Celebrating our first litter

Our first litter, Anuk's litter, was so long ago!  The 4 I have from this litter are now eleven years old!  I originally kept Kubota and Triton, the only 2 boys, but Emma (Leigh) and Darka came back home later and stayed.

At the time of this litter I was still dating my now husband and it was wonderful to include his family in the fun.  My step daughter Alisha still loves Triton and calls him Fluffy But.

The photos below are from a puppy play date at the Berg's house.  They had a litter almost the same age. A few of the people who were getting puppies were there plus some house guests/friends of mine.  It was really fun!

It's strange to finally be doing a dog sled tour business after all these years with these dogs.  2 of this litter retired last year after doing one dog sled tour.  (2 carried on for the rest of the season).  Ironically doing dog sled tours is just what these guys excel at.  They are so friendly and have such eye catching beauty, they pull hard and true in harness, they really are great dogs to work with.

Of the 8 pups only 6 are still alive. Nushka was shot by a neighbor in Vermont, Charm died of liver issues. Two are treasured house pets (Perkins, Juneau).   And as I said 4 live here: Kubota, Triton, Emma-Leigh and Darka.

A lapful of pups with Emma closes to camera, Kubota's face poking out to the left and Triton face half visible on the right as he burrows in.

Jacci holding Nushka.  Love at first cuddle.

Emma's intense and joyful eyes.

In the dog boxes to go home: Perkins, Kubota, Darka and Emma.

Be (Rebecca) holding the dark faced pups: Kubota and Darka.

Rick Holding Emma, Triton and Charm.

-Miss W
Owner and Musher
Barking Brook Sled Dog Adventures, llc

http://www.Barking-Brook.com

Best Friends till the end

Siepa passed away yesterday afternoon. He was in the kennel with all his friends and fellow retirees in the play area. I thought he was sleeping at first, the scene was peaceful. It was a shock and I am having a hard time wrapping my mind around the loss of such a soulful and loving dog, who has been with me since our first dog sled ride. He was one of the first sets of pups and his age mates were the first team. I got him and his sister Nikka right after I bought and moved into my house.
He was a loyal and incredibly loving dog. He was a wonderful lead dog and handsome. His brown eyes were sooooo gentle and told me volumes. I always knew how much he loved me.  Even when he became very sick, our time together was special and he was loving and generous to my daughter Emma.
He is burried right above Blanche in our back pasture. He is wrapped in some favorite batik material of mine, harness between his paws, a love note pressed against his chest.
I hope everyone who reads this knows the true love of a loyal dog.

Hard weather to be old and furry

Mother nature is throwing us some serious heat.   It's not good for the old dogs, especially Siepa who is not doing well healthwise.  He is only 12, and only retired from running on the dog sled tour teams last fall.  But he has a tumor in the sheath around his heart and fluid is backing up in his system despite medication.  he will not eat much (if anything) no matter what offered.  I feel bad for him, and am giving him as much time and love as he seems to want.  What he really wants is some crisp fall weather I am sure. But he enjoys the slow walks with my daughter, mostly poking around the yard, and the adoration I am raining down on him.
He was a great lead dog in his prime, one of those you keep in your backpocket and can bring you home from anywhere.  He learned commands all on his own, from other positions, and one day just floored me showing me he knew them all!
Siepa is one of those dogs who has the most loyal way of loving his person.  ME!

I am grateful everyday I am not one of those heartless people who give away their dogs at the slightest sign they are old, slow or troublesome. It's a compromise, sure, we are not headed for fame and fortune or (puke) cashing in on puppy sales to the aspiring.  We are just US.  Happy.  Together.

-Miss W
Owner and Musher
Barking Brook Sled Dog Adventures, llc
http://www.Barking-Brook.com

Denali...a super cute super furry hot ol gal

Hanging with the hot old dogs

Nikka and I watching the buckets fill. It is hot today and tomorrow is going to be worse.

Please brush me...I am hot and furry...

Awesome Blossom loves to be brushed and groomed and regularly hangs out on our old grooming table. Don't worry Blossom! I will get to you soon! Her daughter Sweet Tart also loves to be groomed. It's funny how some dogs love it and some act like it is torture.

Sweet old Siepa

Siepa is 12 and not feeling so great. So we are trying to give him special time. Emma says "he needs Emma-time!".