It's A Sibe's Life

Dakota Moon Twenty

2009-11-16T23:40:00.002-05:00

We helped Dakota to the Rainbow Bridge earlier this evening. She simply could not overcome the damage done by the kidney failure.

Dakota Moon Twenty

September 13, 1999 - November 16, 2009

Our hearts are broken, but will heal. Godspeed my baby girl. We'll see you again someday.

Thank you all for your love and well wishes over the past several days. Dakota knew she was loved by many.

"'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all."

Alfred Lord Tennyson

Dakota update

2009-11-15T17:01:00.002-05:00

Hello to all of our friends.
Dakota did not respond well to the IV fluid therapy, and we decided that we would bring her home so that we could love and comfort her. She doesn't have much of an appetite, and we are doing what we can to encourage her to eat and drink. She's weak, but she is interacting with the family and interested in her surroundings.
We've done what we can for her medically, without subjecting her to even more time being poked and prodded, not to mention away from home.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.

Love,
Dakota's family

Update

2009-11-08T16:08:00.002-05:00

For the past several months, we've mentioned from time to time that Dakota was diagnosed with Acute Renal Failure earlier this year. She had done quite well, maintaining the best blood levels and her weight. As little as six weeks ago, she was still good.

On Wednesday of last week. She seemed a bit out of sorts. We went to bed early, and in the wee hours, she fell off the bed. She took a bit to come out of the fall - concerning since she has a history of seizures as well - so I took her to her vets first thing Thursday morning.

A review of the blood work showed a dramatic increase in the blood levels that we were monitoring. She was started on IV fluid therapy, and has been in the hospital since Thursday morning. We were very hopeful that this would go a long way toward getting her back to the maintenance status we had enjoyed, and until earlier today, it looked like it would do so.

I heard from the emergency vet a little bit ago, that they had decreased her IV intake as a result of a concern about weight gain (about 2.6 pounds since Friday evening). Today's blood work showed an increase in certain blood levels, as well as an increase in the calcium level, something we had not seen prior to this. They have given her a light sedative, and have inserted a catheter to help us measure the input and output. She will go back to her vet tomorrow for further evaluation.

For now, we are trying very hard to keep a positive outlook, and hope and pray that we can have Dakota home with our family.

As we get more information, we'll share with you.

Dakota's Family,
The Mom, Momma Bev, Bandit, Sadie, Molly and Pedro the fish

Snow report!

2009-09-28T20:50:00.002-04:00

There is none. That's my report.....................

But it is nice and breezy and about 60 degrees outside here. It's supposed to drop to the 40's tonight, which means I am going to squeeze in an evening nap, so I can get The Mom up two or three times tonight. She never knows if I have to potty or I am faking it to go outside!
All remains well here. Bandit is getting a bit slower, but he's still a big barking labbie. The new pup a few doors down was walking his people tonight, and Bandit started to bark as soon as he saw them. The pup seemed to want to walk across the street after that.
The Mom spent many hours in Molly's room yesterday. It's almost Colorfest time, which means my Nana will be here soon with donut holes! I can't wait. She brings us stuff when she comes, because she knows if we are eating or playing, we'll leave her yarn alone. She makes pup blankets and people blankets I'll have to get The Mom to drag out the flashy beast and get a picture for you. Bandit's blanket is particularly nice.
Yawn...... off to nap.

Home Improvement

2009-08-10T20:36:00.007-04:00

Pups and kitties - remember these words. Home improvement. Now, if your people ever utter these words. Run. Pack your bowls, see if you can tuck the laptop in your puppacks and get OUT!

The Mom decided the home needed a little improvement. So, she hired this really nice guy to come in and do lots of stuff. He came in, and he put stuff everywhere! My stuff, stuff The Mom bought. Stuff I didn't even know we had. And they covered up the laptop! They covered up the door to get to the laptop! So I haven't been blogging. But, we now have...............

New counter tops for me to surf on - the new dark color really hides the paw prints!

Chilly square little tiles. Oh, they're in the bathroom, which is a NO DOGS ALLOWED room. So I'm not supposed to know this. Shhhhhh............ don't tell.

A new kitchen floor. I'm not sure about this though, our bowl slide a LOT.

Now, they did one or two things I didn't approve of............ like...................

Yeah. They took the doors out. On a rainy day. Rain in, the lovely cool air out.

Then she decided last week to paint my bedroom! I got ousted! I had to sleep in the hall! It was horrible, just horrible.

"My gosh, Bandit, the next thing you know, we'll have to sleep outside in the dog house!"

So pups, if they say 'home improvement' - run! Who knows what is next? My blankie redone?

A special request

2009-08-06T09:22:00.003-04:00

Hi there all pups and kittys!
I apologize for not posting in a while, and I assure you it's The Mom's fault!!! But more later on this.
We just found out that next Wednesday, August 12 has been declared "Adopt a less than adoptable pet day!" by those folks at Petfinder!

What does that mean?

Well, did you know that big black dogs........ like Bandit!........ and senior dogs........... like ME! ......... are harder to find a good home for???? Well, we just need to put a stop to that. I assure you, there's absolutely nothing wrong with a big galoot like Bandit or a delicate mature woman such as myself. WE MAKE VERY, VERY GOOD COMPANIONS!!! So, if you're thinking about another furbaby, think about taking a second look at a less than adoptable pet! You'll be awful glad you did.

Spring

2009-04-18T19:02:00.002-04:00

I was laying around in the freshly mowed grass, making sure my nice white belly got a little of the green on it, and I thought, well, I haven't blogged in a while.
So here I am.
We got lots of questions about our last post, and yes, I can now confirm.
THERE'S ANOTHER STINKIN' CAT IN THE HOUSE!
Now, no offense to Huffle or any of the other kitties out there. I love you all. And I love you all because you don't live in my house!
Molly, the new cat, is staying with us while Momma Bev's dad is in a nursing home. See, Molly was his cat, and now he can't take care of her, so I have to take care of her. She's not furry nice. She's ok with The Mom, and she likes Mamma Bev too, but she does not like me or Bandit. She hisses, and she swats at us!
Is that any way for a guest to behave? I think not!
So, she lives in the 'guest' bedroom most of the time, and she comes out when The Mom works on her laptop or watches TV in my room.
I guess my readers want to know that I'm doing well with the kidney thing. I take pills, and I'm getting some tasty rice and chicken pretty much each meal. I even gained three pounds! My Dr is happy, and right now we're waiting for the latest test results to come back. I'll have to post when they are in.
Ok, so , that's the update.
Back to that nice newly mowed grass for me!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-03-25T19:46:00.002-04:00

Charlie the Cockatiel

2009-03-03T20:45:00.002-05:00

Sad news today. Charlie the Cockatiel, my very own bird in the house, went to the birdie bridge. He was furry old, 21 years!
The Mom and one of the kids adopted him about a decade ago, after his first owner had to go to a rehabilitation center. They also adopted Molly the Cockatiel - Charlie's birdie girlfriend - at the same time. Molly went to the birdie bridge some time ago.
While we are sad, we are also happy that he had many good years with us. The Mom hasn't been able to locate a picture of him yet, if she does, I'll post it.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-02-25T20:19:00.004-05:00

Sadie, the sister cat in her sleepy basket.

NOT Sadie, but living in the guest room.............

In Every Pup's Life......

2009-02-22T16:59:00.002-05:00

........there comes a time when they have to go to the vet! My time was a few weeks ago, and little did I know what it would bring.
See, The Mom thought that I needed a super duper teeth cleaning. She had just had her pearly whites all polished up, and she thought it was time that I mine all shined up too. So, as part of my senior visit, the vet agreed that it was time and they checked me out to make sure I was OK to sit in the dentists chair.
They snatched my blood!!!
Yup, they poked a sharp thing in and took my blood from me.
And they tested it.
After the test, The Mom and the vet decided that they would not make me sit in that chair after all.
It seems that while I'm all furry and fabulous outside, my insides aren't working as well as they could. My kidneys need some help. So, now, I'm taking pills. Not too bad, because they are wrapped in bread and jelly or some fake cheese. Oh, The Mom doesn't know that I know about the pills, I just humor her and eat them with the good stuff!
I'll be seeing the vet in a few weeks to get those kidneys checked out again. In the mean time, I'm keeping The Mom busy, making her get up, put me out. Let me in. Put me out. Let me in. You pups know the routine.
Just about time to go out again!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-02-11T20:13:00.001-05:00

On being a puppy.......

2009-02-05T20:35:00.002-05:00

Colby and the kid visited again. I have my doubts about this little guy. I mean, who lays like this? And naps?

Wow!

2009-02-01T11:40:00.005-05:00

Over the past few days, since we aren't going outside much because of the stupid, stinkin' ice, I've been trying to catch up on friends blogs and visit new friends. Imagine my surprise when,

well, I figured out that I've been missing a lot!!!!

I got this award from Khyra! It's the Proximity award and I am quite honored that she shared it with me! Here's the text that came along with it:

"This blog invests and believes the PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships! These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

Wow! I'm honored to call Khyra and her mom friends and thank them for this. My eight will be coming up shortly!

The whole SMS gang received this one:

Those pups and kittys at SMS are some really great friends. I'd like to give this to my readers. If you leave a comment, I always go check out your blog, and I must say that each and every one of you deserves this! Blogging is such fun, and so many pups are so creative! Check them out!!!

