Life with dogs

Another new year

2012-01-11T19:54:00.000-08:00

First race of the year, first time on snow since last Winter. 28 miles with 6 dogs over some of the most beautiful areas in the U.P. Danya and Fiona, Macc, Attla, Goose and Cruise ran over ice, sand, snow, rocks, roots, up hills, down hills....barefoot and were absolutely wonderful. Tried to keep them slow, but they insisted on moving along at a faster pace. We've trained through the warm months of last Fall... I never got more than 17 miles in any one run, but we had over 300 miles total for training. They finished the race in good shape, which was my main goal.

I love our dogs...they are so reliable and hard working, affectionate and focused. They never complain or judge...good friends and trailmates! Jill and Martha also raced the Tahqamenon trails and Ted was our driver and handler. It was a merry group of mushers to travel with!

Our first race apart from MUSH/MiDD events, so we were the "outsiders/strangers" but everyone seemed nice and many were very helpful. Looking forward to next year and training in the U.P. with the dogs, if we can. Ted is thinking about running a team in the race too, so that's another thing to look forward to!

We worked hard and accomplished my goal of getting there, finishing the race with all 6 dogs, and having a good run. Other than helping another musher with a tangle, (+40 minutes) we had a smooth run considering the trail conditions. It was a good learning experience for the dogs, and me. I drive a dog team like I do a car...like an old lady...but had such a nice time, and enjoyed the scenery . Being on the trail with my dogs, alone and with the Superior winds blowing across the trail, was a mystical experience. Certainly NOT the Iditarod, but I am so proud of my dogs for doing all that I asked of them (EXCEPT slowing down) .

Still no snow...54 degrees today and sunny. Tonight we are supposed to get rain, then snow for the next couple days. We'll see....I doubt there will be enough for this weekends race to go. :(

2011-07-10T09:03:00.000-07:00

Catching up

2011-07-10T08:28:00.000-07:00

So much happens..too much to relate, really.
Burr is the newest puppy, born Dec. 9, 2010. He is from Kirov/Fiona daughter, Pai and Q/Pennys son Bear. Had so much fun raising him in the house with his Grand parents...he learned to use the bells on the door to let me know when he needed to go out immediately, and played with Kirov when Kir felt up to it. It was to be our last winter with Kirov...so it was a blessing to have his grandson. Kirov leaves behind many wonderful memories, friends and offspring in our kennel. He was a one in a million...and is missed more than words can tell.
This Spring and Summer have been wet, hot then cool...then hot again. The older dogs (11-13 yrs old) seem to be handling it o.k., though several go off their feed occasionally, and Storm and Nick are stumbling along. Kiska, who is 14, is still behaving like a big puppy, while her daughter Tesla is showing her age (ll) more so.
Volt, who was 11, passed on recently. He developed an endocrine malfunction, and was being treated, but to no avail. He was euthanized in my arms, and passed very peacefully.
Well, this is all a part of life, and it may hurt terribly, but the days and years we had the honor of spending with the dogs...all of the dogs we've loved and cared for, has to make it worth the pain. Otherwise, why would anyone invest so much in an animal whose lifetime is so short? The days we spend, in their company and working with them...cuddling and caring for them...building trust in another species that doesn't speak our language or understand the passing of time is one of life's greatest gifts. It is impossible to "look down the road" and see a life without them...but inside you know that the great circle is always turning, and someday we will all be gone. SO! put it aside...after all, one cannot dwell on the end of the journey...the destination. It is about the travels, the twists, the turns of life's journey. Dogs show us how to live in the moment...one of their gifts to us if we'll accept it.

LOVE the U.P.!!

2010-09-24T07:40:00.000-07:00

Will be leaving for the U.P. in a few hours...am so looking forward to going "up North" again! In January I will be making the trip alone to run in the TCSDR with my 6 dog team . This time, going up to the Midwest Sled Dog Symposium with Sebastion Schnuele as a guest speaker...as well as many other activities pertaining to dog sledding and dog training and care. My friend Karen Garvey is coming too, after she gets out of school. It's so nice to be able to spend time with people who "get" this whole dog thing.
Sounds kind of goofy I guess...but I'm gonna miss my dogs for the 2 days we're gone...seems you cannot spend much time with them without them taking over your heart, and I spend as much time with them as possible. I just like "hangin'" with them...they give me affection and companionship, make no demands (well, Fiona does sometimes) and are always happy to see me. Who wouldn't miss that?! Now that there are so many old dogs in the kennel, I feel especially drawn there to embrace every moment we have left with them...it will be very difficult when they start leaving us, but that isn't to be worried about now. Need to enjoy the time we have left, and make sure the quality of their lives is the best we can give them.

The wind is pretty fierce today...will have to take it easy in the little "toad" (Prius) so we don't fly off the Mighty Mac! If I have to drive 5 mph across I will...its a long way down, and don't think the landing would be fun at all!

The leaves are starting to change into their colors...gotta remember to take my camera with me. Although Karen is an excellent photographer, and will take better photos than I will....she has the good "eye" for it.

As Fall draws near....

