Summer at Summer Place II

Moving to Winter Blog

2009-09-10T02:45:00.000-07:00

Eos is recovering well from her surgery. We are moving our to our winter blog, www.winterspk.blogspot.com. Please look there for new kennel updates.

Peaceful River and Winter Blog

2009-09-08T03:48:00.001-07:00

Summer at Summer Place II will switch over to the winter blog shortly. We had a nice paddle on the Menominee River last night. Seems like it is a well kept secret as almost always this quiet . There were some fishing boats tucked into the coves.

The blue herons were out and about.

We will post the link to our winter blog shortly, probably after an update on Eos' surgery.

Eos and Zeus, early a.m. run

2009-09-08T03:41:00.001-07:00

Eos and Zeus and I went for an early run to beat the heat yesterday. It was already 50 degrees when we took off but I took them on some more new trails (to them). At first they didn't want to run the narrow trail through the berry bushes, but once they got it, they were happy to run up into the woods. Great dogs, so responsive and they had so much fun. Several deer followed us on the upper trail, including a buck but Eos and Zeus were just focused on running. Tomorrow Eos goes in for surgery so this was a fun run for her.

Trees

2009-09-07T02:50:00.000-07:00

The Town Road Commission has notified us that they will be cutting all of the trees within 33 feet of the centerline on our untraveled and beautiful old road. These includes the sixty year old towering red pines and many many beautiful maple trees. There are only three neighbors on this road and we're all upset by this.

Some research seems to indicate that we'd need 100 cars a day on this road to justify that, so we'll see if we can prove there are only four to five cars a day down this road. I clearly understand the term 'tree hugger' right now. Makes no sense to me and I can only imagine the dog's and wildlife dismay if /when that loud cutting would start, slam, crash. Not to mention it will look like a bombing on our beautiful road.

Prep Days and County Fairs

2009-09-07T02:46:00.001-07:00

We built a new pen for Eos' recovery from surgery. It is next to Lillen's and is in the very last spot available near the house. Inside we've put together a 'nest' for her to be in the days after surgery, blocked from the other house dogs. She is such a busily running laps kind of dog that we're hoping she can settle into the house without too much trouble. Of course, mostly we hope she will be able to have her surgery and have a recovery. Wednesday is the day for the decision making.

Happier note: we went to two county fairs with my two year old granddaughter, such a little sport she is!

This is a photo of her first pony ride.

Fun Run and Vet Visit

2009-09-02T07:44:00.000-07:00

Photos of Eos and Zeus on a fun run, such enthusiastic and fun to run dogs.

We had a kennel visit from our veterinarian, Dr. Pauline Schroeder yesterday for rabies updates and other checks. We did find a rather large tumor on Eos that is scheduled to be removed next week. We do hope it is not malignant, and in the meantime we want her to enjoy herself, which she obviously does on trail runs. Zeus will be lonesome for her when she is rehabilitating in the house. Weather permitting we'll get him out on the trails then, too.

Poem

2009-08-30T03:10:00.000-07:00

This poem was on Karen Ramstead's site, a memorial poem for Iditarod dogs...

> I'll lend you for a little while, > a Pup of mine he said.> For you to love the while he lives,> and mourn for when he's dead.> > It may take 13-16 years,> or unfortunately 2-3.> But will you til I call him back,> train/ take care of him for me.> > He'll bring his charm to gladden you,> and should his stay be brief.> You'll have his lovely memories,> as solace for your grief.> > I cannot promise how long he'll stay,> Since all from Earth return.> But there are trails and Lessons down there,> I want this Pup to learn.> > I've looked this wide world over,> in My search for Mushers true.> And from the throngs that crowd Lifes Lanes,> I have selected you.> > Now, will you give him all your love,> nor count the labor vain.> Nor hate me when I come to call,> to take him back again.> > I fancied that I heard then say> " Dear Lord thy will be done",> for all the joy this Pup shall bring,> The risk of grief we'll run.> > We'll shelter him with tenderness,> we'll love him while we may.> And for the happiness we've known,> forever grateful stay.> > But should the Silver Harness fit him,> much sooner that we planned.> We'll brave the bitter grief that comes,> and try to understand.> > "MOM, the trails up here are Heaven Sent,> made by non other than God.> WE'LL look for YOU and all the rest,> way up north... on Iditarod.">
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Dogs' Heroes

2009-08-29T03:49:00.000-07:00

Photos: Martin's/Frita's daughter, Yepa;

Rob with Zeus;

Frita;

Skinny, Buddy, Sierra;

Rob, Martin and Ruby.

Rob was yesterday's Dog Hero, walking Martin, Ruby, Skinny, Zeus, and Eos.

Remember the Doug Swingley poster that said, "Dogs Need Heroes Too?". Well, the SPK dogs have definite heroes, the people who take them for leash or free walks on long summer days.

Breeding

2009-08-24T17:56:00.000-07:00

Blog info is for our kennel records, but also info for anyone interested in reading about the kennel.

Miki and Julie Collins have a good discussion on breeding in their 1991 book, DOG DRIVER. I've referred to this book many times over the years for this and their many other chapters of good information.

They recommend that you not breed the best of the best dogs in your yard, but carefully consider the best bloodlines for improvement of the 'species'.

Of course there is no guarantee that good bloodlines will produce good pups and sometimes winning pups come from nondescript bloodlines. In a planned breeding, however, you want to enhance all the factors you can. Breeding for positive traits is very important, e.g. good feet, coat, temperament , speed and endurance.

See photos for examples of proven to be good breedings.

