Prairie Isle's New Adventure

Fund raiser to help others with the cost of canine lymphoma treatment

2010-08-02T13:11:00.003-05:00

With the help of Frankie's Friends the Prairie Isle Sled dogs will be raising awareness and money to help others battle canine lymphoma.

I lost two of my sled dogs, Drifter and Naoisha, to canine lymphoma in a 12-month time frame. Dog sledding is my love and passion but also my business, Prairie Isle Dog Trekking, LLC (PIDT).

In mid-January 2011, I will pack up 18 dogs and drive to Quensel, BC Canada from my home in Petersburg, ND. The dogs and I will participate in the 19th annual Gold Rush Trail Dog Sled Mail Run (http://www.dogsledmailrun.ca/) . This is a fun filled three-day event which honors sled dogs that were used to carry the mail in Canada. The trail that is used for the event is part of the original mail route the dog team mail carriers used. Over the three days we will travel approximately 60 miles by dog sled.

This is an event I had planned to do in 2008 but in May 2007 Drifter was diagnosed with lymphoma and then died in June 2007. I was still dealing with that loss when Naoisha was diagnosed in Sept. 2007 with lymphoma! I just could not do the event without my two main wheel dogs. Naoisha lost his battle with lymphoma in June 2008. After two years, I finally feel I can do the journey to Quensel which I had planned on doing with them. I also want to honor my two amazing dogs who died from lymphoma and raise awareness of this disease. My journey will, I hope, not only shine a light on canine cancer, but also help others that are trying to save their dogs but are struggling financially for treatment(s).

Follow the PIDT sled dogs as we make the journey in January 2011 via a SPOT tracking system. And PLEASE donate at Frankie’s Friends to help with the cost of lymphoma treatments here or go www.frankiesfriends.com. With a donation of $30 or more you will receive an in memory and/or in honor card carried by PIDT for the entire journey. You can also keep abreast of PIDT’s training and preparation at PIDT’s facebook page (follow FB link at www.prairieisledogtrekking.com).

Please help others with the fight against canine lymphoma and donate to the cause

Pups and things

2010-07-19T12:54:00.006-05:00

Prairie Isle NW Voyageur
Trek-Man

Eve coming out of the tunnel

Eve sitting on Sheyenne

Tolinka is safe in her new home in Sweden and our Norwegian pup is here at the Prairie Isle. Eve decided from the get go that this is her home. She also has decided Sheyenne is the best toy there is and that Trek is boring.

Sheyenne plays and tolerates Eve chewing on her ears and tail. Shey is bigger than Even but only 2 weeks older so it is fun to watch them interact. Trek thinks Eve is a pest and he wants to know where his sister, Tolinka, has gone to.

Shey loves the tunnel and chute. She did not hesitate once she saw Ruby run through the tunnel, then that became the game of the day. Run through, turn around and run back through, go jump in the pool, and run through some more. Eve picked up on it too so they were doing it together and would stop and now and then to wrestle inside the tunnel. Trek decided to try too and was having fun chasing Shey and Eve. With the chute, Eve was the first to figure it out and then Shey. Shey decided running through the tunnel then chute, stop off at the pool and do it again was the game of the day. It was great to see how fast all 3 figured out the tunnel and chute and were not scary and would easily do the obstacles.

Shey and Eve wrestling inside the tunnel

Eve chewing on Shey's ear.

Sheyenne

Torrey came home on July 12th. She lost her litter of pups (she had been leased and was not living here) and had to have an emergency C-section. She became ill this past Friday and was rushed to the vet office. She has an uterine infection and is one sick dog. She is improving and we will see how it goes. She may need to be spayed, but we will see how things go.

The team and I will start harness work in about 2 weeks. Our night runs will begin. Skunks and badgers are the big things we will have to contend with but it does help to start conditioning early in the season and the dogs rest better during the day after having a work out in the cool night. Trek, Sheyenne and Eve will get limited time in harness till they are older. Trek is almost a year so he will work more at first then Shey and Eve.

Cooper and Callie are recovering nicely from their surgeries. Cooper had a sebaceous cyst removed from his back and Callie had a large lipoma removed from behind her front right leg.

The green beans are being harvested along with onions and Swiss chard. Tomatoes are green and we are looking forward to them ripening. Garlic is doing great too along with corn, squash, spinach and lettuce.

We are repeating the breeding of Hudson and Ruby. Ruby should cycle in the next 2-3 weeks so again she will be out the fall training. We have 4-5 pups already under contract for purchase so we will see how this breeding goes. Hudson will be 4 in Sept with Ruby turning 5 in Nov.

Hudson

Trek with his dam, Ruby

Summer is going by fast and we are looking forward to conditioning and the upcoming winter activities.

Pictures from Sweden

2010-07-02T09:18:00.004-05:00

Bob with Tolinka and Eve

Margareta with Eve and Tolinka

Eventyrer Av Vinterskogen
"Eve"

Wouter with Bob on the hike for snow

Bob with Eve

Margareta has been sending me pictures of Eve until Bob gets home with her. Bob told me has a lot pictures too not just of the dogs but the countryside.

Yesterday they went for a hike near a river and waterfall. Bob said Tolinka was like her grandsire Gavin, decided to go swimming. Today they went up into the mountains to snow so the dogs could play in the snow. Sure could use some of that here. Very hot and humid here but sounds like it will cool down and less humidity by Monday.

Bob and Eve fly back on Tuesday and finish the drive home on Wednesday.

Eventyrer Av Vinterskogen

2010-06-29T15:12:00.003-05:00

Eve playing with Margareta's Samoyeds

Eve, Vilka (Eve's dam) and of course big eared Tollie!

Eve

Eve with Bob

Here are some pictures taken today in Sweden of our new Samoyed puppy Eve. Eventyrer means "Adventurer" which we thought was very fitting since is going on quite to the adventure moving to USA from Norway.
Margareta sent me the pictures via an email and said she is a very nice girl. And that she is not afraid and started playing with all the dogs right away. But she warned me that she has already stolen food off their table:)))) Hmmm, her and Sheyenne will make quite the pair!!! Shey is always counter cruising and has helped herself to whatever she can find. Oh boy two of them working the counters.

Trip to Sweden

2010-06-28T06:29:00.004-05:00

Tolinka being check in as luggage. She was NOT cargo and was kept in an air conditioned area of the plane--with the crews luggage!

Tollie waiting quietly for the next new thing.

Bob and Tolinka on the move at O'Hare Airport Chicago, IL

Children very interested in what is in the crate. Bob said Tollie was very calm with all the new things.

Yesterday Tolinka and Bob flew out of O'Hare airport for Stockholm Sweden. Tolinka is going to live at the Polarullen Samoyed Kennel and she will be showed in conformation and also used on the competitive distance Samoyed dog sled team

A good friend and fellow TTouch practitioner, Betsy, met Bob at O'Hare airport to help him with his luggage, moving Tollie + crate and also parking our car in long term parking. Thank you Betsy. Bob said it was a big help to him having you there.

Getting Tolinka ready for the move to Sweden has taken 8 months! Sweden has strict regulations for importing a dog to their country. Dogs under 1 year have to have 2 rabies shots first (a month apart) then you wait 120 days from the 2nd vaccination and have blood drawn for the FAVN testing. This sample is sent to the Rabies Laboratory Kansas State University (only lab Sweden will accept results from in the USA). You then wait 3 to 4 weeks for the results. If the value is above 0.5 IU/mL the dog can be travel to Sweden. Tollie had her blood drawn on June 1st (her 2nd rabies shot was on Jan. 28th) and we had the results by June 15th. Other requirements were deworming for tapeworms just prior to travel day, tick treatment, ISO chip implant, Swedish passport, Swedish health certificate and her basic DP vaccinations.

Bob and Tollie made it safely to Stockholm and are now heading north with Margareta to her home. Bob will get to see our Yepa too! Yepa is Tollie's aunt: Ruby (Tollie's dam) and Yepa are sisters, different litters.

Tomorrow Bob will get our new puppy, Eventyrer Av Vinterskogen (Eve). He will stay at Margareta's till July 6th. This will give him some time to get to know Eve and help her adjust plus for Tollie to adjust to her new home.

Sheyenne and Trek will have a new playmate when Eve arrives here at the Prairie Isle.

For me, I am tending to dogs. A bunch have vet visits this week and we have an upcoming breeding to prepare for. Between pigeons in the barn, skunks and horrible summer storms it has been fun so far here.

Looking forward to some new pictures of Eve and of Tollie in her new home. And of course of Yepa:)

Not much longer

2010-06-20T09:23:00.003-05:00

Tolinka will be flying out next Sunday, from O'Hare airport on SAS airlines to Stockholm Sweden. Wow what a journey this 8 1/2 month old Samoyed has ahead of her. Bob will be traveling along with her because we have purchased a Samoyed from Vinterskogen kennels in Norway and he will be bringing her back.

Eve, Eventyrer Av Vinterskogen, was born Feb 14, 2010 and comes from a long line of working Samoyeds. 1/4 of her pedigree is USA lines and the rest is Danish and Norwegian. We are hoping this introduction of new genetics to our working line of Samoyeds will improve and keep the working Samoyeds strong here at PIDT.

Torrey was bred to Hudson and Kim Sampson (Torrey's breeder) had leased Torrey for this breeding. Torrey is at Kim's home getting ready to whelp her litter around July 5th. We miss Torrey but know she is in good hands. Torrey will come back to PIDT when the pups are around 8-9 weeks old, so end of Sept. We hope she has lots girls but also a few boys in this litter. We are to get the pick male so hoping there are a few males to pick from.

Trek is getting tall and very lean but has not blown that crazy puppy coat:) Looking forward to see what type of coat he will have once that pup coat is gone. Sheyenne is getting tall and keeps us on our toes with her ability to escape. Anna and Logan are doing a good job to reprimand her and to teach her some manners. The sams do not put her in her place but the mals do. Flint is also good at it.

Summer is finally arriving here too. Too much rain though and that could let up at anytime.

Remembering

2010-04-29T12:20:00.004-05:00

The beam of light shining on Drifter the day he died. That light was the angels coming to help Drifter to continue his journey.

Today would have been Black Ice's Prairie SnowDrift CGC, aka--Drifter, 14th birthday. Drifter died way too soon in his life and too soon after being diagnosed with lymphosarcoma. Drifter died June 9, 2007, less than 5 weeks after being diagnosed with cancer.

Drifter was a wheel dog with Naoisha (who died a year later from lymphosarcoma) and was an amazing teacher to me and the other dogs. Drifter commanded attention from the way he moved, held his body and head and his manner. When you saw him or were around him you knew he was special and that you could learn if you listened.

Drifter may be gone physically, but spiritually he is present helping me with the other dogs. Drifter helped Naoisha through his struggle with chemotherapy and oh yes he helped me cope with being gone during that time when I should have been home. He guided Neesh and now I see him in his niece, Anna.

A special boy who will always hold a special part of me with him.

Happy Birthday Drifter. Take care of Jack, Denver, Naoisha and Kotah Bear and of course your cat, K.C.

April is almost over

2010-04-28T10:29:00.003-05:00

Sheyenne

It is hard to believe April is almost over. It has been an unseasonably warm April for ND too. I actually was able to get onions, garlic, peas, lettuce, broccoli and spinach started in the garden. In the 14 summers here I have had to wait till end of May or first of June!

I am waiting to put in the corn, beans, tomatoes and peppers though since we could easily have a frost or even snow. We are finally to get some rain starting tonight and through the week end. We do need the rain, very dry here and a fire danger, but with the rain it meets muddy dogs! Many of the dogs have had their baths to get the old coat out. But I still a number of them to do yet but will get them done over the next few weeks.

Sheyenne sitting pretty so I can take her picture.

Sheyenne is growing--very long legs and she is moving nicely. She now has enough muscle and strength in the rear end to jump up on the platforms in the play area and of course on the couch now:) She is spunky and Callie is trying to keep her in line. She has no issues being around 10 adult dogs at once and just joins into the playing. She does not realize she is the small one. Sheyenne considering to help Flint and Logan in their play

Nice side gait of Sheyenne. Hoping to see this get stronger as she matures. Flat topline too which is very important!

Her coloring is changing too which is interesting since I am used to Samoyed that are basically white with biscuit/cream in there. But in her face she is getting a lot of white hairs and the joke here is that she plays and rubs up against the Samoyeds so much they are rubbing off on her:)
Her main guard hairs are black with red or some white tips--interesting.

Eve--who is still in Norway

Eve, Eventyrer av Vinterskogen, our pup from Norway will be coming to the Prairie Isle just after the 4th of July. Bob is taking Tolinka to Sweden in late June and he will go with Margareta to Norway to pick up Eve. She will have her pre-flight physical in Sweden at Margareta's vet office. What an adventure (eventyrer means adventurer in Norwegian) this Samoyed pup is going to have. Since there are embargos by the airlines for dogs traveling to Europe right now and over the summer, Bob will travel to Chicago to do a nonstop flight on SAS airlines which will allow Tolinka in the baggage area. We are getting all the needed exams, shots, waiting for titer results, etc. for Tolinka. It is not easy to take a dog to Sweden! It is much easier to bring a dog back to the USA though--thank goodness.

Trek is starting to slim down and has a nice build. He will be built I think very similar to his sire Hudson. Fall will be fun with 3 young ones learning to work in harness: Trek, Sheyenne and Eve.

We have a new grandson on the way! Eric and Francesca are expecting their second child around July 12. I will make a trip to visit them in the early fall to see this new bundle of joy.

Heart hugs

spring time

2010-04-10T10:39:00.004-05:00

Red Sheyenne

Flint, Shey and Logan (howling)

There still is snow in our shelter belt! Devils Lake's ice just went out and boy is the lake high. The Red River of the North is slowly receding.

We have not had any spring rain which is odd. It would be nice to have a gentle rain to clean up things--maybe next week. A few wood frogs have been calling but it is still getting below freezing at night so they are not too active yet. Plus many are probably still buried under the snow in the shelterbelt. Bob will be busy collecting and monitoring the frogs though.

Sheyenne is growing and she keeps us on our toes. She has figured out how to get out of the kennel that Flint stays in--which I had put her in there to be with him. Since our yard is fenced she is at least still inside the fenced in area and safe.

Tollie and Trek protect Shey from the adult dogs! It is fun to watch their behavior when the adult dogs try to play with Shey. They will position their body between the adult dog and Shey. Shey just runs around them though to get to Logan, Flint and/or Anna, or whatever adult dog is out.

PIDT is having a new touring cart built. There will be room for 2 people besides me plus it will have big tires to deal with the mud here and a disc braking system. This will give another option other than the ATV to condition the dogs but also to expand PIDT's learning based vacations to fall and spring time.

Tolinka will be traveling to Sweden the end of June/first of July to her new home. We have purchased a Samoyed pup from Vinterskogen kennel in Norway. This pup will travel back with us after dropping Tolinka off in Sweden. Our new Samoyed's name is Eventyrer av Vinterskogen in Norwegian, this translates to Adventurer by Winter Forest. Her call name is Eve. We are excited about this new line of Samoyeds to be introduced to the Prairie Isle Samoyeds.

We will have 3 new pups learning harness work this year! Trek, Sheyenne and Eve--what fun this will be working with these young ones.

A few of the older dogs will be semi-retired next year: Gavin, McKensie and possibly Rose. We will see how they do in fall conditioning but they are healthy and strong but are slowing down so rather than running 3 to 4 times a day they will run once a day. Gavin did an amazing job this winter and he will be 10 in July. I will let these 3 tell me how much they can handle:)

Remember to think positive and do what you enjoy

wonder

2010-03-29T07:46:00.002-05:00

I have been watching and wondering why some dog friends of mine are placing some of their adult dogs but then turn around and replace the dogs with different adult dogs or puppies.

I am having a difficult time wrapping my mind around this. When you whelp a puppy and then raise and work it for 2+ yrs., I would think you would have a bond with that dog. And if the dog was not causing any behavioral problems in you kennel and is a hard worker for you, why rehome it. I have listened to the "reasons" given by the kennel owner(s) and they never mention the real reason--making room for a different adult dog or a pup they wish to buy.

How does one re-home a 10 to 12 yr. old dog that you have had since they were pups!!! Just look in rescue and shelters and you see it all the time but also there are people that work their dogs that do it all the time. If they can not perform their job, they are moved on to a new home. Well that is better than being ignored and tossed aside.

I have dogs in my kennel I admit our personalities clash. But I use it as a way to improve myself and I still care and tend to the dog. Any dog that comes into my home is here for life. We are their forever home. Yes it makes it difficult when your dogs start to get older and you would like younger ones for your sled team but you figure out how many dogs can you take care of and if you are at your max. well you just work with what you have and give to the senior dogs the care the deserve and need.

I have one dog I have thought of re-homing but I do have a bond with the dog and what a challenge this dog is to me! I keep working with this dog and things are better so of course this dog will stay here. I am not one to "give up" so I will meet the challenge even when I feel I am at a dead end. Then I reach out to others for their help.

I do not mean to judge others that replace their dogs but it is not something I could do easily or even at all. I do not all that is going on in their situation but a red flag goes up when within days of rehoming a dog they have 2 new dogs in their home. Okay that just tells me something more about the personality of this so called friend.......

Spring is working its way into the prairies. Let it work into your life

Trek and Tolinka

2010-03-21T20:34:00.003-05:00

March Flower Day flowers

It is hard to believe Trek and Tolinka are 5 1/2 months old now. Tollie will be leaving for Sweden the end of June. We are on day 52 today of the 120 days we must wait before she can have her rabies titer testing done. Then we wait for the results which the lab in Kansas said would take 2-3 weeks for results. If the titer meets Sweden's import requirements then we can fly to Sweden to deliver her to Polarullens Kennel!

We will then at that time travel to Norway to Vinterskogen Kennel to pick up our Samoyed pup. We are still thinking about her call name and possible names are Belle, Beyla, Madison, Valentine (she was born on Valentine's day)...

Tolinka passed her CERF (eye exam) with flying colors. She will need to have another vaccination and de-worming, all according to Sweden's requirements. I have her passport and have been filling that out with all her health records. Yes dogs in Europe have passports--slick way to keep health and travel records all together. Yepa, her aunt--who she will be living with--had a passport too.

Miss Princess Tolinka!!

This is Trekker. He is getting big fast!

Sheyenne with Trekker

The sleds are stored along with most of the equipment. Repairs to ganglines, harnesses, etc. will be done over the summer months. The dog trailer will be repainted and drop system revamped too. Also new collars for all the dogs will be bought plus new harnesses for some dogs that have grown. The dogs are in their down time now. I do not work them in the spring in the mud mess and they deserve time to be just dogs. Bathes for all happen during May and June and a few may go to dog shows--you just never know. But mostly it is time to relax, get ready for fall and garden.

I will be gone to Advanced TTouch training in two weeks. That will be a nice change and it will be good for me to touch base with all my friends in TTouch and recharge my own batteries.