2010-09-21T07:41:00.000-07:00

Another Summer comes to an end (thank goodness! This last one was hotter than normal and humid.) Attla and Macc, the two new pups from last Spring are growing like weeds and we enjoy them a great deal. Raven and Cruise, last years pups, have developed into true assets to our teams, and though we have many retired dogs, the young ones are giving a new energy to the kennel.
This last month has been difficult due to losing two very special mushers we had the privilege to know...Bonnie Ingham and Monica Terrel were both taken by cancer. Way too soon to leave us, but they fought a good battle and passed with grace...Leaving behind many that admired and loved them.
Training has started, but not as consistently as I'd hoped. Today is humid and in the 80's...too hot to run dogs. Q-Ball overheated on a 1.5 mile trail, had to be carried home and hosed down.
Fortunately he recovered quickly, and seems to be o.k. but it scared the be-jesus out of me. I watch the dogs closely when I train/race them...and haven't overheated a dog until Q. It made me even more cautious on those iffy days (60 degrees, windy, no sun...slight humidity) Always carry cold water for the dogs, and in early conditioning/training, make stops about every half mile to give them refreshment and catch their breath. Q has a heavier coat than most of the other Seppala's I run...and he is a very hard worker (exactly the type to over-heat) Well, I'll be more vigilant from now on.
Once it cools down in the 30-40's I will switch from the quad to the Dyck cart. Haven't had Macc or Attla in a team yet...that will happen soon though. We want them to have a good experience and enjoy running with the "big dogs". They are such nice pups...just have a feeling that MACC is going to be even bigger than Strider or Zev. I guess that Ted will enjoy his team of big boys. I'll have my little Raven and Fiona, Goose and Danya, Attla and Ursula. Kirov will be officially retired this year which is sad....it is always sad when one of your best dogs ages to the point that his life as a sled dog is over. He won't be happy, but with some luck, he will still get to play in the snow with the grandkids and my daughter. That will depend on how he is feeling when the snow comes.
We have 8 dogs that are over 11 this year...all such good dogs that gave so much to us, for us.
Nicholai and Kiska will be 13 in 2011. Kiska is so much like Willow, always smiling and tail wagging, still. Nic is looking old in the eyes, and his hearing is going. We sure love those old dogs, and will miss them when they are gone.
Well, the sun is shining, and I guess it's time to go out and fill some holes.

A New Year

2010-01-28T14:19:00.000-08:00

Hootie (heidi)

2009-11-04T06:06:00.000-08:00

She was a small female, loving, and somewhat shy...tough as nails, non-demanding, sometimes annoying with her vocalness....cat-like in her affection, the sweetest, most doting mother and our friend. When I was in the U.P. Ted brought her in to the house and she enjoyed her new status. Well mannered, lacking any aggressiveness to man or beast, she mothered all things, even us.
I'd noticed that she'd been losing weight...she seemed to be eating, though not as aggressively as usual. Ted noticed it too when she was inside those couple days. So off to the vet!
He listened to her lungs, frowned and asked me if she'd been coughing a lot. I hadn't noticed any coughing except when she drank water a couple of times. After blood work, X rays and other tests, we found out that our little girl had a "massive tumor" in her lung. Dr. Lepley called me in, showed me the radiograph, explained the prognosis, and said he couldn't believe that she didn't present with other symptoms. But, that is her "MO"...she never complained.
The tumor started at the base of her heart, probably 6-9 months ago...it rendered a lung virtually useless, her heart was sagging onto her sternum, and her esophagus was displaced and probably made it very difficult eat at all. The decision was made to give her the relief she deserved, and so it was done. Ted made it there so he could say goodbye, and be with her too.
We buried her near her friends that have also passed on...and in spite of the heavy hearts we bear today, we are grateful for the time we got to spend with our little silver dog....grand-daughter of the great Beowulf.
It never really surprises me what we learn from each of these dogs that we share our lives with.
For each life that we are responsible for, we have been taught what grace, dignity and loyalty really mean....that living in the moment is the best way to live....loving is constant and without conditions...forgiveness is peace. How can you not miss them, when they are suddenly gone? SO much is taken, but MORE was given.
The young receptionist at the Vet's office asked me how I could stand it...she found it unbearable and couldn't imagine having so many dogs to care for and know that life will end for all of them sooner or later. I told her that I don't think about the "end"...and try to enjoy and APPRECIATE every minute I get with them...you love them, care for them and try to give them the best quality of life you are capable of...that is really all you can do. With life, eventually there will be death...you can let it drag you down now, or push it to the very end, where it belongs. It is never "easy" and I hope it NEVER gets easy to lose a loved one.
So thank you Heidi for the years we had, and while I'm not so sure there IS a heaven for us humans, I'm certain that there has to be one for dogs, as they are much closer to perfect than we will ever be.

'nother photo

2009-11-04T05:55:00.000-08:00

You can see Canada in the upper right of the picture. Almost as cool as seeing Russia from your backyard...huh?

Whitefish Bay, Lake Superior

2009-11-04T05:18:00.000-08:00

Thanks to a generous musher, we were able to have a girls weekend camping at the most beautiful area in the U.P. (imo) Tara, Linda, Blaine (NOT a girl...but he knows the trails, and is fun to be around anyway) and I headed up on Friday a.m. in the rain and wind. Once we got to the campsite, we dropped the dogs, unloaded the ATV's and went for a ride to see the trails while it was still light. WOW. The trails are just gorgeous...stunning scenery and little critters to keep the dogs interested, Lake Superior along side the trail in most parts, and deep beach sand for the dogs to swim through on parts of it too. Friday night, we didn't even try to make a fire...it was so windy and wet. The wind roared through the tree tops all night, and a couple of times tried to lift the tent. The waves were huge, and crashing along the shoreline. SO much power in them! So loud! Surprisingly, the dogs didn't seem nervous at all. We hooked up our teams on Saturday morning for the first run, and it was a blast! They were tired when we got back, as well as wet (we all were!) That deep sand really gave them a good workout,
After a few hours of rest for the dogs, we went out again for a shorter run. Linda and Blaine had gotten a nice fire going that afternoon, so we had our "hobo" dinners and sat around the fire in the rain. At least the wind died down. Sunday we woke up to a lovely autumn day...even got some sunshine...though just to remind us where we were, a light sprinkle of rain would pass over. On this day, we all went out separately, confident that we knew the trail well enough and wouldn't end up in Canada. I was the first team out, and we made it to the shore with one small wrong turn....Fiona wanted to go the right way, but I asked her to turn the wrong way. (Pilot error!) Once we got to the Lake, we proceeded along the shore. The dogs kept looking at the lake, but the waves were only about 1-2 feet. I gave the "gee" command and they eagerly entered the water and drank their fill, cooling off their feet too. Standing there, with my best buddies, surrounded by the wild beauty, the sun overhead sparkling on the water...it was really hard to imagine having to leave and go back.