Photo: Lillen, an example of excellent bloodlines/breeding. Lillen is a gee /haw command leader, very responsive, a thinker/a doer. She is out of Sven and Troll from the Butcher /Monson kennel. Her littermate, Yuksi, has been a main stud for Jeff King's winning Iditarod teams. Our dog , Copper is also a Sven descendant and the new dogs, Zeus and Eos, are Sven descendants. Zeus and Eos go back to the winning leader lines for Susan Butcher of Mattie/Meggie. Competitive mushers are breeding in that old line vigor. Lillen is in left swing

(right in the photo) in the ten dog team photo.

Paired with Lillen is Ruthie, daughter of Skinny/Liller and also a high performance leader, fast and responsive.

Photo: The ten dog team in the phot9 is lead by Liller (Butcher, Iditarod 2001) and Buffy,

leader out of Liller and Skinny ( Aliy Zirkle/Jerry Louden Yukon Quest gee /haw command leader). Skinny's lines go back to Swenson's Andy and Attla's Lingo. Liller was a perfect gee haw command leader as well.

All of the dogs in photo except Lillen/Liller are out of Skinny/Liller. One wheel dog is their granddaughter.

Another Cool Day for Trailwalking

2009-08-23T17:58:00.001-07:00

Photos: Ruby and Martin; new doghouse in progress; Josie and Ruthie, with Jim.

We've started the new dog houses. 3/4 inch plywood, sides 2x3, roof 2x4, back 2x2. We've used this design about 50 times (no exaggeration).

It was a sunny day but not too hot for trailwalking. Ruthie and Josie , Zeus and Eos and Martin and Ruby were the paired walkers today.

Kennel Champs

2009-08-23T03:13:00.000-07:00

Photos: Top to Bottom, Eos meeting Skinny, Zeus,

Martin with Jim.

Each dog here is a champion to us, but some have gone some long miles in their lives, on race trails. When new dogs come here, the longer time residents like to be sure they are still just as important to us.

In these photos , Martin, on Aliy's Quest championship 2000 team, went for his usual walk with Jim.He's a very loving dog and usually won't go without me so I go into the house when he walks with Jim. He was honored with the first walk yesterday. His pal, Ruby, was along, too, but she was off and running before the photo.

Skinny (Jerry Louden's Quest leader) is King of the Jungle here, so he wants to meet the new dogs when they join us. Skinny has an injury that sidelines him a bit these days, although he still goes for trail walks twice a day. In the photo here, he meets Eos. Both Eos and Zeus have easy going temperaments, so the adjustment to

our kennel has been uneventful.

New Kennel Members, on the Trail (Walking)

2009-08-21T15:46:00.001-07:00

PHOTOS:

CHERRIES RIPENING.
EOS AND JIM.

EOS .

EOS.
ZEUS.

It doesn't take long for dogs to fit right in. Zeus and Eos, age ten, brother/sister, are acclimating very well.

They love their trail walks and they love their pen. Today Eos was burying an old toy of Tanni's and Zeus was eyeing the salamander that had climbed into his water pail.

Jim takes them for strenuous trail walks . He says they pull like draft horses and they do. Life is still in the laid back summer stages (maybe 'boring'?) but they are patient and very well behaved. Their father is Egil Ellis' Mike, and their mother is Susan Butcher's last main leader, Huslia so they certainly have pulling in their great bloodlines. Zeus was Susan's main stud in 2005.

Summer Trails

2009-08-21T04:27:00.000-07:00

Summer in Retrograde

2009-08-19T18:37:00.000-07:00

Well, the summer that wasn't much summer is starting to fade. New dogs, Zeus and Eos, have been lucky enough to not have too much heat/humidity, but the past few days have revved up some temps a bit.
Tonight we're facing thunderstorms and several dogs are tied for that since they try to rip their fences or jump them when the noise starts.

As I was just out settling them before dark, the coyotes were yipping up in the front of our land. They've ben very noisy the past few weeks, leaving scat on the trails, scratch marks, etc. The dogs do tolerate them quite well, not getting upset when they yip. The predicted thunder is expected to be the vengeful type so it may quiet all of them for a bit.

The trails are starting to turn brown, the early signs of autumn approaching. I like it! Dogs with allergies have had enough already.

Tonight we had seven does in for corn. Have had several bucks still coming in at odd times, beautiful racks, wow! Six, eight, ten points and wide spreads with tall spans.

Aliy Zirkle, Allen Moore , Natural Extremes Trips out of Nome

2009-08-09T04:18:00.000-07:00

Check out, www.naturalextremes.com for the upcoming 2010 trips out of Nome with Aliy Zirkle and Allen Moore, following Iditarod. Sounds like the best of the best for adventure mushing.

Alaskan Wildfires and Travel

2009-08-07T03:29:00.000-07:00

The Alaskan wildfire season continues to be challenging. Motorists are warned that driving on the Parks Highway compares to the hazards of severe winter driving, because of the poor visibility from smoke.
There are fire crews working along the Parks. We are glad now that we did not plan to travel to Two Rivers and Denali at this time (although we miss it!).

Zeus and Eos arrived at just the right time, getting out of the smoke. They are great dogs and went for their first run yesterday . It was a bit warm so it was just short, but Zeus is obviously a gee/haw leader and Eos responds to commands but not 'on the dime' as Zeus does, however she will run lead. What a treat to have them join us.

Photo: Denali view in wildfire smoke/particles under the full moon, from Talkeetna Air Taxi webcam. If you click on to enlarge you can view the fire particles in the air.

Zeus and Eos

2009-08-04T20:01:00.000-07:00

Photos hard to take as they were in continual motion, but what beauties they are.

We are so fortunate to have two new retirees living with us, Zeus and Eos. They are brother and sisters, age ten, from Trailbreaker Kennel, Susan Butcher/David Monson. What a treat. They arrived close to midnight last night and we spent today building new houses, cleaning up a nice pen for them. They were tied at first, but we soon learned what well behaved pals they are and they have the free run of Tanni's former pen, nice big trees for shade and a good view of the whole kennel. They met quite a few of the dogs today, through the fence. They are friendly and easy and so much fun. Zeus has the houndy yodel, something like Stella's (she lived with us for a winter and we always have missed her yodel).

