Ironic, isn’t it, that we should house the flood evacuated Galena dogs for five weeks only to have to evacuate ourselves? I’m not sure what it all means, if anything, it’s simply ironic. I’ve been thinking about things a lot lately.
Our current situation away from our home in Two Rivers is far from a hardship. We are fortunate enough to have family, friends and even simple acquaintances who go out of their way to help or send well-wishing’s.
So.. DO NOT worry about us. The dogs are fine, we are fine and the whatever else happens is out of our control.
Our evacuation was uneventful. The caravan of dog trucks and trailers made it’s way to Bridgett and Scotty’s home south of Ester, Alaska. There were spots ready for each individual dog underneath a groove of tall spruce trees over looking the Alaska Range Mountains to the south. We brought a ton of Eagle Pack Dog Food with us, so I guess we could spend the month, should we like it better on this side of town!
Allen looks over the Alaska Range with the dogs.
I was reminded yesterday during our evacuation that: Our dogs are the best. They get along great with each other – no arguing or bickering. No running away. No panicking. They are well behaved. We expect them to listen to us and they do. They are truly awesome dogs and I thank them for their cooperation.
A photo of twenty evacuated SP Kennel dogs.
The race dogs have taken everything in stride and many are stretched out in the shade and cushioning of the forest understory. They must be thinking “I wonder what kind of adventure Aliy and Allen are taking us on now?”
Scout, Bonita, Pud, Tony, Boondocks and Bullet aren’t too stressed.
The young dogs are acting like they are at Summer Camp – and for some of the them I guess, it must seem like they are! Lydia, Dutch, Junior and Kodiak went on their first dog truck ride yesterday – ever! Woody, Wedgy, Chipper, Sandy, Iron and Driver are camped under the trees, playing with twigs, as if it were an afternoon picnic. (I have to admit that Driver did chew the internet cord to the house last night. Opps, sorry Scotty. But, I’m sure he thought it was just a twig!)
Tatfish and Dutch check out the lawn; Schmoe ignores Sandy just before she pounced on him!
The sixteen Research Study dogs are in their own “area” because their special meals must continue despite the evacuation inconvenience. They might have a few days off from exercise, but we have plans to start that up again in a different location, if needed.
The fire fighters are doing their jobs and are trying their best to control the fire. Our house is safe, as of now, and folks are in the area watching it for us.
Sending positive thoughts your way. The kennel at Two Rivers WILL BE OK!
Glad to hear you're all safe and sound Aliy. Your dogs are wonderful because they're surrounded by wonderful people.
Karla, Sydney, AUS
Thank you for updating, I'm glad that you guys are safe.
So thankful you have such a peaceful spot to camp.
Now that was a great post!! My heart smiled looking at the pictures of the dogs and your explanation of what they thought of it all! Its just an adventure to them…..and as long as they are with their people all is right in their puppy dog minds! Awesome! I hear the fire is being "cooperative" and not totally jumping over the Chena River so far……AND I even heard a little drizzle came down in the area! Positive thinking here…..it's all going to be ok no matter what! Good job SP Kennel…..and Firefighters ROCK!
Awe, Woody is on a picnic at summer camp 🙂
Thanks for the update Aliy!! No worrying here…wink wink. Glad you are all doing well and are safe.
Cheers,
Heidi
I'm so gad you, Allen and the dogs got out safely and are fine!
It is so great that you are all safe,
including humans & canines. The
wonderful dogs really reflect their humans! The all look contented in their summer camp surroundings. I am praying that the fire gets under control soon & that you all can return home ASAP.
Praise God for your safety and the dogs and the kindness of the Alaska people who help. Seeing those dogs stretched out so content reminds me of the 2 evacuations we did with 240 dogs, 2 kennels combined by the second move. It was in the middle of the night and scary for sure. Knowing the task at hand, I admire how you are so cool about it all. But then you are cool.
Bob and Maureen Morgan
Meadow Lakes, AK
Thank you so much for your article! Loved seeing the photos of your awesome dogs. Praying for you and all those displaced by those nasty fires!
Such a challenging situation for all of you! Thanks for sharing your story with us! It is nice to know you are safe and trying to find some normalcy during the insanity of the fire. I am a teacher in Black Forest, CO, the community that recently burned. Many of my students lost their homes. These same students became passionate this year following the Iditarod…I know they will be happy to know you and the dogs are safe!
It looks like your big family have got a lovely spot to 'summer camp '. Thinking of you here in England where we are have a spot of unusually hot weather. Take care – hope you will all soon be back home at SP Kennel.
Jane Walker
Sheffield, UK
What a gorgeous place. It does indeed look like a very nice Summer Camp. So glad all is well and appreciate the pictures.
Wildland firefighter and SP Kennel dog sponsor checking in: I "see" a few areas with big heat on the satellite image for Stuart fire. But not looking all that bad right now. Aliy and Allen, let us all know what you want/need from your dog sponsors.
Your positive attitude, and spirit of adventure always inspire …hoping for the best outcome for you and your wonderful FAMILY…all the best!
I'm so glad to hear that you, your family, and those BEAUTIFUL dogs are okay. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Aliy and Allen your in my prayers as are all the other's from that area. Doug's really do look like they are enjoying their little vacation.
Thanks Aliy
I,too, sponsor a dog and would like to help.
Is there a place we can send $$ donations?
Things seem to be going well for the dogs! You are right Aliy, they are just wonderful! I think they know what a good Mom and Dad they have, and they are behaving accordingly! Praying that you all are fine, that your home and kennel will not be touched by the fire, and thanking all your friends and family for being so nice to you!
Good dogs can teach us lessons, even off the harness and trail. So glad all is well for all.
Stay strong and Mush on.
You are in my prayers