Of course, as all good things must end way too soon, we were packed up and heading back by 3 p.m. The best weekend is a weekend with the dogs...and this was one I will always remember and cherish having had the chance to do it. Thanks to all who made it possible!!

First time

2009-08-19T21:25:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-17T16:44:00.000-07:00

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.

Misc stuff

2009-07-31T18:14:00.000-07:00

Photo by Alaine Poelstra

The two new pups are growing like weeds! Cruise (the male) seemed to have a sore throat this morning...but is better tonight. He may have eaten a bee...not the worst thing he has gotten into so far, but the most painful! Raven, (female) is the puppy on top. She is quite a character as well as being athletic, sweet and very loving. They are both extremely intelligent, and good at figuring out things...it's fun to watch their little minds at work! Still able to let them free run while we walk an adult dog. They like other dogs, and seem to enjoy spending time with the various sled dogs in the kennel. Goose, Hunter and Heidi seem to be the favorite "uncles and aunt" though. Probably because they aren't as rough on them as some of the others. Both of the pups are very vocal and sensitive...if an adult rolls them or accidently bumps them, they scream like little banshees! Penny only had to give them the "mom look" to correct them, she never used her teeth or growled much...so if they get a physical correction from an adult, they think the world is falling down on them. Raven is more mature than Cruise...but he has learned not to jump on me, and Raven just doesn't seem to "get" that yet. Cruise is more aloof...though he is very affectionate on his terms. Ted still seems to frighten him a little. He reminds me very much of Q-Ball, his sire. I cannot wait to start training them in harness this fall...

Damien...who shall be recieving a new name as soon as I come up with one that fits him...is really doing well. Tonight, RJ and Alaine walked right up to him and petted him. No showing teeth or any signs of aggression, just a welcoming wag of the tail! I am so encouraged by the progress he is making! We have had him here for 4 months...Ted says that he is now our dog. (He is the dog we took in for some people who bought him as a puppy, but they were looking for a house, and couldn't keep him, so asked us to watch him for a couple of weeks to a month.) Well, it has been 4 months and they haven't called once to see if he is doing o.k., so I guess he is ours now. I have been taking him out with the other Seppala males and Fiona on the neck-line only gangline for 1-2 miles and he is so good. He gets along with the other dogs, and they accept him as well. Even though he doesn't understand much of the other dogs language, he has his parents accepting temperment and shows no aggression or desire to fight. I am very happy that he is getting over his defensiveness when on his tether. Our grand-daughter Nicole is trying hard to help with his rehabilitation...and has made progress with him too. She is deciding if she wants to be a musher or not...she certainly has a great deal of love for the dogs! If we can just get her confidence built up, teach her how to handle the dogs and stay safe on a sled, she will be great at it! I keep telling her if I can do it, she certainly can!

It's been a good day. RJ and Bethany were married...my mother was able to be there...my beautiful daughter Alaine took some good pictures...Ted and Beth's children also witnessed the union, perfect summer day and we had a nice dinner together. Oh..we did sneak in to peek at LeeAnn and Steve's new pups and Keesha too. They are growing nicely, and look healthy. Keesha looks good, and is a very good mom. We said hello to all of their dogs, and Alaine took some photos of the newlyweds in their beautiful yard. Heehee.she's going to send some to LeeAnn and Steve with their house in the back-ground to surprise them!

Wedding day

2009-07-31T17:47:00.000-07:00

Today, my oldest son was married to a wonderful woman...what more could a mom want? With luck, and, as all of us must, work at times, I believe they can share a lifetime together. Bethany is kind, intelligent, sensitive, compassionate, loving...a great cook, fun to be with, and a good mom to her two children. She also loves my son...a LOT. I hope they stay as happy as they were today for the rest of their lives. That they will be good to each other, and learn to tolerate that which makes them different, and celebrate each day they spend together. The days, months and years go by so quickly, and so much of what we fret about isn't worth the time or energy we spend on it. Another person to share your life with, through all of the trials and challenges that life will to bring...that is worth working on, and for.

Ode to Alaine

2009-05-28T15:29:00.000-07:00

Two days in a row! Didn't think I had anything to share today, but as I was looking at all of the beautiful pictures my lovely daughter has taken for/of us (the dogs especially!) I realized that I've not given her the credit she deserves! Pretty much every photo on this blog, my facebook, and even "my" Flickr sites were taken by my girl. We call her the official photographer of Thunderfeet Kennel and Sleds! Not that we do not have our own camera's...I just never remember to a) take mine along or b) even if I DO remember, I forget to take pics and then there is c) Alaine has a gift that neither Ted nor I do. She has a good eye for composing and color, shadows, etc. The truth is that she is a MUCH better photographer than we are, and we LOVE her photos! So this is a tribute to my wonderful, talented daughter, who provides our family with interesting pictures and videos...even though I wish she'd learn to "gauze" over any photos of me so all of my warts and wrinkles won't be plastered across the 'net, and put into family photo albums! (Sigh) Goodbye to having one chin, cheekbones, and smooth skin....Funny, I don't FEEL as old as I look. Must be something wrong with the new-fangled digital cameras everyone is using??? Yea...that's it! Next year is the big 6-0! (ugh...now that is starting to sound old!) Geesh!