And finally, this one comes from Khyra too!

In light of my recent kitty rescue, and because Khyra is one of my sister Husky girls, I'm giving it right back to Khyra. Thank you and your mom for being our furiends!!!

I'm a hero!

2009-01-29T19:34:00.002-05:00

Yup. I know I shouldn't be wooing my own horn, but I'm a hero! The Mom told me so.

It's been furry cold here, and all of my wonderful snow has turned to ICE! It's so bad, that we have to go downstairs to go outside to potty - the deck steps are too icy for us to use. Last night, Bandit's Momma took us downstairs to put us outside.... and Sadie the cat snuck out with us!!!!! She's not an outside type of kitty, she's furry old (The Mom says she's 19 or 20 years old!!!) and she doesn't have good outside fur like I do. But she went outside and started to escape! I knew she wasn't supposed to be outside, so I chased her behind the woodpile, and kept her there until The Mom could get outside to get her. I got extra pets and even some livergreat for being a good big sister and helping The Mom get Sadie back inside where she belongs!

I guess this shoots my plans for HULA membership!!!!???

Mother Nature......

2009-01-27T20:00:00.003-05:00

Finally got off her butt and dumped some snow in the Catoctin Mountains! Two lovely inches of the white stuff and more to come! Here I am outside enjoying the snow:

That's the only really exciting news I have. January is tough around here, The Mom is at work all the time and she's not spending enough time with me. I keep telling myself that someone needs to pay for the pup food, and it may as well be her! Even Bandit's momma is working right now. It sure was nice to have her home for a while...... sigh. We need to talk to her about that.

The Start of a New Year

2009-01-04T16:18:00.005-05:00

Welcome to 2009!

2008 was quite busy. I'm guilty of often not getting enough time to blog and, just as important, not getting enough time to read blogs. I'm going to try to get to visit lots of new blogs this year.

I got to meet young nephew Colby over the holidays. Here's some pictures!

Here's Colby chewing on a stinky old tennis ball - note his brand new toy right next to him!

And here we are after opening presents on Christmas morning!

He's a little guy, only about 5 pounds. His head fits in my mouth! And I probably won't reveal how I know that. We get along OK, but he has some Sibe rules to learn before he comes again. Oh, and he still poops in the house. Apparently pooping under the Christmas tree is not what your humans consider leaving an appropriate present.

I think I'm going to squeeze in a nap before dinner! Blog at you soon!

A Very Special Read of the Week

2008-12-24T10:04:00.003-05:00

As I mentioned in my last post, it's Read of the Week time. And the read is right here! The Mom had this pawed to her in an email. The email did not contain the authors name, so we do apologize for not crediting that person, and are copying it here in the spirit it was offered. It's a very special story that touched our hearts:

"Martha's Christmas Miracle
Martha was sitting in her living room watching television this Christmas Eve, alone as she had been for the last five years. All of her children had married and moved to the four corners of the nation, her youngest, a surgery resident at the Vet School across the state had planned on coming home, but had been assigned to work the emergency clinic and couldn't find a replacement. Martha told herself that having Sally working to help the sick and injured animals this Christmas Eve was worth being alone, besides, Sally would be driving over for Christmas dinner the next afternoon.
All the animals had been fed and now were safely in either the kennel building or lazily laying around the house. Martha had to stop to think how many dogs she had at her house this Christmas, she sighed when she realized there were 16. She did rescue and the number of dogs was always changing with some dogs being adopted, and new abandoned dogs coming in. Feeling overwhelmed by the number of dogs she had and all the dogs still left in shelters to die because there was no room for them in rescue, Martha seriously wondered if she should stop working rescue. If she didn't have all these dogs, she could have flown to any of her other children's homes for the holidays to be with family. Besides, the heartbreak of seeing each dog in such need was beginning to really weigh on her.

Tonight she had a new dog, brought home that day. Martha didn't really plan on adding another dog but on her way home from the store she saw a dog lying on the side of the road. Certain the dog was dead, Martha stopped, to pick up the body and take it home for a burial. As she got closer, she recognized the shell of an Alaskan Malamute, the breed she rescued. Covered by cuts and festering wounds, what fur was left was matted and filthy, it was so skinny that laying there you could see each rib and it's hipbones were the widest part of his body.With tears in her eyes, mourning for what once had been a majestic animal now reduced to almost a skeleton she reached down to give the poor dog one last pat on the head. "Oh, you poor boy, what a way to end your life. Well, at least I can name you and give you a decent farewell." As her tears fell on the dog's head, one eye slowly opened and the tail gave a single wag."You're alive! Everything will be OK now, I'll take you home and you will have a soft bed and food tonight." She said, tears streaming down her face, this time from happiness.

The rest of the afternoon was spent cleaning the dog's wounds and making sure he was able to eat and drink water. Martha set up the large run in the kennel building for him. A soft blanket and a thick foam pad was to be his bed, fresh water and food beside him. Papers for his 'necessary functions' were placed at the far end of the run. He lay there watching every move she made.Martha left the dog resting on his bed, somewhat surprised at the reaction of the rest of the dogs in the kennel. Pandemonium usually broke out with all the other dogs wooing and barking when a new dog was brought in, tonight all the other dogs just stood and silently watched as Martha cared for the new dog. Thankful the other dogs were not disturbing the new boy, Martha went to the house to finish preparations for tomorrow's dinner.

Later that evening Martha went down to the kennel to check on the new boy and feed the other dogs. As she walked in the door the new boy shakily stood to greet her. As she was straightening up the kennel after feeding and exercising the dogs, she saw her microchip reader. "Well, this will be a waste of time" she thought as she ran the reader over the dog's body.BEEP! The reader had located a chip! Writing the number down, she hurried to the house to call the chip registry and report the found dog. As she suspected on Christmas Eve, all she got was a machine.
Very late that night, the phone rang. Martha answered and a strange voice was on the other end. "Did you find a dog with a microchip?" "Yes, are you the registry needing more information? " Martha asked. "No, the registry called us and told us you found our dog!" and then the man broke down crying. After composing himself, he continued."The dog you found is BISS AM/CAN/INT CH Wasilla's Ice Sculpture, WPD, WTD, WLD, TT, CGC but to us he is our heart, the love of our life, Icy. Three years ago Icy was stolen from his exercise area in our back yard. We did everything we could think of to find him, but lately we had almost given up hope of ever seeing him again. This is a miracle. We are leaving now to come pick him up. We are about 14 hours from you so we will see you and Icy in the morning."Martha was crying, indeed it was a miracle! And the new dog now had a name, his own name and his people were coming for him.

What a wonderful Christmas gift.Martha hurried down to the kennel to let Icy know that his humans had been found and they were on their way to take him home. As Martha walked up to Icy's kennel he stood to greet her, "Icy, yes, I know your name and I have spoken to your people. They're coming to take you home." As she was talking to Icy, she heard the old clock in the building strike midnight.Much to her amazement, Icy said "Thank you."Martha thought, now I am sure I have been around dogs too long, I could swear I heard Icy speak.

Icy continued "Martha, yes I am talking to you in human language, you see, at the stroke of midnight on Christmas Day, all animals can speak. Let me tell you what happened to me today.""I have been kept in a dark barn for a long time by some very mean people who beat me and often forgot to feed me. Two days ago I found a loose board on the barn and was able to escape. I walked as fast as I could, looking for my people, or at least for some kind person to feed me and give me a warm place to sleep before I died. I was in the middle of a big field when I couldn't walk or even crawl any more, I laid down, knowing I was about to cross to the Rainbow Bridge. As I stepped onto the Bridge, an Angel came towards me.""Icy," the Angel said "If you agree, He has a job for you before cross the Bridge. There is a very kind human who needs you today to restore her spirit.""Of course I agreed to help a human -- that is what Malamutes do. The Angel picked up my body and carried it to the side of a road and laid it down. The next thing I remember is you were scratching my ear and talking to me and your tears were falling on my face. You have cared for me this day."

Martha heard a chorus of voices all about her. To her amazement she was surrounded not only by her dogs, but dogs she had rescued and sent on to forever homes, all voicing stories how Martha had cared for them and restored them to health and loved them, thanking her for her love.The first Malamute Martha had rescued many years ago stepped to the front of the gathering and said, "Martha, you took us in to your home, cared for us, healed us both in body and spirit then, even though it broke your heart, sent us on to our new forever families. This gave us a life we would never have had without you. Others of us here, never were adopted and lived out our lives with you, loved and cared for as if we were your own dogs. In our hearts we are your dogs. Thank you."

Then one small mixed breed puppy stepped forward from the back and said, "Miss Martha, you never held me nor fed me, you see I am speaking for all the shelter dogs and cats gathered here for which you did all you could. We understand that you can't save us all, but you read our shelter stories, knowing we would cross the Bridge without knowing a home of our own, and you cried for us. We thank you for that. You see, we knew you cared and loved us, too. And that love helped us as we crossed. We thank you and all the other Rescuers for that small act of love."Icy looked at Martha and told her, "It is getting late and you will have many people here tomorrow to celebrate Christmas. And you have your rescue work to continue. Our time to be able to talk to you is growing short, but always remember what happened tonight. What you do for the animals is a gift to us and to Him, the Father of us all. Each of us, animals of every species, needs people like you. Please keep on helping. You are doing the work of Angels."At that point all of the dogs in unison said "Thank You," and their voices blended into a joyous howl which echoed from the heavens to the ends of the earth.

