Canadian Challenge: Vet Checks are Underway

194 dogs will be passing through the Archie Anderson Pavilion at the PA Exhibition grounds today.

Vets will be checking each dog over carefully ensuring that the athletes are in top condition for the race ahead of them.

Dog trucks line up outside the pavilion
Photo Credit: Rod A. Young

Dogs stretch their legs while they wait their turn
Photo Credit: Rod A. Young

Earl Stobbes team waits patiently

 Vets have volunteered their time today working many stooped over hours, from checking 776 feet, to 388 shoulders.  Listening to each heartbeat and jotting down many notes on each dog.
Dogs are also scored on a scale from 1 (too thin) to 5(too fat).  Most mushers hope for a 2.5 scoring.
Each dog this year was marked with green to show that he was given the all clear to race tomorrow.

These same vets follow the race, meeting up with each team as they come into the checkpoints.

Getting to know the team ahead of time helps them determine how well they are faring on the trail.  The dogs health and safety comes first at the race.

Dogs always come first.

I met three of these amazing ladies at the 2015 race and can say with all honesty that they took care of each dog as if they were their own.  They remembered each and would check on them throughout the race.   It left me with confidence that if anything were to go wrong help would be available quickly.  

Ruth Anderson is the head vet and this year will be her 10th with the Canadian Challenge, she also brings with her the experience of having been a vet at the Yukon Quest in 2006.

The assistant Vets also bring with them past Challenge experience, Katherine Robinson, Jessie Peck and Romany Pinto will all be found at each checkpoint as well.

This is a good opportunity for the vet to answer any questions
Photo credit: Jim Williams

Heart rate is checked
Photo Credit: Jim Williams

The following photos are Randy Mackenzie's dogs from the 2015 race  

Ruth checks gums for hydration

shoulders, and all major joints for range of motion and any soreness

Feet, checking for splits between the pads and overall health

Canadian Challenge - It's all about the Dogs

I think I may have led some of you astray thus far.

It isn't as bad as it sounds.

Well.....

Okay, the loss of our dog truck sucked big time.  After having arrived in La Ronge I called Jessica to find out they didn't know when it would be ready.  I was probably way snappier than I should have been when speaking to them in regards to this.  However I WAS lacking sleep big time and I REALLY wanted the truck for the dogs when Randy came in to do his 8 hours.

The dogs were looking fantastic up to this point with all 12 still running as a team.
I will attempt to post pictures with the names.  I mix up Boone, Chase and Titus so I apologize to the fans that know them if I got them wrong.

Morgan

 Merlin

                                                                          Titus 

                 Sage (the only girl)

Rika

 Chase

                                                                                        Braxton

Wolverine

 Chase and Gumby 

Icon

                                                               Dirk

Boone

The true athletes of the race.  Each one has their own unique personality and unless I went up to Fort Mac and spent more time with them all I can only share what I saw this week or for some who went to the Yukon Quest in 2013.

I've known Dirk the longest as he used to live here in my home town of Didsbury with his brother Dillon who was on Rick Wannamakers team.  A sweet boy always willing to please.

A couple of the kids that stood out the most were Rika (who has a girls name as far as I'm concerned) that growls when you put booties on, or put in a dog box, or do anything to.   

Braxton also shone to me.  He was a dog bought from Hugh Neff and was the most skittish dog I've even met.  However as the race progressed he became one of the best eaters, strongest workers and most cuddly stretching out for contact when I walked by.

Without any of these kids who were willing to run the 320 miles I wouldn't have had the experience of handling for Randy.  

And Randy.  

Well, he'd still be standing on his sled at the starting gate.

Instead, at 2:04 on Thursday morning Randy and his crew arrived and were ready to take their 8 hour rest.  Still without the truck meant bedded down on straw again and we did our best to cover everyone in blankets and pile on extra straw to keep them warm.
The plan was to just let them sleep for about 3 hours as Randy had snacked them lots along the trail... and sleep they did.

Randy also left to get some shut eye at the hotel where we got lucky enough and Elliot drove him down there.