Chase gets a kiss

2009-05-27T16:43:00.000-07:00

Well, the mosquitoes are out in full force, the dogs are all blowing their coats, and the world is green once again! Wish I could say I love summer, but that would be a lie...anyway, it is just a season to get through until FALL!! (The BEST time of year, next to Winter.)

The puppies are all growing, and sooooo adorable...Alaine says they are the cutest puppies ever.

We get to keep the two (YES!!! Ted said we can have 2 puppies...he wants one for his team. NICE, huh??) puppies from this weekend on. They'll be 7 weeks old, and Penny has already weaned them. Tara will be picking up her 2, and Jill is getting a male. They will all be good dogs, I predict...(somewhat biased, yes.) They should match up nicely with Fiona/Kirov's offspring.

Ted is busy getting ready for the end of the school year, and also with the projects going on around here. The drain field failed, so he is fixing that, and we have the garden to plant too.

Mike and Jon will be coming for the weekend. It is Jon's birthday on Sunday. Alaine and the boys will be coming up for Saturday to help us celebrate. It should be a beautiful day...those boys do love to spend time together. When my Aunt Edith would come to our house in Rockford, we had so much fun playing with the cousins. They were "city kids" then, and we were the country cousins...but we all got along, and played tag, jumped off the barn, swam in the creek, and rode the horses and our mexican burro Jeff until it was time for dinner. Mom and Edith would make us grilled cheese sandwiches with Velvetta cheese and the bread my mom made. There were over 10 kids to feed! Delicious! Sometimes, mom would make fudge and popcorn to have around the campfires my dad built. We didn't have the electronic stuff kids have today, but we spent so much time outside we probably wouldn't have played with it anyway. A good night was chasing and catching a bottle full of fireflies, and listening to the spring peepers singing as we lay in the grass gazing at the stars and talking about how small we were compared to the whole Universe. Ahh....yup..those were the " good ol days"!

Of course, that was before I discovered THE Winter sport...and Siberian Huskies. How my life has changed!

More dog stuff

2009-04-14T11:02:00.000-07:00

This is Penny and Rocky (I think) giving her a kiss. Or, maybe he is telling her a secret?

Talked to RJ earlier, and the 9 puppies and Penny are doing fine. She is eating good, and taking care of the pups. He did say that she seemed really tired last night, but she did have a busy day. Tara is very excited about her puppies...will be coming to see them on Friday, but probably won't pick out the two she wants until they are older. Rj is still partial to the first born female, but it is too early to tell what their personalities will be yet.

Damien...Kirov and Ice's son...was born in 2006. I have tried not to get attached to him, but cannot help it. He is so affectionate and reminds me so much of his daddy...except for the attacking people that approach him when he is tethered. THEN, he becomes a real butt-head.
Not sure exactly what his story is. His previous owner said that he was teased and tormented by some neighbor kids while they were at work...that would explain why he is like a different dog when tethered. It is hard to reconcile that with how he is when I am with him. He is good with other dogs, and I can take food away from him, put my hands in his bowl while he is eating...he is so good...but we cannot trust him because of the way he is when he is tethered.
He had been in a kennel with another dog, but got out of it. We had no idea that he would react the way he does when he is tethered, but after the campout weekend with the grand kids, we saw how he acts. It is still hard for me to call him an "aggressive dog" though I've seen his bad behavior. Obviously, we cannot have a dog that cannot be trusted in our kennel...one we KNOW will bite if approached by anyone, kid or adult. It breaks my heart that I am not able to" fix" him. When he isn't tethered, he seems to really enjoy people, and loves attention...but there is always that tension...will he bite? Ted is afraid that we will lose our kennel, our home, everything we've worked for, if we keep him here...but the ONLY safe alternative is to have him put down. Geez I hate the thought of that, but we cannot pass him/the problem on to anyone else. It is too much of a risk. Wish the dog whisperer were here to help!
The people that own him want him back (they say) when they find a home....Ted thinks they just wanted to rid themselves of a problem. I'm not convinced of that, because I do believe that they really love him. He IS very lovable, oddly enough. When they took him home, he was a wonderfully sweet puppy. His parents are two of our sweetest, most loving dogs...and I do believe that he is only a monster because of a couple of brats that thought it was funny to tease a dog. The only way I know to train that out of him is to expose people to him that don't torment him while he is chained up, and hope that he will re-set his way of thinking. It is a risk, and finding volunteers to risk getting bitten is probably stretching family and friendships too far...not realistic, I guess. Poor Damien.

Jill's mother in law passed away yesterday evening. Jill felt it was coming sooner than later...and was grateful that she didn't suffer. Went to sleep, didn't wake up. I am sorry for Paul, Jill and their family...but she was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer a couple months ago, and that is not a kind way to die. She went peacefully, without pain. What more could anyone ask for? Jills family is still grieving for Scout, and now for Paul's mother, too. This has been a difficult year for them so far...I do hope/pray it gets better.

Penny, Blaze and Timber

2009-04-13T11:04:00.000-07:00

Oh, and here is a photo of Penny (L) and Blaze(middle) and Timber (R) two of her sons from her first litter. I expect some of these Easter pups to look like Blaze...