Humbly offered as a Christmas Gift to all who love animals."

There are animals all around us that need help. If you have just a little left, and I know that for many humans there just isn't anything left right now, can you remember those pups and kit kats in rescue and shelters? Maybe some extra blankets or towels, or a good leash that you don't use anymore, or just one extra bag of food or puppy biscuits...........

For all of you who are reading today, for everyone who works with animal rescue, for those that are animal lovers, who have a pup or a kitty curled up warm and safe:

Thank you and Happy Holidays from Dakota and The Mom!

Puppy breath!

2008-12-21T16:34:00.004-05:00

Hello everypup!

It's been a busy time here, as I imagine it is in everypup's home. It's the holidays! From what I can tell, that means the humans run around like crazy humans buying lots of stuff...... some of it is even for us!

One of the kids got something of interest this year.......

Yup, that's a puppy! My nephew Colby. I'll be getting to see him later this week, the day Santa Paws comes! Bandit and I are quite excited about welcoming the new family member.

My next blog will be a Read of the Week!

Coming of age

2008-11-16T09:05:00.002-05:00

Yes, I finally did it. I wooed The Mom in to moving in to this century. Yup, we're wireless and got a brand new laptop to blog with!
Now, a new camera would be a good addition, where did I put that plastic card..............?

Alaska update - well, after much debate, we decided to put it off until next spring. The Mom kept telling me that 'she had to work' and 'you can't drive'. So, I gave it much thought and decided I could go a little longer. I'll need to do a little more research anyway - I hadn't quite figured out what we'd do when we got there.

Someone asked me recently if I'd forgotten all about the 'Read of the Week'. Well, I didn't forget. I just don't have decent help in transcribing these things. Hopefully the new laptop will help - although Vista and dew claws are not compatible. I should have a new 'Read of the Week' for you shortly!

I VOTED!!!!

2008-11-04T09:40:00.002-05:00

DID YOU??????

Get out and woo your vote!!!!

Outraged!!!

2008-10-21T19:04:00.002-04:00

Being nine has been very busy indeed.
I've had to supervise cleaning the house, because Nana was coming to visit. And, one of the kids had a birthday too. I had to help wrap the gifts. My vision quest to Alaska is still in the planning stage, those people at the map place can be so slow!!! So, I was ready for some rest. Maybe a little vacation. I was so excited last week, because The Mom got a bag together. A special bag, the one she packs when WE are going bye-bye in the car!!
She got up early, really dark, really early.
And she put me outside to do my business.
I came back in, I stood by the place where my harness and leash are................ and she LEFT ME STANDING!!!!!
I wooed.
I sat pretty.
I wooed again.
NOTHING!!!!!
She said "Bye girl. Mom will be home later."
And she left.
But what's worse. What is the absolute worst.

SHE WENT TO HIKE n HOWL!!!!!!!

WITHOUT ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I missed the hiking.

I missed the howling.

I missed a campaign speech by Khyra, my Vice Presidential candidate of choice. I hear that she wooed her opinions on global warming and cheese. There was talk of bacon in every bowl as well. (Khyra, I did get to sniff The Mom's shirt. Personally, I think the only volunteering she did was volunteer to LEAVE ME AT HOME!!!!)

I missed my friend Indy! I haven't been able to see him in ages!

I heard that I could have passed a message to Meeshka! Apparently her human woman was there, but the human man stayed at home to make sure Meeshka's every need was met. At least SOMEONE stayed with Meeshka!

And I missed the opportunity to say hi to the Kapp Pack's Mom! I met her last year, what a nice lady! I'LL BET SHE TOOK SKY, CANYON and that cute little SUNSHINE MEADOW with her!!! Maybe they won't notice one more Husky.............

I'm hurt and I'm outraged! I think it's time to rethink this whole The Mom thing.......

Happy Birthday to ME!!!!

2008-09-13T12:45:00.003-04:00

Today is my ninth birthday!!!

And guess what you do when you turn nine?

You PAWTY!!!

Maybe a little less icing next year?????????

Preparations - Part 1

2008-09-08T20:34:00.005-04:00

Well, preparations for my Vision Quest have not gone as I had planned. I think it's because I asked The Mom to join me........

First. We had to pack. EVERYTHING. Hey, I'm just saying that all I need is a couple of bowls and a leash. But no. We had to pack the camera - which isn't working. And the iPod - which needs to be charged. Oh, and I guess we're going to take the laptop - how else will you follow along with us? And of course, her stuff. Those clothing thingys humans wear. I wear the same collar, day in and day out. And she puts I don't know how much stuff in the car to take. Sigh. Getting her to pack, and unpack, and pack, and unpack and well, you get the idea pups.

So while she was doing all of this, I figured I'd catch up with you all !!! First, we're way, way overdue to acknowledge some awards!

Our good friends The OP Pack bestowed upon us this special blogging friends award!

Thank you to Dakota, Thunder and Phantom! Thanks to your mom too!

Now, we're supposed to pass this award along to five other bloggers. Four of them should be dedicated followers of the blog, and one should be a brand new blogger. So, I'd like to give this to Ari, to the Key West Collies, the Kapp Pack, and the Brat Pack. You guys visit me a lot, and I want each of you to know how much I appreciate you, my blogging buddies! For my new friend, I'd like to give this to Dozer and Cooper. They have been blogging for about a year, and I just want them to know how much I enjoy their escapades!

And, a while back, Khyra and her mom gave this one to all the SMS gang:

You guys are the kind one's for thinking of us! And you can bet we'll be checking your blog out when it's time to load the iPod!!!

I also spent time reading Meeshka's 100 Posts! Maybe just a bit too much time, because I got so fed up with waiting for The Mom to get moving that I might have ranted a wee bit too much...... but, I did win a great DVD. I didn't get to post my huzzy picture - the camera isn't quite working now - but did you see my hunk o' husky Chili? Now, that's a STUDMUFFIN!! Woo! Woo!

Mom, did we pack the portable DVD player????

Vision Quest

2008-08-25T20:50:00.003-04:00

There's just times where a girl has to do what a girl has to do.

I'm hearing all about the human kids, going back to work and moving and blah, blah, blah. Well, I'm still here. And there's something missing. Something I feel like I have to do or be. So I pawed around the 'net, checking things out, trying to find answers to that great mystery of Siberian life............ who I am and what I'm supposed to do now that the human kids are gone? There has to be more to it than chasing Bandit off the best part of the sofa.

I've been doing some research on Alaska. You know, checking out the snowfall, looking at pictures, trying to decide if one more Siberian would fit. As part of that research, I read some details on the Inuit people of Canada and Alaska. (I know. Wikipedia. Hey, this is not for little pups, it's for us adult dogs.) Did you know that it's common practice for the Inuit young adult to go on a personal quest to find out who they are and what they are meant to do? So I thought "Hey, I'm on that quest, and maybe I need to do this". So I've decided to go on a vision quest, to determine what I should do next.

Now, I know I should go alone. But, I don't want The Mom to worry about me, so I'm thinking she should go along. Not to mention, I believe that it's a long, long walk from here to Alaska and quite frankly, The Mom has the little card that says she's ok to drive and I do not. So, we're going to be preparing Big Red for the trip and making plans. Stay tuned for details!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-08-20T20:42:00.002-04:00

Wordless Wednesday

2008-08-13T21:14:00.002-04:00

Woo is me!

2008-08-09T19:47:00.002-04:00

For many days now, our computer has been, well, all gunked up. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't!
So, today, The Mom came home with a bag.
I wish it was new computer, but it was just some 'memory' for the old one!!! I don't know why it needed memory, but she took it apart - I watched - and put it back together, and now I can at least get on Blogger! I've missed keeping up with everyone.

So, for the moment at least, we're up and wooing!

Christmas in July

2008-07-29T19:29:00.003-04:00

The Mom and I decided it would be fun to join in the Christmas in July celebration with some fellow SMS members..... I could tell you about it, but I'd rather show you!

"Hurry Mom! We got a package! From the OP Pack!"

"Hmmmm. Smells like Thunder, Dakota and Phantom. And something else.........."

"I got this one Mom, you open something else!"

"It's a Cuz!! My first GOOD Cuz! I knew I was a good girl!"

"Come on Bandit, there's another one to open!"

"We got a Wubba, we got a wubba!!"

The Mom opened this package! A book about Alaska! Oh I can't wait to curl up and read it!!

We had a really fun time opening all the presents! Then, a couple of days later, another box arrived!!!! The OP Pack sent us some cookies from Maya Marie, Bella and Missy's Mom ! Let me tell you, those cookies were heavenly, just heavenly. I highly recommend the Salmon and Cheddar ones! I wish we had pictures, but we ATE them before The Mom thought to get the camera out!!

Thank you very much OP Pack, and thanks to your Mom too!

"He was heard to exclaim as he mushed out of sight, Merry Christmas to all Huskies and to all Huskies good night!"

Late night post

2008-07-22T21:42:00.004-04:00

Well, it's not that late. But later than we usually post. We were just sitting here, reading a few blogs, catching up on things and went to visit our friends Phantom, Dakota and Thunder of the OP Pack.