Sheyenne (Alaskan husky) has adjusted to her new home just fine. She has met all the other dogs and been in the yard with most of them. Rose babysat Sat. while we had the pups, Hudson and Torrey to the eye doctor for their CERF exams. Shey did just fine with Rose. We were told by the breeder she was feisty and had spunk--well that is what you need to be a good working dog! I like character in my dogs and people are drawn to dogs that show they have confidence and spirit.

I think Whitney is tired of puppies coming in the house though. It was hard on Whitney while Kotah was ill and now the pups. More kennel runs will be put up with Gavin & Callie plus Smokey moving up closer to the house for their retirement and that way the pups can move out to the barn kennel runs.

Live the moment, think positive and believe

melting

2010-03-17T08:55:00.004-05:00

Prairie Isle's Dakota Storm WSX
12/24/1997 - 03/12/2010
died from stomach cancer
Kotah Bear is missed dearly and it is hard to lose another to cancer

We still have snow but the big melt is on. And we have our share of mud and standing water. The snow will mostly be gone in a few days except for the drifts in the shelterbelts and in the play areas there is still 18 inches of snow. We had 49 inches of snow this winter so there is still more to melt and I am sure we will have some cold snowy days before summer sets in.

Our new Alaskan husky pup, Red Sheyenne, is here at the Prairie Isle. If she develops nicely physically, mentally and working ability over the next two years she will be used to be bred to Flint. A lot of "ifs" and things to watch before any breeding will happen.

Sheyenne

Sheyenne after Tolinka and Trek on his way to help

Tolinka, Trek and Sheyenne in the play area

We were told this pup was the feisty one or had more spunk--bring it on. If you want to survive among the PIDT dogs you better have confidence and spunk!

We are waiting for Torrey to cycle so she can be bred to Hudson. Kim has leased Torrey so the litter will be a Chatanika litter.

Cooper and I will be at Griggs Co. school today for presentation and then S. Point in EGF tomorrow. The Red River is rising very fast so we are praying the bridges stay open to get to the school in EGF! It will be a close call.

Sat. dogs will go for CERF exams. So again river levels are going to be a concern along with overland flooding to make the drive to Cassleton.

Live the moment, trust, think positive and hang on and never let go

Decisions and spring

2010-03-11T13:06:00.004-06:00

Moonrise over Red Willow Lake

Rain and fog has been the norm for almost a week now. Snow is melting fast but the ground is still frozen so we have standing water. What a mess. Trek and Tolinka a mess and the other dogs are starting to get muddy too. I just love spring:(

Kotah is deteriorating each day. He is anorexia now and it is more pronounced than before. The mass is growing and blocking the pyloric sphincter so he is not able to digest and absorb nutrients. You never know now when he will eat and he has decided the special food from the vet he does not like it anymore. It is hard to decide whether to let him continue on. At this point he does not appear in intense pain. He sleeps most of the time but if I go outside he is right there with me wanting to wander the yard. For now we will continue with the palliative care. I have not sensed Naoisha here to help Kotah and I do believe he will come to help....

trust and be true to your feelings each day

warming up

2010-03-04T14:26:00.003-06:00

It has started to warm up with snow melt occurring. I am not looking forward to the mud though:( What a mess it always is in our yard and the dog kennels. Most of the kennels have decks but there still are areas that become just mud. I am ready for summer but NOT spring. I do not like the mud and mess but I do enjoy getting ready to garden. I plan to plant some trees this spring to help create some shade for the dog play areas and new kennel we will need to put up.

I took 8 dogs over to Prairie Bilt, about an hour south of us, to run on the trail they have leaving their dog yard. It was a nice sunny day (Monday) and cool enough for the dogs. Dogs did a great job and seemed to enjoy being on a different trail.

heading out from Prairie Bilt

dropping down into the Sheyenne River valley

team along the Sheyenne River

almost back to Prairie Bilt

Sunday we have a family coming in from Nebraska that will be staying at RWBC. They will have a chance to dog sled, cross country ski and snow shoe. Temperatures are going to be warm but with the snow cover hopefully that will keep the temps down some. This will be our last "guests" for the 2010 winter. With rising temps and snow turning to slush it just is not fun or safe to be out on the trail. The dogs struggle in their winter coats in the warm temps and they are not like us, they can not just unzip their coat to cool off!

Kotah has lost more weight and is struggling. He is on pain meds for a limp and if we get to the point we can not control his pain, etc. we will just go from there. We are all surprised he is still with us but he is a fighter.

March 18th Cooper and I will be at South Point Elementary, East Grand Forks, for the day visiting with the children. Cooper will love all the attention!

PIDT will be at the East Central ND tourism workshop again this year. This year we will have a booth and hope to continue to spread the word about our work at RWBC.

No sign that Torrey is coming into season yet. Torrey will be bred to Hudson and has been leased for this breeding so it will not be a Prairie Isle litter. So we will sit and wait for her to cycle and also for Silk to cycle. Hudson and Torrey do get CERF's done again on the 20th though so they will be current on their eye checks.

Spring is just around the corner

New puppies

2010-02-26T13:15:00.003-06:00

We will be bringing in two new puppies to our kennel over the next few months. Trek, who is a Prairie Isle Samoyed will be here of course with his sister, Tolinka, moving to Sweden this summer.Trekker

Tolinka

While in Sweden we will be bringing home a female pup that was born on Feb. 14, 2010 at the Vinterskogen kennel in Norway. The new Samoyed's name will be Prairie Belle (with call name Belle) with the Norwegian kennel name added on to the end.

Vilka dam to litter

Caesar sire to litter

Both sire and dam work in sled teams and at lead! We are excited about this import.
Plus we will be adding a freight Alaskan to the kennel. This is a female pup we hope will develop into a potential leader and one we can breed Flint to in a few years.

So 3 pups to train this fall!!

Hang on and never let go

Pictures from Chris Brewer

2010-02-23T08:12:00.006-06:00

It is really difficult to try to take pictures of your team when driving the sled! This winter Chris has helped a lot with the dogs and nature hikes but also taking pictures when she can.

Chris Brewer

Series of shots of Chris with her 6 dog team coming off Red Willow Lake

Take off for Chris and 6 Prairie Isle sled dogs

Chris taking out 6 dogs.

Flint with Whisper at the start--Flint is snipping at Whisp--bad boy Flint

Flint/Whisp leading the team

Logan and Flint getting us going

guest in the sled and one on the runners

Flint and Logan leading the team

team on the way out

Flint is saying "let's go'!!

I hope you enjoyed the pictures. The team will continue working till it becomes to warm and no snow then it is rest time and gardening time.

few pictures

2010-02-18T17:46:00.002-06:00

Helen with one of the Girl Scouts crossing Red Willow Lake

Helen and team dropping off 2 people and picking up two more to check out some of RWBC

Flint and Logan leading the team with two guests along

The dogs and I have been busy this winter. We have had lots of snow, wind and cold temperatures and our share of blizzards too.

It has been a challenge to keep the trails open and safe for when groups come out but we have somehow managed.

Chris Brewer has been doing a great job learning how to handle the dogs and learning to drive a team of her own. Plus she has been leading the nature hikes on snowshoes for me!! I am going to miss her next winter! But we are hoping we can get another one of the graduate students from UND to help. They will have big shoes to fill:)

Plans are in the works for an overnight Girl Scout event for one of the troops, plus setting up a few Women Challenges.

This week end we will help with RWBC winter fun day and take out a couple on Sunday. Then we have a family coming in from Nebraska to have winter fun at the camp: cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, dog sledding and relaxing by the fireplace.

Hang on and never let go

Snow and more snow

2010-02-07T16:56:00.003-06:00

Team coming up the hill to talk to Denny & Chris on the snowmobile

Team climbing the hill in very thick heavy snow

Trudging along

We have received close to a foot of new snow since Tuesday. It has been warm and wet heavy snow which is not the norm for ND.

Friday Chris and Denny worked hard and long trying to pack the trails at RWBC. An 8 dog team with Sue Olson going along with me broke trail. It was tough going for the dogs. With the warmth but also the snow was very thick for them to move through and the sled was not moving well even with new plastic on the runners. But they did it and were tired puppies afterwards.

Sue Olson in the sled. Since she has an injured knee she could not try being on the runners. Me sitting on my sled seat. We were resting the dogs.

Sue Olson and me

Saturday we had 8 Girl Scouts and 2 adults for dog sledding days. Again very warm and more snow. Trails were slow and tough going since the snow did not set up over night because it stayed in the high 20's over night. Chris took groups on nature hikes using snowshoes. They definitely need the snowshoes! Day went okay but it would have been nice to have had cooler temps so the snow was not so sticky and thick. Plus the dogs really overheated fast. Gavin and Rose wore dog booties to protect them from icing and the others I used Musher's Secret on them. We did hit slush on Trinity Lake but were able to avoid the slush on Red Willow Lake.

It is still snowing and wind is blowing too. I broke trail with the Ford to get the dogs and I home safely. There were areas on Hwy 1 that were totally blocked with 2-3 foot drifts but the new dog truck did a great job. We had to cancel the family for today since no roads had been plowed and temps have dropped to zero and going down even more.

More Brownies and Girl Scouts next week end so hoping the colder temperatures the snow will pack up when we run the snowmobile again.

Hmmm, El Nino year and lots of snow and colder than normal temps on average.

Six dogs and the sled

2010-02-03T19:02:00.005-06:00

Moonrise over Red Willow Lake picture by Chris Brewer

Team coming off Red Willow Lake

Team crossing Trinity Lake

Team on Red Willow Lake

Whisper & Hudson finding the way with no sign of a trail on the lake.

I have not had much time or chance to take out any of the dogs without a client with us. Tuesday I loaded up 6 of the young dogs and took them over to RWBC to run the trails but also to work with a few of them as leaders. I used my old Prairie Bilt sled which was different after using only my PB dually all winter. Nice to be on the old sled.

We had about 3-4 inches of fresh snow so the trail on Red Willow Lake was gone but Whisper knew where to go and helped Hudson (who normally runs wheel) figure it out. The trail on Trinity Lake was fine and I plan to increase the distance on that lake by following the east edge.

The deer are doing well at RWBC and always give the dogs a burst of excitement when they see them. We try not to harass or disturb the deer though, since we are guests in their habitat but also the snow is deep and we want them to do well this winter.

I have 10 women signed up for Women's Challenge for next winter--2011!! PIDT is looking at hosting a Samoyed dog sledding days sometime in the winter of 2011. This event would be for teams of Samoyeds, people that own Sams and want to try them in harness and for Samoyed fanciers just to get together at one location and work their dogs.

PIDT will be working on trying to build a program to bring more of a spiritual aspect to the dog sledding experience plus a program for "team" building.

Tolinka and Trek are growing up fast. It will be a few more months before Tolinka and travel to Sweden to her new home. We are hoping to bring a new female Samoyed home from Sweden too. Trek will stay here and learn to work with the team.
Tolinka and Trek working on their couch potato title.

The dogs and I leave again on Friday for camp for 4 days. We will be working with Girl Scouts on Sat and providing nature hikes (snowshoeing) and dog sledding experiences--hands on, and then on Sunday we have a family of 5 coming in for a day of fun.

Friday we will groom trails and Monday we will do some fun runs, let Chris drive a team again and pack up to head home

Live for the moment and hang on

update

2010-01-28T07:24:00.003-06:00

Women's Challenge 2010

Tolinka

Trek

I do not write much at this blog anymore. Mostly I keep my facebook pages up to date and the website but I thought I would do a quick update.

PIDT had an interview on NPR, Hear It Now, a few weeks ago plus we were interview and video taped for WDAZ TV. Chris and I took out the reporter with her camera on the sled so she could experience it first hand. This was the Friday that the Women's Challenge started. Weather had warmed up into the low 30's and we had a lot of melting and lost a lot of snow on the trails. But the dogs never stopped pulling and did a great job.

For the WC we had women from ND, SC, OK, and MN attend. Snowshoeing, stargazing, orienteering and dogsledding was all enjoyed by all, plus down time next to the fireplace with mulled wine. PIDT is working on 2011 dates and have 10 women already signed up.

Tolinka and Trek are getting big!! Tolinka is a handful and very, very vocal. Trek seems a little more easy going but he will be a challenge to work with too. Both seem to love people and enjoy coming out to RWBC to meet people.

Kotah is dying. He has stomach cancer and because of the location of the tumor, his age and health, we decided not to have the operation to remove the tumor done. We would have been taking him to the U of MN for this and the feeling was he would not survive. So we are tending to his needs and so far he seems happy and not in pain.

Gracie went home a few weeks ago since the girls started coming in heat. Gracie was a big asset to the team. But the 12 dogs that still can work are great.

We are busy at the camp with groups, families and couples. We received more snow and of course the prairie wind to rearrange the snow into very tall drifts! Oh well at least it was not rain that froze as many other areas received.

Have a wonderful winter and hang on and never let go

Wow

2010-01-05T06:52:00.003-06:00

Tolinka and Trekker

Tolinka cheering Trekker on as he tries to climb out

Okay I have been really busy and have not posted in months here! The pups are really getting big and just over 3 months now. Trekker is going to be a big bone, very similar to his great-grandsire Boomer (Gavin's sire) and Tolinka is slightly smaller but she has plenty of bone and these amazing long legs. She has her grandsire's agile way of running around the yard!

Kotah has been quite ill since mid-summer. He has stomach cancer and we are working on keeping him comfortable since removal of the tumor would not destroy the quality of life for this 12 yr. old Samoyed.

The Girl Scout sledding days went really well even though we have had to reschedule the first day because of the blizzard and we all were still trying to dig out! Mary Ann and Jim Miller, Prairie Bilt Industries, brought a team of dogs for one of the days to help. That was wonderful having them there and to have different type of dogs for the girls to see. Chris Brewer helped with the nature hike and she has a special ability teaching nature to young. We are already discussing with the GS office what they would like for next winter.

Saturday we will be going to RWBC to build the quinzee. I have 9 women traveling from SC, OK, MN and ND to attend the Women's Challenge from Jan. 15-17th. I want the women to have the opportunity to at least go inside a quinzee even if they do not wish to sleep in it. A stargazing walk is in the plans along with relaxation yoga lead by Chris with mulled wine by the fireplace. All will have a chance to be introduced to orienteering and try snowshoes and/or cross country skis. The weather people are correct (yah right:) ) the temperatures are to be milder than normal so hopefully not minus double digits. But I am hoping not in the 20's since the dogs will overheat.

PIDT was interviewed on Hear It Now ND Prairie Public Rabio and can be heard at their website http://www.prairiepublic.org/radio/hear-it-now/

Hang on and never let go

Puppy updates

2009-11-13T15:08:00.002-06:00

4. 5 weeks old

The male pup will be staying here and his call name is Trekker or Trek. His AKC registered name will be Prairie Isle NW Voyageur. His sister will be going to Sweden to be a show dog and a sled dog. Her name is Tolinka with a registered name of Prairie Isle Nayeli Tolinka.
Bob and I are planning to take Tolinka to Sweden and right now are in the process of looking for a female Samoyed to import to the USA.
This is very exciting for us here at the Prairie Isle.

North Dakota Tourism has posted a youtube video of the Prairie Isle dogs at work. The crazy 2 at lead are pups and are bouncing Tiggers in the video at the start. We have been working hard this fall on getting all 4 feet on the ground with these two. So far they are doing well and maturing definitely has helped.
http://www.youtube.com/user/LegendaryND Click on the right side on the dogsledding

Busy working the dogs in harness and getting ready for the winter snow. The team and I will be traveling to MN a few times to run with a musher friend there in the BWCA. Great experience for us all. I will be handling again also for a distance musher so the team will travel with me to do some training with him too and for the experience.

Eric and his family are coming to visit in a week. That will be fun to see all of them. It has been over 3 yrs. since I have seen my youngest son and family. The puppies will love playing with Viviana!

Hang on and never let go. Become a fan of Prairie Isle Dog Trekking on facebook!! Click on the FB badge on the blog site.

2009-11-13T15:05:00.001-06:00

new puppy pictures

2009-10-21T07:32:00.004-05:00

FUTURE SLED DOGS AT PRAIRIE ISLE

COOLING OFF THEIR BELLIES

DO THEIR EXERCISES

CUDDLE TIME

Ruby's pups are really growing fast! Tomorrow they will be 2 weeks old--wow, time has gone by fast.
Black pigmentation is coming in great: nose, lips and feet. They are trying to walk on their little legs but they are pretty tubby since they are not hurting for food:)
The male, Trekker, will stay here and the girl may be going to Sweden. We will know for sure in early Nov. if the female is going to Sweden. Either way it will be fun this winter with pups around and to work with.

Ruby is doing great and gets very excited when she hears the dogs being harnessed and she is not able to go. Another month then I will start to condition her. I am hoping she gets in shape fast but I will be careful not to push her too much.

Hang on and never let go

today's dog sledding life lessons

2009-10-21T07:31:00.000-05:00

When one takes on training/conditioning a group of dogs to work together as a team many of the things that happen and you learn about yourself and the dogs, you can use to cope with everyday life.
Since we have a dog visiting our our kennel to learn the ins and outs of becoming a sled dog, I have realized things that I take for granted from my dogs--just seems innate in them, are not for every dog.

My dogs have lived and breathed dog sledding since they were born or came to live with us at 9 weeks of age. They have learned how to get along in a large group when free running but also when tethered on the picket or hooked into the gangline. One can not assume just because a dog "works" at other activities and is a northern breed it will just be okay! Starting to introduce an older dog to something new is a challenge. Gracie seems eager to go and wants to be a part of the controlled chaos but just because she is eager does not mean she is ready.

Gracie has been working with a group of males that are very easy going and for me, easy to work with. They do not usually give me any problems and I am hoping their abilities and drive will help Gracie understand her job.

So lesson 1 is new things can be scary and give you a wild feeling, but if you relax and look around you, you will see others that are taking it all in stride. It is okay to lean on them for support while the newness wears off. And to feed off their confidence.

Another thing I did not realize I took for granted with my dogs but can see is very new and different for Gracie is running and pulling at the same time but also to do this running on uneven surfaces!! She is doing better after 3 times out, but she still will bounce around, almost hopping, as if trying to find her footing. She is not feeling grounded and is not sure where her feet/legs are so they go in many different directions. I have never noticed my dogs do this but also they start all of this at a very young age and do this a lot. So to help Gracie to feel grounded, I have slowed the team down so she can get her feet under herself. Also, I tell her "easy" to try to help her focus. She is getting it and does not bounce all over so much except at the start.

Lesson 2 today: Slow things down to help the new kid get their feet under them. Be patient and when they feel grounded you will now it.

The other thing I have noticed during these 3 runs, is Gracie is clueless on how to "pace" herself. Yes that is part of the dog driver's job but also each dog does learn how to conserve energy and to set a pace that is comfortable to do the distance. All of this is new to Gracie so with the help of my boys we are helping Gracie find that trot that matches their trot so she does not get tired so fast. Also, so she has fluid flowing motion when pulling. Again, I do not remember teaching my dogs to do this motion, but I guess over the months, years of training we have become a team and I do watch their gait to be a solid easy going trot. I just had never thought about it as I seem to now to watch this new dog.