I had a nap in the Wannamakers truck and also hung out in the heated bus or sat by the fire that was burning by the shore of the lake to wait until it was time to attend to the dogs.

Photo Credit; Jim Williams

I put a pot of water in the cooker and dropped some snacks in to warm them up.... then each dog was walked, massaged, oiled and wrists wrapped if needed... feet were checked and cream applied, they were then snacked and bedded down again.
This took 2 hours to get through all 12 dogs.

It is ALL about the dogs.
These mid (and long) distance races always make it all about the dogs.
It has to be.

Before I move on I forgot to mention in the last entry that Christina Traverse decided to scratch at MacLennan River. She had a very sick dog and maybe more than 1?  I didn't catch all the particulars but she decided in the best interest of her dogs that it wouldn't be a good idea to carry on.
I was sorry to see her have to leave, I'm always rooting for the women to do well (how can I not?)

And speaking of the women racing while at La Ronge I bumped into Laquasha waiting in the bus for her mom, Dogs in a dog truck.
I was surprised and shocked to see her there.
She told me (boy is she ever grown up for 17) that the trails she trained on at home were very different to here.  The difference being that the ones here are so straight and long and hard made a big difference in sore wrists and shoulders.

I later on found out that she had been withdrawn, meaning that the race marshal for reasons that were in the best interest to both the dogs and musher made the decision that the team of 7 would not be safe heading out to the wilderness checkpoints.  The speed being traveled put them at risk at having them stranded, and the knowledge of two wolf packs and many cougars in the area did nothing to help matters either.
I know there is more to this than I would ever know, but I am just sharing what I heard.
In any case it is always a tough call to make for anyone and a tough call to have to accept as well.

Again, it's all about the dogs in this race.   This is what we must always remember and put first.

My lack of sleep was all about the dogs and while waiting for Randy to come back to the park to check out his dogs and prepare to head out I found myself feeling beyond tired again and a bit hungry as remember I had not eaten anything yet.
It was close to 7:30 when Sarah, Jillians handler was talking to a few others saying they should head to the hotel for breakfast.
I was turned away from everyone in front of the fire and my tired brain said... "gee I'd love to go for breakfast"  a lump forming in my throat.
Sarah asked if I would like to go with them and I responded I couldn't as I had to attend to the dogs.... but I was pretty much crying when I said this.... I tried my best to keep my voice steady but knew I had blown my cover.

I hate crying in front of anyone... gah!!  Stupid sleep deprived brain.

Randy arrived around 8:30

We then fed a big meal to and walked each dog.  Again checking for sore wrists, shoulders, hips etc.
What we did discover was a funny cough that Rika had picked up when arriving but had not left yet.
Quite a few dogs were experiencing this odd cough that would disappear after time.  Many teams had this and the vets put it down to the cold humid air.
However Rika's cough sounded as though it had settled in his chest.  (side note:  Rika is fine now, the cough all but gone)

After a check with the vets and a bit of a discussion Randy decided to leave Rika behind in my care.
Rika didn't seem too unhappy about being curled up in his dog box on the trailer.

It was almost 2 hours beyond his 8 hour stay that Randy and his 11 strong head out on the lake to Grandmothers Bay at 11:57.

On their way!

After almost 2 hours I had our site cleaned up of 5 bags of straw.

A big job alone.

Steve came by after I messaged him that I was done and he picked me and the trailer up, and while he fueled up I ran into the hotel to get cleaned up and change.

I still hadn't eaten a thing yet and by the time we reached Grandmothers Bay I thought I might fall down with hunger.  It was here that I ate the best ever lasagna.
Hands down.
Best Lasagna ever!!

A Happy Ending

My boy is home for a weeks holiday making this Mommy a happy one.
However with only a week there are a few 'to do's' that must happen and one of those was Dad and Son heading out on the lake to go fishing.
With my girl off to the Stampede with a friend I was left alone with my fur kids for the day.

The 'Mum' in me decided it should be a day of baking so there could be treats for the family for the next week.

Door propped open with a rock the fur kids could come and go as they pleased while I kept busy in the kitchen.
I had purchased a couple of flower pots and was not in full trust that they would not pull them apart so I did head out a few times to see what they were up to and throw the ball for Rigby.