Imagine our surprise when we saw that they had given us an award! The OP Pack thinks I'm a Cool Cat!

Thank you OP Pack! I think you and your Mom are pretty cool too! I'm not sure yet who I want to pass this along to, but I'll have something soon.

If you haven't done so, make sure you visit the Kapp Pack and Steve, Kat and Wilbur. The Kapp Pack will be blogging for MaPaw Siberian Husky Rescue, and Steve, Kat and Wilbur are blogging for Save our Siberians! Both support Huskies in need, and let me tell you both groups need your money! Please give what you can, and please remember that they would all love to hear from you at 3 o'clock in the morning!

Saturday afternoon snacks on the deck

2008-07-12T16:44:00.004-04:00

If you were here with me today, you would have snacked on this delectable little sea creature:

Very tasty! Please note that I was NOT allowed to eat the outside of this sweet little Maryland Blue Crab, I was nibbling off a HUGE chunk of claw meat that The Mom picked especially for me!

Hurry over, there's a few crabs and cold ones left!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-07-09T20:42:00.002-04:00

The long delayed Book Meme game!

2008-07-02T19:13:00.003-04:00

We won't be honoring Wordless Wednesday this week, I'm still trying to catch up!

OK. About a hundred naps ago, possibly more, the Key West Collies tagged me to play the Book Meme. Essex and Deacon, I apologize for the really long, long, long delay in responding!

Here's the rules:
1. Pick up the nearest book.
2. Open to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag five people.

So, we picked one of our all time favorites - A Pirate Looks at Fifty by Jimmy Buffett. Now, I know the rules say to pick the nearest book, but I had a whole shelf of books near, and this seemed to be the most fitting. Besides, it's falling apart it's been read so much!

"It has been nearly ten years since I spent the day alone in the cockpit of the beat-up Albatross on Grand Turk, but here I am about to climb aboard my own Albatross. I step back from the nose gear, look up at the giant amphibian, and pat her on the nose like one of my dogs. I am deep into some meaningful thought about yin and yang and things coming full circle when Cameron pops his head out of the window above me and shouts 'Dad, it's time to go.'."

Sigh. Makes you want to just get up and go somewhere, doesn't it? And this is one of the reasons we've read this one LOTS of times. Travel is really big here, The Mom and I really like to explore and have new adventures.

I think everyone has played now, and I'm not going to tag five specific bloggers, I'm going to invite all of you who read to play if you haven't and keep on reading!

I think our next post will be about the new item we purchased for Big Red!!!

Read of the Week!

2008-06-29T13:14:00.004-04:00

So, it's been a while. Someday, I may post about why it's been a while, but for now............

It's time for my Read of the Week!

I've got a great one this week. Particularly if you are, like me, a mid-Atlantic dog. Now, that means that you live in this general area. Maryland - like me and Indy. Or Delaware - I don't know that I've ever read a blog from a dog in Delaware! Hey, a new thing to try, where are you Delaware dogs? Or Virginia. Seems to me that I've read about a Virginia dog......... hmmmm...... If I could just remember........ oh well, you get the idea.

This weeks read is for ALL of you pups out there, and your owners! If you are ever in this area, might I suggest that you bring along............

Doggin' Maryland by Doug Gelbert (Illustrations by Andrew Chesworth)

This book is choc full of great places to take your humans! 100, yes 100, places to take your dog in the state of Maryland. It lists TONS of places. Some of them, in fact, the #1 place to hike with your dog, are just a few minutes from me! Catoctin Mountain Park!!! Oh, and I've been there!!! There's short trails, for those times where you just want a bit of a walk. And long trails, for a day long hike. Oh, and so much to sniff and see! Really, you must visit!

Also in the top 10 is one of The Mom's very favorite places in the world, Swallow Falls State Park! I've never been there, although I should have tagged along the last time that The Mom and Momma B went. They did take this great picture though - check it out!

This book ranks the best parks in the state. It tells you all about beach regulations for humans. It tells you how to outfit your human for hikes, and even gives you some beginner hikes. You know, those for smaller pups or humans who haven't hiked in a while.

And, this guy wrote a few more books about the best places to hike with your dog too! You must check out Amazon. com and see if there's a place close to you!

You know what? I'm so excited about this book that we're packing it up and going to go hiking!
Come on!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-06-25T20:09:00.002-04:00

I'm baaaacccckkkkk................

2008-05-25T19:01:00.002-04:00

And ready to do a Read of the Week! School's done for now, and that work stuff got settled and The Mom and I did what we do best and have been curling up with some cool books.
For now though, I'll put my thoughts on those books aside.

It's an important weekend. It's the first weekend of summer! Memorial Day weekend. Cook out weekend! (We dined on grilled Haddock here!) But more importantly, tomorrow is Memorial Day. It's the day to honor our men and women who have served our United States military groups. You know, those people who keep us safe and who make sure that our right to have fish is protected. So I got to thinking, and I thought:

Who better to honor as the Read of the Week then our very own 'Army'? I'm a trooper, and I'll bet you are a trooper too! I wait for the Supreme Commander to bark out orders! I listen when the Drill Sgt woos! And I fall in line when the other two members of this pack share their worldly wisdom! Yup, you guessed it, this weeks Read of the Week is a blog by these four Siberian Huskies, the leaders in our Siberian support of the troops! This weeks Read of the Week is:

Army of Four Digest - Stormy, Amber, Zim and Dave!

The Mom and I were particularly touched when we read today's blog entry by the Army of Four. Their Sunday Salute honored all of the military persons in the United States. It's important for us all to remember how much these people give so we can have fish! Go on over, and give them a read! If you are one of their many regular readers, stop by and comment to let them know that you support our troops (both biped and Husky!).

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-11T19:34:00.002-04:00

To all The Moms everywhere, an open wish from Dakota:

May all of The Moms enjoy this special centennial celebration of Mother's Day. There is nothing more special in the world than a Mom, and nothing better than giving kisses to the person that you know as Mom!

To my Chili's Mom, I'm sending you some special Husky hugs and kisses! Can you share them with my red hot hunk o' Husky?

To all of the SMS Moms and the Moms from Dogs With Blogs - a very special Husky hug from me and Lab lick from Bandit!

WE LOVE OUR MOMS!!!!

The working dog

2008-04-27T19:55:00.002-04:00

Boy, oh boy! Who knew nursing would be this hard? You gotta help with fixing meals, you gotta help with making the bed. You have to stay out of the way, that walker thing HURTS! (I should know, my fluffy tail is a bit less fluffy...), pick up your toys. But.......
Momma B is better! She's walking now, less with the walker and more with a cane. Um, the cane thing isn't much better than the walker in terms of getting out of it's way, but it is much nicer than the walker. It's purple and black!
To all the pups that suggested livergreat would be good for Momma B - you were right! She had to have something called iron pills, and it turns out that livergreat is a good source of that iron stuff. I shared as much of mine as I could.
Things will be busy for a few more weeks, while The Mom finishes her classes for this semester. And she is trying to get a new job so she can buy us more yummies! At least I would think that's the motivation for the new job.
So, we haven't been reading much........... which I don't like, because I feel like I am way behind on my Read of the Week. Stay tuned, I promise we will have one out to you soon!

A quick post

2008-04-09T07:58:00.001-04:00

To let everyone know that the new knee has been attached to Momma Bev. She is at some special vets that doesn't allow DOGS!!!!!!!!! I'm not sure about this, but The Mom says everything is fine, and she is doing well.
Bandit is sad his momma isn't here, but he ate livergreat this morning, and was better after that.

Do you think livergreat would make Momma Bev feel better?

I will post more, pics as promised and answer some questions as soon as I can.

A very late Read of the Week

2008-04-06T19:13:00.002-04:00

Hello everypuppy!
I'm sorry we haven't been around much the past few weeks. The Mom could explain it better, but it has to do with work and school and Momma Bev getting a new knee. They keep running around here moving stuff, and then leaving us and coming home smelling all clean and funky. Ugh. They told us this morning that Momma Bev would be gone for a few days, then she would come back and we had to be really, really careful around her. No ball, no stuffies, no nothing!!!! I don't know what this new knee stuff is, but I can tell you that I don't like it one bit.

So, with all this going on, The Mom has been S-T-R-E-S-S-E-D. I thought I'd pick out a funny book for us to read this week, and sure enough, we laughed and we licked our chops when we read some of the recipes. Magdalina Yoder is the proprietress of the Penn Dutch Inn, an Amish Bed and Breakfast in fictional Hernia, Pennsylvania (by woo Khyra!!!). Magdalina is quite different, she's Amish at heart, but a totally now lady everywhere else. Now, I didn't really break my rules here......... there is a dog in the story line, but, well, the dog has an unusual home....... he lives in his Mom's, well, lets see, overtheshoulderboulderholder. Must be one small dog! They don't ever give his name!!! The poor thing gets wrapped in yards and yards of fabric - probably NOT picked out by Dave, Guide Dog For The Color Blind, and barks every now and then to let them know he's there. Not much dog in this book, but some good sounding recipes - all appeared to be possibly dog safe, thank Dogness! - and lots of laughs.
If you like cozy mysteries, food, and a funny mystery to solve, try:

Custard's Last Stand - by Tamar Myers

Our read of the week!