So Lesson 3 today: Life throws a lot at you sometimes all at once, and sometimes life is busy and ongoing so you must learn to pace yourself so you do not physically but also mentally burn out. Do not feel it is weak to look to others for help and guidance.

So yes, dog sledding can help you with life lessons.

More lessons as the days go on.

Hang on and Never let go.

One clean, then dirty. New experience for Gracie

2009-10-16T17:46:00.007-05:00

Gracie has come to visit the Prairie Isle to try her paws at being a sled dog. She competes in weight pull and does very well at it. She took second in her weight class at SCA 2009 Nationals. But being part of team is different than weight pull since she must learn to work with other dogs but also to listen to the human from behind her rather than in front of her as is done for weight pull.

Today I took her out for a mile walk to see how well she would handle me behind her and work on the command "on by". She wanted to run and I was not dressed to run, plus it is slimy mud on our trails. But I did keep up with her and just let her pull while I pulled back. She also met Hudson who is very, very dirty and I figured she is going to get muddy sooner or later with all this sloppy snow we have. They had a ball chasing each other around the yard. Logan was going nuts so I let him out after Hudson was back in his kennel run. He was a little rough, so I had to remind him to be easy with her. But she was not intimated at all by Logan the 90 pound malamute!

Very dirty Hudson (from all the mud) and a clean Gracie

Logan and Gracie playing

Silk was limping this morning so I knew she could not run and Callie told me she did not want to run in the slimy mud but the boys were going nuts so what the heck, after I had lunch I decided to run two teams. The first team was going to be 6 dogs with an 8 dog line. While I was harnessing and putting this group on the picket, Gracie was barking and going nuts up at the house. So I decided to put her on the picket with the boys: Logan, Flint, Thyme, Ice, Rayne and Cooper. Boy she looked out of place since she was still clean from being at the dog show!

Gracie, the clean one with Thyme trying to reach her

Team with Gracie, doing on by practice

I went ahead and hook Gracie in at swing next to Thyme. Flint and Logan lead, then Thyme, then I hooked up Ice and Cooper at wheel and then wild boy Rayne at team. And last I put Gracie next to Thyme. Logan and Flint kept the line tight so every time Gracie tried to turn around to see what was barking behind her (Rayne) she could not. This group of boys are very easy for me to work with and well behaved on the trail so I thought they would give Gracie a positive experience but also if I needed to take her back I knew I could get this team turned around to bring Gracie back. Gracie was not sure about this but she went. She did not pull at first and wanted to check things out as we ran past but since she is hooked at her collar she could not. It took her about 1 1/2 miles to figure out how to run being hooked in the gangline. She was still a little unsure about that dog behind her but that was okay for her to look over her shoulder to check. Rayne just loves to go and pulls hard and if we stop he barks. I did not get a lot of pull out of Gracie but I am not worried. She learned a lot on the run. Each time I stopped I would show her how to tighten up and with Flint and Logan and Thyme doing it that helped her do it. She figured out quickly how to untangle herself when she stepped over the centerline--I suspect that is from her weight pull work.

Miss Gracie after working

When we got back she seemed tired but not overly stressed. I put her back in the run by the house while I took care of the other dogs. The next team: Whisper/Pilot leaders, McKensie/Rose swing, Torrey/Gavin and Hudson at wheel.

This group are my trouble makers. All but Pilot, Torrey and Rose, bark and/or shake the line and just can not contain themselves. They really stress me out. This group did really well going through all the mud and the leaders did a great job listening for turns. When we returned I did not see Gracie in her kennel run and found her curled up on her straw bed on the inside sleeping!! But once I was done unhooking and tending to these dogs she was back outside barking and full of herself! So she recovered from the work out. After feeding, I let her run around the yard while I cleaned kennels and she had a chance to play with Rayne. Rayne is always trying to get someone to play with him and none of the dogs will, but Gracie did. They were having a great time and it was nice to see Rayne getting a chance to play.

Gracie is in a crate in the house right now. She will have time inside for a few days and then when I feel she is "okay" with the noisy barn dogs she will move out there for part of the time.
Not sure if she will run tomorrow but we will see. Sunday is suppose to be warmer so that may be the day off. Then rain is to start up the first of the week. Oh boy more mud.

Hang on and never let go.

Prairie Isle's New Adventure: training continues

2009-10-15T07:04:00.000-05:00

Prairie Isle's New Adventure: training continues

training continues

2009-10-15T06:44:00.005-05:00

new snow on the frozen slough that we have a trail around.
We have about 4 inches of wet heavy snow this morning, Oct. 15th. It will melt probably today but it is pretty out.

The puppies are getting big! It is always amazing to watch their development and how much their personality comes out.

Hudson has been learning lead. He is doing well up there but still has a mind of his own and so getting him to go "straight" and not turn I usually have to stop the team and redirect him. But he is starting to tune in to me. He drifts to the left and so does Pilot, so working on gee over too.
Gavin ran lead for a few miles yesterday since Hudson would not stay gee'd over and we had a road grader and tractor with a plow to contend with. Gavin did a great job and is so good at keep the team on the correct side of the road.

Whisper runs lead with Pilot when Hudson is not. I am hoping to not put so much pressure on these 3 since they are so young. Flint and Logan are my most reliable leaders right now--Gavin too, but Gav has trouble with the faster pace when in lead. Logan is just a big yr. old puppy!

The Prairie Isle sled dogs will be helping at the Pilot for Kids Christmas program on Dec. 12th at the airport. It will be a fun time for all.

PIDT donated gift certificates for dog sledding experiences for the silent auction to raise money for Bryce Nestegard who is a young boy that was burned in a farm accident. Also we donated a fun day for Bryce and his family with the team once he is healed.

AAA Living magazine interview PIDT and is doing an article on PIDT for the winter issue. We have been taking fall training video clips and they are posted at our website www.prairieisledogtrekking.com along with video clips from this past winter.

Hang on and never let go

New members

2009-10-08T16:03:00.003-05:00

.

Happy Birthday to Trekker and Trinity!! And a BIG happy 4th birthday to Torrey today!! Wow how did that happen.
The team is doing great with their training. The leaders are surprising each day when I ask them to cut across cut down wheat fields or hay fields and there is no path or trail. They just do it! Flint works really well next to Logan. Those boys had fun pulling the ATV through mud the other day. The ATV died so the team had a work out slugging through the mud.

New battery in the ATV and all is fine again. Hudson is really doing well in lead. I need to rotate Pilot up there too though.

Weather has been wet and cool but that is okay. I prefer the cooler temps any day this time of year.

Hang on and never let go.

Fall

2009-09-28T14:22:00.006-05:00

sunrise with the team

It has been awhile since I have sat down and posted anything. PIDT has a new SPOT tracker which provide safety when on the trail but also allowed people to track the team. So when guests are out they can have family or friends track their route when on their dog sledding experience.

The tracker will be usually for my training too, since I do this by myself and Bob is at work so know one is expecting me back...This way if I need help I can call for help. Cell phone coverage is very spotty where I work the dogs so a good safety feature the SPOT tracker.

Temperatures are finally starting to cool down, but the wind has been pretty stiff the last couple days. The dogs have had a few days off because I have been sick but we will be back out tomorrow morning.

Hudson is learning to be a lead dog. So nice to have multiple options for leaders. This is good for Whisper since he is so young--he can have a break now and then.

Ruby's puppies are due Oct. 6th. It will be nice to have them on the ground and know all is well.
Two new kennel runs are up and fresh straw is down in all the runs.

Flint and Logan have been doing a great job as leaders. They seem to be a good match for each other. Flint has really grown is as tall as Logan now but not quite as bulky as Logan.

We need to practice on by passing of motorized things--boy boys are scared of motors.

Glad to have the cooler temperatures.

Fall is here

2009-09-10T08:25:00.004-05:00

Wow the summer has come and gone already. We never had really hot weather here in ND though. September has been warmer than June, July and August! Leaves are starting to change, birds are flocking up, asters are in bloom, grass is finally slowing down its growth, less day light hours and cooler mornings.

I picked up my new dually sled that Jim and Mary Ann of Prairie Bilt made for me. Last winter I used a prototype of the dually. After spending time with Jim and Mary Ann last spring we decided on modifications to the design to make it fit what I felt I needed. I am looking forward to a great winter season providing dog sledding fun with this new sled.

Prairie Isle Dog Trekking new dually sled

Prairie Isle Dog Trekking has a "new look" to our website. Check it out at www.prairieisledogtrekking.com

PIDT will be at Walhalla, ND on Sept. 26th for their fall festival. PIDT will be offering dog sledding experiences in the Pembina Gorge this winter and the city of Walhalla has opened their arms to PIDT. We will be there providing information on our services and also so people can learn about dog sledding. Cooper will be along to give everyone a chance to meet a Prairie Isle Samoyed.

Ruby goes in on the 15th for her second ultrasound. She is expecting a litter of puppies and we would like a better idea on the number of pups. Hudson is the sire of this litter and it will be fun having little terrors around.

end of June

2009-06-26T06:51:00.003-05:00

Flint with travois

Cooper resting in the shade

It is hard to believe June is almost over! Garden is doing okay but had a very slow start with the very cold weather during May and first 2 weeks of June. Now it is hot and dry.

On Tuesday night Flint and Cooper went with me to RWBC to talk to some campers about how people have used dogs to help them in their daily life. Dogs provided means to transport supplies (packs and travois) for the plains Indians and we talked about that way of life.

Rayne and Silk were groomed yesterday to remove the last of their old coat. Both are finally settling into our group but Rayne still is not comfortable around all the dogs. But he is getting better and is a sweet boy. Silk should come into heat soon so hoping she stays clean till then since she will be in the house when she is in season. Rayne has been neutered which has helped immensely with his behavior with the other dogs.

Rayne

Silk

Waiting for Ruby to cycle too. We are planning to breed Hudson and Ruby but I may now wait till next spring. Not sure I want fall pups but we will see. The litter will stay here and be raised as sled dogs to replace the sams that are getting old and will be retiring. Ruby and Cooper will get groomed today if it does not rain since I blow dry them outside so we do not have all the sammy hair all over the house! We need the rain and I can do the grooming next week.

McKensie

2009-06-18T07:19:00.003-05:00

McKensie

Today McKensie, Tundra Winds' Prairie SnoLord WSX, is 8 years old. McKensie is a multi-tasker on the sled team. His main position has been wheel for the last 2 years but also lead when needed. He has been Bob's skijoring dog also.

This up coming winter I hope to train another for wheel and give Kensie a break from wheel. McKensie has an autoimmune disease, sebaceous adenitits and we are lucky that so far we can control the skin problems with supplements. Warm weather is hard for him since the fleas and ticks come out and he can not have any topical repellants used on him. But his SA does not flare up if I use Emu oil, citronella, Neem and marigold mixture on his coat--not on the skin. It does help to repel the bugs.

Kense has an easy going personality. What a great dog he has been to work with!

Happy Birthday Kense.

One year ago

2009-06-14T08:17:00.004-05:00

Naoisha the day he finished his AKC championship

Naoisha a few hours before he died

One year ago today Ch. Donnereign Prairie Islander CGC TDI WSX died after a long hard fight with lymphosarcoma. Even modern day chemotherapy was not able to save Neesh but it did prolong his life till I returned home.

Life is different without Naoisha here. Some may say, "it was just a dog". True he was dog but not just a dog. None of my dogs are just dogs--they are all special and play a role in my life here at the Prairie Isle.

When Drifter died on June 9, 2007 we were not expecting him to be diagnosed with the same cancer that killed Drifter !!! They ran wheel together on my sled team and it was not right and today it still seems not right that both died from lymphosarcoma.

I tried, You did
by Helen Corlew

I tried to be patient and understanding
You did
When I asked you to try something you did not like
You did
When we would try something new and unfamiliar together
I tried and you did
I tried to give and not take so much from you
You just gave and gave more as time passed.
I could count on you, even when I could not try but you did.
I tried to keep you from pain and suffering
I tried
You did everything unconditionally.
I tried to say goodbye,
You said,”It’s not goodbye, I will always be with you.”
I tried to be strong for you
You said, “You did. You are strong because you gave when trying.”
I tried and You did it all
God Bless your Spirit

You are missed daily Neesh.

You are still missed

2009-06-09T07:56:00.004-05:00

Drifter
April 29, 1996 - June 9, 2007
a few days before his death

Two years ago today, June 9th, Black Ice's Prairie Snow Drift CGC, Drifter died from lymphosarcoma. The winter of 2007, Drifter was still working in harness and we had noticed he was really slowing down. I assumed it was just getting older. He actually refused one day in March to come out of his dog box and would now work. The day before was his last time in harness.

In May 2007 I discovered swollen lymph nodes on Drifter. He was diagnosed with cancer. After extensive testing it was discovered it had spread to major organs; lung, heart and his GI tract, so I opted to let him die naturally and not do chemotherapy with him. It was not easy to care for a dying dog for the next 5 weeks.

I prefer to remember him in the picture below. Running full speed out of the barn with a smile on his face.

Also his best buddy and running partner, Naoisha, died from the same cancer on June 14, 2008.
Here are my two boys together when they were healthy.

The following poem was written by someone to honor Drifter.

Drifter looks down from the shining night sky
Upon the trail-hardened dog team that's now running by.
His silver harness sparkles and he wears it with pride
Unbeknownst to the team, he is there by their side.

The weary sled dogs grow tired trudging up the long hill,
But Drifter's spirit whispers, "You can do it, you will!"
The tuglines then tighten as the strong dogs dig deep.
Up the laborious hill, the sled team does creep.

The musher calls, "Whoa" once they get to the top.
The furry, hot sled dogs, in the snow they do flop.
Silence and cold seem to be all that is here.
Yet a light, arctic breeze sighs, Drifter's spirit is near.

The musher remembers those times long gone by
When Drifter ran with them. He made the sled fly.
Soon the team's rest is finished. Hike! Ready for fun?
In memory of Drifter, they complete the Gold Rush Mail Run

We never did make it to the mail run since I ended up at Gunflint Lodge and my boss was not able to give me the time off to make the trip. I feel I did not fulfill a promise to this amazing sled dog, but also to myself. I hope he understands because I do not. Someday I will take the team or may be not--it was a dream I had when Naoisha and Drifter were alive and not for the team of dogs I have now.

But I do want to take some of the boys ashes to Manitoba and spread on the trails they ran so many miles on with me.

I miss you Drifter. Take care of Naoisha, Denver and now your cat K.C.

Where is summer?

2009-06-08T10:58:00.004-05:00

Lilacs outside our sunroom

It has been a very cold spring and early June here at the Prairie Isle. We had frost a few days this past week and yes, I did cover all the plants!

In western ND it snowed!! Yes snow--2 inches on the ground. Today it is still cool, barely 50 degrees and raining. Nice soaking rain and we did need the moisture. They are saying it is to warm up to 70 by the end of the week. I sure hope so.

Prairie Isle Dog Trekking has a new web location www.prairieisledogtrekking.com Information has been posted about the new Woman Challenge to be held mid-January 2010 at Red Willow Bible Camp. Also group dates for 4-H, church, families, etc. have been added too. For individuals wishing dog sledding experiences please contact PIDT

The garden is fairing pretty good even with the cool temps. The corn is up, green beans, cucumbers, 4 varieties of squash, carrots, onions, Swiss chard and many herbs. Pepper and tomato plants are not fairing well but I have walls of water around them to help them make it through this cold period.

But I must say our lilacs are doing wonderful this year. Lots of blossoms on them and we have a row of them protecting us from Highway 2 noise and also to the east of the house. I just wish they blossomed throughout the summer.

Flint and I will be spending time at RWBC talking about dog sledding and uses of dogs by man to help them move things. Flint is learning to pull a travois and will demostrate this for the youth at camp.

Hoping for warm weather to arrive

Exploring Walhalla area

2009-05-25T07:52:00.006-05:00

WELCOME TO WALHALLA

Big Rack Hunting Shack

On Sat., May 23rd, Bob and I went up to Walhalla to look for a hunting cabin owned by Jim Gapp, The Big Rack Hunting Shack. This may be a place we will run the dogs and also we just wanted to see another part of ND. We parked just off a farm road and walked to the cabin following the directions Jim had provided me. A beautiful day for a walk and a beautiful area. Of course the wood ticks were out but as long as you stayed on the main trail out of the tall grass it was not bad.
The cabin is landlocked so no roads to it and no utilities other than water you haul in, outhouse, wood stove but a very nice location and cabin. Jim uses the place for hunting in the fall and early winter.

View from Big Rack Cabin

hill we climbed from the farm field

view at top of the hill

We also stopped at Forestwood Inn in Walhalla and spoke with Steph Solberg about possible dogsledding packages with your inn. She had contacted me about the possibly so I wanted to meet personally with her. We then went out to Brick Mine Road, west of Walhalla to hike one of the trails along the Pembina River that is used by snowmobilers and I was told I could use with the dogs. The area in Walhalla is so different from our place. Native forest with hills! It reminds me of northern Michigan but it is also open enough so your view is not totally blocked. I am not a fan of thick wooded areas. I like being to see a long distance and the openess of the plains area--less claustophic! Elk and moose are in this area too so what a wonderful area to take people to see ND.

Looking north of Pembina River--Brick Mine Road area

Pembina River

One of the water hazard on Brick Mine trail

High water mark from the Pembina River flooding

trail above the river

overlooking the Pembina River

Brick Mine Bridge over Pembina River

Sunday, May 24th, we went over to Prairie Bilt and had lunch with Mary Ann and Jim and visited. We talked about the wind turbines that are going up around their home and heading north to us. We have one near us but there seems to be a push for more in this state. I will be attending a hearing with the Millers' (Bob has to teach the day of the hearing) since the set back of the turbines to residence is only 1/4 mile! There are health hazards to the turbines and I know having one 3/4 of mile away it is annoying on some days so I can not imagine having 4 or more 1/4 mile of my home.

Today it is raining. We need the rain BUT we do not need 2 inches of rain! What a mess it is now and it is to rain all day. There is water standing everywhere again. Many of the fields around us have been planted but I know there are many fields the farmers still could not get into because of washed out roads, etc. from all the flooding in ND. The rivers had just gone below flood stage this past week! Devils Lake is flooding and many homes again are in danger. The outlet to Stump Lake is flowing and Stump Lake is flooding. A dike has been constructed at Stump Lake park to try to save the cafe, bathrooms and the roller rink. A little rain would be fine but not 2+ inches.

Okay it can stop raining now.

guests for breakfast

2009-05-19T17:01:00.003-05:00

Female oriole is feeding at the orange juice dish

Goldfinches feeding with a cat bird below them

More goldfinches

Male oriole eating breakfast.

It was 29 degrees this morning! It finally did become sunny and warmed up some, but the wind is out of the NE giving an edge to the air. Just south of us it is in the 70's and higher! We keep hoping warm air will arrive.

We had a hummingbird visit the oriole feeder today! We do not see hummingbirds very often so that was a nice treat to see. Two male orioles were staking out their territories and chasing each other away from the 3 oriole feeders. While they were busy chasing each other, the females came in to eat!! Smart girls!