Dogs in and out, napping at my feet and sniffing up at the counter, it all seemed like a normal day, there was no indication to the adventure that was about to ensue.

I was just cleaning up from my latest batch of cookies and had a tray in the over with about 3 minutes left to go on the timer when Hubba popped in whining and seeming rather agitated.
Drying off my hands I threw my chore shoes on (which are loose and clumpy on my feet), stepped outside and called to the dogs... "hey puppies!!"

Nothing.

The yard was empty.
Void of dogs.

The gates were closed.

What the hey???

Walking around to the back of the yard I just about fell over.  Two fence boards had been ripped off the fence and a huge hole stood between the yard and freedom.
My guess was a cat happened to be on the other side resulting in the escape that was most likely all Penny's doing.

"Shit!!"  I stood staring at the newly created gate to the front yard frozen to the spot with my brain reeling with what I needed to do to bring all 5 dogs back by myself.

Running inside I grabbed their collars which of course they were not wearing (bloody hell), the leash and stopped to tie my shoes that were slopping about on my feet. 
Leaving the back door open I grabbed my cell phone and keys and took off outside calling all the dogs names while standing in the middle of the road.

Nothing, no sound, no sign of any dog.

I jumped into the truck and started off down the road hoping that I picked the right direction, the one we use to walk the dogs.
Nothing, no sign of them at all.

Why did this have to happen when I was at home alone?

I drove about 6 blocks or so when all of a sudden I see Hubba and Elly sniffing a backyard fence.
Leaping out of the truck (surprised I put it in park) I called to them both.  Nothing at first, but as soon as I dropped to my knees they both came over to me.
However without collars on I could only get a hold of one dog at a time.  So Elly was picked up and put into the back seat, but before I could close the door she had jumped out again.
This time I grabbed a collar and slipped it over her head and put her back in the truck.
Hubba in the meantime was running around the truck looking all pleased with himself.
Putting him in the truck was a different story.

Collar on his neck I put his front feet on the floor to the passenger side front seat then lifted his butt up into the truck.  He would not however step up so I had to lift all 90 pounds of him up onto the seat.

I flew home put the first two into the kennel in the yard, grabbed a few dog cookies and ran out once more.

I seriously didn't think I would get so lucky again, but lo and behold when I turned down the first street there was all three of my kids running back towards home (yes, this is what I am telling myself).
Jumping out of the truck and calling to them I watched in disbelief as they all ran right past me, not even glancing my way once!!
Again I dropped to my knees and called Rigby while showing him the cookie... he thought about running ahead but at the last second he changed his mind and came to me tail wagging with a big grin on his face.

One in the truck it was time to get the other two.

Rocky came to me next in the same way Rigby did.

Penny on the other hand wasn't as willing to get in the truck, but she did come to me when I called her, again squatting down to her level.

With all 5 dogs back in their kennels I went inside and dropped on the couch which was when I noticed that I was dripping in sweat.  No.  Not just dripping I was drenched.
I also had to take a few deep breaths to slow my heartbeat down to normal again.

After a calming break alone in my quiet living room (and finishing off the last couple batches of cookies) I head back outside with hammer and nails in hand to fix and make the fence escape proof once more.

I'm sure there was some form of guardian angel watching over me and the dogs this afternoon.
I feel very lucky to have all 5 of my kids back home safe and sound.

One thing is for sure. 

We are never going through that again!!

Alive

It has been awhile.

I think about writing all the time.  I DO write with pen and paper, but have avoided and neglected my blogs for some time.

It is not from lack of 'things' happening in my life.
Nor is it from depression.

I've just been,
                     well,
                            living life.

Spring has arrived here at Outback Huskies and thankfully it has been dry and warm out.  As I write this 3 of my fur kids lay at my feet in a peaceful slumber.
The others are outside enjoying the warmth of the sun.... which is where I will be once this has been published.

I just felt the need to pop in here and share my favorite song with you all.  I'm betting if you go back a ways here on this blog you will find that it was already shared.  To me, it is worth sharing over and over again.

