Bears

My last post didn't publish so will repost. I met a bear on my lawn mower. She was fairly large so I thought she might be a male. She watched me slowly meander past her and I didn't have much of a choice but to keep going. I went back on a safer machine with my camera. She had two cubs way up in the large tree.

Cruising on

It's summer that is cruising on, although the weather is chaotic, cold/hot, wet/dry.

Aliy's 2011 Iditarod notes are starting on her blog, www.spkkenneldoglog.blogspot.com.

It's always an amazing and detailed account of her full Iditarod... great learning for anyone who reads it.

We have two helpers this summer, Tanner, a young musher, and David, an aspiring musher.

The dogs are happy to have their level of activity and attention. We have visitors who enjoy trail rides and meeting the dogs.

Our older dogs are still doing their best but are winding down with some major health problems.

Martin is probably the healthiest older dog here, although fully blind Skinny, continues to trail walk and they greeted each other on the trail yesterday. Skinny knows Martin by scent and you can only wonder what they think or if they recall being pups together in Two Rivers, AK. Two great dogs, for sure, and we always wish they could tell us their thoughts. Lillen continues to have jaw problems but meds and gentle handling seem to keep it under control. Glory's rapid tumor has returned but she runs like a pup. She is the last of Scuba's pups we have. Sierra is losing mobility and eyesight... but for now they still get out and about and seem to be happy with each day's events.

So for now, each day is jampacked with activity.