The goldfinches have returned too. Along with the chipping sparrows and Harris sparrows, catbirds, tons of blackbirds, mourning doves and wrens. The nighthawks are back too but there are not too many bugs out for them to feed on at night but it is such a cool sound to hear them swooping the air hunting.

Rose was spayed today. Since I do not wish to breed her again and keeping her intact just increases her risk for mammary cancer I decided to get this done now. She will heal fast and when fall comes she will be ready to work again. So now I really am hoping the breeding with Ruby and Hudson works. Ruby should cycle in June or July--I hope for June so we can get the breeding and whelp the pups before fall conditioning.

I hope to get the garden planted by the week end. We will still have a few more days of frost and freezing so no big hurry. Memorial week end is usually when I get the garden in and works out fine.

Hoping for warmer temps though

May talks

2009-05-07T13:30:00.003-05:00

On Monday Cooper and I went to Walhalla, ND to meet with Kathy Stremick, Director of the City of Walhalla Economic Development to discuss dog sledding adventures for the Walhalla area.

Helen Volk-Schill also was part of this meeting and we spent some time looking at trail options. Once the fine points are worked out Prairie Isle Dog Trekking will be offering experiences in the Pembina Gorge, and again at Red Willow Bible Camp (near Binford) and the Sheyenne River Valley. It will be great to have a variety of trails and to offer people a chance to explore North Dakota. The Walhalla are guests will have the opportunity to see moose, elk, deer, coyotes and many variety of birds plus the landscape is amazing from the Pembina River eroding away the area.

On our way home from Walhalla we stopped at Crystal, ND and did a dog sledding presentation. Cooper was in seventh heaven since he loves kids. And of course he stole the show!

Cooper and Helen with some of the kids at Crystal School

Cooper loving all the attention!

On Wednesday, Cooper went with me to do 3 talks at Exploratory Days at Greenbush-Middle River Middle School in Middle River, MN. The day started out very sunny and warm (70's) and we found shade next to the school building. Clouds did roll in and that helped to cool it down and make it more comfortable for Cooper. Cooper did a great job being polite with the young people and helping me with the talk on dog sledding.

I will finish up teaching my TTouch classes and canine manner classes soon too. I may start another set of each but we will see. At least in the fall I will offer a few classes as the demand is there.

On the 15th I travel to Red Willow Bible Camp to set up next winter season schedule. The Prairie Isle team is already booked for 3 days in Dec. and for a week end in Jan. ! I enjoyed working with the youth groups and am hoping to do more this next winter.

I am getting anxious to see my new sled too!! The new sled will make time on the trail more comfortable and enjoyable for guests and myself.

We are thinking about doing a breeding this summer too. Ruby is 3 1/2 yrs old and I believe I will breed her with Hudson. Torrey is being leased and will be bred to Hudson also. Torrey's litter will belong to Kim Sampson (Chatanika's Samoyeds--Torrey's breeder). Having the two girls out for fall training and for Torrey into the winter season is the drawback to the breedings. But the boys can handle the work load.

Following your dreams

2009-05-02T09:55:00.002-05:00

A good friend of mine and fellow musher, started a dream trip on April 22, 2009. Erik Simula is paddling his birch bark canoe (he made it) around the arrowhead of MN.

Follow his adventure at http://arrowheadjourney.wordpress.com/

Stay safe Erik. The Prairie Isle will be thinking of you often and sending positive thoughts your way.

SCA T shirt and sweatshirt info

2009-04-29T13:50:00.003-05:00

Here is the design for the SCA working committee t shirt and sweatshirt. It is just like what was sold many years ago.
At the top More Than A Pretty Face and at the bottom The Working Samoyed

Colors we are thinking of purchasing are red, royal blue, purple and forest green. If you have other ideas for colors please let me know. Also we are trying to get an idea what sizes are needed.

Thanks
Helen

You are still missed

2009-04-29T08:37:00.002-05:00

Today would have been Drifter's 13th birthday. Drifter died of lymphosarcoma in June 2007--way to young and too suddenly.

K.C. --Kitty Cat, died at the age of 18 years on Earth Day, April 22, 2009. She lived a long lucky life! Drifter tried to eat her a few times and when we found her as a tiny kitten in the middle of the road near Gull Lake, MI she was very sick. Yoda, our 16 yr. old Manx, seems to be handling K.C. being gone. I suspect since K.C. had been declining over the last months and not interacting with Yoda much she was accepting the passing.

Weather is still cool here. It will be nice to have temperatures that are above 50 degrees and dry. The ground is very saturated so when the 3 inches of snow that came the other day melted there was standing water. What a mess. We are to get rain today and tomorrow--what a mess that will be.

You are missed Drifter.

New sled, etc.

2009-04-26T11:00:00.003-05:00

Last Sunday, April 19th, Bob and I spent the day with Jim and Mary Ann Miller designing my new sled. What a fun day of sitting and standing on different Prairie Bilt sleds. Talking and discussing what might work, what problems I saw this past winter, modifications and the best part picking out colors!!

My new Prairie Bilt Trail Glider Dually will have red runners, two stanchions that are red with a third (center one) stanchion that will be gold and held onto the red runners with gold brackets. Very rich colors. The seat stanchions will be gold. There will be the set up on the seat (dually) so a person will have brake, drag (which is easily removable) and handle bar--which also serves as my back rest when I sit down. The sled bag will be black with rich red top and red with black on the handle bar bag part.

We worked on extra support for the bottom of the sled so when there is weight (person or gear) plus also a back support for when a person is in the sled. A lot of discussion and sitting in sleds was done to figure this out. I plan to have a few options for this so all will be easily removable.

The total length of the sled and basket was another big discussion. After what seemed hours of looking at sleds, sitting in them, standing and sitting down on seats the call had to be mine. Finally while in PB shop and I was staring at the tandem I used last winter and another sled that has 10 foot runners and larger basket, it hit me that I have to be able to pick this sled up by myself and lift onto my trailer and sometimes onto the top of my truck. So what can I lift and handle alone was the deciding factor. I knew I could handle Mary Ann's dually, which is built with 9 foot runners. So I told Jim, it had to be the 9 foot runners. We then looked at angles of the seat, size of the seat, and Jim said he could make it with a 50 inches basket giving a little more room for equipment, people, etc. Mary Ann said she could make the sled bag with some modification to the pattern she has already. Jim and Mary Ann were great to work with on this project which we all see as an ongoing project. Living close to Prairie Bilt definitely helps and Jim will be able to help with modifications this winter if I think something needs adjusting.

OFA's came back with Goods for Ruby and Hudson so we are looking at a breeding with Ruby cycles in June. We have to put up new kennels so that will be our summer project.

I am teaching canine manner classes on Thursday night now--puppy and adult. If there is enough interest I will do second set in June then again late August up though end of Nov. I need to have the winter time off for dog sledding.

I meet with Walhalla city about dog sledding opportunities on May 4th and will be looking at trails they have available. Plus I will be at Crystal Schools letting the kids meet Cooper and see the dog sledding equipment. Cooper will love that.

I will be putting up new fencing around the veggie garden to keep the dogs out. Bob will do most of this for me but we have to get that up before I plant the garden the end of May. Bob is busy with wood frogs right now. Very cold spring which is okay to a point. It keeps the ticks at bay at least!

It will be a busy summer for sure.

Spring and switching modes

2009-04-11T12:45:00.002-05:00

After 3 big storms in March the snow is slowly melting. The Red River of the North is still flooding along with many of the other rivers and overland.
We have snow, mud and standing water here but it will dry out soon. There is still ice on everything so no open water on the lakes or sloughs.
Snow geese are heading north so that is a nice sign of spring.

I had a great time at RWBC at a garden retreat. It was nice to spend some time doing something without the dogs!

I have started up new 6 week class in Grand Forks on Tellington TTouch: Living well with your canine companion. Eight people are attending and that is a good number since I can give each individual help too. I am holding the class at Roughing' It Doggie Daycare. Also they wish for me to offer Canine Manner classes for pups and adults so we will see if we get any to sign up.

One more dog sledding presentation to do in early May. Will be odd to talk about dog sledding in May but I enjoy working with young people. Plus Cooper loves getting to go and visit.

I will be at Red Willow on the 16th for a regional tourism conference. It will be interesting to see what is said and how I might be able to promote PIDT.

We are waiting for OFA results for Ruby and Hudson. If all comes back okay I will do a breeding probably when Ruby cycles next. Torrey is to have her OFA's done soon and then she is being breed too. So we are doing plans for new kennels for new dogs.

I am looking forward to getting into the garden. We will have a veggie garden and a new herb garden. Not sure about new flower garden or how much energy and time I will have to do some things I would like, but will just do what I can. Also, I will make a trip to Michigan to see my mother and also Jim and his family. Izzy may go along on this trip too. Need to see about getting to Texas to see Eric too.

Summer will go fast with Ttouch classes, canine manners classes, volunteering at Red Willow, gardening, travel to Michigan and playing with the dogs. Then it will be time to start working the dogs in harness again. Nice to have a break though.

Red River Sled Dog Derby

2009-03-13T17:14:00.004-05:00

Neil Rasmussen's dogs
Girly, Yomega, Thor, Theo, Layla and Dexter

Herbie, JIm, Odie, Rock, Simba and Tom

Last week end, March 6-8th, 2009 I helped on Friday with setting up 2 of the check points for the Red River Sled Dog Derby then met Neil Rasmussen in Fargo for the vet check for his team. Neil lives in Grand Marais, MN area and came down with 12 of his dogs for the race.

Friday night was the musher's/handlers meeting plus the banquet. Neil drew bib number 136 which happened also to be his room number!! We decided this was a good sign.

I helped Neil with the dogs before heading over to spend the night at Tanja's place so I could see my granddaughter Isabella. Izzy was asleep when I arrived but I was able to give her a kiss on the forehead anyway.

Sat. I was up and on my way to the Prairie Rose Inn by 6 a.m. I left my truck there and drove Neil and his team to Halstad, MN to the start. There were mushers from WI, MN, Ontario Canada, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Montana--20 teams in all were getting ready for the start.

The parking lot was very icy with hardly any snow since we had rain and warm weather earlier in the week. Snow had been hauled in for the start and packed by a front end loader. The teams had to run about 1 mile to get to the river then the entire race would be on the Red River of the North: Halstad to East Grand Forks and back again.

getting ready to go--start in Halstad, MN

First checkpoint, Frog Point just east of Buxton, ND, Neil's team came in nice and strong. To get off the river to his truck was pretty steep and icy. After a short water/snack break and a chance to check all the feet and legs/wrists, Neil was ready to go again. Plus he made sure he got dry gloves and drank 2 bottles of fluid. With the help of Jim Miller, Prairie Bilt Sleds, and his snowmobile the teams we escorted back to the river since the first two teams had pile ups at the bottom of the icy hill. So the use of the snowmobile made it so no dog or human was hurt.

Team resting at Frog Point

Jim Miller and Neil visiting

Team resting at Frog Point

After Neil left, I cleaned up our area and they drove up to East Grand Forks. Along the way I stopped for my supper and hot water for the dogs next ration of food. And also to find a clean bathroom!! Nice luxury.

I had things all set up for Neil, drops out, straw down, all the containers he wanted available and then I watched the first few teams come in. Neil actually made it to EGF about an hour before I thought he would and the dogs look in great shape. A mandatory vet check was at EGF and Layla had one wrist that was tender. So after feeding, putting wrist wraps on, and coats we decided to let them rest for a few hours then check them over. I did TTouch on all the dogs, especially Layla's front legs and also on Tom since he had problems at the UP200 with his wrists. Neil stayed about 7 1/2 hours at EGF since each team had to rest a total of 8 hours in the race. This gave Neil a chance to eat and try to sleep in the truck. I spent the time checking the dogs and visiting with other handlers and the checkpoint volunteers around the bonfire. Plus whenever a team came in and they needed help we were able to help assist them. Again the parking lot was ice or just gravel and pavement.

When Neil was ready to go around 2:15 am we had some help from 2 handlers to get the team to the check point and then down onto the ice. Since there was open water where the Red River and Red Lake River meet, the handlers were allowed to help the team to the west side of the river so they did not try to go along the east side towards the open water. The barriers that Todd and I put up earlier on Friday were not going to stop the dogs, so we had to be careful.

Once I knew Neil was on his way then clean up of all the straw and packing to go to back to Frog Point was my job. Plus to stop for hot water again--and coffee!! At Frog Point I was able to park in the same spot as earlier which made it easier for Neil to get the team to the truck. Visiting and getting to meet the other handlers was fun and they were all so helpful.

Neil came in with no problems and we snacked and watered the dogs. Layla and Tom received massage on their front legs and they seemed fine. Neil made good time to Frog point and since the team looked good we thought all would be fine. The last 42 miles Neil had trouble with keeping them going and he could see fatigue setting in. He told me rested them on the river when they needed too and even tried switching dogs around at lead too. At Halstad I was concerned that something was wrong since he was over an hour due and we knew some other teams where having problems and quit. Neil came in 15th place with all 12 dogs. Yes they were tired and sore but he said they did it for him and that told me what a strong bond he has with his dogs.

Team getting ready to leave EGF in the wee hours of the morning

Neil won the Best Kept Team Award too!! What an honor. He was totally surprised but he deserved.

I had a great time being a handler for Neil. I would love to do this again for another race. What a great way to learn how to prepare and do things for a long distance race.

Thanks Neil for everything. And to all the mushers and handlers that were part of the Red River Sled Dog Derby.

March already

2009-03-04T07:31:00.005-06:00

Sheyenne River Valley playground

Where we play in the Sheyenne River Valley

Team going up one of the inclines after being near the river

Team waiting for me to take a picture as we climb up the ridge to run the ridge

Climbing up at Broadview with fresh snow on the trail

Wow, it is March already! February went by fast and the team and I were very busy.

The Red River Sled Dog Derby is this week end. The race starts at Halstad, MN and the teams will run the Red River of the North to East Grand Forks then back to Halstad. I will helping one of the mushers and I am looking forward to a new side of things.

We have enjoyed the trails leaving from Prairie Bilt Sleds near Luverne, ND. Friday (Feb. 27th)we took out a guest from the state of Georgia and had fun breaking trail. Fresh snow and the ND breeze made for some deep drifts and no sign of the trail.

Lisa F. from Georgia with some of the dogs

Flint and Whisper did a wonderful job finding the trail. Lisa F., from Georgia, was introduced to minus temperatures but clear and suny skies of ND. We had been on the trails on Wednesday and no problem but that one day with snow and wind changed things.

Leaving the Sheyenne River Valley

Back at Praire Bilt

We spent Sat. and Sunday at Red Willow Bible Camp. Saturday we had 7 youths and 2 adults from Christine Lutheran Church up for dog sledding experience. We all had a great time and the weather was good. It was below zero with a slight breeze but at least tolerable. Rather than doing 9 single runs using my PB sled, since the tandem sled was at Prairie Bilt, I had 2 stations near the retreat set up so I could do a long run and drop off and pick up people. This worked nicely since each person had about a 3 mile run with the dogs, and then when dropped off could go inside to warm up. The kids did some sledding down the hill and just played in the snow.

Kids from Christine Lutheran Church meeting the dogs

Hooking up the dogs

The dogs loved the kids and what a great experience for them to be around young people.

On Red Willow Lake with guest in the sled

Sunday was just the dogs and me. I enjoy taking them out for runs with no guests and this gives me a chance to try different dogs in lead, but also to check out some of the other trails at RWBC. I will be spending time at Red Willow this spring and summer to help with trimming back brush for trails and also to make new trails for next year. The trails are used at the camp for hiking and nature education so they are used year round.

Whisper making a snow angel

Crossing Trinity Lake

I plan to run the dogs a few times a week here at home and at RWBC and PB as long as the weather and snow is good. But I am starting to switch mode to gardening and TTouch activities.
Also, I am looking at the calendar so I can plan a trip to Michigan to see family. It has been too long since I have been home so will make that trip this summer for sure.

The dogs and I have some presentations this month but mostly this is the month for us to "play" and explore.

Busy time

2009-02-24T07:21:00.005-06:00

Demo for Emerado 4-H group

The Prairie Isle sled dogs and I have been busy this month. We have been providing presentations at schools, father & son banquets, special interest groups and to 4-H groups. Also, we have been teaching people about dog sledding and letting them have experiences on the trail.

Sams on the picket

Flint waiting patiently

We have gone a few times to Prairie Bilt to run the trails there. What a beautiful area in North Dakota! The dogs have done really well going to new places and seeing other dogs. When I travel during the week for training runs, I just hook down 6 to 7 dogs in the back of the truck and one gets to ride in the front with me. It is faster than hauling the trailer and saves on the cost of gas too.

Sled being packaged to ship out of Prairie Bilt

Flint and Whisper are really developing into great leaders. Flint seems to be more mature than Whisper. He is 2 months older and did spend time in harness working with the team last winter, so I think that is part of it but also I believe it is his nature. Whisper is still learning to stay lined out at the start. He is getting it but I will be happy when he has it!

Elaine and Amy (with her son Colin), friends from TTouch, spent a few days at Red Willow Bible Camp with me. We have a very relaxed time and it was fun to show them the activity I love. Colin is a great kid and we worked hard at wearing him out!! He did get to "drive" Callie and Hudson on the last day on a small loop. Hudson was such a good boy since he has not done much leading but did a great job pulling Colin around.

Sunday, the 22nd, Bob had a chance to try Flint at skijoring at RWBC. Flint did great and it did not bother him when I came up behind him with a 7 dog team. We practiced passing which was good for the sammies and Flint. Logan ran lead with Whisper and boy Logan is really enjoying lead.

Bob and Flint

Rose and Torrey are in season so the girls have not been working this Feb. Snow should stay during March so they girls will still get time to run. Torrey though has been Bob's running partner so that has helped calm her down! She loves to go running with Bob!

Gavin and Whisper leading team on Red Willow Lake

Silk had a chance to lead with Whisper

I am hoping the snow stays in good shape in March so I can try Ice, Logan and Silk in lead. Do some fun runs to give other dogs a chance to lead when we are not taking people out for experiences. Red Willow is a good place to do this since there are lots of turning options so they can learn the commands plus the runs can be a variety of lenghts; 5 miles, 7 miles or 10 miles.

Logan going out skijoring

Logan and Whisper leading team around sod house

Flint skijoring way up there and team coming up on Red Willow Lake

Trying to get a picture of Flint and Bob skijoring

We have at least 2 more school presentations in March but Cooper usually the only dog that travels for the presentations. He is such a calm, gentle dog at the schools and with the children.

Have a safe winter

Sheyenne River Valley

2009-02-09T11:55:00.007-06:00

Sheyenne River Valley in North Dakota

Jim in the lead, then Mary Ann then the Prairie Isle team

Breaking trail heading east

Saturday Bob and I went over to Prairie Bilt to run the trails there with Mary Ann and Jim Miller. We used the touring sled so Bob could see what it is like to on the runners instead of in the basket of the sled.