Edwin - Alive

 

 

I should probably share a teeny bit of my spring break with you all as well, especially since many of you followed my adventure in the Yukon with Randy.

Instead of heading somewhere warm and tropical we ventured North to Fort McMurray.

 A city of close to 77,000, which sits on the Athabasca River, was originally established by the Hudson Bay company in 1870 as a trading post.  Today it draws attention, good and bad, due to the oilsands.

It is also home of Randy Mackenzie and his plethora of animals.

 

On our way up there we met Fred and his lovely wife, Diane for lunch and a visit.  I would love to spend more time with them both... what a wonderful couple. 

I loved our visit with everyone... Randy and Carol were the hostesses with the mostesses and I could have spent way more time up there.

Not only did I get to meet up with the Canine team again, but I was introduced to the many animals that Randy rescues, finds homes for and keeps himself.

We 'almost' brought home a baby ourselves... it was a close one.... if we had more land for sure as these babies are going to be rather large when full grown.

 Mommy and Daddy to the pups with Ray and Randy.

 

 

          

Luckiest Girl in the World

I feel so lucky.

I am so blessed.

I wake up every morning, albeit much too early, and think to myself,  'today is going to be a wonderful day.'
And why wouldn't it be?

A supportive loving family (even though some of you are so far away).
Incredible friends from all walks of my life (again some of you are too far away!)
A fantastic job with the best co-workers ever.

There is a roof over my head that doesn't leak,,,well,,, most of the time.
Food in my cupboard... although at times I think there is more dog food than human.

I have the best dogs ever and we go out together 3 times a week and weekends now that the snow is here building trust and sharing a love so deep that unless you own a dog(s) you wouldn't understand.

The puppies sharing their love.

 

I have put in place a training schedule for the winter... one I think will be easy and fun to keep in place.
Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights after work we will head out onto our local trails.  We now have access to two of them and this excites me.  

One is our race trail that we do consistently the same way each time so there are no surprises for my pups come race day.   The only difference is the weight we keep on the sled to help build muscle in their wrists and shoulders.

The other is on a friends property... it is a section of farm land that has a series of trails set up to help us build our listening skills and leader skills as I can change directions each time we head out.. a new trail every time.

Weekends are for races or to head into the mountains for longer more exciting and prettier trails.

It is easy to drop a training day.. a Friday if we have race for example.... but it's easy to keep to our runs now that I have a dog truck that all supplies are kept in.  Just load dogs, water and away we go!
On Monday my daughter and I came home from work.. pulled on snow pants, filled water buckets, and loaded dogs into the truck.. we made our way to the race sight..ran the 4 mile trail.. water and snacked the fur kids then headed back home..... the entire process took about 1 1/2 hours from start to finish.
I would like to add another 4 miles starting tonight.. so... another 20 minutes or so... nothing in the scope of an entire day. 

I love running dogs... the feel of the runners under my feet... the power of the dogs ahead of me... the silent communication between us all.... the excitement they share before a run and the joy they have across their faces when we are done.
Sharing this sport with my family and friends is top on my list it is not something to be kept secret. 
And with us needing weight on the sled it's a great excuse to share the joy.

I must say my luck this year is also extended to Miss Mother Nature... or Old Man Winter... thanks for the snows and cooler temps this year that have decided to stick around thus far... we couldn't be happier!

Meet the dogs - Elly and Rigby

I still wonder at times what got into me when we said yes to two more siblings.  Yes I needed one more to make a team of 4, but siblings?  Again?  

Training siblings is lots of work, but how could I say no?  We met them when they were 2 weeks old and they were so darn adorable.

 

Naming them was a matter of searching the Internet for names in songs as we decided to go with the theme my son started.  Not sure if anyone has picked up on it yet. 

Beatles songs... Penny (Penny Lane), Rocky (Rocky Raccoon), and Molly was from the song Obla De... Hubba was already named, so we relate him to the Yoko Ono period.

My daughter came up with the idea of Eleanor Rigby... and we loved it.  Here they are at just over 18 months old now.

