. I don't think Cruise minds, as he has his own agenda mostly.
Can't wait for cooler weather so we can get down to some real conditioning on the dogs, and work with the puppies more. Ted starts school again in about a week...then the Fall training will begin!
The tomatoes are taking their sweet time in ripening this year. I want to get chili and pasta sauce put up for this winter...but it looks as if it is going to be into September before I will be able to do that. We really haven't been getting much from the garden except for cukes and zucchini...a few tomatoes. The squash are abundant, as well as the peppers, but need to ripen more.
I hope we'll be able to have the grand kids up some more before school starts...Fall gets so busy after that. We do have a couple sleds to build and always wood to get stacked before the snow flies, too.
We did get Tara's drag brake put on her sled today. Took us 4 hours to get it all figured out, and I do hope she'll like it. I think I would like to put a wider one on my sled. My hips get so sore from standing on one leg for miles....I'd like to be able to get both feet on the drag brake, especially on those Baldwin trails!
Today is Alaine and Mikes 9th anniversary...and my brother Mikes 61st B-day! Wow.....

The Princess

She was very small once, fitting into my open hand with her tiny little paws and curly tail. People would ask what kind of an animal she was, a gerbil, a cat? No, a "wooly coated" Siberian Husky. Her name, Willow...and in full coat, she was a truly beautiful "Princess"...at least she thought so. Even at 12 years of age, (rather old for a dog) she strutted and ran and ruled the house and kennel. Her breath could remove paint. She hated having her bum and tail brushed out... but we loved her. During storms she would shake and cower, constantly demanding that you pet her, or at least have an arm over her to protect her from the noise and fury of nature. As if I could...then one day, Willow vanished. My sweet little girl was not there to greet me with her merry dance, and sparkling amber eyes. Searching for her helped keep hope alive...that she would be found, somewhere or somehow we would see her again. It was not to be. I am still encouraged that we did not find her body, that someone has her and is loving her and taking care of her. I notified the animal shelters, put up posters, and let the area vetinarians know that she is missing...we've been scanning the papers for found dogs...but if someone intentionally took her (and she would get in a car with anyone...very friendly little lady that she was/is) I suppose that will lead to a dead end too. We still listen for her bark to be let in, still expect to see her running across the yard...miracles can happen I suppose. My only hope is that she is well and happy, where ever she is. We miss you Willers...and we haven't given up trying to find you.