Now they are filling out forms in the kitchen. Sigh. I sure wish they were cooking in the kitchen. I'm going to go curl up with a warm dinner and a good book!

PS - Bandit got CAKE on his birthday! And we got a package from the Ao4 ! Next post, pictures, I promise!

Proposal

2008-03-16T19:00:00.002-04:00

I don't know what the humans do at 'work', but I don't like it. I've barely seen The Mom for two weeks. She had the laptop off and the door closed!!! How am I supposed to blog? How am I supposed to keep up with my friends?!
And more important, how am I supposed to know if he said YES??????

See, I've been single a long time. Oh, it's not a bad life, travel, playing with The Mom, foot loose and fancy free. And I do have a big brother, Bandit, so it's not like I lack canine company. But I wanted more. You know, someone special to share those tropical nights with, walking paw in paw on the sand under the stars. So I answered a personal ad. And I waited. Just when I thought that I'd be single forever, spending my days walking on the beach looking for delectable delights on my own..........

Chili offered his paw in puppy love!!!!!

I had barely dared to hope! So handsome! So cuddly! And did you see that picture? He's already in the sand waiting for me! My very own red hot hunk of Husky!

Chili, my honey, let me just say this.............

YES, YES, YES, YES, YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I accept your paw in puppy love! Don't you worry in the least about that diet thing. I think you are fabulous the way you are! We can take those long walks together, and I can live without Pina Coladas. We'll just switch to Cruzan and diet! You are OK with walking in the rain though, right?

Read of the Week

2008-03-03T18:08:00.003-05:00

Well, I apologize for being late. Between being Bandit's nursemaid, and keeping The Mom from having a nervous breakdown about work, I couldn't get to the computer!
Which is a shame, because the Iditarod started!!!!!

Yup, you guessed it. This week's Read of the Week is THREE websites we go to to see and hear things about the Iditarod. I'm not going to go in to the history of 'The Last Great Race', I'm going to jump right in and show you how we're following.

Of course, the best coverage is the official website, Iditarod.com. This covers the Mushers. The dogs. Hey, I think I even saw that a HUSKY has his own official blog on this site!

We also like to visit the site for North Wapiti Kennels. Did you know that these folks run an ALL Siberian Husky team at the Iditarod? Yup! It's the home of 'Pretty Sled Dogs'. Nothing but Huskies! The Musher, Karen Ramstead, is a veteran of many Iditarod races and is a very nice lady. The Mom got to hear her speak a few months ago - she was funny and honest about the race and some of the challenges she faced in the past.

For the past few years, we've also followed a blog, Zoya's Kennel Journal. These folks rescue dogs, and have a kennel (and a sled dog team!) that features rescued dogs! 2008 is Zoya's rookie year, and we've been following her thoughts and challenges.

Race on over to these web sites for the Read(s) of the Week!

Iditarod.com, the Official website of The Last Great Race

North Wapiti Kennels - Home of the 'Pretty Sled Dogs'

Zoya's Kennel Journal

There's one other site this week, one we've been reading for just a little bit. It's not really a 'Read of the Week', but it's sort of cool.................. these guys aren't Sibes, and well, they just aren't what you expect, mon!

To those pups everywhere who are racing........ stay safe and I'm sending Sibe Vibes to you for good luck!

Now, I'm going to go turn on Jimmy Buffett and curl up with a good book!

Husky Home Decor

2008-02-27T13:47:00.002-05:00

Apparently, somepuppy got 'muddy paw prints' on the usual ugly green thing on the bed. Now, nopuppy in particular was blamed for said infraction - it's not like CSI came in or anything like that, and hey, it could have been the cat. I'm just sayin'.

So, while The Mom's back was turned, I thought I'd redecorate. What do you think?

Unfinished business - part deux

2008-02-27T09:27:00.002-05:00

So, I've done some surfing. In the spirit of 'funky', I nominate the following blogs for the 'Funky Blog' award!

A Siberian View of the 'verse - we love the funky new redesign! Aren't Lee Lee, Thor, Smokey and Bandit cute?

Beware the Bamonster - we love the funky 'Husky Dog' song! Have fun with Chili, Cracker, Mikki and Bama

Got Chocolate? - Frankie and Maddie, those funky girls from SoCal!

You guys are all funky! And you make me smile! Enjoy! And don't forget to spread the smiles..........

Unfinished business

2008-02-24T16:17:00.004-05:00

In our haste this week, we almost missed a comment left by our friends, Essex and Deacon, the Key West Collies. They think we are funky!

We think the collies are funky too! I've got a few blogs in mind that I want to tag with this award, and I'll be visiting them soon!

Read of the Week!

2008-02-24T15:48:00.002-05:00

It's been a very busy week here. The Mom has been doing school work and doing something called 'working from home'. I can't say that I much care for either of these activities - the school books are, well, B-O-R-I-N-G and that stuff from work? Eeewwwww. The only really good thing there was I got to lay all over her papers........tee hee hee.

This type of a week has us thinking of 'short' reads. You know, reads that don't take that long or don't interfere with walkies or dinner or other important and necessary things. For us, that means.......... blogs!

We LOVE blogs. We love learning about other places and keeping up with our cyber (and our siber) friends. In our 'Favorites', there's a long, long list of blogs we stop by to catch up. Some of them, we only visit every now and then. We read, and sometimes say 'Hi'. But, some of them, we check every time we log on to make sure that everything is ok and to share the latest with them. Today's Read of the Week is one of those blogs, one that we check all the time (perhaps it's time to have Google Reader installed?), and one that I know is a favorite in the blogging community.

If you haven't met Tucker, Dot, Samantha and Bear or their human assistant Maryann - you are missing out on one of the best blogs on the web and one of our favorites. Our Read of the Week this week is...........

Tucker, Dot, Samantha and (the handsome) Bear - The Brat Pack!

Head on over and be prepared to smile, laugh, cry and be totally enthralled! Oh, and did I mention great pictures? They need to send their photographer over here!

I'm going to go have a long talk with The Mom about the widget thing...... honestly, she's no further now than she was a few weeks ago........ and after that........

We're going to curl up with a good (not a crappy school) book!

Read of the Week!

2008-02-17T11:27:00.002-05:00

This week's Read of the Week is a work of fiction by one of our favorite authors.

We are huge mystery fans, and when we find a book or a series that features dogs, we get very excited. But when we found this series, one that features a musher and sled dogs, well, we were totally enthralled!

We're tickled with the choice this week - we're enjoying the 25th running of the Yukon Quest . One thousand miles between Fairbanks, Alaska and Whitehorse in Canada's Yukon Territory. (Have you seen the Yukon Territory flag? Check it out if you are a Husky lover!) So, we thought what better time to feature one of our favorite books from author Sue Henry........... This week's Read of the Week is:

'MURDER ON THE YUKON QUEST' BY SUE HENRY

For you young pups, the title might be very scary. If so, remember to make sure your humans or your parents approve of you reading this book The story follows heroine Jessie Arnold and her team of dogs as they face danger while they run the Quest. A young musher is kidnapped and Jessie does what she does best to help try to solve the crime and return the young musher safely. Will she be successful? Well, we're not going to spoil the ending!

Here's one of our favorite parts of the book, which helps us to picture Jessie's run in to Dawson City, hot on the trail of the kidnappers!:

"The area they crossed seemed an unending series of mines, hills, mountains, valleys, and creeks - of going up one ridge only to come down the other side and start up again, ceaselessly, for hours."

Doesn't that just take you there!! Tank in the lead!!!! Oh, I just love Tank!!!

I hope you enjoy this book and the rest of the Jessie Arnold books from Ms. Henry.

We're going to go curl up with a good book!

Snow pictures

2008-02-16T13:37:00.004-05:00

A very busy week for us, but we did take some time to play in the snow.........

Announcement

2008-02-10T19:08:00.000-05:00

As discussed yesterday, The Mom and I love to read. We read lots of stuff! Here's a picture of a very small part of the wall of books in my (yup, that's MY) room:

We read text books:

And we read blogs. Lots and lots of blogs. And that got me thinking. We like to read so much, and I guess that you all like to read too (you're here, aren't you?), that we probably like to read many of the same things and that we should be somehow sharing those things with you. So, without further delay, I am announcing today................. my

READ OF THE WEEK AWARD!

Starting today, I'm going to share what we're reading with you. I'm going to select blogs, books, magazines, something that we're reading and think you would enjoy. Here's the rules that I'm going to use to select my Read of the Week award:

My Read of the Week will be dog related.
It may be a blog, or a book, or a magazine article or a web article. Really, anything that we read is fair game.
I'll try to keep it 'G' rated, but every now and then it might be 'PG' related. Reader beware!

So, I thought a lot about my very first Read of the Week Award. I wanted to feature something very special to me, something that really got me started with reading blogs and encouraging me to start my own blog. The Mom and I were surfing the 'net one afternoon about two years ago, and we did a random search on 'Siberian Husky'. We got a lot of the usual stuff, you know, breed standard, famous Huskies and so on. We also got a link to the VERY FIRST blog that we read. And we were hooked ! That first blog belongs to a Siberian Husky who lives with five other canines and one human. We've enjoyed reading all sorts of cool stuff about logos, and the 'stupid' Dyson, and now we're enjoying reading about his candidacy for President of Dogcountry!