Fires and Smoke Continue in Alaska; Wisconsin cool and rainy

2009-07-31T02:07:00.000-07:00

Just reading Aliy Zirkle's blog and the Fairbanks Daily News Miner , the wildfires and smoke continue in Interior Alaska. Aliy commented that training starts when the rains come and the smoke stops. The benefits of training in July do not outweigh the hazards, dust and smoke in the dogs' lungs, overheating, etc., not only in Alaska, but here as well.

We in Wisconsin have had an unusual summer, very few 'beach' days for families. I've only gone to the lake to swim once , very unusual. For the past two weeks we've had a front that has dense storm clouds, with rains springing up unpredictably and continual thunder storm threats. Again yesterday a dog escaped the pen while I was gone a short while, scared by the rains/thunder.

Far be it from me to complain about cool weather (although I do complain about thunder storms, not that it can help :). I'm loving this summer but am in the very small minority . It seems it has been warmer in Fairbanks all summer than here.

More Bucks

2009-07-26T03:47:00.001-07:00

Firemen Celebration

2009-07-25T03:06:00.000-07:00

Our small town is hosting 1200 firemen from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and NE Wisconsin. The town is overflowing with people and the celebration. Parade number one was held on Thursday night with more today. The weather has been rain and thunderstorms off and on, but they are still having a great time.

The photos are from the opening parade, a tribute to all of the hardworking men and women fighting fires.

Passing of a good friend, regional artist and author, Packy Eckola

2009-07-20T04:06:00.001-07:00

Packy Eckola, great friend, author and artist, passed away from cancer on July 12, 2009.

Best known perhaps for her book, HUGHITT STREET,

an historical account of life in the small town of Iron Mountain, Michigan during World War II,

she was also a prolific artist .

She directed many variety shows in the town of Crystal Fall, MI . Packy was a true patriot and a very good friend. She will missed by her family and friends very much.

Photos: Top,her rendering of Queen Anne's Lace, the cover photo for her last book,

WILDFLOWERS, 2008. Bottom, her painting of the old foundation at the front of our kennel land.

Packy's website: www. packyeckolasartbarn.com is still accessible.

Diverse Population

2009-07-19T16:47:00.001-07:00

Seems like the water trough is drawing in a bit of a diverse group.

Three Buck Scouting Party

2009-07-19T04:00:00.001-07:00

Raspberries and blueberries on the hill of the front forty are ripe enough for the deer. We met some on our morning run. This three buck 'scouting' party came through yesterday, beauties all. Berries are not quite as ripe where they were.

Bucks in Velvet

2009-07-18T04:20:00.001-07:00

Just glanced out the window about noon yesterday and these two bucks were out there together. Nice looking velvet.

Twin fawns

2009-07-13T04:02:00.000-07:00

First time we've seen these fawns in, Mama has kept them well protected. They look healthy and sturdy.

View Improves

2009-07-13T03:03:00.000-07:00

Today the view is clearing a bit at the Talkeetna web cam overlooking Denali.

Time is 22:55 PM so this is sunset in the land of the midnight sun.

Wildfires in Alaska

2009-07-12T02:53:00.000-07:00

100,000 acres of wildfires have occurred in this dry spell in Alaska, and many are still burning. The largest one is south of Nenana, so far. Smoke is prominent in the air.

Photo: credit to http://www.talkeetnaair.com/

a smoke shrouded view of Denali from Talkeetna. In clear weather the mountain range is prominent in this view.

Teaspoon of Rain

2009-07-10T03:43:00.000-07:00

Finally a bit of rain, and just enough thunder/lightning to make the dogs wild at 2AM. Now back to blue sky and heat for a bit. The berry crops will like this. The wildflowers don't seem to mind the arid and dry week we've had.

Summer Camp

2009-07-09T18:03:00.000-07:00

We have a nice empty pen with tall white pines (lots of shade) that is vacant now. Each day I ask one or two dogs if they'd like to go to 'summer camp' (day campers only) and they now know that means they leave their pen for the big shady pen with all of the toys lying around. It gives them a nice break from the summer monotony. We'll keep it as a play pen now as we don't need it for a regular home.

It was a hot one today after several consecutive cool days. I set up even more tarps to provide shade. The sun is so high in the sky that it's difficult to provide shade for consecutive hours.

We took a trail walk today with our new camera , trying it out. The sun was blazing and I was trying to darken the brightness, not too successfully. Even the machines hid in the shade.

Sierra, the little Elkhound, has the thickest coat in the kennel. I brush her every day and she always needs more brushing. She is in the air conditioning which helps her quite a bit with that thick coat. Hard on my vacuum cleaner, however.

Fourth of July, 2009

2009-07-04T18:18:00.001-07:00

Red, White and Blue Buddy.

Grandma and Fina.

Fina in celebration head dress.

Fireworks over the island with a full moon.

Tim's restoration project (1976 family Boston whaler; all redone mahogany wood and reassembly by Tim.) Renamed the

S.S. Play Pen for the grandchildren.
** **
We spent a nice Fourth of July weekend, first, of course, caring for and settling the kennel dogs. Then we went to the cottage to watch the fireworks, which were spectacular. Just now the local town fireworks are starting and the dogs are starting to agitate. I will be home for the night so they should be okay.

Today we went to the cottage to spend the afternoon with my granddaughter, Josefina, age two. She is adapting to water life very well, always wants her boat! It was an old fashioned cottage Fourth... hot dogs/hamburgers on the grill, marshmallows, root beer floats, a boat parade, a boat ride, a swim and then home to the kennel dogs.