Easter Birth

2009-04-13T10:48:00.000-07:00

Penny had 6 beautiful sleek, dark puppies on Easter. BUT, she had more inside that couldn't seem to get down to the birth canal. She was tired, exhausted really, and since we couldn't contact the Vet or the Vet Tech we decided to take a wait and see outlook. We spent most ot the day at RJ's place...waiting and watching. This morning, she went in to the vet first thing, and was X-rayed. She had 3 more pups in one uterine horn, and the other was prolapsed, but had a puppy in it. He/she didn't make it. The other 3 did. Total count for this litter is 6 males and 3 females. Penny is doing very well. Tired, but I'm sure she feels much better than she did yesterday. Beth and RJ are probably tired too. I worried about Penny all last night, and am so grateful she and the pups are all o.k. Sad for the puppy that didn't survive, but sometimes that happens. So, our wonderful Dr Lepley, somes through again. He is such a kind man, and always so fair and honest with us. ( It will be a sad day when he retires.) The dogs all love him too!

So, that was how Ted, RJ, Bethany, Penny and I spent Easter...and this morning it was all worth it. Penny is a very sweet dog, and so tolerant of all of us hovering over her as we waited for the next pup to be born. It will be exciting to watch these pups grow, and learn. They are all so dark and long legged...look like Q-Ball, their sire.

Back again

2009-04-13T04:27:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been a while. Been crazy busy around here, and with the nice cool weather, we were able to have another dog weekend with Ted, Jill, Tara, Martha and the oldest grand sons Mike (10) and Jon (8). Lost Lake BS camp was desserted, the weather was beautiful, and we got in some good runs on the trails...through mud puddles, running water, across bridges, chasing ruffed grouse across fields, and moving the deer herds around. Mike saw a Fox on our first run, and he'd seen a Bald Eagle on the way into camp...He loves camping and being out with the dogs.
Jon seemed to enjoy it too, but he and Grandpa were in watching the basketball game while Mike and I took a team out with the other mushers. It is always fun to spend time with the girls, and their dogs.
A couple of new mushers came up to see what it was all about...Liz and Scott. Nice young couple, and they are very gung ho about learning all they can. Jill let them use her scooter to hook up some dogs (they have 3) and they seemed to have fun with that. We all remembered how it was to be just starting out. Today, there are many more accessible resources than there were in the 80's...Joining MUSH is always a good first step. Long before I entered my first race, I belonged to MUSH just to get the newsletter to find out what was happening with the club, and where events would be taking place. I do love our club...it is so unique and we are fortunate to have it here in Michigan.
Well, I have to run for now. RJ's dog Penny needs to see the vet this morning, and I have to meet Beth to take her there. Will let you know how that all comes out....

Girl power-Wooo-hooo!

2009-03-22T20:42:00.000-07:00

The girls weekend at Lost lake had to be moved to a different locale...so Tara and I spent the weekend at Fort Custer St Park running the dogs on her SWEET! Fritz Dyk cart. We mostly took out 8 dog teams, and one of us drove, while the other one relaxed in the (comfortable) seat. It was fun, and we got to run the dogs, see lots of wildlife, as well as hearing scary footsteps in the night walking closer and closer...then went on by. When you're laying inside a "tent cot" (another cool thing Tara brought along) and you hear heavy footsteps clumping outside, it makes your heart beat faster! Fortunately, my friend Tara comes well armed, and she is reported to be a pretty good shot, too! I had a dog-collar light I was going to use to either strangle the guy with the elastic band, or shine it in his eyes to blind him so Tara could get off a clean shot at him!

We kept a nice fire going, ate very well, ran dogs, and listened to the coyotes near by yipping and howling. We figured out how to "cook" coffee in a fire pit, and I put up a "mushers bathroom" for us to use as the pit toilet was a bit of a hike, (and after a couple of beers, it is imperative to have nearby facilities!) I tend to talk too much, and probably bored Tara to death with my long winded, rambling stories....but she is a well mannered young lady, and instead of shooting me, leaving me to wander the forests of Michigan, or telling me to shut up, please, she listened.

We lucked out with the weather too. Friday night was cold, so we got a couple of short runs in , on Saturday we went out twice with the dogs (a.m & p.m.) then we got up early this morning and went for a longer run with the 8 younger dogs. It got warm today, and we enjoyed sitting in the sunshine around the fire. Reluctantly, we packed up and headed home. That was when Tara checked her messages and I found out that my son, Jeremy had gone to the hospital for chest pain. He is resting at home with a lung infection (they think) Khamala, his wife, said that he was still in a lot of pain. I worry about him a lot....he smokes and doesn't take good care of himself. They have 4 beautiful sons, who love their daddy very much...it would be terrible to have something happen to him. Jeremy is such a good man. I love him so much, and he works so hard for his family (as does Khamala!) I wish he could see how his kids look up to him, and that they all count on him. It hurts to know that he is hurting, and I hope he will be well again soon...but maybe this will finally convince him to quit smoking, and take care of himself better.

Three-peat for Lance!

2009-03-19T06:29:00.000-07:00

Well, I am happy today that Lance won his third Iditarod in a row....under extreme conditions. He is just amazing, and I am so happy for Tonya and his family. He gets another big shiny new Dodge, and some money for dog food and bills. Lance always steps up and works his ass off, which is a great message to some of todays youth who seem to feel everything should be given to them. We are thinking of Dr. Tim too, who is still out on the trail, and probably will be until Sunday. 2 weeks of running dogs....wow! What a life!