To thank him for showing me this wonderful world of blogging and in honor of his stupendous wins last week on 'Super Tubesday' and his expected win of the Pawmary Election being held this week in my own state of Maryland, my first Read of the Week award goes to:

Tubey and his blog - World of Turbo

I'm going right over to his blog to tell him, while The Mom tries to think of some cool widget thing we can use to award our deserving winners. Then, we're going to curl up with a good book!

Tag, I'm it!

2008-02-09T15:48:00.000-05:00

We stopped by Ari's blog, and found out that we'd been tagged to reveal seven quirky and unusual things about us. I sort of thought that I'd invite Bandit and maybe The Mom to give some input on this one, so:

1. Bandit looks much like the breed standard for a Labrador Retreiver, but is not a pure bred. His mother is an AKC registered Yellow Lab. His father.......... well, they aren't sure.

2. One of my favorite things is to sit or lay next to The Mom while she is reading something. She will read out loud to me if it's something we both enjoy. I'll be posting more on this tomorrow...... something new that I'm going to do.

3. The Mom is a college student. Probably the oldest one on the campus too.........

4. Bandit is afraid of water!!!!

5. I like to lay on top of the chest that The Mom's The Dad made and watch everything that goes on out in front of my house.

6. I have two human siblings. Two older sisters, who were here when I got here. One of them is a teacher, the other one is a social worker. I am constantly amazed that The Mom raised two really good kids................. and then there's me!!

7. I have a very unHusky like past time that I dearly love..................... I will fetch a ball, stick, frisbee and return it. I am so enamoured of the idea of 'playing ball', that The Mom has considered this as something that we could do for fun and exercise.

OK, so now I'm supposed to tag seven friends. Well, picking seven of you is too difficult to do! I want everyone to reveal something new! So we're tagging all of our readers. If you decide to play, and we hope you do, just follow these simple rules:
1. Once you are tagged, link back to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Post 7 random or weird facts about yourself on your blog.
4. Tag 7 people and link to them.
5. Comment on their blog to let them know they have been tagged.

OK - lets play. Tag, YOU are it!!

Sportin' our new duds.....

2008-01-27T10:02:00.000-05:00

Literally.

I'm a bit worried about what's going on here. Let me lay it all out for you, show you the evidence and see what you think.

There's way, way too much of this music being played.

The Mom has spent HOURS looking on the internet for fabric for curtains. For OUR bedroom. And I am not being consulted AT ALL about this choice.

She's trying to buy this book to read.

And here are our new collars:

Bandit's is called 'Turtle Reef'. Mine is the 'Wave Hound'. Yes, I know they are sharp and sexy and all, but..............

I THINK THE CRAZY OLD BROAD IS THINKING ABOUT MOVING SOMEPLACE TROPICAL!!!! Hot. Humid. Not Husky friendly. I need cold! I need snow!

Winter bliss

2008-01-17T21:38:00.000-05:00

It's snowing here and The Mom is home. It's a happy day for me.

I know I promised a post about our new collars, and I'll get one done soon, but I figured that I'd sneak on and check out some blogs and do a quick post to make sure everyone knows about the snow.

Not that I'm rubbing it in or anything.

No pics, mostly because instead of taking fabulous pictures of us frolicking in the snow, The Mom was fooling with some big, loud thing that throws snow everywhere. Quite funny to see it throw The Mom on her butt! OK, she slipped, I saw her, but still it sort of looked like it threw her too.

Big business woos

2008-01-02T20:48:00.000-05:00

It's not bad enough that The Mom hogs the laptop. The darn Internet provider has to get in on the action and make sure I can't get access to anything!

The big business company recently added about 52,000 new channels for the people to sit and stare at. According to The Mom, it's mostly crappy sports channels and music channels. Then, she figured out that big business took away some of her favorite channels. So she called them. To ask why. And not long after that, pow, there goes the Internet. We went DAYS without being able to update the blog, or read about our friends. Sigh. So, in that 52,002 channels, we can now watch BBC America and Discovery Home. I'm not sure why. It's not like The Mom and I will be traveling to Europe. And you should see her attempts at home improvement. Honestly, if she doesn't rake up the leaves in the back yard soon, I'm going to have to dig myself a hole to, well, you know. And we finally, finally got Internet access back! Unless you are Momma Bev. They hosed up her email account.

So, since I couldn't post them on Christmas, here's our official Holiday portraits.

BANDIT WILSON CHRISTMAS 2007

DAKOTA MOON CHRISTMAS 2007

I hope your New Year is going well. Next post - our new collars. Or why The Mom is nutso.

Dear Santa Paws,

2007-12-24T14:43:00.000-05:00

Dear Santa Paws,
I know I'm a bit late with my requests this year, but it's been tough trying to push The Mom aside to use the laptop. I know the school thing is important, but hey, it's important for me to keep track of all of my blogging friends too. And to let them know how I'm doing. So, the first thing on my Santa Paws list is
1. My very own laptop, complete with Internet access.
2. A bigger back yard.
3. Cheese.
4. More Cheese.

Wait, that's not right. I have some other things that I think I really want more. I love my The Mom, and it's really OK if she hogs the laptop, as long as she's here with me hogging the laptop. I'm fortunate to have a family and a warm place to sleep. Many dogs don't. Please help those dogs find their furever homes this Christmas.
While you are busy with that, make sure that you give all the Husky rescue groups, well, all the dog rescue groups, everything they need. They sort of act like elves for you in accomplishing the first thing, right?
For those pups who are spending the night locked up in the slammer, well, may they all have a full belly and a warm blanket. And then if you can find them furever homes too, that would be cool.
Some of my Husky friends have gone to the Bridge this year. Can you make sure they find the right part of the Bridge, and that they aren't scared or lonely waiting for their humans there?
And to all my blogging friends, my blogging family really, please make sure that they and their families have all their wishes come true.

Love,
Dakota

Very sad news.....

2007-12-14T20:32:00.001-05:00

My friends at Five Happy Hounds lost one of their pack. Woo bye, Thrawn. You were a friend, a brother Husky, and you and the rest of the Brat Pack are one of my favorite blog friends. Special woos to your pack mates Dot, Samantha, Tucker and Bear. Kisses for your The Mom.
You will be missed.

Human Intervention

2007-12-13T20:55:00.000-05:00

I just locked The Mom in her room and took over the computer. She's addicted, addicted to.......
SCHOOL.
Everypuppy, if your humans ever woo the words ' I think I'll go back to school', watch out!!! Warning, warning, warning!!!
What it means is that you will not see them for long periods of time while they hog the laptop and woo all those nasty, awful words that you are not supposed to woo. I don't really know what 'accounting' is, but if it's anywhere near as bad as The Mom is wooing right now, I don't understand why humans would subject themselves to it!
In addition to laptop hogging, you can also expect them to lay in bed at night with big, ugly books. Not the little paper ones you can chew on, but really big, really heavy unchewable books. Oh, I suppose they are chewable, but it's so big, I'm not sure it's worth the effort.
Forget about your daily walks. All that time that you and your human were spending together will now be a fond memory as your human spends more time with 'instructors and other students' instead of you. One nice trade off here is that there are lots of new smells. And she leaves half eaten food in her school bag. Yum..........

I have reason to believe that two naps from now will be the end of school for The Mom for a while. I sure hope so. I'll be glad to have her back!

Besides, I heard Santa Paws is coming soon, and we don't have any decorations out for him! How's he supposed to leave a new bone for me?

Starry, starry night

2007-11-15T21:01:00.000-05:00

Wooing at the moon here. After many days of rain and mist and other such things that give you wet fur and muddy paws, the clouds have cleared. There's a quarter moon (my middle name is Moon because even as a young Husky girlpup, I would stare at the sky and search for the moon) and lots and lots of stars.
It's clear, windy and cold here.
It's Husky weather. Finally.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow - I woo to the Moon Goddess.

Or whomever is listening.

Fall cleaning or why I haven't been blogging

2007-11-11T19:03:00.001-05:00

I haven't done much blogging lately, and I thought you would all like to know why........ and this time, it's not my fault!

About a month ago, The Mom decided that it was time for some fall cleaning. Now, I don't know if you all have this problem with your humans or not, but every now and then, The Mom decides that it's time to make everything smell 'clean' and picks up all of our fur and other hidden delights.

This time, she decided that she would clean the office and replace her desk.

Well, it's about time on that last one. The old desk? Just barely big enough to hold the laptop. And not even close to big enough for a Husky to curl up under. I had much difficulty with the last HULA assignment, because it's not like I could curl up under the desk and switch the wires so...... well, it was a covert assignment so I'd better stop woooing about it.

Where was I? Oh yes, it was piled, PILED, with stuff. All sorts of human stuff.

Here's a list of what she's found so far:

* The all important tag that identifies me as an up to date member in the anti-rabies club. It should have been part of my collar MONTHS ago.

* The Harnessed to Hope volunteer application. Complete with a human paper that's almost like money, except this one was too old to become money.

* A very nice piece of newspaper about a place near Deep Creek Lake called Husky Power Dogsledding. I read the article while she was still digging in to the mountain of stuff on her desk. It looks like a nice place to visit, particularly if you like SNOW! Sheesh.