 

 

ELLY

 

Girls first!   I have to admit it, Elly is probably my favorite as I have become 'her' human.  She loves to cuddle with me on the couch, or the floor, or anywhere I may be sitting.  She is such a sweet dog, but so darn naughty too.

She has chewed holes in the living room and backroom carpets and eats ear plugs any chance she gets.  She also eats poop and I can't pick it up fast enough when I let them out of their runs, I know, disgusting!

We had her spayed as I was not going to have 2 girls in heat at the same time ever again but I believe it has added to Elly's struggle to keep weight off.  She grows fat over night I'm sure of it!   Feeding her is a science to keep the weight from building on her and it doesn't help that she LOVES to eat.

 

When these two were just pups we took them to our friends farm to have them run in a team.  Rick watched the dogs for me and commented that she was pulling out to the side which showed possible signs of a leader.

He was right.

Elly runs so well in lead, she is an amazing little dog with so much energy to burn she and runs like the wind. She also loves to run and screams a high pitch wail when putting her on line.

 

Elly still needs to work with other stronger leaders as she learns her commands but I can see her becoming an excellent skijour dog and I cannot wait to get on skis with her.

 

RIGBY

 

Then there is Rigby.  He is our comedienne of the pack.  Extremely vocal.  Terribly hyper.  Overly naughty.  Crazy focused, or obsessed depending on what he is doing.  Exhausting at times.

If Rigby was a human child he would most likely be on Ritalin as he would have been diagnosed with ADHD... mixed with OCD as well.. when you start throwing his ball he cannot stop chasing and bringing it back, to the point of putting it on your lap if you ignore him.

 

He loves to be loved and to be the center of attention.  Pushing others out of the way so that he can be pet first and solely.  If there is a command chain to the pack order he would be second.  Penny still puts him in his place and he respects her for sure.   If his ball lands right beside her he will wait for her to move before grabbing it.

However he bullies all the other dogs, steals toys and bones from them all, in fact if they are digging a hole he will push them out of the way to take over.

 

Rigby has cost us a fortune in vet bills from his strange disorder called Pica.  He eats non-food items with his favorite being socks.  And not actually just eating them, but swallowing them whole.  He has had colitis and almost died from this.  We have to watch him like crazy and keep an eye on what is laying around the yard or house.

 

But he has been worth every penny as far as I'm concerned.  He is crazy focused and pulls like a semi truck.  He has boundless energy and when running the dogs he hates to stop for any reason.   Fast and strong with a love for running makes him the perfect sled dog.

I just wish he didn't make so much noise.. when we put him in the truck to head to the trails he cries the entire way there, and continues to do so until we actually take off from the truck.

 

Will these two be coming to the Yukon with me...you bet!

 



Time to Meet the Dogs - Rocky and Penny

PENNY

 

Five years ago we said yes to our sons purchase of three siblings from Richard Smiths kennel.... Five years ago our lives changed.  Five years ago our lives went to the dogs.

 

Penny was one of two females in the litter of pure bred Siberian Huskies, a bi-eyed Agouti with a strong personality.

In fact Penny is our alpha dog of the pack and because of this she can be a bit stand offish when it comes to humans.  She will sit back and wait for the others to come get their hugs and loves and then when she is ready will come for her share.  It is as though she would rather not be in the middle of a crowd, much too sophisticated to be in a muddle, actually I would say a bit of a diva.  Did I say a bit??

 

Penny hated her sister Molly, to the point of drawing blood and we were worried that she was a mean dog until we started introducing her to other non-pack dogs to discover she loves making friends and playing with new dog buddies... she just hated her sister for some unknown reason, and her sister hated her (Molly is the reason for the missing ear tip).   We were told once that female Huskies never forget and never forgive, and this was very true for these two sisters.

Sadly we had to re-home Molly, who ended up back with Richard and is in a happy place now.

 

Penny spent the first couple years of her life living in the same run with Oaky, an older experienced dog from the Wannamakers kennel.  Oaky taught all of her queenly, divaish ways to Penny, in fact  it turns out that Oaky was a great aunt to the three siblings so it was inevitable that we should have a princess too.