Tara and I are going to Farwell (Lost lake) this weekend to camp and train dogs. It is a girls weekend, and I am SO up for that! Gonna cram 4-5 dogs into my pathfinder, and everything else we need...Tara has kindly offered to let me sleep in Dean's famous tent-cot, and will be bringing the water and a campstove. Our friend, Martha (another Seppala lover) is coming on Saturday. Unfortunately, Jill has a commitment and won't be able to come over, but we will have another girls weekend with the dogs again soon, if all goes well this time. (Even if it doesn't!)

I have to see how much I can load into the PF, and plan to travel as light as possible...which for me will be hard. Always like to have what we "might" need handy...but will try to control that urge! Better get packing!

Wet Tuesday in March

2009-03-10T07:38:00.000-07:00

Another dreary wet day...though yesterday was nice once the ice melted. Had to be at the Dr's by 9 a.m. I don't miss having to drive everyday! The ice on the country roads was very challenging, and I drove about 30 mph all the way to town. Ted says I drive like an old lady (DUH!?!) but accidents are so "inconvienent"! So, I try to avoid them whenever possible.

Fiona and I got our walk in the sunshine....it was really perfect. Sweathirt only, no jacket needed...I LOVE that kind of weather. And, I got all of the kennels and dog yard cleaned up yesterday too. That is a relief...I hate it when there is p--p in the kennels...and with all the snow we got, I did miss some of it when doing the daily cleaning. Now it is all picked up, and it makes me feel much better. Still a LOT of ice in the lower kennel and the dog yard. Goose tips over his bucket every day and puts it in his house...so I had to take all the straw out of his house and put in some dry bedding. He loves that...it is like Christmas to get fresh bedding to the dogs! They dig, and twirl around in it, and mostly knock it out of their houses...so I keep putting it back in until they settle down. Goose stuck his head out to give me a kiss when he was done arranging his bed. He is such a goof ball....I love him!

Saturday home...for a change

2009-03-07T16:14:00.000-08:00

Been following Mary's posts on Tims first Iditarod experience. Tim and Mary come to our MUSH fall meeting and provide a vaccination clinic for our dogs. They are two of the nicest most down to earth people, and fun to hang out with too. Tim has been to Europe to run the Grande Oddysee (SP?) and had run other mid and long distance races, but this is his first Iditarod, and so we are cheering for him...it would be so cool if he won, but even finishing that race is an achievment. Here is the link, if you'd like to take a look. http://mary-northernplights.blogspot.com/ I can't wait to hear what happens in the next couple weeks that Tim will be on the trail.

Here is another link to the Sweetwater Challenge article that Meyerson did in the GR press.
The video took forever to download on my computer...dial up...:(
http://www.mlive.com/outdoors/index.ssf/2009/03/mushers_go_the_distance_on_swe.html

Not much else happening...raining, dreary and Ted and I watched movies for most of the day. We're going to bed really early tonight, because we have to be in GR at 5:15 tomorrow morning for his MRI. I AM NOT a morning person...and prefer to stay in a nice warm bed until at least 7:30 a.m. So, being kinda easy, he bribed me with breakfast "out"...which worked. Wonder if it would just be too white-trashy if I wore my flannel pj's and a sweatshirt??

Like a fine "whine"

2009-03-04T12:47:00.000-08:00

Well, took some of the dogs for a short run today...and had to use the quad. I miss my sled! I miss the snow! I miss going to races on weekends! O.K. enough complaining...seasons change, blah blah blah....it is just so hard when winter starts to give way to spring for me. LAST time I'll whine about it (this year, anyway)

Ted wants to go to the Home and Garden show in GR this weekend, so that may get him motivated for some spring/summer projects around here. IF nothing else, it would be so nice to clean and organize the garage and shop. Hate trying to work out there with everything you need to walk around, or step over to get to the saws, planer and other tools. Clutter makes me feel anxious...and makes for an unpleasant work environment. I don't care if takes a month, that is my main goal for this summer! Plus, when people come over to pick up a sled, or buy a harness, it would be nice NOT to be ashamed of how messy the garage and shop look!

Then, I guess I'll have to get started on the basement. THAT is my nemisis! First I have to sort through all of the jackets, clothes and footwear, toss or give away what we don't need or wear anymore...after that, organizing it won't be too difficult. Too much stuff...where does it all come from!? Ted and I have conflicting opinions on what to keep, and what could be gotten rid of...IE: my stuff can go, his must stay. ( and vice-versa. ) Do we really need to keep the Carpenters albums from the 70's? We don't even have a turntable anymore! Yes, I DO need to save the old canning jars...even if it isn't recommended that a canner be used on my stove! Someday, I may have a different stove and want to can some peaches! Then I will need those jars! See...that is how it goes around here. Ted has been trying to get me to get rid of my stained glass tools and supplys for years. He cannot understand that "someday" I may find the time to do it again, (that may be all I can do,) and I don't want to replace everything again. I should make a deal with him, that IF I loose both of my hands or arms, and really cool robotic replacements haven't been invented yet, then he CAN get rid of my stained glass stuff. Otherwise, stop bugging me about it!

Sorry...I seem to be feeling feisty today. Better go.

far from nome...