* In the same newspaper, another nice article about winter in Ocean City. Hey - I am a Maryland dog, through and through!

* One of those plastic cards that is also like human money. Although this one was so old that it can't be used.

* Those really cool Star Wars stamp things from a few months ago.

* Old paper. LOTS of it. The thing that chews up the paper has been making noise non stop.

* Her address book, so we can send Christmas cards to all the people she knows.

* The payment booklet for the car.

* Lots of pictures of ME!

* A card she bought to give to someone, but couldn't find it, and then had to buy another one. Too bad it's not some place cool, like White Pine!

I could go on and on.........

At any rate, once this all came off the desk, we spent an entire afternoon putting together a new desk. The Mom used two things to put all that paper in, and put an old door on top of it. A better use for a door than locking me out of the room, as far as I'm concerned. Yes, the new desk is big enough for a Husky to fit under, but no, I don't have a picture.

Guess who lost the USB cord...............again!

I'll close with an old picture, one of Bandit and I snow playing, one to celebrate the SNOW from Friday! It ended up being just a few flurries, but it was cold and windy, so I was very, very happy!

Attention everyhusky!

2007-11-09T12:11:00.000-05:00

OK, so it's been a while since I blogged. And, it's a really good story. But, I'll be posting it later.

For now, wooing out on the Woomergency Husky Broadcasting Network:

IT'S SNOWING IN THE CATOCTIN MOUNTAINS!!!!!!

SNOW, SNOW, SNOW!!!!

WOOOOOOO!!!!

It's that time of year again

2007-10-11T21:42:00.000-04:00

It's Colorfest time.
Around here, that means that lots of people will be bringing lots of things for me and Bandit to eat and chew.
Nana brought us treats and toys. I got a stuffie bat, and Bandit got a stuffie ghost. Nana loves us. She wasn't mad at me about that, well, that incident with the other pup. I love my Nana. She makes us donuts!

The Mom is better, and we are spending lots of time together. She talked to me about my behavior, and we are going to spend some time visiting with some of our friends and trying to help out the nice people at Harnessed to Hope. Even if we couldn't adopt another Husky (and I'm still not sure why were doing that, I'm Husky enough for anyone!), we can help them find other homes.

I gotta run! The Mom is cleaning the kitchen and I heard something about leftover crabcakes!!!

The Mom is very sad

2007-09-30T18:45:00.000-04:00

I probably did it this time.
The Mom is sitting around with the water coming out of her eyes. She took Xia in the car today, and didn't come back with her.
The Mom said she had to take her back to the cool foster family that Xia was staying with.
Because of me.
I guess Xia was ok, but I wasn't a very good big sister. In fact, I was pretty bad. See, Xia had some food, and I wanted it even though it wasn't mine. So we had a fight.
And she had a toy, and I wanted it even though it wasn't my toy. So I started another fight.
Worst of all, she was getting love and belly rubs from MY The Mom. So I had to fight again. Only this time one of us sort of bit The Mom. The Mom separated us, but I kept laying in front of Xia's crate.
I don't know why. The Mom says she just brought out the worst in me, making me all nasty and bad.
So, I'm going to go and see if I can lick The Mom's face and cheer her up. This may take some time, so I probably won't be back to blog for a while.
That is if The Mom ever lets me blog again.

Mystery solved! or............

2007-09-22T16:15:00.000-04:00

Xia's gotcha day!!!!

So, this was the big surprise. Xia finally came to live with us. (Yup, that Xia)I now have a baby sister! She's sort of OK. Sort of wiggly and puppy like..............

The Mom didn't do a good job getting a picture of all three of us together. Apparently handling a pup and a camera are beyond her ability level.
But, that's ok.

Xia will be staying with us now, and I am planning on teaching her all sorts of things. She already learned how to get ham from The Mom, and she did go potty outside - The Mom and Bandit's Momma were happy about that.

For now, she has to stay in her crate a lot. She's doing something called rehab, which is just like being in your crate for a long, long time as near as I can tell. I guess her leg still hurts or something. Bandit didn't quite know either. She's napping now, so I thought I'd get in here and update everyone on my birthday gift - and our new little sister.

Hmm, we'll talk later...................

Post birthday fun.

2007-09-16T16:46:00.000-04:00

I thought I'd have some post birthday fun!
I was reading Sitka and Tia's blog, and I saw this fun game! You answer the following questions using the first letter of your name (and you can't use your own name on the name questions). So..........

What is your name? Dakota
4 letter word: Door (oh, and this one d%$# that The Mom uses a lot)
Vehicle: Dodge Dakota
TV Show: Dick Van Dyke Show
City: Duluth
Boy Name: Dave
Girl Name: Della
Alcoholic Drink: Dry Martini (shaken, not stirred)
Occupation: Donut maker
Something you wear: Double breasted suit
Celebrity: Don Ho
Food: Desserts
Something found in a bathroom: Deodorant
Reason for being late: Deluge of rain
Cartoon Character: Deputy Dawg!

That was lots of fun!

Mystery on Dakota's Mountain

2007-09-16T12:20:00.000-04:00

Just a few naps ago, I turned 8 years old. Yep, my birthday.
Now, I don't know about everypup, but around here, that's usually cause for lots and lots of gifts, belly rubs, and a little something known as cake and ice cream.
Usually.
But this year was different.
Oh, I got a few kisses. And belly rubs. And a few measely bites of something with pudding and cake.
But nothing else.
Nothing.
Nada, zippo, zilcho, bupkiss,absolutely NOTHING.
No gifts. No stuffies. No squeakies. No chew bones.
Now, that's bad enough. But I happen to know that The Mom and Bandit's Momma went to PetSmart before my birthday. And they brought stuff home. New bowls. A new place mat. A new Kong. Puppy biscuits. All I keep hearing is, "next week at this time.......". I don't care about next week, I just care that I didn't get anything for my birthday!
So here's the mystery. New stuff, not for me, and something is happening next week. What ever it is, The Mom even got my old crate out, and is making sure it's clean and ready (her words, not mine).
Ready for what?

Hike n Howl 2007 - Part two

2007-09-06T20:43:00.000-04:00

I am sorry for the delay in posting. Every now and then The Mom gets on her high horse about 'needing the laptop for work' and leaves me internetless!!! I believe that I will ask Santa Clause for my own laptop this year.

So, after our last visit with Xia, we got back in the car. The Mom was very, very difficult to lead to the car, because she had some big old box she was carrying. We finally got there, I put on my seat belt and we began to move. I sort of suspected that this would be another LONG, LONG, LONG ride - and I was right. I was, however, treated to part of a very tasty Double R Bar Burger. I've blogged about my attachment to Roy Rogers before, and I must say - even though The Mom called it 'crappy turnpike food' (her words, not mine and I do apologize to my readers in the great state of Pennsylvania) - that I have not changed my opinion of that dining establishment. Four woos from me!

Bandit was very happy to see us when we got home. We went outside, he sniffed, I used the potty. When we came back in, The Mom had brought that big old box in the house and put it on the floor:

Some very kind and wonderful person put together a big box of goodies for me!!! (Oh, and I suppose there's enough for Bandit too..........sigh.) And I mean BIG. A very nicely crafted toy box. The biggest bag I've ever seen of YUMMY CHUMMIES!!! Duck jerky. Toys. Gourmet doggie water. Some delectable salmon oil for our food. A very warm wool blanket. And a brand new collar and leash.

Hike n Howl was a lot of fun!!!!! Here's how I spent the rest of the evening, once the excitement of all those YUMMY CHUMMIES wore off..........................

Hike n Howl 2007

2007-09-03T15:19:00.000-04:00

I came, I saw, I hiked.

I always wanted to say that.

The Mom and I got up early, so early it was dark outside, to go bye-bye in the car. Now, this usually means that we're either going to that place that is totally obsessed with putting something up my butt, or to the store place where all the stuff is sold. This time though, we didn't go to either of these places. We were in the car for a LONG, LONG, LONG time. So long the sun came up and it got light out. We stopped at a place that was very noisy, and didn't have much grass to potty on. The Mom shared a small piece of her egg biscuit, then we got back in to the car. And were in the car for another LONG, LONG, LONG time. When we finally stopped, guess who I saw? Indy and his mom were there. And a husky I'd never met before, Max. Then I looked up, and there were HUSKIES EVERYWHERE!! We'd made it to Hike n Howl.

Our first stop was a small side trip to see Xia. Here we are at our first sniff n meet!

I must say that we were both on our best behavior, and that this meeting went quite well. Xia could not join us for the hike, her leg is still healing according to The Mom, so we went on without her to do the hike part:

This was our view on much of the hike. We were a little slower than most, but we did complete the hike! I'm happy to say that we raised $160 for the rescue groups. After the hike, there were lots of fun things to do - The Mom got a husky painted on her:

I met a very strange husky:
Then we spent more time with Xia.

Right before we got in the car again, something very, very nice happened. I'll blog about that tomorrow!

Again......

2007-08-21T19:02:00.000-04:00

So, it's move the kid in and out time again. What that means is that everything - with the possible exception of routine feeding and putting outside to potty - gets put on hold while The Mom and the kid pack things in boxes (the same things they packed before!) and then move the boxes to the car and then go.

I heard they went to a different place this year. I haven't been there. I might get to go soon though, as I've been getting many more car rides as we prepare for Hike n Howl . Personally, I think The Mom should be hiking more and driving less.