I used 10 dogs on this trip. Flint and Whisper as leaders, Pilot and Ice at swing, Hudson and Thyme at team, Rayne and Silk at team and Kensie and Cooper the wheel dogs. This was great experience for all of them to be on picket at Prairie Bilt with their dogs there. They had to wait also for everyone to get ready to go and again what a training experience for them. Rayne and Hudson would not leave the line alone when the team was hooked up waiting for Jim and Mary Ann's team to get ready to leave.

The first 7 miles we were breaking trail but we had the advantage of following the other two teams. At least then we had an idea where to go, but the dogs were still breaking through the crust and then wallowing in the snow. Tough going but they all worked hard and kept at it. Thyme struggles the most. He does not lift his legs up and so he really gets bogged down.

We were heading to the Sheyenne River Valley and the picture below is the hills we had to come through to get the valley.

After the first 7 miles the trail was pretty good. The dogs really changed their attitude once we hit the packed tracked. We did have a tricky area down to a tributary of the Sheyenne and then straight back up the other side. Flint and Whisper did not see the trail going straight up the opposite bank and thought going down the creek was the way. The sled was teetering on the edge at this point. I said "gee" and when the boys heard Mary Ann call them they realized going up that very steep bank was the way. There is a tree right at the top too, and you had to be quick to get out of the way.

Team resting at the point we turned around. We were a mile from Cooperstown Bible Camp and the others went on. I needed to rest the dogs and to get them to relax I kept them back from the other 2 teams.
It was about 5:15 pm and the sun was going down too.

Looking into the sunset

Team heading back at dusk following the river edge

Moon is up and we are heading back

Climbing out at dusk
Still climbing to get out
Sheyenne River Valley at sunset

Once out of the valley we crossed some farmland and when we were near Volden Farm Bed and Breakfast the dogs saw the deer!!

The team did really a great job. They listened for turns and handled the challenges put before them. On the return, I was concerned they may be tired but the rest with a snack helped and they averaged about 8 mph for the return run.

Now we are having freezing rain!! The trails will be a total mess but hoping snow does come tonight and tomorrow. I have clients to take out and boy the trails are not safe now.

I really enjoyed running on the trails by Prairie Bilt. So I do hope more snow comes so I can keep taking the dogs and clients out. We will see.

Sheyenne River Valley fun

2009-02-04T11:46:00.006-06:00

Lookin SW at the Sheyenne River Valley

Yesterday 8 dogs and Denny Goetz of Red Willow Bible Camp checked out some of the trails south of Prairie Bilt Industries, which is just north of Luverne, ND.

Flint and Whisper were leaders (amazing two pups!), Ruby and Pilot were swing dogs, with Logan and Ice at team and McKensie and Cooper my solid wheel dogs.

The trail had areas with no snow at all, which was fun to convince the leaders that yes I really want you to go across this field. But Flint and Whisper did what I asked and all went well. We traveled up and down into ravines by the Sheyenne River, chased herds of deer, found deer carcasses on the trail and had a great time.

The team is running along the North ridge of one of the canyons.

Having Denny along gave him a chance to experience the dog team but also for safety reasons on the trail. The weather was perfect too!! What a nice change. No wind--which was a BIG plus, sunny and the temperature was about minus 2 or 5. Great for the dogs, snow conditions but also not unbearable for humans.

Since it warmed up so much on Sat., the snow is now very crytaline and crusty too. But the trail was in pretty good shape except for the one area crossing the field.

Near the Sheyenne River--on the upper banks

Canyon we are heading too, to drop down into the floor of it to run

Heading down to the floor of the canyon. We came upon a herd of deer so I could not take pictures while we were down on this trail

A quick break after coming out of the canyon

Looking back at the trail we just did to come back up to the ridge of the canyon

Flint and Whisper brought us right to the truck and picket. What good boys they are.

I was very please with the dogs and this gave them all a chance to run somewhere new. Denny I do believe had a good time and this will help him with trails at RWBC. Understanding the needs of the dogs, sled working as a team.

We will be heading north tomorrow hopefully to run the Walhalla area. Some of the same dogs will go but I will try to take a few different ones. On these day trips to explore I like taking 6-8 dogs and just use the truck and not the dog trailer. It is easier to get around but definitely limits the number of dogs I can take and it has to be dogs that all get along with each other in the back of the truck.

Saturday we will be trying the north side of Prairie Bilt area and out with the Miller's. So that will be fun and good for the dogs.

Busy winter

2009-02-01T17:27:00.004-06:00

The Prairie Isle dogs have been busy providing dog sledding experiences to church youth groups, couples and presentations at local schools.

Flint is becoming a very reliable leader along with Whisper. Logan is doing well at lead too which very nice when I need him to help Flint to break trail. Two tall lead dogs can really open up the trail for the Samoyeds.

Prairie Bilt, Mary Ann and Jim Miller, Luverne, ND are wonderful people and are letting me use a proto type touring sled. After having my PB sled repaired we started talking and now they are designing a sled for me. Plus Jim has been keeping trails open from his dog yard and heading north to Cooperstown so I will be going over to try some of this area out too.
What is nice about this sled is I can sit down, a guest can be on the runners behind the seat, has their own brake and drag, etc. so they can "drive" the team, but I am still there for safety reasons. They can really experience driving a team safely.

I have been up to Tetrault Woods State Forest to run the dogs up there for a different trail but also looking for more hills and areas to take guests. I ran a 6 dog team composed of Flint-Whisper, Pilot-Thyme and Cooper and Ice, and Bob skijored with Torrey. I am hoping to scope out more of this area this winter so we have other options.

Ten dogs ready to go on Sat. Jan. 31st, using the new sled and carrying 2 guest plus myself

Logan leading with McKensie going up to the sod houses on Friday Jan. 30th

Flint and Whisp leading
Starting across Trinity Lake--Friday Jan. 30th

Stay safe and warm

Prairie runs

2009-01-11T14:58:00.003-06:00

Flint/Whisper leaders
Thyme/Icer (Hummer) swing
Pilot team
Rose/Cooper wheel

Heading east towards Miller's down the county road

Flint and Whisper leading the team

We have a winter storm heading our way so I decided I better get the rest of the dogs out before the bad weather hits. Running on our fall training trails is always a challenge since nothing is packed. The drifts can be easy for the dogs or difficult. Sometimes they can walk on them or they just fall through. Keeping their orientation I know is tiring for the leaders and confusing too. Flint struggles sometimes when I know it is time to turn but he can not see anything obvious that would say this is correct. All the dogs are handling the unpacked situation but I do know it is mentally stressful on them.

McKensie was limping this morning so he did not run and Hudson has been limping for a few days so he is in the house doing crate rest.

Once the storm passes we will head north and hop on the snowmobile trail near Fordville. Doing this on week days we will be safe from snowmobile traffic. This will give them a chance to run on obvious trails and ones that do not have to pick their legs up so high! Hoping this helps them mentally and physically. We will also check out Stump Lake later this month but also we will be back at Red Willow Bible Camp next week end.

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Prairie view

2009-01-10T14:31:00.004-06:00

Here is a view of the prairie on a cold, breezy day. The dogs have no trail to follow, they just use their eyes and noses to find the best route around the drifts. Plus they rely on memory from dryland training where the trail "should be".

Logan and Gavin are leaders with Pilot and Ruby at swing, Rose single team and Silk and Rayne my wheel dogs. All worked hard and never quit on me. Sure is tough going and I would love to be able to have wooded, groomed trails close to home!! What a treat that would be for the dogs.

A new year already

2009-01-08T14:54:00.006-06:00

The Saturday after Christmas, Flint and Whisper with Cooper and Ice, took out two little girls for a dog sled experience. This was a gift from Santa Claus.

Here is Flint and Whisper leading Ice and Cooper in our field to give Tayne an experience

Getting the little girls ready to go.

Tayne and Victoria having fun with the Prairie Isle dogs

Boy time really has gone by fast and it is already Jan. 8th! We have been getting snow storms every week end which makes it tough to keep up with packing the trails.

Plus Isabella was over for an overnight visit and she got to go out with Flint, Whisper, Thyme and Cooper.

Izzy (the blue spot) standing on the runners

The temps were around zero but sunny and being in our fields the sheltbelt helped to block the prairie wind.

Over New Year's we spent 31/2 days at Red Willow Bible Camp with all the dogs. Again wind and snow kept things very interesting! We almost did not make it out of the camp and the roads were horrible getting home. Our driveway was almost blown closed and the dog kennels on the east side of the barn had drifts almost to the top of the 6 foot fencing! We spent 2 days clearing out the driveway and trying to remove the snow from the kennel runs.

While at RWBC I took out some people for dog sled experiences. And boy were they experiences! With all the wind and 7+ inches of new snow the trails had some large drifts and in some areas you could not even see where the trail had been. Flint and Whisper did an excellent job finding the best route. And the deer kept the dogs alert!! Boy the deer are everywhere but the team was good about staying on the trails and not cutting through the brush to chase the deer! One of the times out we could not see the lead dogs because of so much ground drifting. I told Sara and Katie this is what the tundra would be like. They giggled and loved it when the dogs would crash through drifts and they would be covered in snow.

The view from the sled for Katie and Sara

Sara thanking Ruby and Ice for her experience

Flint did think on one of the runs we were to go into the woods first and chase deer instead of going across the field, then onto Trinity Lake and then back to the wooded area. For safety reasons, I did let him "haw" into the wooded area rather than trying to get off and correct him. The snow is not packed hard enough to hold a snowhook and I did not want to lose the team with a young person in the sled! But Flint is listening really well and does better if he is not with Logan at lead:) Logan was in team this time and boy he saw the deer so between him and Flint it was quite a force pulling us to the deer.

Whisp and Flint at the end of giving an experience to Hunter

Hunter's view from the sled

The dogs are playing at home this week and then we will head back to RWBC. Also John Berdal is coming over to help me pack and knock down some of the drifts north of our place so it is easier to run the dogs here. Plus I will start taking them to the snowmobile trails to run them when not at RWBC. Finding a safe place to hop on the snowmobile trail is the issue. Low traffic on week days so that is good.

More snow to come tonight and tomorrow.

Stay warm and safe

Fun in the snow

2008-12-26T14:26:00.004-06:00

On Monday, Dec. 22nd, Denny Goetz and I went out to pack trails at Red Willow Bible Camp. We were able to make paths through the cattails so we can traverse Trinity Lake and also get on Red Willow Lake. The picture below is how we buried the snowmobile trying to come off Red Willow Lake!

Here is Bomber telling us to dig faster so he can drive this thing out of there. Bomber decided he liked riding in my lap rather than running along!

Here Denny is driving the snowmobile up to dryland. I packed down the drifts (which were hollow) by snowshoeing , so the snowmobile would not get stuck again.

We were able to make some really nice loops and interesting trails through the cattails and also connect these to the main trails.

We received more snow and not too bad of winds on Tuesday and Wednesday. Jessie had emergency surgery on Tuesday to remove a tumor. It was cancerous and for now we will just watch her. She seems to be comfortable and actually more "up" acting. She is our mixed husky that will be 12 yrs. old in mid-Jan. and also is almost totally blind.

Christmas day we took the dogs over to RWBC to run on the trails. Denny had just been out to pack down the new snow. Trails still a little punchy but not bad really.

Here is the first team heading out. Gavin and McKensie are leading with Silk and Pilot at swing, then Hudson at team with Logan and Rose at wheel. This group had a lot of problems with snow compacting in their feet. Bob rode in the sled which was something new for him. But this gave me someone to stay on the brake since the snow is not set up enough to hold a hook.

They seemed to enjoy the new trails and crossing Trinity Lake and weaving around. They had a few hills to climb too so they got a good workout.

The second team, Flint and Whisper leading, Torrey and Thyme at swing, Rayne at team and Cooper with Ice (Hummer) at wheel, did amazing job. Whisp and Flint are really doing extremely well at lead. Flint seems to use his nose to find the trail and Whisp looks for it. This was Hummer's first time at wheel and he did really well. Again Bob rode in the sled to help me if needed. Dogs had no problem with the weight in the sled.

Here they are heading towards the tipi village so we can go through the pasture and then down to Red Willow Lake. Flint and Whisp really did an excellent job listening for the commands so we could go through the opening in the fence.

Flint and Whisper leading the group to the treed area.

The dogs did really well and it was nice to run all the new loops to see how well the dogs and the sled handled on the corners, etc. We will be back at RWBC on Dec. 31st and stay till late Jan. 3rd.

Stay warm and safe

Red Willow Bible Camp runs

2008-11-30T08:09:00.007-06:00

Friday and Saturday Bob, 16 dogs and myself went over to RWBC to run on the trails there plus to set up 10 geocaches for Wonders of Winter fun.

People at RWBC meeting the dogs

Bob introducing a family to the dogs

On Friday it was sunny and in the mid to high 30's so warm for Logan for sure. Logan does not tolerate the heat as well as the other dogs but he is black and also more massive so more difficult to dissipate heat.

Logan & Gavin leading Callie, Thyme, Pilot, Hudson & Rose on trails at RWBC

Logan and Gavin's team

Heading over to Tipi Village.

Flint & Whisper with Ruby, Ice, Rayne, Silk, McKensie and Cooper heading down

Flint and Whisp bringing team pass Red Willow Lake

Flint and Whisper holding line tight

The teams really well on the trails. Friday we did the loops going counterclockwise then on Saturday we did them clockwise. This gave me a chance to see how well Flint and Whisper are doing at lead commands. Flint is right on and Whisper is doing really well too. These two seem to work good together and Whisper is learning to stay lined out with no turning around when with Flint. Very proud of all the dogs.

We are anxiously waiting for snow. I will be going over to RWBC to cut down some cattails to make a trail to cross Trinity Lake but also to get down to Red Willow Lake west of the Tipi Village. Dennis will pack snow for me and we will be adding more loops to the West, North and East.

Today the dogs get off and tomorrow we will do quick runs at home and then they have Tuesday and Wednesday. Tuesday I work with the service dog I am training and Wednesday I have 2 presentations at Thompson Elementary Schools.

Still moving

2008-11-26T15:10:00.005-06:00

Yesterday Mandy was over and I had her take out Gavin and Ruby using the scooter. I followed along with the ATV since this was her first time out with any of the dogs. Plus Ruby is not always willing to be "lead" so we worked on them chasing and then Mandy having them pass me--I would stop the ATV. Ruby did really well after the first mile and figured out it was okay to lead. Mandy did a 5 mile loop with these two.

The dogs are doing really well in harness but I am seeing some sign of boredom. I try to mix up our route but after awhile it still is the same old thing. Logan is having the most trouble and I need him to stay movtivated at lead. Since he does not like the ATV I can not put him at wheel or anywhere near the ATV.
Today we went west instead of east which was a change from our normal routine. That perked Logan up immediately! Gavin was leading with Logan, with Ruby and Pilot at swing, Rose and Thyme at team and Silk and Rayn at wheel. Going through the field is not fun on this route since it has been plowed and is now frozen but all seemed to handle it okay.

On the way back Logan and Gavin lost motivation so we went through the hay field along the slough rather on the road. Well that perked them all up again and we came up the hill just west of the road next to the yard so again new for them. It made it so all ended on a very up note.

Logan and Gavin crossing the slough

Second team out was Flint and Whisper at lead with Torrey and Ice at swing, Hudson solo team and Kenser and Cooper at wheel. These guys like to lope but I know the 3 young ones will get tired faster at a lope so I slow them down to a fast trot. This group went west also. Good practice for Flint and Whisper for command training. It was sunny and had warmed up for this group so stopped for water a few times. This group also did the route through the hay field and by the slough. It definitely made a positive change in the mental attitude. Flint did really well listening for gee over, haw over and to get the team into the yard.

Flint and Whisper and team heading west

Whisper and Flint resting back at home

Flint and Whisper taking the team next to the slough

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

snow, ice and mud

2008-11-13T13:43:00.004-06:00

Muddy team after today's run

Pilot and Torrey with dirty faces.

Flint and Whisper holding the muddy team out!

Ice with Ruby resting in the mud

Flint leading with Whisper on a sheet of ice.

Gavin and Whisper smiling for the camera

Tree down and across the prairie road.

Logan and Flint waiting patiently to go.

We have had snow, ice and now mud again. I am glad the ice has finally melted off things, but we have trees down plus some trees do not look good after the weight of the ice and the supersaturated soil.

Dogs are working on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Week ends are off till deer season is over and Wednesday they have off because I teach in Grand Forks. TTouch classes have gone really well and I am getting more and more inquiries for classes.

Silk is still in season so looking forward to her coming back to work with the team. She will be out of condition but she is young so I think she will catch up fast. I am looking forward to working her in lead. Whisper is doing great at lead and is a clone of Gavin! He ran lead with Flint today and never missed a command and I mixed up the route on the teams today! Logan had Gavin with him which help Logan to build up some confidence at gee/haw commands. Gav never missed a beat and is doing really well still at lead.

Looking forward to cold temps to freeze things up again and some snow would be nice.

Ice

2008-11-07T12:17:00.005-06:00

Ice build-up

Branches down from the ice build-up

Yesterday the temperatures started to fall while it was raining. Now everything is covered in ice! We had branches come down plus many of the trees in our yard have branches hanging low to the ground.

All the kennel runs outside gates were frozen so that took some time to thaw out the snaps and then pry open the gates so the runs could be cleaned.

Just west of us they received 10+ inches of snow! We have not received any snow, just ice. Today is opening day for deer season so the dogs and I will not be out till next week to run on trails. Sure hope it warms up to melt the ice because it is very slippery out there. The dogs did not like walking on the ice covered ground and decided instead of exploring the yard like they normally do when let out of their kennels, they stayed inside the barn. I will check to see if there is snow at Red Willow for next week. If there is snow there I need to start packing the trails so the snow does not blow away.

Whisper is turning into a very reliable lead dog. Gavin is doing an excellent job guiding his son. Flint and Logan have been running lead but they both still struggle with gee/haw. They are really good about gee over, haw over, etc. but boy come to a turn they just do not get it. Flint has run a few times with Gavin and that really has helped Flint. But most of the time he is with Logan on a different team than Gavin.

We had guests here over the week end of Oct. 25th to work their dogs. Gabby, Gavin and Rose son, was here and was great to see him work in harness! He has been doing great in weight pull and was named SCA Top Wheeled Weight Puller!!! Gabby's buddy, Chewie--an Old English Sheepdog was here too and was a kick to have him work in harness with my dogs. He even does lead and Pilot and Ice where his wheel dogs for a 3 dog team pulling a cart.

Here is Flint in lead with Gavin. Chewie is at team solo and Gabby is at wheel with his brother Cooper

Here is Chewie leading Ice and Pilot back to the yard.

The 16 dogs I have been working in harness are doing really well. We have practiced head on passing with other teams plus with pick up trucks (Keystone pipeline workers) and tractors. The dogs do not glance at the vehicles, all eyes forward and they just do their job. They have had to go through plowed fields to get to the prairie roads we run on, which has been a nice challenge for them and they all have learned to work together. This has been very interesting to see with Whisper since he is 15 months old. He is very focused just like his sire, Gavin. Most runs are now 6-12 miles long but with cooler temps we will be able to be out longer but we must be careful because of deer season. If the ice melts I will run the dogs at night if there seems to be a lot of hunters out during the day.