 

Penny loves to run, with me on a belt, with a scooter and in front of the sled... loves to run when it suits her... if there is a smell or something that pegs her interest then she will do a quick stop to investigate.  Her leader abilities were learned from Oaky and she knows all her command very well as for being a great leader... well again I say... if there is a smell or something that pegs her interest,,, you know the rest. 

 

Will she come to the Yukon with me... No... I have a feeling she is going to rebel with the distances that I plan to put on the dogs this winter.  She could surprise me, but I know my Penny Shpenny and it would be too much work for my princess.

 

 

 

 

 

ROCKY

 

Rocky my boy, brother to Penny, is a sweet heart.  A bit of a suck and scared of the kitchen floor.  He wishes badly that he could be the alpha dog and 'pretends' with Hubba and Rigby.   It is quite funny to watch as he bounces around them giving orders and trying to hump Rigby, he is usually completely ignored, making me feel kinda sorry for him.

 

There is a regal'ness' to Rocky in the way he sits with his front feet crossed watching the pack.  Or how he stands in perfect show form, his tail all curled up fluffly like over his back.  A tail he is very proud of I might add as no one is allowed to touch it... ever!

 

Rocky has surprised me this year with his running abilities.  Of course he loves to run, very much so.  His face seems to light up and he stands tall in his harness.  He has always been put in wheel and with his stocky build and strength it was a perfect spot for him.  This year however I noticed something in him when running doubles on the scooter with the puppies.  His ability to push them where they are suppose to go and his great listening skills to me when giving commands.

 

So when the snows fell and the sled came out I put him in lead... and guess what?  It is the perfect position for him.  I've been so proud of my boy.

 

Will he come to the Yukon with me?

I am hoping so.   We just have to work on our distance and getting him to eat on the trail, but I have a good feeling that Rocky will be with me in the North.

 



 

The three elders share a quiet indoor moment together.

Time to Meet the Dogs - Hubba Bubba

I don't think I have properly introduced my dogs to you and it is about time you learn who is in our pack.
Everyone has unique personalities with their own strengths that add to our little team.  Not everyone will make the team to the Yukon, but no matter they all have a special place in my heart.

Starting with the eldest dog and working down to the youngest I will attempt to bring you into my world of canine joy.

Hubba Bubba

 

This big boy is from our friends the Wannamakers kennel.  He wasn't a lover of long distance and they thought he might make a better small team or skijour dog.

Well, we've owned him almost 3 years and at 6 years old I'm still not sure what he wants to do.

 

He is a dog who thrives in a peaceful non-violent atmosphere... if anyone raises their voice he gets immediately stressed. 

Hubba lives to please and craves loving.... ALL the time.  His life would be complete if you could pet and stroke him 24/7.

 

As I mentioned already he is a big boy.   Arnold should be his name as he has a rather large chest and shoulders, unfortunately he is a 'tad' over weight too. *I hang my head in shame*

The weight however is coming off with a diet and lots of exercise, so I'm not too worried about him.

 

I cannot decide if he loves to run or not.  He seems to love running in a team and is an excellent leader when the moment presents itself... but he hates, HATES skijouring.  I have yet to have a perfect run with him on skis... now.... I should maybe correct myself here with this... he does skijour with me in a non-stressed atmosphere out in the mountains, but in a race setting.. no way.

In fact he doesn't love to lead in a race either.  He feels the excitement of the day and it stresses him out big time.

However he is an extremely fast dog, especially when he realizes he is heading back to the truck at a race... I've never flown so fast on skis!

 

So will he come to the Yukon with me?

 

Probably not.  He is going to be doing some long distance running this winter, I think he loves me enough to want to please, and in the back country of the mountains where it is a calm relaxed run I'm pretty sure I can get him to run with us.   But to race?  I would have serious doubts he would be happy in that situation... but we have 2 race seasons to sort that out... you never know.

A Life With Purpose

Life began for this little fella as it does for any, one full of hope.
Dreams for a life of joy and happiness.

Parents Richard and Betty James could never have imagined the success their child would obtain.  All from dropping tension springs.
His name?
Slinky

Do you have the tune from the 1960's commercial running through your head now?
"What walks down stairs, alone or in pairs and makes a slinkity sound?
A spring, a spring, a marvelous thing!
Everyone knows it's Slinky."