2009-03-02T20:23:00.000-08:00

This coming weekend would've been our last event of the season...but was cancelled due to ice and unsafe conditions. Guess I'll have to gas up the "quad" and take the dogs out with that. We had such nice snow since the middle of December, which is not always the case in Michigan. I'm just not ready for winter to be over...not that the ice in the kennel and dog yard are appreciated, but it always feels kind of sad to put the sleds away until next winter. Most people love summer, and think anyone who doesn't is "odd". Michigan is a beautiful place to live, especially if you like the outdoors...but I HATE so many things about Michigan summers. It's fun to spend time on the lakes, but the humidity is hard to handle, as well as the mosquitoes, deer flies, and other tiny critters that want to suck your blood! It is always difficult to enjoy a season that causes so much discomfort and torment to the dogs, too. We are fortunate that we live on a hill...and have lots of trees. The dogs get swimming pools, and Ted set up a mist-er system to help cool the air when it is very hot.
When it is really hot, I feel guilty about being inside in the A/C watching my Iditarod programs while they are out in the heat and bugs! Such good dogs...wish they could ALL be in the house with me! Maybe this summer I can slip a few more in occasionally...but Ted is sure to notice if there are 4 or 5 inside! Hope we will have a new puppy to raise from Penny's (Maybe) litter.
She and Q-Ball made some awfully nice puppies in their first litter. I hope she conceived this time. Ted will probably want him/her for HIS team! Oh well, it would be nice to have a puppy to raise.
Today, sitting on one of the dog decks, with Zev and Ketna giving me kisses all over my face and neck, I realized that of the 21 dogs we live with, 15 of them were bred and raised here. The other 6 we bought as pups, or young adults. Sitting there, watching them interact, playing, and running around, made me grateful (again, and like I am every day!) that they are such a huge part of my life. There are few moments during the day that my mind is not occupied by something dog specific or dog related. I don't think I've gotten to the point where I'm "collecting" dogs...but watching all of their individual faces, and bodies...each with a unique personality makes me realize how much I truly love them. Some are more athletic than others, but they all will give all they can when asked to. Some are brave, or shy, or curious or snuggly.
Some are quick to lick my face, others are reserved and will only get goofy if they feel I want them to. They are all so different, yet have the same wonderful qualities! How can people ask how I remember all of their names? Of Course I do! I was with most of them when they came into this world, and taught them to sit before they got a pat, or their food dish. I named the majority of them, sometimes with Ted's and the grandkids input.
O.k. now I'm starting to ramble again,(yes, I did already take an Ambien....so should get into bed soon!)
Alaine took this photo in the back of the property last December 08. When I am really really old, I wonder if I will look at these photos with the same feelings I get now, seeing them. Remembering how it feels to be pulled along in the snow, listening to their breath, watching the dogs muscles ripple beneath their fur, and feel so thankful that I am able to do that...and never wanting to stop! I do plan to be mushing into my 80's, if my health holds up...and if it doesn't then that will be a good time to train a grand kid or two to drive a team. Michael is the most promising...maybe Noah too. I don't think Ben and Jon will want to, but one never knows who will be bitten by the mushing bug!!

"Training opportunities"

2009-03-02T07:27:00.000-08:00

Another glorious weekend with the dogs, and our friends. Tara and I tried to run together for most of the Sweetwater challenge, and on Saturday we had a good time, just taking our time and enjoying the deep blue sky, white snow, golden sunlight, and of course, the dogs! Had some great "training opportunities" getting over a deer carcass on the trail, then what looked like another deer had exploded on the trail further on. The dogs that knew better couldn't stop the younger dogs that didn't...so we had tangles, and mouthfuls of fur flying and tugs of war going on with deer parts all over the place! But, as I said, training opportunities are how you have to view this stuff. Everytime I get on the sled, I expect a good run...but, life being as unpredictable as it is, that seldom happens. SOOO, you can look at it as "S--t happens, and why does it always seem to happen to me, waah waaah wahhh!" or, as a training opportunity. I prefer to consider it as the latter, not the former. Dean said something this weekend that sounded very wise..." one problem at a time." This was as our truck and dog trailer were stuck on the glare ice of the outbound driveway...and then Ted noticed a ticking in the engine...so that took the guys (Thank you for the GUYS!) to figure out, then fix it...then Tara, Dean, Ted and I spread straw from one of the empty dog boxes, sand, leaves and whatever we could find under the trucks tires to try to get up the hill. It worked, and we were on our way home. :(

It was a really interesting group...alot of laughing, good natured ribbing, (Yep, I think my brain has enough endorphins for a while!) It was fun meeting new mushers from other states, admiring each others dogs, and swapping dog stories. Tara and Dean, Patty and Demos shared the lodge with all of us, and we ate, and ate and ate, and hung out. Such wonderful people to spend time with, and they were very tolerant of Ted's new party game, "wear the drunk goggles and pick up this coin!"

Most of us were laughing, and eventually, everyone joined in. Tara, Janine and Karen are now the designated drunk drivers...(they did the "best" on the tests....NOT that any of them would ever drink and drive!!) Ted is always the teacher, and loves to hook up anyone that will allow him to with his "fatal vision" goggles, and other fun stuff. Not so much for the learning part of it...more for raw entertainment!

Rick and Linda, as always, put on another successful event, and made it possible for all of us to be out on those gorgeous trails. The weather was awesome, sunny, cold (especially on Sunday) and it looks as though that may be the last time this season for us to be on the sled. It is supposed to rain and warm up toward the end of this week, so our last race with MUSH will probably be cancelled. I hope not, but we will have to see what happens. The event next weekend is more of a fun thing...the Far From Nome last race of the season for MUSH. Sleeping bag start, poker runs, and just being with the MUSH "family" one last time with the dogs. If it goes off, I would love to have my daughter and granddaughter come so they could take photos.

Think there would be lots of great opportunities for interesting shots!

Howard Meyerson from the GR Press was in Baldwin at the Sweetwater Challenge to do a story on mushing. It will be in the GR Press next Saturday. He also took a video that can be viewed from the mlive site...not sure when that will be up. Check it out, if you are interested.