Logan and Flint leading Callie, Thyme, Ice, Torrey, Hudson and Rose

12 dog team heading east: Whisper is leading with Gavin

Seven sams: Whisper/Gavin, Ruby--Pilot, Ran and Kensier and Cooper crossing plowed up field.

Denver Leader Dog #3288

2008-10-24T06:28:00.004-05:00

Denver with Naoisha on June 14, 2008

Denver Leader Dog #3288
May 24, 1992 to Oct. 22, 2008
16.5 yrs young

Denver died peacefully on Wed., Oct. 22, in the morning. On Tuesday she had become paralyzed and was in the process of dying. Denver was a tough girl! She survived mammary cancer that was diagnosed in the summer of 2000 and provided Leader Dogs for the Blind 6 beautiful litters for their program.

Denver came to live me when she was about 1.5 yrs. old and the school had decided to use her in their breeding program. What a strong willed dog she was but oh she wanted to please me! Once Denver was retired from breeding, LD signed her over to me so she was allowed to be a dog!

When Naoisha came to our home he immediately became attached to Denver. That continued til the day he died this past summer. She had the same affect on Drifter too. The other dogs were really good with her as she became older but the last few years we kept the young dogs away from her because she struggled to walk and we did not want one to knock her down. When Rose would whelp her pups, it was Denver she trusted to be in the room with her new pups.

Denver is able to run free now and chase that ball she loved too.

You are missed and will be held in my heart always.

Red Willow Bible Camp trip

2008-10-20T12:49:00.007-05:00

Sunday Bob and I took the 16 dogs in training to Red Willow Bible Camp to run them on different trails but also to get them acquainted with the facility. This gave us a chance to work out any kinks in our set up and also to put in a starting post to hook the team to. Also, I went out and cut back some branches from the trail.

There were young people at the camp attending their confirmation classes so we had spectators and after we were done running the dogs the kids all came over to meet the dogs. This was really good for all the dogs especially Flint who was unsure with all the noise and all the people. But he relaxed after some TTouch and also I explained to all how to approach these dogs and also any dog, so that helped all the dogs.

Logan's team on the way out. Logan-Flint lead, Callie and Ice swing, Torrey and Pilot team and Hudson and Rose doing wheel

Logan's team stopped for a rest and water break

Logan's team heading back to the camp
Second team out was Gavin-Whisper, Thyme with Ruby, Ranier and Silk and Kensie and Cooper at wheel. Heading down into the trees

Stopped for a water break. Whisper on the left with his Dad, Gavin

Heading back--Red Willow Lake in the distance

Whisper, Thyme, Ice, Pilot, Ruby, Cooper, Callie and Gavin
Flint, Hudson, Torrey, Ran, Silk, Rose, McKensie and LoganAnother shot so you can see Logan.

Dogs adjusted to new place and noises just fine. It was warm for them but at least some clouds now and then.

Today Gavin's team did a 10 mile run in the early morning while cool. Logan's team will do the run tomorrow in the early morning before it heats up. All are doing really well.

Keep on training

2008-10-16T13:12:00.002-05:00

Even though the temps are climbing again the earlier mornings are cool so 4-6 times a week the dogs are run. I am still doing 2, 8 dog teams and rotate the 4 sam pups between the two teams so they experience being with different dogs.
I need to rotate Flint and Logan in with Ranier too. But for now Flint and Logan are the main leaders on one team. They are doing a great job and picking up gee, haw, and gee and haw over fast.
Both teams are up to doing 6 miles in less than an hour, including their water breaks. Ran struggles to relax when we stop for water. He wants to bark but he is getting better and he is a big asset to the team.

TTouch classes are going really well and I am enjoying working with the people and their dogs. I will do a one day workshop in early Nov. then will not do any TTouch classes till spring time.

Plans are to run the dogs at Red Willow this week end--on Sunday. Change of scenery for all of us but also they need to be on those trails.

Between church groups, 4-H and girl scouts I will be busy this winter on week ends. I hope to travel to Manitoba some week days too to run the dogs.

Glad to be able to stay home this winter with the dogs.

heart hugs to all

Yepa's first dog show

2008-10-13T07:15:00.003-05:00

Yepa, Prairie Isle Wyanet Yepa, lives in Sweden and attended her first dog show on Sat., Oct. 11th. Margareta took her to Trondheim in Normway for this show. It was a polardog show with 44 sams and 10 sammy pups. Margareta said the judge is a musher of siberians and loves good movement. Yepa did the job and won junior group and she took 4th among all that got CK (champion quality)! We are so pround and happy for Margareta and Yepa. Pistage, who is one of Yepa's sammy family members earned her Norwegian champion title and was the best female Samoyed! Way to go Pistage

Yepa with her ribbon

Yepa on the left and Pistage on right--such pretty girls!!

I am anxious to hear how Yepa will do in harness work. The kennel she lives at Polarullens, also dog sled so she will learn all about harness work, just like her brothers: Whisper, Pilot, Thyme and Ice.

Great Fall run

2008-10-10T14:30:00.005-05:00

First team heading out. Silk in lead with Gavin

The dogs had yesterday off since many needed their vaccinations and I did not want them running after the shots.

Today it was overcast and cool, about 42 F with a slight breeze from the NE. They are predicting lots of rain and snow mixed with it but nothing yet so I was happy to get all 16 dogs out before any yucky weather happens.
I ran 2 sets of 8 dogs and all did extremely well.
First team out was Silk and Gavin in lead, then 2 sam pups--Whisper and Pilot, with Ran and Ruby at team and Cooper and McKensie my main wheel dogs. This team decided loping was the thing to do until I had them stop at 2.5 miles out for a rest and some water. Poor Pilot is was tired so we worked on being quiet and waiting. Ran did not like that but he is learning to quiet down.

Gavin saying it is time to go and poor Silk having to listen to him.

The team trying to leave without me and they were successful! The ATV was in neutral(turned off), brakes locked and the front wheels turned and I had a chuck in front of the rear wheels but these guys still pulled the ATV up over the chuck and was dragging the ATV.

Back home and Cooper is already in the barn, oh well he missed getting his picture taken.
Whisper is lying down which is what he does when we stop and Pilot is sitting--good boys resting quietly.

These guys did 5 miles in 30 minutes so averaging about 10 mph. Not bad for sams.

The second team was Logan and Flint leading (nicely matched boys), with Callie and Ice, Torrey and Thymer at team and Hudson and Rose doing wheel. They did the 5 miles in 35 minutes.

Stopped for some water

Second team on the way home

Logan saying it is time to go!

Flint being the puppy he is and rolling on his back. Logan waiting patiently to be unhooked.

The second team did extremely well. I was very proud of Logan and Flint when I asked them to haw at a spot they had not turned before at ---they did it after I said "haw" a second time. Good boys! Logan also normally does not run but just trots along, but today he decided a very fast trot was the thing to do. His head was up and ears perked so I suspect he was looking for deer but whatever he was moving at the pace I wanted him to do. The sams had no problem with the pace he was doing and with his long legs he was covering the ground nicely.

Both teams did the turn into the yard correctly!! That has been a problem for the new ones. But if they turn to soon the wheel dogs can clear the cattle gate plus they are suppose to wait for the cue to turn.

We had two good runs and the dogs seem ready to go again. Some will be out tomorrow and another bunch on Sunday.

Back to training

2008-10-09T13:35:00.004-05:00

FINALLY BACK OUT CONDITIONING

Second team out--all sams

Silk and Gavin in lead

Silk on the left with high jumping Ran on the right

Whisper and Ice resting back in the yard

Flint with Logan in lead at a rest point on Wed. run

First team out on Wed. morning. Flint and Logan lead, with Pilot and Thyme at swing, Torrey and Ruby at team with Hudson and Rose at wheel

Pilot and Thyme at a water break

After very warm weather at the end of September and being gone for a week to the SCA (Samoyed Club of America) Nationals the team and I are back to conditioning.
Silk is out of season so she had her first run in harness for the Prairie Isle yesterday. She did great with no hesitation and actually ran lead for 3 of the miles of the run.

Temperatures are suppose to stay cool which will make it easier to get out with the dogs in daylight time which I prefer. But we will do some night runs too once I feel the skunks will not be as active.

Also, the dogs and I will be heading over to Red Willow to run on the trails there. That will be a nice change for them and me. Plus we can scope out things for the winter season.

Week ends are booked which is nice with 2 long week ends that left open so Bob and I can travel to Manitoba with the team or run the dogs wherever we wish.

TTouch is going great and very busy with that, which is a nice surprise.

Looking forward to winter and running the teams on snow.

Circle of Friends walk

2008-09-27T17:39:00.007-05:00

Today was the walk your paws fund raiser for Grand Forks Circle Of Friends Humane Society. They had beautiful fall day at Lincoln Park for the and other activities.

I have been volunteering at CoF and doing Tellington TTouch on the dogs, cats, and birds presently there.

Nine lucky dogs from the humane society were at the walk strutting their stuff. They were wonderful ambassadors for the hard work done at CoF.

Cherry Bop and Scottie are enjoying the park with CoF volunteers.

Kota standing pretty. High energy but so sweet and kind.

Monk is a beautiful boy and just wants you to love him.

And Miss Marilyn decided being in her volunteer's lap was the best place. She is adorable and boy I would not mind having her.

Toto is getting some TTouches to help him relax and enjoy the day at the park.

This boy was very talkative while at the park. He just wanted everyone to know he loves being outside and loves hugs. He definitely enjoyed the TTouches I provided him, hoping to quiet him some.

TTouch classes start on Oct. 8th, with 2 sessions going for 6 weeks. Plus there will be a one day workshop on Nov. 9th, Sunday. Six people asked for this workshop today while I was at the walk so I said sure, let's do it.

Tomorrow Gavin and I are off to Kansas for a week of fun at the Samoyed Club of America Nationals. It will be fun to see just sammies and see friends.

Once I return full swing of training will start up again. I am looking forward to cooler temps running the dogs everyday. Team is coming along great though and will be fun filled winter.

Heart hugs

The young gang run today

2008-09-14T20:56:00.008-05:00

Here are a few pictures of 9 of my young dogs that ran together today.

Hudson is the very muddy sam I am bringing over to the gangline.

We had rain on Saturday night and some dogs like to play in mud puddles:)

Flint and Whisper in lead, with Ice and Pilot at swing. Thyme and Torrey at team, Hudson solo team with Cooper and Ruby at wheel.

Flint and Whisper learning to keep the line tight.

Team leaving the yard.

Coming home.

Weight pull first

2008-09-14T16:11:00.004-05:00

UKC Ch. Prairie Isle Gabby That'll Do TT,CGC, HCT, RN, TDI, WPC WSX

I am proud to announce that Gabby, owned and loved by Linda and Donavan Murray is the very first dog to become a NADSR GRAND CHAMPION WEIGHTPULLER!!!!!

Gabby has been pulling 30+ times his weight at all his competitions!! On his "off" day he pulled 1650 pounds. Plus Gabby does therapy work, agility, pulls a sled, conformation and is allowed just to be a dog too!

Well his brother and sister, Cooper and Ruby, are pulling the ATV and getting in condition for the upcoming winter work. And Gabby's younger brother, Whisper, has broke a lead section and is doing amazing at lead.

The team is doing pretty good. Still struggling to get them to wait to turn into the yard. That is a must that they wait for the command and not do it too soon so a dog does not get hurt going around the cattle gate.

Flint and Logan have been running lead together and they are a good pair. Very proud of their abilities. Ranier is doing amazing in harness and boy I want to try him at lead to see if he can do that. He pulls nonstop. Callie, Gavin and McKensie you can tell are older because they seem to tire quicker. They are being pushed by the younger dogs to pick up the pace and that is tough on them. Hudson surprised me and did lead for a few miles on Saturday. If I can get him more focused and calm down at starts he will be a great one for lead too. He is trying really hard not to shake the line too. All are doing better at rest times, to rest and be quiet. I am starting to walk away from them to let them get use to me being away but they must stay and be quiet. Some are better than others at it.

Need the weather to cool down though. But as long as I get up real earlier, get them fed--I can beat the heat usually. Sunny days are the worse since there is not a lot of shade on the prairie roads.

SCA Nationals are coming up and I am scrabbling to finish to get ready for that. It will be nice to see people I see only at the Nationals, but visit by email all the time.

Heart hugs

Happy Birthday Callie-wog

2008-09-09T18:21:00.003-05:00

Callie--why walk when you can run!!

Today Crisandi's Prairie SnowLark WSX, CGC, TDI is 9 yrs young. She is my niner girl, DOB 09/09/99. She is training this fall and doing really well. Most of the time she runs swing after she helps Gavin get the team out of the yard. But Whisper is doing extremely well at lead so will try him at the start soon.

Each time I take out my dogs for a training run they love to throw challenges at me :-)
The first team out, well they spoiled me this morning--no problems. Flint and Logan (Hedlund and a malamute) did lead and did it extremely well, then Pilot and Ice-Man at swing--no issues whatsoever there, Torrey and Ruby were team and boy those little girls pull hard all the time, and my line biter and the reason I have cable everything Hudson and Rose were wheel. Hudson did not even bite the line today!! Big progress with this boy. This group did the 4 mile section, including 3 water breaks (it was sunny and warm) in 40 minutes. I do not push them for speed at this point but this group had a very nice gait going and once they have more miles on them, they will pick up the pace even more.

So I thought okay next group of 7 will be a breeze too. Since I knew it was too get in the 70's I really wanted them not to "screw around" in the hot sun. Callie and Gavin started off in lead, with Whisper and Thymer at swing, Ranier--the butt head this time was solo team, and Kenser and Coop my wheel dogs. Ranier decided the 4 dogs in front of him must come stand next to him. He pulls back on the centerline and drags them back!! What a monster dog. All lined out, Ranier is looking at me sheepishly, and off we go, and Ranier decided to pull back again on the centerline--Cooper and Kenser are up his butt, Whisper, Callie, Ice and Gavin are pulling hard while Ran is pulling back--man what is it with this boy! Finally he lets go and we are all moving forward.

Callie could not keep a fast pace for this group and Whisper was catching her so I switched Whisp to lead and Callie ran with Ice. She was happy to be there and pulled hard. At our first turn, which is a mile north of our house, Gavin was spaced out and Whisper turned the team and dragged his daddy!!! Daaahh Gavin wake up. After I untangled them and gave them all quick hugs and decided I wanted to try Thyme in lead and Gav got to be a swing dog, we were off. Ice though decided we were going to go in the slough not around it!!! I HATE stinging nettles!! Man that hurt to get them out of the slough and out of the mass of stinging nettles. All line out and off we go again. Whisper makes the haw turn but Thyme wants to go gee--but Whisp does not stop going haw and drags Thyme---way to go Whisper!! Hmmmm, may be he should try weight pull like his big brother Gabby.

We do about another 3/4 mile to get to some shade--the sunflowers were providing the shade. Nice 5 minute water break and all are quiet. Being quiet on breaks is something I am working on a lot with these guys.

At the next turn, haw turn, Whisp gets it and drags poor Thyme around the corner--the team is following Whisper. I love this boy--he does not care if another dog is pulling the wrong way, he just goes the way I ask!!! My future lead dog and I can retire Gavin from lead!!!

We did another mile and all is fine but since there is only one tree before home for shade we stop for water and to switch Gavin back in lead since Thymer is looking and leaning towards the sloughs again to chase ducks. Whisper is acting tired so Kenser goes to lead so Whisp is now at swing with Call, and Thyme is at wheel with his big brother Cooper.

Our biggest problem as always is turning into our yard properly. If they turn too soon the team and wheel dogs will not clear the cattle gate so they must wait and turn when I tell them. Here is where Ranier decides he is going to lead from the team position. Man that boy is powerful and starts dragging everyone to the left. Gav and Kense were doing so good waiting, so gee over goes the team. And I use a very stern voice with Ranier and tell him to gee over. He gives me this grin, and I know he is going to try again his turn, sure enough he starts to pull to haw before I even get to the ATV, so pushed him over and tell him gee over. I walk up and praise the other dogs for gee over. We did get to turn at the right spot, but Ranier was trying really hard to turn them early.

So after all the dogs, except Ran, were taken care of, Ran and I practiced him gee overing and haw turn on the prairie road. After about 10 times I think he has it but we will see on Thursday when I run them again.

This crazy group of dogs did their run in 50 minutes including all the stopping. I want to try my 4 young boys with Kense and Cooper at wheel and Gav and Flint leading. That way the pups will have a very positive run and get to switch each of them in lead.

Our next challenge will be passing all the cows--lots of them in lots of fields this year. Plus the Keystone pipeline and the men working on that! I can just see the young ones taking us to visit the guys building the pipeline. Which happens to cross two of the prairie roads that we will start running on a week. Oh boy :-D

I am not sure when I will hook up the majority of them at once. They are going to be great set of dogs though.

My week ends are starting to fill up for the winter with day trips. Plus I am handling for Neil Rasmussen at some of the distance races he will be doing. Plus I teach one night a week my TTouch and work with private clients.

I love fall and cool temps., so I can work the dogs. Once Silk is out of season I am looking forward to see what she can do. Right now she is Bob's running partner so that is helping her stay in shape.

Heart hugs

Puppy Power

2008-09-07T14:38:00.002-05:00

Whisper, Prairie Isle Touch O'Whisper, showed me today how much power he has at a year old. I have been working my dogs in harness for about 2 weeks now and do two teams (8 in one and 7 in the other--8th sam is in heat so out right now). Today Whisper, who has been running in lead with his sire Gavin, decided about 1/8 mile from our house that we were not going fast enough or something. Because all of sudden there is Whisper running down the prairie road by himself! I use cable centerline and cable lead sections.

The leaders have their tugs as single cable tugs and they are hooked to the extension cable by quick links. So I put on the brakes, turn the wheels to the ATV and tell the screaming, harness banging sams (6 of them) to wait. Whisper for some reason turned around and I called him and squatted down which is what I usually do to get my dogs to come to me. He came running full blast back to me. Slides in the mud in front of me with a big grin on his face. That is when I see the quicklink that attached his tug and it was bent!

And I do not use necklines either. My reasoning is I want each dog to make their own decision and learn, not just "follow" what another dog is doing. It does cause some special handling at times but I like the set up I use.

I check my equipment over before every run and I had just come back with the first set of 8 dogs and saw no problems in equipment.

I went to my pack I carry with extra gear, tools, and found a quick link that was larger and hoped I could get it through the loop on the end of his cable tug. With some force I was able to put the new quick link onto his tug and reattach him. The entire time the other 6 sams are going nuts. Ranier is grabbing the centerline in front of him and dragging the 3 dogs in front of him back (the 2 swing dogs and Gavin still at lead). I tell Ran to knock it off and he lets go and the 3 pull the line tight. Cooper and McKensie at wheel are starting to drag the ATV and I am trying to move faster in the mud that is so thick and slimy :-)

Well once Whisp is hooked back up, I get him to line out and then we have a moment where all dogs have to be quiet or we do not go. So some ttouches to quiet everyone and I take a deep breath, I remind Ranier not to pull back on the centerline (little fart) and get the ATV started and off we go. No fun issues after that other than the mud.

