The cat run is open...

Last weekend I shovelled out the snow by the fence so the kitties could play in their enclosure. They thought it was a great idea, until they noticed the snow!

Hmm, maybe not!

Glacier won't get his paws wet!

For a former feral, Polly is very reluctant to go back outside!

Pete hung out in the window for awhile and debated.

Eventually, he braved the snow!

The snow should be all gone in a week or so. The cats will use their run much more often then!

Ivy

I just like this picture! Ivy is a cooperative model usually, but she always looks cranky in pictures. Her beautiful green eyes are hidden in this one, but her sweet little face looks purrfect!

She's our little grey princess!

Silversmithing

Last weekend, I took an introduction to silversmithing course. It was a lot of fun and a lot of work. Making jewellery is not easy work! The final project was a ring. This is mine.

The pawprint is in the centre.

With a heart on either side!

Now I have a whole bunch of new tools I want!!

Last run???

Well, it kept snowing all night last night and this morning we woke up to at least six inches of the white stuff. It looks like January outside, except there is light! So, like any self-respecting musher, I called in to work today and told them not to expect me! This can't last forever and I have to take advantage of it while I can! Plus I have close to 6 months of leave time banked, I can afford one mental health day!
So I hooked up a little team: Pingo-Paxil-Hobo-Franklin-Pacer.

Breaking trail is hard work! A six dog team would have been better or even 8--this was heavy snow! But Hobo really wanted to come today and he has to run alone. I didn't feel like messing around and adding sections to the gangline so I just took 5. Hobo is very powerful and he's like having six dogs most of the time anyway! The little dude lives to pull.

Down by the lake, the only tracks in the snow ahead of us were made by Daisy and Mac, who were running loose. It was perfectly still and quiet! Heaven on earth!!

Coming home was more fun and less work for all of us. The trail was already broke so the dogs could pick up some speed and I didn't need to help them near as much.


This very noisy flock of swans broke the stillness at one point, but they were lovely. Lots of swans are congreating out at Marsh Lake right now on their way to their far north nesting grounds.

I suspect this was our last run of the season. It's been a great year. Lots of snow, good weather, great dogs! The dogs have learned alot, I've learned alot and we truly are a team now. I'm a little sad to see the season end, but maybe if it stays cool, I can sneak in a run or two on the weekend!

Spring Snow storm!

Well, we thought spring was here, but it was a little trick!

We had quite a bit of snow left, but it was melting! Now there's more again!


At least it looks pretty again. Mud is so ugly!!


The dogs are loving it. They must have known it was going to cool of again. Not one of them has started to shed yet! They haven't been very active lately, but with the snow and cooler temps today, they are running around like little nutballs again! That's Pacer and Earle just finishing up dinner tonight.

I'm sure spring is on it's way, but she's taken a little detour!

New Camera!!

Oh, the poor critters! I bought a new digital camera a few days ago. I think the cats will all be blind soon from the flash! I am having a ton of fun learning how to use this new toy. It's a step up from my old point and shoot digital. Lots more options!

Twicket is a most cooperative model! He seems to actually like having his picture taken!

Ivy is less than impressed!

The dogs are posin' fools! That's Muskwa, Earle and Franklin trying to stay out of the mud in front of the house!

Antare talking up a storm from the top a dirt pile.

I'm off to play with this new toy some more!!

Happy Anniversary Kayleigh!

Today marks four years since Kayleigh joined our family. Course at the time, our family was much smaller--Kayleigh was dog #5! Kayleigh, as most of our dogs did, came from the local humane society. Adopting Kayleigh was a snap decision based on "that big dog shouldn't be in a little cage". Some days I think "oh, if I had only known what I was getting into", but I wouldn't trade her for anything.

She's a challenging dog. When we got her both her physical and psychological health were badly damaged. She weighed 77 pounds and had spent her life on a chain. Today she weighs 120 and has her own half acre pen to play in! My vet say she should loose five pounds. I told him he can come out here and tell her that himself! Kayleigh still hordes food. There is always a bone or a bit of kibble hidden in her doghouse, just in case I forget to feed her one day. Kayleigh has over come many of her isses--most importantly she no longer bites or snaps at people, but she has never forgotten that she used to be hungry!


Kayleigh is dog aggressive and a cat killing machine. We spent alot of money on vet bills before we gave up on trying to get Kayleigh to live with another dog! Since 8 cats live here as well, her house time is limited. When the ground thaws enough to dig post holes, she will be getting a new and improved pen. This one will be attached to the shop, where my husband spends hours every day, where my father-in-law carves daily and where there is a big wood stove for Kayleigh to sleep in front of. It's not the house, but Kayleigh will love it!Kayleigh loves giant tennis ball. Her favorite phrase is "wanna play soccer?" She's a great goalie! She is silly and goofy. She'll do anything for a belly rub.

She's been a great teacher! I've learned all sorts of things from Kayleigh and lots of new training techiniques. I've also found a few new trails--it's easier to walk Kayleigh on quieter trails farther back in the bush. I've even learned where the best porcupine hunting spots are--although I could have lived without knowing that. I also know that it takes 25 minutes to get from the porcupine spot to the vet clinic!

We call Kayleigh our problem child, but she is problem that we are delighted to have!

Happy Anniversary, big girl!