I'm adding a photo of the dog I call the Red/White and Blue dog, Buddy. He's very soldier like in his behaviors, walks in perfect marching posture, has blue eyes, white fur and a red collar. He would look regal in a parade, we should try that with him one day as he is so proud to be noticed and appreciated .

Encroaching (on) wildlife

2009-07-01T18:55:00.000-07:00

Who encroaches on whom? They were here first? Today we met a snake, actually twice. First time I was on the ATV and nearly ran it over. It was at least three to four feet long, looked like a pine snake to me.
Will add a photo tomorrow. Later in the day the dogs in pen nearest the snake were pawing outside the pen. It was the shed snakeskin they were trying to snag. I think it is a pine snake, not sure, but it was hunting seriously when I interrupted it. They're not so bad if they just stay away from me and the dogs. Dogs have an instinctive dislike for snakes, it seems. They like to grab them and shake them.

Sow and three cubs

2009-06-29T04:08:00.000-07:00

Bears, bears, everyone has bears. For 15 years we've been bear free around the pens, but last night a sow came visiting with her three cubs. She stopped for a drink of water from the deer trough. Possibly it is the same sow I saw last spring out at the front forty gate. Whatever, I asked her to go away and she did. Hopefully she thinks this is not a good place to be. She came in from our running trail, so back to carrying the bear spray.

Another View

2009-06-27T03:42:00.000-07:00

The new camera has much potential but I need to study it to do a better job of photographing these beautiful flowers.

Secret Garden

2009-06-26T15:18:00.000-07:00

The top photo is of our 'secret garden'. The old stone foundation is a 'flower pot' for delphiniums and wild roses. It is just a beautiful riot of flowering plants and well hidden from the main trail.

There are some barn cats that like to go in there and Sierra (Elkhound in photo) is ever vigilant to see what is in there, now. Neighbors are all seeing bears, but we haven't seen any here.

We take our morning walks and the dogs free run in the morning, but the afternoons, whew!

Skinny went swimming with me today. It was my first summer swim and it was great. The flowers are still in bloom but they're getting fried .

If this keeps up, the blackberry blossoms will fry, too. There is a cool down in the forecast.

Record Breaking Heat

2009-06-25T03:59:00.001-07:00

Another relentless day of heat and sun, but this morning it is cool (57 degrees) and the sky is cloudy. Reminds me of how things grow in Alaska... the pines with their foot long new growth, the grass and tall field flowers, everything spurting up with the hot soil.

This flower is actually about three weeks late in blooming because of the late frosts. They are making up for it.

Hot Huskies

2009-06-24T02:51:00.000-07:00

91 serious hot degrees yesterday. We started early with feeding , watering and cleaning, but all the extras required in the heat took most of the day. At 3PM rather than their usual biscuits, they were very happy to have cold ice cream. Even in the heat they like their routines, however, so they did have their early a.m. free runs and house dog walks.

EVALINA... IN MEMORIAM

2009-06-23T03:38:00.000-07:00

EVALINA... June, 2003 to June, 2009

Evalina passed away yesterday, following her thunderstorm adventures with her pal, Tanni.

Evalina's injuries were more extensive than they first appeared. Stoic huskies do not present signs of pain very readily, perhaps a harking back to the wild need to hide one's vulnerability.

Her spine, colon, bladder were all injured and she had a very long puncture wound... all presenting a future of possible pain and infections for her. Evalina was six years old. Her mother was Liller and her father was Skinny. She was the smallest of the B puppy litter, shunned by her mother, but surviving by hand feeding. A tough little rascal, she was one of the fastest dogs in the kennel... one of the 'blacks' who are the sweetest, toughest, fastest and most frenzied dogs at SPK. Her spirit was indomitable but even in her toughness she could not survive this accident.

We buried her on the same knoll near the birch tree and the blueberries with Tanni. They are overlooking our trails and we will feel their presence with us. Godspeed, Evalina and Tanni.

Photo: One of many trail walks with Evalina out in front, Tanni on leash, Chena and Sierra.

Tannheuser (Tanni): In Memoriam, June19, 2009

2009-06-21T17:36:00.000-07:00

In this photo, Tanni is on the red line on the left. Tanni came to us a rescue from a dropoff at a farm as a pup, 13 years ago, 1996. On the same day, Sierra, on left in top of photo, came as a rescue from a dumpster. These two wonderful companions lived together, almost like a couple.

When Evalina had no other dog who would tolerate her, Tanni and Sierra took her in and learned to live with her. Tanni and Sierra ran a two dog team very well; Sierra led and Tanni never quit pulling. His first run as a yearling was ten miles. He is of possibly Siberian or Malemute heritage, with behaviorally seemd like he might have a mix of Lab (he loved retrieving his 'bunnies." He bred Scuba, our main kennel dog early on, and the pups, King , Power and Glory are still living here. Tanni was unique and sweet and tolerant and tough. He would pull with great honesty, sled or ATV.

In a pounding thunderstorm on the 19th, Evalina dug out and Tanni followed her out (he must have been very squeezed). We found him on 2st Crossing road, dead early in the morning.

He had been hit hard, and appeared to have died instantly, his position was still in a running form. We buried Tanni out by a birch tree and a blueberry patch where he can have a view of all of our activities from a nice hillside.

We love you Tanni and miss you so sadly.

Buddy and Sierra

2009-06-18T18:07:00.000-07:00

On an evening stroll.

Mow Mow Mow Your Grass

2009-06-16T18:13:00.000-07:00

And it keeps growing and growing. Next four days we expect rain, which is fine since it keeps the dust down in the pens, but the mower is going to mutiny soon.

My camera died so I ordered a new one. No photos tonight. A friend just called from atop Pine Mtn... she had just climbed the steps to the top and met a young bear ... he stood up and looked at her and she left on her way.

