It’s sunny and 20F here in Two Rivers at the home of the Red and Black Teams. The remaining 36 dogs provided a good rousing howl in celebration of their Red Team mates crossing the line Tuesday morning in 3rd place, the again when their Black Team mates finished yesterday. Wedgy and Olivia seemed to be the most enthusiastic howlers!
It’s Spring Break in the neighborhood. SP Kennel friends, the Earles, came over on their vacation to spend time with the dogs. Mykena and Madi rode along with Wendy in the sled on some short 5 mile runs. The boys were very excited to run today. Woody and Hotshot wanted to chase rabbits through the woods; and Five was certain that the best trail was through the snowbank on the sides of the trail. Boondocks had her paws full keeping him on track. They all earned treats though, for their diligent work.
Creamer captured standing still; Sled view, not so pretty!
The pups had a great time playing in the field. They are getting so big now, that we have to play with them in groups of twos or threes. Six puppies at a time is a bit overwhelming, especially when they run charging back into the yard at the end of play time. Creamer stood still long enough to get this picture. I think we successfully wore out the dogs and pups. Tony seems to be sleeping well after his day outside. We are looking forward to having the four returned dogs home towards the end of the week, and the rest of the team after the banquet.
Tony is exhausted after watching the tracker; Five and Madi – best of friends
Creamer is such a beauty! Happy smile!
The pic of five & madi is almost too much – they project identical energy & smiles!!!
Thanks so much for this reassurance that the cycle of life goes on and maybe that is a gift for us all to remember.
Now is coming the season of nature's rebirth – and the story of Easter is coming along soon, too.
I hear the chirping of crickets in the stream just outside my office window, and that is something that always puts me in awe of nature. When in full throat, they make serious noise!!!
Madi–take good care of "my" Five. And Five, you gotta learn to stay out of those snow banks. I'm counting on you for the future. Wendy–thanks for the back-at-the-kennel report. SPK–THE BEST!
Charlene
Erie PA
Creamer is beautiful! Yes, I would think six almost grown puppies running toward you at full speed would be a little too much. Lots of awesome helpers keeping the home fires burning. It definitely takes a village….
Creamer is a beauty. Sounds like you had your hands full with the squirrels and snow banks.
Just watched Ryne come in. Looks like Aliy and Allen are there too.
Hi Wendy, you guys are the best, great pictures, but here I go again, seeing Tony and I'm crying like a baby.
For those who don't know, Tony looks exactly like his brother Hoss, who we lost last March right before we came up to visit for the start of the Iditarod. Hoss was with us for five very wonderful happy retirement years. I miss him so very much. When we came back up to the kennel last June to visit and adopt Beemer & Viper, I was excited to be able to see Tony in person at the retirement party.
I was telling myself over and over "don't cry"…
But, as soon as Wendy showed up with Tony… I lost it and cried like a baby. Tony and Hoss must be twins, it's remarkable. And Tony is as sweet and mellow as Hoss was. Miss him so.
Wendy, please give Tony a kiss and a hug from me and Tom.
XOXO
Cindy
Creamer is GORGEOUS!!! I LOVE all the pups!!! So excited about watching this next crew grow up! Wow…next year the Five Litter will graduate to the next level….and this years pups will graduate to Yearlings….and of course there will be retirees and NEW puppies!! Tony..now there is a nice sweet retiree! Nice to hear Cindy talk about Hoss….sounds like he was a real sweetheart!
The SPK Mothership certainly is a wonderful place for Sled Dogs to live!
Creamer is, indeed, beautiful. So glad to read this post and know that life at SPK goes on as always. That Five is a real pistol of a personality diving through snow banks. You gotta love him! I think it will do everyone good for the Aliy and Allen and their teams to return home and get back into the regular kennel routine.
Thank you, Wendy, for this post.
Beautiful dogs, I really enjoy reading your blog. Keep up the posts!
I dodge 2 Siberian huskies zig-zag crazy … I call it "doggie e-rahs" Amazing, sometimes their bodies, horizontal to the ground flying like a frisbee, that their feet can hit the ground running again!!
So much fun to see the pups growing up and their personalities bloom! Hopefully I will get up there sometime soon to kiss Kodiak and some other sweet faces!!
never any doubt that all was under control back at the kennel, but it sure is good to see pictures that are indeed worth 1000 words! of course, my favorite is Mr. Five & his girlfriend Madie. looking forward to watching Five grow into an SP Kennel team member & hoping I get to meet this overflowing with personality guy next year!
Tony you deserve to rest after following the tracker for 2 great teams. Creamer what a looker, &Five you are a handful. Thanks for giving us a fview of kennel life. Welcome home to the dropped dogs.
Oh my goodness, I think Creamer is your next "Cover Girl Dog" as she is absolutely stunning. Thanks for the posts and Five and Madi have such infectious smiles on their faces. That boy, Five, is something else! I am sure they are looking forward to everyone coming home soon.