Here is a picture of the quick link Whisper bent. Go puppy power!!! I have 5 yearlings in my team this year: Flint (Hedlund Husky), Whisper, Pilot, Thyme and Ice all sammy brothers so I have lots of puppy power!!

The Sam boys are growing

2008-08-20T15:21:00.004-05:00

Thymer in the background with his brother Ice-Man in the foreground. You would think they were getting read to pose at a dog show!!

Here's Ice-Man cooling off in one of the kiddie pools

Thymer on the move

Whisper the tall and lanky one

Pilot peeing in the pool--disgusting and Whisper

Pilot

The boys are still puppy acting. There favorite playmate is Flint. Flint keeps them inline which is good for the boys. Whisper and Pilot are the BIG barkers with Thymer doing all the AAARRRHHOOOO'ing and Ice is usually quiet--he is the serious one. Pilot is the clown. Whisper has decided it is his job to patrol the yard for poop. He is gross but if you are checking the yard for poop, bring him along and he will find them first! Thymer is right along with Whisper checking the yard!

When it starts to cool down they will be in harness with the others.

Here's the boys sister, Yepa. She lives in Sweden.

mid-August

2008-08-18T08:05:00.006-05:00

You can feel fall is around the corner. Sun is setting earlier which is too bad. We though finally having hot weather. The corn loves it and the tomatoes are finally doing something.
But we have been enjoying Swiss chard, green beans, carrots, cilantro, squash flowers and cucumbers.
Whitney and Callie have been trying to get the ground squirrels that are living in the garden. Those two have no respect for the fence around the garden!!

Busy working of the dog trailer doing some modifications and just checking things over. As soon as we have some nights--still in the mid 60's at night, I will start running the dogs. Gavin is going with me to the Nationals at the end of September so he is living in the house to keep his coat protected from the sun and also his allergies have been causing him some problems. Poor guy. Today he gets a bath again and a oil treatment on his coat--he has dried ends on his coat.

Here are some pictures of Flint. I will get some up of the Sammy boys later today after I resize them. They are starting to fill out and looking more like "big" dogs.

Flint at 14 1/2 months old

Flint playing in one of the kiddie pools. He loves the water

Flint saying "this feels good"

Flint is a very gentle boy. He keeps the sammy boys in their places though. He loves to rough house with Logan and Logan is so good with him. Cooper loves to play rough with Flint too and that has been good for Cooper. The other dogs basically ignore Flint which is what most of my dogs do--ignore each other.

Heart hugs and enjoy each moment

Where has the summer gone?

2008-08-08T16:33:00.002-05:00

Hard to believe it is August already. Waiting patiently to have some tomatoes from the garden but we have had some great green beans, Swiss chard, asparagus and carrots. Plus fresh cilantro, basil, sage, oregano and chamomile.

Isabella has spent some time with us this summer and that has been great. She is really getting big and boy is she a talker! She loves the dogs and even though they bark and get super excited when they see her, she just walks in the barn, puts her hands on her hips and says "shhhh, quiet puppies". And the actually all get quiet! Her mother has told me that Izzy is telling everyone that she is going dog sledding this winter. And she definitely will be out with the dogs and me, plus drive her own team of one or two dogs.

Silk and Rayn are doing great. Silk gets along with all the other dogs and Rayn is figuring out that no dog will jump him and he is doing fine with Hudson and McKensie and the mals. We are taking our time getting him with all the intact males.

SCA Nationals is coming up and Gavin and I will be attending. Torrey and/or Ruby might go too--we will see. Gavin though will be in veterans class (sweeps and regular) and also stud dog class with some of his get. It will be fun to see the pups he sired with Britt.

Denver is still with us and it amazes me she is still so healthy. She gave a good scare when she had an inner ear infection. But at 16 yrs. old she is doing great. Naoisha comes to my heart and thoughts often. I miss him but I know he is out there helping others. A good friend wrote recently that her dog would not take his medication. And for some odd reason she thought of Naoisha. She thought about him and all of a sudden her dog was staring towards the doorway. He nudge her and she offered him the pill in some peanut butter. He took the pill easily (something this dog has never done before) the entire time looking at the doorway. She told me she felt the presences of Naoisha. Thank you Neesh-bug for helping another.

Tomorrow we will finish GPS'ing trails that the team will be using this winter. Prairie Isle Dog Trekking is getting busy for the winter which is great. Thanks to North Dakota Tourism!

The sam pups, Whisper, Pilot, Ice-Man, and Thymer are starting to fill out. They are still very puppy acting which is great! They are not as tall as Cooper from the first litter but they are long legged and lean which is what I want for harness work. Pilot is the little one but he is as big as his sire, Gavin, so not too little. Whisper is lanky and looks so much like his uncle Hudson (who is finally filling out). It will be fun with these 4 boys in the team.

Have a wonderful end of the summer

Garden, etc

2008-06-23T16:32:00.004-05:00

The veggie garden is doing quite well considering the the temperatures have been quite cool till this past week. The corn will not be knee high by the 4th though! But may be knee high to Izzy! The dogs are behaving and not jumping the fence around the garden. But once the corn is up, Anna will be the one to watch closely. To keep Logan out of the aspargus he is not allowed to run in the yard, but is put in the play area with Flint and Anna. So this year we have been able to eat aspargus not Logan.

The new sams, Silk and Ranier, are settling in just fine. I am looking forward to having them in harness in Aug (start harness work). Both have experience in harness and also at lead.

Agility equipment is up and I have started working on confidence work with the young dogs and just burning off energy with them all.

The pups are have really blown coat. All that is left is their guard hairs!! No dog shows at all for them. Whisper is learning all about showing and he loves the attention. He will be the pup that I take to the Nationals in September along with Ruby and Torrey.

Yepa, Prairie Isle Wyanti Yepa, who lives in Sweden is doing great.

Yepa

Cooper and Ruby's brother, Gabby (guardians Linda and Donavon Murray) is now a UKC champion and also is a NADSR weight pull champion. He has been pulling between 1600 to 2000 pounds at each pull. He has been the top puller at the pulls lately too. What a sam!!

UKC Ch. Prairie Isle Gabby That'll Do TT,CGC, HCT, RN, TDI, WPC WSX

Gabby

I will be taking the team to Red Willow Bible Camp to run on their trails to train, plus Manitoba and here at home. RWBC has a wonderful facility and trail system so looking forward to the new location. Also, the Prairie Isle dogs will be working with local girl scouts this winter for them to work on their dog sledding badges. A group of Tellington TTouch practitioners will also be traveling to RWBC this winter to enjoy 3 days of dog sledding, cross country skiing, horse drawn sleigh rides and just fun in the snow. We will also be providing dog sledding experiences for RWBC game feed event.

The dogs and I will be traveling to Montana in February to dog sled in the Gallatian National Forest and then NW to help with the Race To The Sky. We will meet up with another sammy team at the race and will be doing some dog sledding in the area too.

Tellington TTouch: Living Well With Your Canine Companion course starts in October so looking forward to working more with people and their dogs as groups. Circle of Friends Humane Society is providing the space needed for workshops. I work with the animals there helping with any issues dogs, cats, bunnies, etc. may have so they will be more adoptable.

Also I am working with Ella Bittel, DVM on pet hospice courses. A very much needed service.

Heart hugs

Naoisha

2008-06-16T20:03:00.002-05:00

Ch. Donnereign's Prairie Islander CGC, WSX lost his battle with lymphosarcoma. He died peacefully on June 14, 2008 in my arms. Naoisha would have been 10 years old on July 24, 2008 but he just could not go any more.

He said his good byes to all the other dogs and it was quite moving to watch how this occurred and which dogs he felt he needed to say good bye too. He layed down outside each of his old teammates kennels and they hugged the fencing where he was located. He did this with Smokey first, then moved to Rose and McKensie, and then to Gavin and Callie. He walked next to the kennels for Logan and Anna, but he did not lay down like he did with the others.

Just before he went inside for the last time, a lone sea gull flew over our farmstead and called out. Naoisha always loved to bark and chase the gulls. He would stare up at the sky and bark at them.
I have found out that sea gulls are messengers from the gods, especially ancient Celtic deities. They bridge the gap between the living world and the spirit world. If one opens oneself to their energy this enables you to communicate with the other side.
All the times he was barking at the gulls, he was communicating with the spirits. What he was saying I do not know but he was talking to someone--may be Jack or Drifter.

It is considered that the seagulls connection to water is symbolic for those whom share this totem. Water represents our emotional state, and because the Seagull's behavior adds to the message, then its actions upon appearance should be noted. If a Seagull dives in front of you, then this can signify deep emotional issues that require healing. If the Seagull bobs upon the waters surface, it is considered a message of peace and the "letting go to let God". Go more with the flow and trust that you are safe. Naoisha was guided by the gulls.

I tried and You did

by Helen L. Corlew

I tried to be patient and understanding

You did

When I asked you to try something you did not like

You did

When we would try something new and unfamiliar together,

I tried and you did

I tried to give and not take so much from you,

you just gave and gave more as time passed.

I could count on you, even when I could not try but you did.

I tried to keep you from pain and suffering

I tried

You did everything unconditionally.

I tried to say good bye,

You said “It is not good bye, I will always be with you”

I tried to be strong for you.

You said, “You did. You are strong because you gave when trying”.

I tried and You did it all.

God Bless your Spirit

Spirits in Transition

2008-05-02T09:45:00.003-05:00

Spring on the prairie has been cool and windy. Today the wind is blowing again around 30 to 35 mph. It is tiring to be blasted everytime you step outside and today it is a North wind so colder feeling. I will be happy when the temperatures rise at least into the 60's and the wind decides to be around 10-15 mph --that is a breeze here.

I graduated from Tellington TTouch so now I am officially a Practitioner Level I. I am doing my first workshop this week end. And also am lining up other workshops for this summer.

Naoisha has come out remission. Since he has lymphosarcoma and came so quickly out of remission once the chemo treatment was completed we have opted not to do the rescue protocol with him. He is dying and that is a fact. We the help of prednisone and antibiotics we are keeping him comfortable. He is perky, loves his walks, chasing birds, and teasing his sister Whitney.

NAOISHA ON A WALK 28 APRIL 2008

NAOISHA COMING TO SAY "HI" TO ME
28 APRIL 2008

With the help of Drifter's spirit the transition for Naoisha will be easier for all of us.

Hug and take the time for you animals. Do not assume anything with them.

more spring signs

2008-04-06T12:08:00.003-05:00

We have migrating robins, hundreds and hundreds of snow geese along with raptors by the hundreds passing through. It is great being on one of the main fly zones for migrating birds:)

Ice is breaking up on the sloughs and the lakes too. I went down to Stump Lake to check it out for running the dogs on for next winter and tons of geese there. I can easily get over 50 miles of trails on the lake and run over to Devils Lake if I want too. I mapped out trails on our DeLorme maps on the computer to see about mileage. There are some islands too we can investigate but also the lake is very irregular in shape so lots of coves to go into too. So the runs do not need to be just out and back but actually following the shoreline, which there is over 75 miles worth. It gives the dogs and an option that is close to home which is nice.

My basil, sage, thyme and pepper plants are coming up in the sunroom too! No sign yet of tomato seedlings though. I started 3 kinds of basil and of course one is cinnamon basil--my favorite.

Temperatures are cooler today and south of us they are getting snow. They can keep the snow. The veggie garden is almost snow free which is great. Once the ground finishes thawing out I will put up the new garden fence to keep the dogs out. It will be a good days work with putting in new fence posts too but I have time to get it done since here I normally can not plant until late May.

Naoisha had his last chemotherapy treatment on Wed. He had 17 rounds of treatments and we pray he never has to have another. Here is the shirt that the vet office gave Naoisha for making it through 17 treatments. They had this shirt on him but he was not happy at all wearing it.

It states : Only a real man can wear pink Neesh is doing okay but has not eaten in 2 days. If he does not perk up by tomorrow I will be calling the vet. No fever which is good and it could be just from the chemo but he was fine on Thursday and Friday then downhill on Friday night.

Denver is hanging in there too. She will be 16 years old on May 24th. She is weak in the rear though so I have started using the poles on the ground and the hoola hoops to get her to pick up her rear legs and to concentrate on walking.

Heart hugs to all

spring on the prairie

2008-04-02T11:07:00.002-05:00

The snow geese have returned!! Wow this morning while out tending to the dogs the sky became dark from all the snow geese. Great to see them heading north and for me a true sign of spring.

I have not seen a robin yet, but I have been hearing one singing in our one set of bushes. Another nice sign of spring here.

It will be quite awhile before any sign of tulips or daffodils though. There's still snow drifts in the areas where these are planted. But that is okay---the ground is starting to thaw and warmer days with intense sunshine is happening.

Today is Naoisha's last chemo treatment. Now it will be monitoring him and praying the lymphosarcoma stays away!

The dogs are getting exercise again via the ATV. The ground is frozen in the mornings so I have started to take them out with the ATV and this gives the pups a chance to work more in harness.

Heart hugs

Gardening

2008-03-29T14:29:00.002-05:00

Now that I am home, I can start working on my other love--gardening with herbs and veggies. Yes there still is snow here on the prairie but there are things I have started for the garden. My tomatos, basils (I love basil), sage, garlic chives, salad greens--mixture of things and of course a variety of peppers (sweet to hot). As the spinach comes up in the pots in the house we are able to have fresh salad fixings!!

I have started marking out where my new special garden will be and also what will be in it. This is a dedication garden to my other love--dogs. It will have a water aspect to it--at least a birdbath with a small pump to reciculate the water, healing herbs, some veggies and of course aromatic flowers. I am still working on this plan. But there will be a quiet sitting spot where one can relax and enjoy the sights and smells.

A new higher fence will be going up around the main veggie garden since Flint, Whisp, Thyme, Ice and Pilot seem to think it is the greatest place to be!! They love to jump the fence and play in the snow in the garden--butt heads.

Also new kennel run system will hopefully be going up too. This will be separate from the barn runs and will provide space for more dogs and to separate dogs I already have. I plan to plant some trees too (yes trees) to provide more shade in the summer for the dogs but we will see about that.

The dogs seem to enjoy running free in the yard. They are out together 3 times a day and the pups are learning that they need to not jump on Smokey! Anna, Logan and Flint play tag or may be it should be called " grab the tail" with each other. Those 3 are pretty rough so I put them in the play area to do their rough-housing. Gavin and Callie went for a walk (they ran I walked) north of our property today. Gavin chased a jackrabbit and had a blast running. Callie seemed to enjoy being able to sniff and wander freely. It is pretty muddy on the prairie road so we stayed off in the hay field which is easier to walk around in and more things for them to explore.

Still unpacking but that is okay. No big hurry.

It is great to be home. And I am looking forward to the summer on the prairie.

home

2008-03-24T11:58:00.002-05:00

The Prairie Isle team is home. It was a 12 hour drive yesterday with good roads. The dogs were so happy to run around the yard last night and then they ran right to their kennel runs.

The pups were the tough ones to catch but they came when they realized they were going to get some food!

We had a great learning experience this past winter and glad we did it. But I can say this I really missed being able to just take my dogs out to dog sled for fun--just me and them. Yes we did a lot of runs but not what I enjoy most about dog sledding--just me and my dogs. So next winter we will travel west and also back to Manitoba for our dog sledding with friends.

Also I will never ever again tether my dogs on chains as they had to be this past winter. I understand the cost effectiveness and convenience of the method but it is not for my dogs. It is barbaric and other than needing to be on pickets on trips they will never have that horrible chain pulling down on their necks or being so confined. I know Smokey was so happy to get home and get in his kennel. The collars are coming off too. back to their white pine collars or nothing.

Next projects are gardens and getting the dogs coats back into good shape. Lots of baths and blow drying--need some warm weather for all this but it will be nice to have sams and mals that have shiny, clean and groomed coats again. Some need to practice and get ready for the show ring--the pups. The adult sams coats will not be okay till late summer after being on the chains. the chains rubbed off the hair on the front of their bodies so they will not be competitive in the show ring for awhile.

Also I have to make some trips to see grandchildren!!! That is a must.

Bob did a great job taking care of the dogs left behind and it is great to be with them again.

Great to be home.

Count Down

2008-03-17T11:38:00.002-05:00

Yes the count down is on to head home. The dogs and I are ready to be back on our home turf and have a chance to do nothing. We will be home on March 31st!!!--very late but home.

Yesterday the pups, Whisper, Thymer, Ice-Man, and Pilot ran with their Dad, Gavin, Mom--Rose, brother--Cooper and Uncle Hudson on the teepee loop with clients. Ice-Man ran lead with Gavin so that was really great to see him up their taking gee-haw commands right next to Dad. This gave some of the adult dogs a rest, which they really needed plus it gave the pups great experience and training.

Saturday the Prairie Isle team did the lake run twice in the afternoon. It was sunny and warm. The second run we actually had the young boy in the sled fall asleep! His dad took a picture while we moving of his son sleeping--pretty cool. The dogs did this run out slower but they took us to visit the ice fishermen too! They went among a group of people fishing, and as we passed by all the dogs got pets from the people. I think the dogs just wanted to be near people--you know how sams are--they love people. On the run back, temps were going down so they did much better and knew we were heading home.

Logan's feet are in rough shape. Lots of cracks in his pads--deep cracks and dry. Using bag balm to help them heal and he will not work anymore. He did great this winter and really filled the void after the loss of Drifter. He deserves the rest and chance to heal.

I will then be using 6 sams (Gavin, McKensie, Ruby, Rose, Hudson and Cooper) and 1 Hedlund husky--Flint. Short loops on Wed, then two lake runs on Thursday, shorter runs on Friday and 2 more lake runs on Sat and then a rest, before the last couple of runs.

I am planning two new gardens!! One will be medicinal herbs plus some pretty annuals and a special dedication to all my dogs. A place to go to remember and be a peace with my thoughts of my dogs present and past loyal friends. The other will be an area next to our driveway that will be changed over to native prairie plants. Lots of work but it will be great to get dirty!

Heart hugs

Busy time

2008-03-10T12:07:00.009-05:00

Friday the team was on the lake all day with people in the sled and on the runners with me. We had a photographer taken pictures of the team and the 2 other teams on the lake.

The Prairie Isle team did great! Weather was just above zero and sunny so not too warm for the gang. Rose and Hudson tried giving the photographer kisses every time they went past him. He told me they were sticking their tongues out at him. Flint, who was in lead, was not sure the first time going by him but then he adjusted to this red bump on the ice and the snowmobile near by. In the distance of this shot you can see the photographer getting ready for the team.

When we stopped at Camper's Island to rest the dogs and to switch who would be in what sled, a gentleman that has been staying on the island came over and gave all of us hot chocolate!!! What a nice treat on a cold day.