40 Days and 40 Nights

2009-06-10T04:01:00.001-07:00

Photos: Top, Lillen , age 13, on morning stroll.

Center, Skinny, Buddy and Sierra sleep away the rain, ages twelve and thirteen.
Bottom, Lillen, again, down by the lilacs, good smells.

And the rains came and it rained and it rained.

So, we work it in it and walk in it and sleep in it... the dogs adapt, the humans complain a bit.

Lilacs and Trilliums and Ticks (and Loons)

2009-06-07T17:28:00.000-07:00

So what IS the best tick prevention product? We are currently testing Frontline Plus and Bio Spot. We did the same thing last year. To date, the BioSpot is winning... i.e. there are fewer noticeable ticks on the house dogs with Bio Spot than with Frontline. However, Buddy had a skin plague of a sort and his second treatment was with Frontline... end of skin plague. Still experimenting, but we always know when the lilacs and trilliums blossom that it is the worst tick time.

The boats are in and today it feels like SNOW! This unusual photo is of a loon diving under our boat.

Tough Huskies, Home after Five Days

2009-05-28T03:35:00.000-07:00

Rosie, amazing little husky, has been roaming for five days in the fields and forests and is home safely, thanks to an alert neighbor a few miles away.

With just a small cut on her foot and a bit thinner from five days on the lam, Rosie was squealing with excitement when I crawled up to a fence with her favorite biscuit (she was spooked and didn't know me). So with huskies, always assume they are tough enough to survive. Wish she could tell her five day story as she was in some pretty wild country on her own.

Thanks to a great neighbor for his sightings and calls.

Apple Blossom Time

2009-05-26T03:54:00.000-07:00

And cherry blossom time. Everything is blooming and the bees/wasps/ hornets are out and about. The ticks are busy. The lawn mower keeps mowing. The dogs are digging. The dust is thick. And we are raking straw. Settling in for the long hot summer.

Wild Rose: The Last Rose of Summer Place

2009-05-23T03:35:00.000-07:00

Rosie, wild and free. Faster than Buffy, happy and she always comes back from her free run.

Known as Rosie Two, Rosie One vanished fourteen years ago. We won't choose that name again at Summer Place.

But, yesterday she didn't. While we looked everywhere, including the highway ( a dreaded task), she simply vanished. I expected she might return under cover of night if she had been scared by the local coyotes, but she has not returned. The dogs were quiet all day, knowing full well that she hadn't returned.

Opening up; Airing Out

2009-05-11T04:27:00.001-07:00

These dens are freshly 'opened' for summer with sand spilling out and the stench of fresh breakfast kill wafting over to alert the dogs on our morning run. The field camera caught a photo of a coyote heading to the den, so we're guessing that is the family living there.

Two Brothers: Drummer and Victor, In Memoriam

2009-05-05T03:33:00.000-07:00

Drummer and Victor were thirteen years old. Both large dogs, Drummer had loved being a sled dog/cart dog. Victor had spent his life just enjoying each day on his own terms, including not being at all interested in being a sled dog. They were born here and yesterday , they both died here. Drummer's spine had been deteriorating and Victor had a large open tumor. It is always very hard to part with long good friends. We will miss them very much.

BORN, April 23, 1996 (Stardust/Duke); DIED, May 4, 2009

Heading into Summer

2009-05-03T16:40:00.001-07:00

Well, we're back! Winter at the kennel was recorded at the winter blog, http://www.windypups.blogspot.com/. We are having that blog printed so we'll journal our kennel life
at this one for the summer.

It's typical Spring weather, one day hot, one day snowing. Today it is windy and the grass is greening.

Return to our Winter Blog

2008-09-07T03:47:00.000-07:00

This is the last post for Summer at Summer Place, 2008. It was a good summer in that it was not as hot as that of 2007. Dogs are in good shape, ready to run, and digging out. We hope to take a good run on Wednesday of this week. Thanks for sharing the loong days of summer with us via our summer blog.

Come to Windy Pups: www.windypups.blogspot.com

Happy Bucks

2008-09-02T07:51:00.000-07:00

The camera near the largest apple tree photographed several bucks in the past few nights.

We shake the tree each day so the deer can get the apples easily.

The blackberry crop has been stunted by the long drought. We are expecting rain tonight and hopefully it arrives... not in time for the blackberries, however.

The deer are pretty happy here though as we have a free zone with no dogs/people/machines where they congregate.

Two Notes: Ten Point Buck ; Alaskan Archives

2008-08-31T04:02:00.000-07:00

Two things:

One: The ten point buck was in at 7:10 PM last night, along with two does and two fawns. My camera did not get a good photo.

Two: Pasting below a connection to Alaska archives, some great links there... you can choose an era, a region, photos of interest, e.g. dog teams, etc. Not sure if this is 'clickable', but will try it.

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Collection Name
Fabian Carey Collection
Identifier
UAF-1975-0209-97
Title
A lineup of Dog Teams
Description
Title taken from caption. "A lineup of Dog Teams leaving Tanana for their Muskrat Camps in the Yukon Flats. 1925."
Subject.TGM
Dog teams Travel Dogsledding Log buildings Winter Fur trade Settlements
Location
Tanana (Alaska)
Region
Interior Alaska
Time Period
1913 to 1939
Type
Image (Photographs)
Ordering & Use
For information on ordering and using this material: http://www.uaf.edu/library/apr/photo_use_forms.html
Holding Institution
Alaska and Polar Regions Collections, Elmer E. Rasmuson Library, University of Alaska Fairbanks.; mailto:fyapr@uaf.edu --(907) 474-6594--PO Box 756808, Fairbanks, AK 99775-6808.;
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Apple Time

2008-08-30T03:16:00.001-07:00

Beautiful bucks, two of them, were in the other day. And this is not a clear photo, but one was a ten point and one was a six point. The apple trees are bending over this year with fruit, and I've started shaking the trees to bring them down for the deer.

