SPK Dog Log

Now that the dogs aren’t running in harness they need to stretch their legs and keep fit in other ways so we take them out free running! The other day we took Chica, Sissy, Scooter, Tig and Spicy out into the fields.

They enjoy the warm weather but need to cool themselves down so the all channelled their inner labrador when we came upon the puddles.

There is still some snow lying around, particularly the berms (making it difficult for the water to drain away) and some of the sled trails. Here’s a pic of our exit trail – because probably 99% of our runs used this part of the trail it is very hard packed and is taking longer to melt than everything else.

Everyone will get to do lots of free walking and running this summer – watch this space for updates throughout the off-season.

Springtime at the kennel brings warm temperatures and sunny skies. It also brings the melt! Nearby fields and lower lying parts of the kennel disappear under a few inches of water as we wait for both the ground the river to thaw to take all the water away. The road out of the kennel is a little treacherous but at least the underside of the truck gets a good clean each time!

the field outside the kennel, the road out

We utilise the dog barn and higher pens for those dogs that are getting soggy feet. Mud is the order of the day so we’ve replaced our warm insulated boots for rubber boots and our warm pants and jackets for waterproof bibs and T-shirts. It won’t take long for the water to drain away but in the meantime everything looks a little brown.

It’s that time of year when the puppies learn what it is to be in harness to give them a taste of what they are destined to do! It’s always a race against time to get some training runs in before the snow melts.

We ran the the Fire pups in groups of three with some adults in front leading the way including Mamma Olivia and Pappa Nacho, Schmoe, Boondocks, Pepe, Quito, Chemo and Pud. We stopped frequently to give them lots of positive encouragement and praise and to (hopefully) teach them to face forward when stopped. We did that by walking right past them then turning and praising them when we were standing in front of them.

The first group in harness was Hotshot, Coal and Amber. HOTSHOT was a “hotshot” and knew exactly what to do, you could not tell this was his first time in harness. COAL was a little hesitant at first and you could almost read his thoughts: “Woah, this is weird, what’s going on… hang on… not too sure… wait, wow, THIS IS AWESOME!!!!!!!!! WOOHOO!!!!!” and from that moment there was no turning back! AMBER settled in to a smooth, steady lope early and has a compact, efficient form like her mama.

Next up was Tinder, Torch and Daisy. DAISY looked a bit like a dolphin as she took huge leaps and bounds in the snow. TORCH got right down to business, which is true to his character – somewhat serious and no nonsense. TINDER pulled hard and looked just like a real sled dog. He is big and strong and looks remarkably like his Papa.

Next we took Commando, Spark and Violet. COMMANDO looked supremely confident which is unlike him. In the yard he is somewhat reserved, even a little shy but in harness he was like a different dog. SPARK was fun, he seemed to enjoy himself very much but then he always seems to enjoy himself! He’s inherited his father’s happy-go-lucky personality. VIOLET looked gorgeous bounding and loping along the trail. She is very vocal, like her older sister Junior and she was “woo woo” talking all the way around.

The final group had Chena and Nomex. CHENA was very vocal and gave little “yips” of joy as they ran their two mile route. NOMEX looked strong and focussed on the trail ahead, he was particularly well behaved when the team was stopped.

We didn’t managed to capture any footage, there is a lot to do when running puppies and we each have only one pair of hands. Instead I have some updated pictures of the pups in the yard so you can see how much they have grown.

Amber and Chena

Coal and Commando

Daisy and Hotshot

Nomex (with Spark photobomb) and Spark

Tinder and Torch

Violet (that’s mud on her face, not freckles!) and – just for fun – here they are six months ago

Every year we say it but it is so fun to see the pups instinctively know what to do. Like a labrador retrieves a stick or a cattle dog rounds up cattle, a husky runs and pulls.

Remember these two kids from the beginning of the season?

L-R: Cayenne and Champ

Well, they’ve grown! They are young dogs now, rather than little puppies and they are learning the kennel routines, good manners and shortly will learn to what it is to run in harness. In the meantime, they have been having fun running in the field with various adult dogs.

The other evening I took the camera with me when we went out with Tig the Labrador – as you can see, Cayenne LOVES Tig and Tig… well… she’s very patient.

I chose this piece of music more for it’s title: Dolce Vita (by Apple Inc). I think it is very appropriate!

We just returned from a fantastic few days up on the North Slope! We had gorgeous weather and spectacular views in every direction. Our campsite was just below a ridge we could climb that afforded us a vista that went for miles and miles.

We took small teams out on short excursions during the day and were able to collect water from the river that was just starting to melt and saw wildlife including caribou, moose and ptarmigan. It would be fair to say our timetable was “relaxed” as we didn’t HAVE to be anywhere at any particular time. A wonderful end to the season.

What can be better than this?

Quito at home amongst the spectacular scenery

Willie, Rambler and Boondocks enjoying some free time together

The four of us along with 24 canine companions are packing up ready to head to the North Slope area, about 400 miles north of the kennel.

This will be the “last hurrah” for us for this season and we’re excited to get out there in the arctic wilderness for a fun and relaxing trip before we head our separate ways for the summer (or in Moira’s case: winter). We wish we could take the whole yard with us!

L-R: practice tent set-up; packing for the trip

You won’t hear from us until later this week – we’ll be sure to post some pictures once we are back.

Many schools around the country use the Iditarod as a learning tool and include various aspects of the race in their syllabus’. Sometimes, part of their teaching includes the students writing a letter to their chosen musher and this year we received hundreds of letters from students all over the US.

We always enjoy receiving them along with pictures the students have drawn, handmade cards and other fun enclosures. It is not only fun but also funny at times when there are some “kids say the darndest things” moments like the one student who suggested Aliy bring her “A game” next time.

We reply to each one with information about the race, the kennel and dogs and try to answer all their questions. We also send a dog trading card so they can get to know one of the dogs a little more personally. It’s a fun time of year! And who knows, maybe one day some of those students will run the race and be replying to letters themselves!

I know this is a few weeks old by now, sorry for the delay. I wanted to give you some “snippets” from the prize giving but the stories were just too good to edit! Therefore, this video is quite long so I suggest getting a cuppa, put your feet up and enjoy.