Sunday, December 29, 2013

Aging

It's tough to watch our once strong, young dogs age.  Yesterday we ran the team up at Lost Trail on some beautifully groomed trails (http://www.ravallirepublic.com/lifestyles/recreation/article_c8deaa76-6f5b-11e3-8d47-0019bb2963f4.html). I started with Tensaw and Isis in lead, Flier and Tank in swing and Paluk in wheel.  Tensaw was having a hit or miss day.  He ran the team past a dog on the trail (UNHEARD of for this boy, I was so proud) but kept diving off the trail into deep snow to roll. So unfortunately he lost his spot in lead and Tank joined Isis in lead. It still wasn't great, but at least Tank was keeping us on the trail.

The pace was fast and Paluk was having trouble keeping up.  Unfortunately, I had to slow the team so Paluk could keep going. Paluk has never been a speed demon, more about steady strength than speed, but she has been noticably slower this season. She will be 10 next summer, so it's not overly suprising, but still sad to watch.

This year is a building year so we probably won't do much racing but if we do it'll probably only be the four dog classes in the Darby Dog Derby and/or the Priest Lake Sled Dog Race. The 4-dog team of Tank, Isis, Tensaw and Flier is pretty fast, that would be our best chance of success this season. I dislike racing in the 4-dog class anymore because those races in Western Montana and Idaho are mainly filled with juniors and not considered a serious sprint race category.

Unfortunately on our run yesterday both our cameras decided it was too cold to function, though it wasn't. Sorry, no pictures this post!

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Joined by the Little Musher

Today the team and I ran with our little musher (not the littlest musher, he's yet to experience the fun). It was a good run.  There wasn't much snow, but enough to sled on. Good puppas!

Tanks' been quite the leader lately.  He takes a number of corrections during a run to keep focused but other than that he keeps us going and listens to me.  What more could a musher ask for?



(Special feature: conversations with a 3 year old while mushing)

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Season Opener

Today we went for our first run on snow of the season. The team is small.  Okie is still weaning her puppies, out of shape and not interested in running with the team.  Blue and Kona are retired and just went for a truck ride.  The boys both did not want to ride in the sled today, so it was just the team and I.  They put in a solid 5-6 mile run and it was enjoyable. Tank did well in lead.

Tank (lead), Tensaw and Paluk (swing), Flier and Isis (wheel), Brandi (musher)



Puppies getting a little running in!

 Go puppies go!
Buzz.  Curious little guy!

Buck


Saturday, December 7, 2013

Introductions

I thought you should officially meet these little ones.  Meet the "Saw Litter"



Whip
She is the most active, crazy, playful one of the group.  She's a bieyed sweetheart and loves attention. She's going to be the beauty queen of the group.  Quite a looker. 



Buzz
This guy is a little more reserved but still affectiate and playful. He is also bieyed.



Buck
This big blue eyed boy is the biggest of the group but very shy and takes some time to warm up to you. But when he does, he loves to cuddle and hold on tight.

 

Jig
A blue eyed beauty like her dad (Tensaw).  She is friendly and playful but very polite, with just the right amount of respect for her littermates and humans.

Friday, December 6, 2013

Musher run

We feel its important for the mushers to be in shape too. Hence why I'm out running in 4 degree weather. 

Its important for many reasons: your health, your energy level, your ability to help (run or pedal with) the team when needed, and the better you feel the better you can care for your team. 

Not to mention, if I'm "asking" them to run in this weather, I should be able to do the same. (Note it is really never asking them to, it's letting them)

Love your puppas!