Another happy apple eater appears to be the turkeys, who are especially prolific this year.

Teams :) of turkeys parade through here every day.

And the interminable dust/sand has knocked me down. I'm stuck in the house with lung problems... should have worn a mask on those sandy runs. Fortunately we've found a new helper this summer who can take over for a few days.

Leaders leading in the dust , dust, dust

2008-08-29T03:48:00.000-07:00

Buffy and Rosie hardly noticed the new machine behind them. They practically leapt into their harnesses on the one cool day we had for running. Seeing the deer by the apple trees kept their ears up, too.

It is dry and sandy/dusty... one night of 1/8 inch rain, but dust clouds everywhere. Having to water things down every day. Tough on our lungs.

Alaskan Oregonian Odyssey

2008-08-19T20:09:00.000-07:00

We are just back from our nomadic visit to Alaska/Oregon. My granddaughter, age 12, was a grand co-pilot as we took the winding , wet , mountain viewing roads down to Seward. We stopped at the Portage Glacier, visited and rode the cart ride at the Seavey sled dog kennel, toured the Sea Life Center funded by Exxon's settlement monies for the Valdez spill , toured the Anchorage zoo, and generally had a wonderful grandmother/granddaughter time together. The vast arrray of gift shops kept her happily moving along. My cell phone didn't work for which I was almost grateful.

From there we went to Portland, OR for more family visiting with my son, wife and grandson, taking day trips to Mt Hood and downtown Sandy and Portland. It was 100 degrees in Portland for two days... recordbreaking heat and even the top of the mtn didn't give relief. We caught some photos of a just starting forest fire, which had burned 516 acres last I heard.

Photo: Foothills enroute to Seward,AK, past Portage Glacier, Seward Highway.

Team Machine

2008-08-05T18:21:00.001-07:00

We received our new machine today, the Polaris Ranger XP. We took a family ride to try it out on our trails. We'll certainly have to do some cutting to make trails wider for this five foot wide machine. It is GREAT! a bit noisy, it scares the deer, but they will get used to me in it.

We are planning to use it to give rides behind teams for kennel visitors. Could use some help figuring out the hookup though as the front bars are too large for any carabiners... guess I 'll wangle a bungee on each side and attach the carabiners, unless any one reading this has a better suggestion.

North to Alaska

2008-08-02T04:07:00.000-07:00

Looking forward to a late summer trip to Alaska and Oregon with my granddaughter.

We hope to get to Denali Park and then back to Portland, OR to visit my son's family before they leave for their trip to Fedosia, Ukraine. Globe trotting grandchildren... who would have thought?

Summer Long

2008-07-31T04:00:00.001-07:00

The summer is long for dogs (and me), but it hasn't been as hot as last year. This week it is in the 80's , but, as yet, we've not had the 90's/100 of last summer.

This morning and eight point buck came in, just briefly, what a beauty! Too fast for a photo.

Photo attached is from the herd at the local park. We see only one doe with a fawn coming in each day.

With the berries ripe (blue and raspberries) there have been bear and fox droppings on the trails.

Skinny gets very excited each day as he runs with the ATV and checks the smells. The field camera hasn't been catching much other than deer and occasional birds, a turkey.

June Wolf

2008-07-20T04:05:00.000-07:00

Forgot to post this in June. At 6AM on June 16th I had just let Sierra (elkhound) out. I happened to look down to the deer feed and saw this wolf. Tried to photo it through the window, it is in between two water spot dots on right side of photo.

It came in quickly, looked around the feed area and ran back off into the woods.

Mama Mia

2008-07-19T04:03:00.000-07:00

It's been a quiet summer for wildlife... the pigeons and the deer move in and out and we've only seen one bear, via the trail camera. But, shhhh, we know where Stripey is sleeping nights, with his beautiful six point rack in velvet.

We've rigged a new lead on the ATV for Skinny so he can get his daily walk without pulling.

Since he is such a good leader, I hook him up on his collar, tell him to line out and off we go, down the trails. He meanders a bit to sniff trees, but always gets back on the trail. The lead has a bell on it, so when he hears it he's ready for hookup. Usually I wouldn't hook up any dogs in this heat and humidity, but it's a low stress way for him to get his short walks.

Beach Boys and Dogs of Summer

2008-07-15T03:59:00.001-07:00

Well, I sing to my dogs.... "Run, run reindeer" and "All the leaves are brown and the skies are gray, " so of course we had to to see the Beach Boys when they were here recently.

John Stamos joined the Beach Boys for a fun filled evening of great music. Missed Chubby Checkers the next night, but I do sing The Peppermint Twist to wriggling dogs.

Scare yesterday: Lillen ran off for 4 hours... she crossed the highway, the biggest scare. Neighbors helped me find her, a virtual needle in a haystack with all of the wild land around here. That ends her freedom to roam as I do yard chores... can't imagine what enticed her away as she's extremely reliable and obedient. But, good lead dogs do want to see what's around the bend. Whew! She'll be 12 in December.

Rivers

2008-07-10T03:23:00.001-07:00

Took a quick run to the kennel's river cabin last night. The Brule River looked a bit higher than usual. The Menominee has been high as has the Pine. Good paddling on all.

The berries (raspberry and blackberry) are going to be good if this weather continues. The bushes are high and full of green ones.

The dogs are restless and for the most part, well behaved. The storms have been too much for Lillen, Quattro and Balto... they're OK, but have had enough, already. Skinny hides in the basement in his own designated shelter under a table. Martin seems to be toughing it out better than he had in past summers.