Team on the way back. A front shot for once! The team did great and went pass a fishing shanty, within five feet of it, and they did not even notice the dog that was laying right by the shanty! The fisherman was watching us go by and his dog was very well behaved and just watched us go by. I was very proud of the dogs to just keep going--especially Flint who is so much a pup and wants to say "Hi" to everything.

On one of the Highland runs on Saturday, we saw a timberwolf running through the woods and the dogs definitely smelled and saw that! Gavin did great keeping Flint from leaving the trail.

On Sunday when we did another Highlands run just before the large hill there was wolf kill in the trail. The dogs on by'd after a quick sniff. I had more troubel with the boys wanting to mark everything because of the wolves scent along the trail.

The pups had training in being quiet and patient when in harness and hooked in the gangline. I took them up to the teepee on Sunday morning during my break.

Icer and Thymer at lead. They hear a snowmobile going by on the trail at the base of the hill the teepee sits on.

Whisper on the left with Pilot on the right. Icer at left wheel and Thymer at right wheel. This is the second time out to the teepee. I switched leaders back at the dog yard then took them out again.

The boys waiting patiently. This is a trait/task I am going to work hard with these 4 and also the adult dogs have been learning this too.
We stayed up at the teepee for about 30 minutes and it was fun to watch them figure out that we were not going anywhere.

HEART HUGS

Family run

2008-03-04T18:22:00.003-06:00

Yesterday I took out the 4 pups with their sire (Gavin) and dam (Rose), older brother Cooper, older sister Ruby and cousin McKensie. We did the Highlands run and the pups did great.

Pups and dad:
Gavin on far right, then Thymer, Whisper, Pilot and Icer on the left end

As always Gavin is barking at the start. Behind him is Icer (r) and Ruby, then Rose (l) and Thyme (r), Pilot and Whisper (r) and McKensie (left wheel) and Cooper right wheel.

On the return I moved Icer in lead with Gavin. This gave Gavin a chance to calm down and for the other dogs to be a little more tired so Icer would be okay in front of them. But he just put his head down pulled hard.

The "family" on the trail. Hey Gavin is not barking!!

The pups worked hard and were able to keep up pretty good. I had weight in the sled to help me control the 5 adults since they are so strong now.

Today I took out 7 dogs and tried the freight sled I use on the lake on the Highlands. Flint and Logan went along with Gavin, Ruby, Kenser and Cooper. Rose got the day off. I do not like the brakes on the freight sled or the fact it is so stiff and does not steer like my Prairie Bilt. I am very pleased with my Prairie Bilt sled and would love to get one that has a longer bed. My sled has taken quite a beating this year! Carrying loads, hitting trees, tipping over and being dragged on its side (no guest in the sled then!) and it has not failed me. Worth every penny I paid for it!

Kenser gets tomorrow off and may be Thursday--I will be doing a lake run on Thursday afternoon and I think the other 7 would be fine. I need all of them on Friday and Sat. so I try to let some of them rest an extra day. Cooper really needs some time off though. Not sure how to do that if Kenser is not in the team though. The pups, I do not believe, have the stamina to help with a guest in the sled.

Temps are to be in the teens and below this week which will be good for the dogs. They over heat so fast when it is above 20 degrees and if sunny too.

Heart hugs

Busy week end

2008-03-02T19:13:00.005-06:00

Winter Tracks festival has been going on along the Gunflint Trail this week end. What a great time for us all and nice change in pace too, even though Erik, Don and I were busy.

Snow sculptors were done along the trail and a few here on the lake. I know an ice castle was also made on the lake but I did not get a chance to get a picture of that. Trout fishing derby, poker run, dance, banquet, wolf howling hike, cross country skiing, dog sled adventures and just outdoor fun for all. The weather has been pleasant--too warm for the dogs but perfect for most people. This afternoon though it has started to drizzle and it is freezing. What a mess it is making of the roads and trails.

The forms used to make the snow blocks for guests to carve.

The snow blocks after the forms are removed

Snowflake that was carved

Light house that was carved. At night they put a large candle in there. What a beautiful site that is on the lake in front of the lodge.

Brick oven at Heston's Lodge where they cooked pizza! Great tasting pizza.

Erik and Don on a lake run with guest.

Thyme on the left and Pilot next to him. The boys are getting big and are they still so much like puppies though!! They are working hard in harness.

Pilot is the smallest and he is not little. He is finer boned like Gavin and is shorter in height than his 3 brothers. And he is a goofy boy. Thymer is my serious one and he is big. I think their grandsire (Boomer) size came through with in Thyme, Whisper and Icer.

This is a picture of Whisper. He was getting ready to jump on Anna. Anna was not too happy to play with the pups yesterday, but usually she loves to play with them. I think they are getting rougher so she is having to put her foot down to keep all 4 in control.

This is Icer (ears are not up yet--oh well) with Whisper sitting behind him. Icer-man is the most focused in lead when working in harness. He is powerful and loves to run in front of the other boys but also he is paying attention to me and responding to what I ask him to do. Reminds me of Cooper in personality. Thyme is doing great when I have had him in lead too. Whisper an Pilot are the two goof balls when in lead. But all 4 are willing to run out in front so that is great.

The boys did the teepee loop two times today so that was good for them. Erik and Don were impressed at the eagerness and how well they line out now. Plus they took off running up the hill and came back still running!

I do believe Rose and Gavin have provided me with 4 wonderful sled dogs!

Heart hugs to all

Pictures

2008-02-26T18:55:00.007-06:00

PRAIRIE ISLE SLED DOGS

Team waiting for our 2 guests for a lake run

TEAM ON GUNFLINT LAKE. TWO GUESTS IN THE SLED
KENSER/FLINT --LEADERS
GAVIN/RUBY--POINT
HUDSON---TEAM
COOPER/LOGAN--WHEEL DOGS

RUBY DRIVING WITH HUDSON AS PASSENGER!

HUDSON AND RUBY
THEY ARE SPECIAL TO GET TO RIDE IN THE FRONT OF THE TRUCK

WHISPER, THYME, ICER AND PILOT DOING THE HIGHLAND RUN

PILOT AND ICER LEAD WITH WHISPER (L) AND THYME AT WHEEL

THYME AND ICER AT LEAD WITH PILOT (L) AND WHISPER AT WHEEL

Warm weather and pups in harness

2008-02-25T19:07:00.002-06:00

Yesterday it was in the 40's in the shade!! Way too warm for people and the dogs. But we put in a full day.

I used 5 dogs in the afternoon for the snowshoe combo runs and the dogs were so hot they dug holes in the snow and went to sleep while we were at the teepee. The dogs did not move very fast in the afternoon in the hot sun but they did their job. Gavin had a rest from running in the afternoon.

Today it was in the mid 20's, so things froze up and sure is slippery out there. I took the 4 pups out with the sled today. We did the teepee loop 2 times. Whisper and Thymer started out in lead and they did great. They actually responded to the two "gee's" we needed to do to get on the teepee trail. Since the last time on the trail we did the Highlands I was very pleased they figured out to go right! At the base of the teepee, I put Pilot and Icer in lead and moved Thymer and Whisper back to wheel. Pilot is unsure up there but he wanted to stay up with Icer so he did okay. when we got back to the dog yard, I let them rest and eat some snow for about a minute. Icer decided it was time to go and lined out and started to pull hard so I pulled the hook up and off we went. I tried Whisper again in lead but he really was not into it this time so I put Thymer with Icer. Wow those two boys did great at lead. Pilot and Whisper pulled hard at wheel too.

These 4 boys are going to be a BIG asset to the team next year. I may put two in the team the next snowshoe combo we have to see what they do. Of course there will be 4 strong adults in there to do most of the pulling!

Two or 3 weeks I will move the dogs to a different area of the dog yard. Erik will be done working here and the space he has his dogs is on high ground. Well my guys are on low ground and with the melting of snow they will be in standing water! So I will move them to the area Erik's dogs have been once he is gone and also move the kennel panels too. Digging those out will be fun:) But I need to get them to higher grounds before things melt too much.

I am looking forward to some down time and so are the dogs. Wednesday I plan to take them over to Loon Lake or may be another area, just for a new trail and to have a change of scenery. They need and so do I, a change of scenery and a new trail for mental attitude.

Cooper has a nasty cut on his muzzle and inside his mouth, thanks to butt head Smokey. I have him on antibiotics and am watching the area closely. He is eating fine and seems okay. But I do not want any infection to set in. Smokey is on antibiotics too, because he has a minor puncture wound by his left eye from Cooper. Smokey started the fight and I had my hands full, literally, holding Logan--trying to put him in the gangline, so the boys fought for awhile till I could get Logan out of the way. Never again will Smokey be put next to a dog in hook up since Cooper is the most mild mannered dog I own, next to Kenser, I know (and from the people that saw it start) that Cooper did not start it.

Hoping Naoisha blood work is okay so he can finish up his chemo. It is hard to be away from him while he is going through this. Bob is doing a great job dealing with him and his treatment. Denver is doing great too is what I have been told. She will be 16 years old in May!!

Heart hugs

Getting stronger

2008-02-23T13:22:00.002-06:00

The dogs are getting stronger and are staying pumped up to pull. We did a lake run on Thursday, which was a challenge--2 guests in the sled, cold wind and me trying to keep them slowed down to control them on the uneven snow on the lake plus crossing the ice road.

Yesterday the team and I did a Highlands run and 2 sets of snowshoe/dog sledding runs. Callie had a chance to run with the team on this. Next time Smokey will get to go too.

Today we did two Highland runs. Logan did lead with Flint the first time and did really well. Second run Kenser ran lead with Flint and Logan was wheel with Cooper. I ran 7 dogs the first run and 8 the second run. Gavin has been running point with Ruby and is doing much better at point. He does lead for the snowshoe combo and is really good at making all the turns to do that trail. I think the break from lead on the other runs is helping him a lot. I need to give Flint a break too so hoping Logan can step up to the job.

Sunny weather and boy is the sun more intense now. Feels good but the dogs can tell it is warm!!

This afternoon the pups will get a chance to play with Linda's pups. I am hoping Monday or Tuesday to get them back in harness for a run too.

Heart hugs

Pups did the HIghland trail

2008-02-19T15:13:00.004-06:00

All the dogs had time in the play area, even the pups. Callie and Hudson kept them in line:)

Since it is suppose to be cold and windy tomorrow and we need to work on the trail, I decided today was my chance to run the pups. The adult dogs need to rest so I decided only the 4 sam boys would go.

Here are the boys on the picket

Whisper(l) and Icer(r) lead, with Thyme (l) and Pilot(r) wheelWe are about half way up the "chute" taking a rest.

Each pup had time at lead (Whisper lead the entire time). This is Thyme on the left at lead with Whisper. Pilot and Icer at wheel.

Butt shot of the pups on the Highland Trail

Boys resting

Thyme did great at lead when he was up there and so did Icer. Pilot everytime he heard the drag or brake on the sled he would drop back. Also when going around the curves, Pilot was unsure but I hope with time he will be okay with trying lead. So far all 4 boys have potential for lead. Thyme was more focused and Whisper did great for being so young.

All 4 boys are doing great in harness and I am very excited about what they will add to the team!

Adults work again on Thursday so will let them rest tomorrow.

Heart hugs

I am sooooo proud of the dogs

2008-02-17T20:17:00.002-06:00

We have been very busy since Thursday and will be tomorrow too. Today the team did excellent and I am so proud of them.

At 9 a.m. they ran the Highland run with a client in the sled and we followed Erik only because at the start I was having trouble keeping Flint focused --he wanted to drag the team back to see Erik's team!! I ran Flint and McKensie at lead, Gavin and Ruby at point, Hudson at team with Rose and Cooper at wheel. Well I never was off the sled on this entire run!! They ran up the hills, caught Erik's 9 dog team and when we reached the big hill--we call it the chute--I was on the brake going UP the hill so Kenser and Flint were not literally up Erik's butt!! They never eased up and what a run it was and what power these guys have now.

They all had a treat when we returned and a rest till 1 p.m. Then we did the snowshoe/dog sledding combo with 8 people. Again Erik and I handled this adventure. I used Gavin and Flint for leaders, Cooper and Rose at point and Logan and McKensie at wheel. Ruby and Hudson rested since we had another highland run at 2:30. On this event the dogs take 2 people to the teepee and then they are hooked down for a short time for people to have coco and treats and to visit inside the teepee. The people that snowshoed out then are in the sled and the others snowshoe back. Flint did great being tied down with Gavin and all layed down and took a nap! The people fell in love with the sams and took tons of pictures of them and with their kids with them. And the sams loved the attention!! I told everyone the sams prefer to be with humans than other dogs and love the attention.

After we returned from the teepee, I had to switch sleds so I put the dogs on the picket line. Rose was given a break and put back on her chain--she did a great job on the 2 runs. So for the last highland run, Kenser and Flint did lead again, Gavin and Ruby did point, Hudson team, and Logan and Cooper at wheel. Logan and I had a talk since he decided to rumble at Cooper. I explained to him he had to be polite or he would not get to go. He stopped and licked Cooper's face!!!
This run they were tired but they never stopped pulling. They were still eager to go and Flint did great listening to go "on by" and not take the teepee loop trail! Flint is also getting much better at keeping his line tight once we are stopped. I do not take them out of the gangline right away. We "train"/practice waiting quietly and all of them keeping the line tight.

Tomorrow two Highland runs so the dogs should be rested by morning. Then they get Tues. and Wed. off. I will take the pups out with Callie, Anna and Smokey and do the teepee loop a couple times on those days though. Then back at it on Thursday with a lake run with 4 people. Linda will take 2 and I will take the other 2 people.

Hug your sams. heart hugs

The Prairie Isle sled dogs did great and the other mushers were very impressed with the performance from them.

pups!

2008-02-16T11:22:00.005-06:00

team resting on the lake before a lake run--Thursday. They are getting the hang of chilling out

Mckensie with Flint leading the team with guest in sled on 11 mile run on the lake. Lots of drifts, icy areas and a challenge to slow them down.

PUPS

Thyme and Whisper waiting to be hooked into the gangline

Gavin (l) and Whisper (r) lining out

Thyme at point

Whisper, Thyme, Icer and Pilot have had more runs on the teepee loop with their sire, Gavin, sister Ruby and brother Cooper. Those boys are all business and Whisper is looking right now as the most willing and eager to be in lead. He ran at lead with his sire and listened so well. He still is learning to line out but when we stopped on a small incline so I could get a picture he decided to give Thymer a kiss who was behind him. I told him to line out and he untangled himself and stood next to Gavin at lead. He did the "gee" before Gavin he did it which was really amazing to watch.

famous butt shots of Prairie Isle sled dogs. Ruby and Cooper at wheel, Thyme at point and Whisper and Gavin at lead. Heading back to dog yard from the teepee

Gavin (left) teaching Icer how to bark when learning to line out.

Puppy team --Gavin and Icer lead, Pilot and Whisper point, Thyme and big brother Cooper at wheel. Icer ended up being at point and Whisper at lead.

Icer on the left with Pilot next to him, Cooper is at right wheel and Thyme is looking back at Klaus who is barking at me.

We are busy this week end and right up through middle of March. Time will go fast, already has.

Heart hugs

Happy Valentine's Day--Heart hugs to all

2008-02-14T20:17:00.002-06:00

Well I have been pretty busy with the dogs, resting my ribs and getting over my respiratory infection. But yesterday was a calm day and the medicine from my doctor was kicking in so I had some energy so I decided to give my 4 sam pups (6 months now) some time in harness.

Rather than trucking them down to the lake I decided to run them from the dog yard and do the teepee loop. This meant one big hill, lots of turns, crossing the ski trail in two places, crossing the snowmobile trail once and some smaller hills. Not a long distance total but would be a work out for the pups. The first team was Callie-Gavin leading with Whisper and Thyme at point and Ruby and Cooper at wheel. The pups never hesitated and this gave Gav some time to remember to listen to me for commands! The pups tried to pull the team every time we crossed the ski and snowmobile trails but the the other dogs kept them going straight. They did great and we did the loop 2 times so they did just over a mile.

Next group was Rose with Gavin (that did not work--she did not want to lead), with Icer and Pilot at point and Ruby and Cooper at wheel. Since Rose would not lead, I tried Ruby and she did not want anything to do it with it either!! So I looked at Icer and said let's try you since you did so well the other day on the lake. So Rose went to wheel (she loves that spot) and Ruby ran next to Pilot and Icer next to his dad--Gavin. I did not neckline him because I wanted him to make decisions on his own. No problem till the first "gee", Gavin took it but Icer wanted to go up the next big hill--but then he bounced over next to Dad. We do another quick gee, and when I said "gee" Icer did the turn leaning against his dad!! He never stopped pulling and running in front of the other 4 dogs and it was so great to watch these pups. This group did the loop 2 times too and Icer lead both times. We worked on line out too---it brought a much needed smile to my face working with the pups.

Today Gavin got a rest from leading. He ran point with Ruby while McKensie and Flint lead our team on the lake with our client. Kenser is stronger and more stubborn than Gavin and he was able to overpower Flint so we kept on the trail. Kenser really did great and when he was a confused to make the turn to go around Camper's Island, Gavin pulled the team to "gee". Gavin did a great job helping Kenser keeping Flint in line and I think Gavin relaxed on this run.
We have to cross this "road" on the lake--someone plowed a two lane road down to the ice from one side to the other and my guys the first time they had to cross this wanted to follow it. That was not good and was hard to get them off it. Today, Linda waited on the other side with her team, and McKensie dragged Flint (I had Flint necklined to Kenser) across the road of ice---I told Kenser to "on by" and he listened and went right across even though Flint wanted to turn north to run to Canada! The team followed Kenser with the help of Gavin. Flint is stubborn but I think having Kenser next to him helped him get it to listen. Coming back though, Kenser missed the spot to cross--well really the musher missed the spot so we had this high bank in front of us. The sled tipped on its side with the guest inside and the dogs dragged us across the ice road. The guest asked if they should get out and I said "no, I need your weight to slow them down!". Once we got back on the snowy area I was able to stop them which was tough to do because Linda was waiting to be sure all was okay and my team wanted to run. So I am trying to figure out how will I upright the sled and not lose them!!!
I told the guest on my count of 3, to lean to the right and I actually sat on the runner that was in the air. Well we were then upright with 8 dogs running full out and me sitting on the runner, so I used my knees to push the brake down hard and had the snow hook down so pushed on it too. I got the team to stop and calmly I told them to wait. They actually did and I caught my breathe and made sure the guest was okay. She was fine even though there was lots of snow in the sled bag now!
We continued on our way and made it back safely with Kenser taking me right to the picket line!!
I have a few pics and will upload them tomorrow.

The lake was fast and lots of drifts so a rough ride at times. Dogs did great and all were napping while I loaded up the sled and our gear to take back to the dog yard. but as soon as I started moving towards the dogs they knew they were going to the dog yard and no one seemed tired!!

This week end we are very busy right through Monday. Dogs will be tired and so will I!!!

Heart hugs to all and I am looking forward to gardening and seeing my grandkids!!!