You're welcome

 Slinky found a home here in my house when my mom gave it to me as a gift. 
About a month ago.
It makes plenty sense if you know me.
Something to maybe share with the kids I work with.

What fun!  A great place for Slinky, joy, happiness, someone to play with him.
A toys perfect life.

Sadly this was not the ending to be for our dear little friend. 
Instead he met his demise amongst my two youngest pups Elly and Rigby.

Slinky in his prime

 

 Poor, poor Slinky

 



Tug o' War was the game played best with Slinky

 

 

Elly loved playing with Slinky

 

 Chewing on Slinky

 

Watching the springs bounce as she chewed

 

 Playing while resting your head on the arm of a couch creates the need for a nap

 

This Slinky no longer makes a Slinkity sound, but you can't say it's life was without purpose... I have two very happy pups.







You Gotta Love Huskies

When they are shedding you REALLY have to love your husky!

My Penny decided to wait until fall to lose last years winter coat.. and although this picture doesn't do it justice she looks so scraggly.

Walking through the house tufts of hair are left behind as though she is leaving a trail to follow back the way she came. 

Yes she is ashamed... not of the mess she leaves behind but of the way she looks.  Her whole life she has been called 'Pretty Penny' and she just doesn't know how to measure up to that name now that she looks like a rag tag.  And before you suggest brushing her... I do... it matters not.  After a grooming as she is walking away you can see chunks of hair poof out magically.

So for now as we wait for Penny to finish her blow we shall live, breath, wear and eat husky hair.

Mid Life Crisis

You could call my tattoo a mid-life 'little red sports car' if you want.

However it has lots of meaning for me.

I suppose you could call it a mid-life crisis what with the fact that I am turning 50 in less than 2 years, but it is much more than that.

The tattoo itself represents my learning not to care what others think of me. 
I am me and will not/ cannot change who I am.  Either you accept me or you don't, that is your choice not mine.

It represents my dogs, obviously, and even though I used Rigby as the face it is in memory of any dog who has been with me throughout my life.
Family dogs as a child and dogs in my own home as an adult.  Dogs that are no longer here on earth with me, but in my heart, and dogs that cover me in kisses every day.

Rigby's face embodies the focus that he was born with.  An extremely focused dog which is something I dig deep for as I prepare myself mentally and physically for the big race in 2014.
I'm also pretty sure he will be one of three dogs along with me in the Yukon.

This tattoo also represents the dog powered sports that I love so much.  Be it behind the dogs with the belt and my own power of feet, muscle and cardio, or on a scooter, sled or skis... It is the fun and joy I share with my dogs.

Lastly it is all about adventure. 
Adventures that are all about the life we lead, allow ourselves to lead.
Now that I've hit my mid life it is ALL about adventure.  Whether it is going for a tattoo, running dogs in the mountains, attending sprint races, running 5K foot races or taking an incredible job in a middle school, it is all an adventure.

And I'm out to find more! 

MY Perfect Life

I am full.

Happy.

Not everything is perfect... show me a perfect life and you'll see boring.
Oh yes there are times I would love to live boring... who doesn't?

I am surrounded by family who supports and loves me.. although there are times I wish they lived closer.
My world is filled with doggy love, which is the best kind ever... full of adventure and naughtiness.
A perfect job with awesome co-workers... and amazing kids.
A roof over my head... even though it leaks in places it's mine.

As I sat here writing this my two younger pups came running up to me and knocked me down to kiss me tails wagging.  Laughing as I sat up Rigby started singing to me in his rather loud voice with a big smile on his face.
Now if that doesn't add to my perfect life I don't know what would?

I cannot wait to begin full fledged training with these two.  They love me unconditionally and would do anything for me.  I sense an amazing adventure awaiting for us.

Working hard at getting myself into shape, and having completed my first ever 5K race, it is becoming clear that this 100 mile undertaking on skis is a dream turning into reality.

If you want something bad enough, and you're willing to make sacrifices, you can do it.

But first

You have to believe in yourself.