Fourth Flowers Fina Fun Food Flags Family Friends

2008-07-06T19:23:00.001-07:00

Flowers and Cameras

2008-06-29T04:06:00.000-07:00

The wildflowers are beautiful and my camera can't do them justice. It is definitely moving into midsummer, and, with the cool days, the greenery has had a chance to flourish... tall ferns, tall weeds , tall grass. Now we're in thunderstorm season, which seems like every day to the frightened dogs. Add the firecrackers around to the thunder and the dogs are too often frenzied.

Off Topic, Perot website

2008-06-28T05:01:00.000-07:00

www.perotcharts.com

In this peaceful summer of an election year, I found this new website interesting (since I once worked for Mr. Perot ). Food for thought in the impact of economic tribulation, even in quiet dog kennels (dog food up $3 a bag, for instance).

We have never charged for dog sled rides/training, but this winter, with increased fuel prices , we will be asking a small fee for rides/training/use of dogs, equipment, etc.

Bear meets trail camera

2008-06-24T09:56:00.000-07:00

Looks like he's swinging his head side to side. This photo was in entry section to the backwoods trails, below the back dog pens.

High Water Tragedy

2008-06-17T16:28:00.000-07:00

One of our kennel friends, Troy, lost his life in a kayaking accident in the high water of the Popple River on Saturday. As previously noted, the Pine was very high on that same day.

Troy was an active adventurer and our dogs had some great times running trails with him. Troy and his wife, Kristen, stayed with our dogs when I visited Alaska.

High Water in Wisconsin

2008-06-14T16:25:00.001-07:00

We paddled the Pine River Oxbow today, my favorite spot. Usually at the put in you can see about three feet of boulder protruding... it was underwater today. In Northern Wisconsin we've had less rain than the Southern part of our state with its flooding.

It was a fast paddle with some chop and some headwinds, but thoroughly enjoyable.

Familiar landmarks were not easily seen, most covered with high water. The take out had water up the steps. It was a bit like trying out a previously unexplored river.

More Wildlife, Albino Crow?

2008-06-06T04:23:00.000-07:00

I've been noticing this white bird and thought it was a pigeon. The pigeons flock in and the crows flock in to feed on deer corn. But now I think it's an albino crow. I haven't read much about albino creatures, but will see what I can find on this.

Maple Flooring

2008-06-05T03:44:00.000-07:00

The forest floor is very interesting in the Spring. We are an unofficial tree farm, with maples far outnumbering the many species. Thousands of maple seedlings dot the 80 acres. Other prolific species are red pine, white pine, white birches, yellow birches, hemlock, balsam and also, there are many choke cherry trees. Oddly, I can only locate one oak tree on the whole 80.

If no cutting is done in the next few years, the white pines and red pines will begin to fill in the fields and we will become more forest like.

There was a doe standing in the upper field looking very ready to have fawns. She wasn't disturbed by me, so I will look again later in the week to see if she has fawns up there.

Walking Dog Friends

2008-06-04T03:14:00.000-07:00

Photo: Timber, Sulatna, Chena, Liller (all deceased); Frita, still walking with us!

Just a quick tribute to all of the walking dogs who are no longer with us. Every day was a grand adventure with each of these good dogs. We often met wildlife along the trails, most noteable, perhaps was the day we met a coyote who was eyeing a skunk... we did get away without a whiff. Or the day Timber treed something , which we still can't identify ( groundhog, baby bear, not sure). He also treed a turkey one day. Or the day Scuba went after a bear that was huffing and clawing a tree (two dogs and I turned tail but she investigated). There were a few porcupine incidents. One day Chena mistook a fat porcupine for her big beach ball, running to grab it with two front legs around it. After having the more than 100 quills removed, she never went near her big ball again.

One morning we were walking along and just over a blind rise came a fox. It leaped in the air and turned and ran from the seven dogs. None pursued it, not sure why.

Late Spring Blossoms

2008-06-04T02:38:00.000-07:00

Still a very late Spring, as we still have many blossoming trees. I counted 15 apple trees in blossom yesterday, (there are more, just not blossoming) simulataneously with all of the cherry trees. The daffodils never did blossom because of the frost/hail. And finally the lilacs are showing some color, possibly a month behind the usual.

Comparing winter to summer, winter wins hands down for ease of work. Summer requires hauling pails, everything, by hand (no toboggan, snow for sliding), mowing and mowing acres of grass (as opposed to breaking trails), trimming edges for bug control, brushing dog coats, raking and raking straw out of houses, dismantling doors (rather than just adding straw for warmth), but the most difficult of summer are the thunderstorms... the dogs just never get used to them. The hard driving rain is nice for a quick clean to pens, but it scares the dogs too much! It also seems a banner year for hornets and bees.

Most noticeably different: my walking partners are not with me this year... where I would be walking six/seven dogs last year at this time, the mainstays , Timber, Chena, Sulatna and Liller all died this past winter, mostly cancer related. I did take Skinny and Sierra for a short walk last night, but Skinny, great leader that he is , was just itching to fly off in search of great adventure. Sierra tries, with her short little legs to herd him, but he is beyond her capability.

Room with a view

2008-06-03T02:49:00.001-07:00

This is one of the things the dogs do for 'fun' in the off season. Frita and her 'kids' created this room with a view. This is their favorite house of six in the pen and looks like they wanted a picture window.

It's a colder than usual season this year... late blossoming for everything. I saw the first fawn of the season yesterday. The dogs are digging deep hideout dens and all are treated for ticks . I've had a few ticks on me but none on dogs so far. Martin was the first dog to get a spring bath, but with the dust it didn't do much good. Bought some new materials for a 'grand' dog house for Skinny, just off the deck. Amazing what is happening to prices for materials and dog food, with the increase in fuel prices.

With this cold season, the stores are late with kiddie pools, so we only have one in a pen so far.

Same Fox; Porcupine

2008-05-19T03:37:00.000-07:00

This is not a good photo, but it seems like a larger fox that is coming in at night to chase the birds. His visits have been at 7PM both nights.