V.S

2009-02-26T17:08:00.000-08:00

This is the "first" princess...Willow. She is going to be 11 in June. Fiona and Willow have gotten into it a few times since Fiona's been in the house. Well, last night, Ted (who likes to tease Fiona) took the polar bear from her, gave it to Willow, then threw it back at Fiona. Willow decided to take it, just as Fiona went for it. There was a scuffle, but we got it under control and no one got hurt. Those two girls just do not like having to share the house, the toys, or me.
Willow will jump up next to me, and then grouse at Fiona, who is watching...always. When Willow walks by Fiona to go out, or to get a drink, she grouses at her. Fiona is always quiet...but she can move like a cobra when she decides she's had enough trash talk from the "pretty" girl! Willow actually is the one that gets things stirred up...and she has an advantage because she has teeth. Fiona has broken off all of her canines, ( had to have 2 root canals last summer)...so she really doesn't have much to defend herself with. NOT that we condone fighting, but when Willow jumps Fiona, she will fight back. Never a dull moment when you live with dogs!

dog-god

2009-02-25T06:53:00.000-08:00

Ever noticed how your dog will look you in the eyes, and seem to read your mind? Fiona has been a house dog for a few months now, and she has a very penetrating gaze. I stared her down last night when she was getting snarky with Gus...at least I tried to. She didn't blink until after I did so I guess she won.
Since she has been inside, she really took over the Queen of the house role from Willow. When Fiona leaves the room to get a drink of water, Willow will run out and grab Fi's favorite toy (a stuffed polar bear) and take it into the bedroom with her stash of toys, chewies, etc. Then when Willow goes outside, Fiona will take it back. That is the only toy that Fi really wants, and Willow knows it. Always a power play with the girls. Poor old Gus just lays down and pretends not to notice. He certainly doesn't want to be involved.
I wish that all the dogs could be house dogs...it is easier to develop deeper bonds with them when you "live" with them. As much as possible, I spend time with them, but it isn't the same as being with them inside, sleeping beside them and interacting with them as you go about your inside chores, etc. Well, that said, it's time to "saddle up the team" and get some exercise.

dog stuff

2009-02-23T20:09:00.000-08:00

Had a good weekend at Lost Lake. Raced 6 dogs in the 7 dog class, 8.4 miles. I borrowed a couple of my son's Seppalas, Bear and Blaze. Fiona, Danya, Goose and Kirov from my team made up the rest of the 6. It was a great run on Saturday, cold, snowy (Had to wear the goggles for the 1st time) and we went out 14th, and passed everyone that took the 7 dog trail! It was fun to pass Ted, as he went out first. Heehehheee! I rounded a curve, and there was Ted and our friend Tara...of course, Ted had helped a musher who lost her team. (He got a sportsmanship award) Sunday's run was perfect in every way...o.k. a little slower, but the dogs did well, and we didn't get passed. A herd of deer jumped across the trail ahead of us, so that got up their speed for a while. Then we just settled in and enjoyed the trip! oh, and we won too.
Having the fastest Alaskan Husky teams in the U.P. running in the Jack Pine 30 helped! Thanks Brad & Stu! Anyway...enough bragging...but needless to say, I am very proud of my team!! (And Bear and Blaze, too! Bear ran in the 3 dog class with Jill's team, 4 miles each day, then ran in the 7 dog class with my team. He is a good dog, and a hard worker!) Thanks RJ!

Joe G. and his team are in my thoughts tonight. RJ too, as they are all in the UP for the UP200.
Joe had some trials during his 200+ race, and had to scratch 30 miles from the finish. I am very proud of him for getting himself and his dogs through everything intact...if anyone can do it, Joe can. RJ is handling for him, and so he gets to drive the dog truck and help with taking care of the dogs. Hope they all get home safely and soon! Can't wait to hear all of the stories and experiences from the race. RJ will be surprised that I won the 7 dog class, and will probably tell me it was because I used 2 of his dogs! (MAY be true!?!)

We have the Sweetwater Challenge this coming weekend...if we don't lose the snow that we have. I love the trails that we've run there. Am going to try to make it 24 miles each day depending on how the dogs (and me) fare on the hills. Really looking forward to this weekend, and plan to take some water & snacks for the dogs so we can take a break if needed. It will probably be me that needs a break, but I'm sure the dogs won't mind either, especially after doing a couple of those big hills! I hope to be out on the trail for the better part of the day on Saturday...not racing, just enjoying the time with the dogs.

I did it.

2009-02-19T20:38:00.000-08:00

HA! I actually attached a photo...all by myself!

My lovely daughter took this one at Baldwin's last Wooden Nickel race. Thats my little Fiona in lead, with Ursula, Heidi, Kirov and Dan (wheel dogs). It was such a nice day to have Alaine there, and she took some awesome pics for many people in the MUSH club.

And years go by!

2009-02-19T20:33:00.000-08:00

Wow...I don't have this blogging thing down yet, but my daughter has inspired me, so I'll take a swing at it too.
ummm...well, its been a couple years about since last time...and so much has happened but I won't bore with all that.
Should be getting stuff ready for the race this weekend. Yeah, I guess I should do that. So, bye.
(Hear that echo? no one is out there!)

new dog barn

2007-04-09T15:08:00.000-07:00

Well, the new dog barn arrived on Thursday, and now I am just waiting for this winter weather to go away long enough for me to paint the floor and get the tables and shelves built. It is so nice to get rid of the little 4' X 4' building, and go to a 12' X 16' building! Can't wait to get all the dog stuff organized and put into the new "barn".
This week will be busy, but maybe this weekend I will find some time to get going on this new project.
The dogs are howling...must be dinnertime!