Saw a large porcupine just waddling down the middle of my road, not too far from the pens , yesterday. I hope he goes far away.

Wildlife

2008-05-18T04:07:00.001-07:00

Signs of wildlife everywhere. Saw a fox run in fast to try to catch pigeons eating deer corn last night, but the birds quickly flew away. Since we lost Solo (Anatolian, livestock guardian) a few years ago we've had much more wildlife closer in.

The does are looking ready for having fawns, maybe already having them, but ones coming in are still heavy. Solo guarded a newborn fawn one Spring.

This is a den that seems to be getting bigger, looks like a fox den, possibly. Lots of scat on the trails, photo'd some, large, 5 inches by one inch and scratch marks with 1/2 inch between the claws, same site. Yo enjoyed rolling in it. :( Not catching anything on the trail cameras though.

Wildflowers and More Chena

2008-05-17T04:16:00.000-07:00

The wildflowers are finally coming up... cheery sentinels of Spring. The cherry trees are just starting to blossom out and I've seen hepatica and wild violets and Dutchman's Breeches... very beautiful.

I had to make a list of the many, many things I miss about Chena... it helps a bit to do that... first is, her beautiful velvet ears; next, how she walks me to the coffee pot and computer first thing in the morning. Next, how she barks to keep me on schedule and not lollygagging about in here. Next, hearing her nails clicking in the night as she looks for me. All dog lovers can relate to the memories and the loss. Especially I am grateful to have been able to know her. Sometimes we take them for granted. Hopefully they can take us for granted, too.

Chena, Best Friend

2008-05-15T03:25:00.000-07:00

CHENA, IN MEMORIAM 1992 - 2008

Chena, chocolate Labrador Retriever, steadfast, loyal, funny, guardian, shepherd, constant companion, guide, conscience... finally, at age 16, she had too many problems to be safe or comfortable and we euthanized her yesterday, peacefully , in her room , at home. Our vet, Pauline and her tech, were very kind to come here . All of the dogs recognized Chena as matriarch over all.

Known as Chenarene, Brown Dog, Diver Dog, Sweetie, Thurmer, there were many nice stories about her. Of course, she loved to retrieve tennis balls and chase birds. Her favorite place was the lake. We had found her abandoned and pregnant, (she had been shot, the bullet is still in her neck)... we brought her to live here and she became my best friend. Her pups were born two weeks after she came here , on Easter Sunday, 1999. We placed all of her pups through lab rescue.

When she was still agile enough, she would sit on my sofa when I was gone and bare her teeth at anyone trying to sit on it. She often slept with me until she couldn't get up on the bed anymore. In her last days she would pace all night, look for me, find me, settle down , then up and pacing again. She had pain, various disorders, but always loved food until the last few days. She always sat at the computer and the piano with me. The loyalty of our dear Lab is irreplaceable.

Yo and his tennis ball

2008-05-09T03:20:00.001-07:00

Speaking of patterns, Yo loves to play with his tennis ball, and now that we can't lose it in the snow, he's happy again.

Still no flowers: last year daffodils, all the cherry blossoms, wild violets were blooming on May 8th, on granddaughter's birthday. Yesterday she was one year old and she is adorable.

Patterns

2008-05-05T04:16:00.000-07:00

Back to the summer pattern of trail walks, etc. Since we lost three of our trailwalkers this winter, we are trying more dogs as free running trail partners. For the most part, the males have to be leashed. Lillen, female, goes with us, but runs her own route. No wildflowers yet, looking though.

Slow Greening

2008-05-02T03:38:00.002-07:00

The fields and trails are greening up a bit. Today and tomorrow rain in forecast so it will help some more. Seems like it's slower than most years. There is still ice under some straw in the pens as I rake it out, not unusual for early May. Hauled six more heavy loads yesterday.

Leader Training, Straw

2008-04-30T17:42:00.000-07:00

Today was our first chance to try Copper in lead. He can be so excitable that he nips his partner but, Buffy , his co leader is very savvy. Copper was a pro. As is often the case, he appeared very proud to be in lead. He took to it like a duck to water. He listened to every command, even on trails he hadn't traveled before. He was not hesitant at all and led out from the start up. He took gee/haw and changes at last minute, very well. He impressed the socks off of me, no nipping or goofing off either, just all business. I think he's easily the strongest dog in the kennel too. Good job! Team dogs were great too, Kiddo, Zoom and Sherpa.

It was too warm for any other teams after that so we hauled nine loads of straw, another good job! That makes a total of 16 loads, only 60 or so to go :)

In photo: Copper, on left ; Buffy, on right; Sherpa behind Copper; Zoom behind Buffy; Kiddo in wheel.

Finding good things

2008-04-29T03:46:00.000-07:00

Martin loves toys . Several of the dogs have retrieving instincts... Martin's pups, for instance. Yo, a Martin pup, waits every morning for his chance to chase and retrieve the tennis balls. He could care less about running in harness.

Others are just befuddled when I throw a ball for them. They look at it,

but are disinterested.

I'm rereading the Raymond Coppinger book, DOGS, and always find interesting his description of behaviors in huskies, border collies, Anatolian shepherds, livestock guardians in general, etc.

Moving Blog Again; Spring Trail Run

2008-04-28T02:27:00.000-07:00

We've had some trouble publishing at our other site, so we will try this for
our Summer 2008 Blog.

Summer at Summer Place II.

We had a nice trail run yesterday, Buffy and Lillen in lead; Herman and Rosie in wheel.
Rosie ate her harness in her excitement, usually a no-go offense, but she was so happy that we reharnessed her. We had hoped to do a couple of small teams, including trying Copper in lead but the sun was hot, altho the temps were only in the 30's. Maybe today.