There's been lots of questions about our application to adopt Xia. I know that The Mom has had lots of conversations with Xia's foster mom - I hear she's being a little stinker (which I think translates as HULA member in training). And I know that The Mom did the home visit and stuff. What I don't know is when she's moving in. I've never been an older sister before - I'm currently the youngest dog in the house - and I would like some time to prepare. I plan on discussing this with The Mom soon, perhaps while we're on one of those car rides?

I almost forgot!! My Blogathon prizes from Meeshka arrived the other day!

Here we are checking it out - everyone else was packing!

Here's what we won! A cool howling wolf and a t-shirt.

And here's what I did after The Mom realized that we had gotten in to the box. Yes, that's me, strategically positioned between two cool air vents, my place of choice. (Yes, Tubey, that was a stuffie on the cool air vent in my last post. We have many, many, many stuffies here - three wash loads full according to The Mom).

Indy's Visit

2007-08-12T15:53:00.000-04:00

As part of the application to adopt Xia, The Mom and I had a home visit from the people at Harnessed to Hope.

Guess who did the home visit?

Indy! (oh, and his mom).

We had a good time showing them our house and the cat and the bird and our back yard!

Then, guess what we did?

Yup. It was a good day and we had a lot of fun!

Protest!!!! Strike!!!

2007-08-06T20:23:00.000-04:00

That's it, I'm protesting. I'm on strike. No more kisses, no more tail wags.
The Mom has some explaining to do, and until she does, I'm on STRIKE!
She got up at the crack of dawn yesterday, insisted on putting us out, feeding us and we all knew she wasn't going to that work place.
She left with out us.
She was gone a LONG, LONG, LONG time.
Do you know where she was?
She met Meeshka's human woman - but didn't meet Meeshka. And she met Sasha's human too - but didn't meet Sasha. Now, what good is it to meet the humans, but not the Huskies?
She apparently also got to hear this lady talk about ALASKA and the Iditarod. (Just typing it makes it cooler in here, sigh.............)
Honestly, that's like my total dream trip, and I DIDN'T GO!!!!!
Now apparently some Huskies were invited. Like Thunder (quite handsome, I guess you needed to be a handsome guy to get an invite?)
AND SHE MET XIA!!!!!!!!!
Now, this little girl has been all over the Internet and email and apparently has her own publicity firm hired or something, because everyone is talking about her. So she was important enough to get an invite too.
But I wasn't. And I'm on strike until someone tells me why.

It's too darn hot!

2007-08-03T20:22:00.000-04:00

The Mom tells me that 'It's too darn hot' is the name of a song. She would know. She's been listening to what the kids call the 'old fart' station here in town. I think the heat is getting to her.

Today we had to hear all about how nice it is to pick up poop because it practically dries up the moment it hits the ground. I wooed to her that we really didn't care, just pick it up!

Here's another picture (we have hundreds that were recently liberated). This one shows me doing something I truly love:

Sigh. Song or not, it's too darn hot for anypup!

Additional update

2007-07-28T16:46:00.000-04:00

Notice anything new about my blog?

Guess what The Mom finally broke down and bought?????

Chip.

Bandit

And me wooing to the neighbors, guess what the idiot I live with finally did! She bought a USB cable to hook the digital camera to the computer.

And no, I had absolutely nothing to do with the first missing USB cord.

The dog days of July

2007-07-28T09:58:00.000-04:00

Hello everypup, husky, girl-girl and loyal readers.

So much has gone on the past several days, I'm not sure where to begin.

I guess I'll start with Bandit. Many days ago, he wasn't feeling well. He was napping, I was leaving him alone, then I heard him in trouble - he was having a seizure. It was Bandit's first seizure, and I felt that as a sort of expert (I've had seizures my self), I needed to be with him. Bandit's momma didn't think that was a good idea, so I got locked in The Mom's bedroom and had to listen to everything. Bandit was OK - he bonked himself in the eye with an end table and had a swollen eye for a few days - but there were no other lingering affects with the seizure. Now they have to 'watch him'. He has not had any further seizures, and he has told me that he's feeling better. His eye is better too. Not that a black Lab can have a black eye.

Oh, and Chip has gone back to his people. We had a good time while he was here, although The Mom did not get as much time to work on his manners as she had hoped. We have pictures, but after a brief bit of hope where The Mom thought she had found the cord from the camera to the computer, they are still locked in the digital camera. Hey, as I have mentioned before, I had absolutely nothing to do with the disappearance of the cord.

Then, The Mom took out the box she uses when she goes away. I was not happy about this, but she mentioned taking one of the Kids and Jacki. Jacki is this nice lady that comes once a year or so and brings us LOTS of treats, so I decided that a visit would be a good time. I was not allowed to go - some place called a hotel did not allow pets. Why they would go to this place I have no idea. So, there's pictures of that too, but you won't see them either. Now, she did bring home some shells and rocks to sniff, and this really cool redhead Sibe stuffy that is not for me. Bandit and I stayed with his momma.

Then yesterday, The Mom left again! She wasn't gone long this time, but she went to spend time with one of the Kids on their birthday! Now, I know that birthday usually means we get cake and ice cream - but none, absolutely none of that was mentioned or seen. I was not happy. They apparently went to a movie and then had ice cream at some place.

The Mom is home now, curled up with a bit of a tummy issue. Serves her right for not saving me some of the cake and ice cream.

I know that I've been tagged to do some lists and stuff. I'll give those some thought and get them posted later this weekend. I plan on hogging the computer to follow Meeshka's Blogathon. Not only do I want to support our Husky Queen, but I have an additional interest in the outcome of this one..........

As many of you heard, in addition to all the whirlwind excitement I've detailed here, The Mom found time to contact some people at Harnessed to Hope to see if she could ADOPT little Xia. I hear that our adoption application has been approved, and that if Xia's foster family doesn't adopt this sweet little girl, she may be coming to live here. While I think I'll be an excellent older sister and a spectacular Husky role model, there will be another Husky in the house. I must admit some concern about her horning in on my belly rub time. But, as an added bonus, as part of the adoption process, I'll get to meet Indy!!!! I'm very excited about meeting this handsome traveling guy. Meeshka is blogging to raise money for Harnessed to Hope, and the money will be used to pay for Xia's (and other needy northern breeds) medical expenses. Thank you, Meeshka, for your philanthropy and efforts. The Mom thanks you too!

Wait until she finds out what I did!

2007-07-18T21:17:00.000-04:00

OK, now, I didn't tell you all this, but I just signed myself and The Mom up for Hike n Howl! I expect there to be some real howling when she finds out!!! Here she comes, more later!!!!

If I Could Put Time In A Bottle

2007-07-15T19:47:00.000-04:00

My good friend MayaMarie asked me to spend some time thinking about what five things I would put in something called a time capsule.

I will admit that I had no idea what a time capsule was, so I asked The Mom. She told me that it was a container that people usually bury and then dig up many years from now to look at the stuff that was buried. Well, I don't know about looking at the stuff, but I'm all about the burying, so here goes:

1. Some music by Jimmy Buffett. I know, but I'm very fond of Buffett. I've been known to calm down and ride quietly in the car with some Buffett tunes - 'Cheeseburger In Paradise' comes to mind.

2. A stuffie Husky. So the future can see just how spectacular we are. Oh, and it has to squeak.

3. Chicken yummies. These tasty little treats are dried chicken and they are the most delectable doggie treats you can imagine.

4. My blankie. My Nana made me a blankie with yarn and a crochet needle. Every pup should have their own personal blankie. Well, maybe my Nana could make another one to put in the time capsule, because I am not ready to part with mine.

5. A picture of me and The Mom. OK, sort of sappy, I know. But I would want the people in the future to see how much I love The Mom and The Mom loves me.

I'm going to add one more thing. I know MayaMarie only asked for five, but................

6. Copies of the blogs of all my wonderful friends (like MayaMarie) so that everyone knows just how much fun we're having as Dogs With Blogs.

Other blogs

2007-07-14T19:35:00.000-04:00

I've been reading other blogs, checking out the 'Sloganizer'. Lots of fun. Here's what the movie quote did for me:

'May the Dakota be with you'.

Hehehe!

Catching up

2007-07-14T16:27:00.000-04:00

What a week!

There's been a whirlwind of activity here, with lots of discussions and 'yes' and calls from 'rescue' places. I'm not quite sure what's going to come of it, but I think it has something to do with this group of folks!

You may remember Chip from last year. Well, he's back again. I can't say much for his manners, and I'm not going to be the one that tells The Mom that he is pooping in my room. Pooping in the house is something that is NOT ACCEPTABLE, according to The Mom. I don't want to get the little guy in trouble. I'm also not telling that Chip is the one who barks a lot. As a non-barking kind of dog - we Huskies woooooooo - I sort of find this, well, embarrassing. The neighbors will talk.

Bandit's skin is all funky again. I'm suggesting that he's allergic to Chip. I don't know how it will go over though. I think The Mom and Bandit's Mom are talking about not giving Bandit puppy biscuits. That would mean more for me, I think.

Oh, I was nominated by Amber and Stormy over at the Ao4 blog for a Rockin' Girl Blogger!

Thanks! You girls rock too! (Dave and Zim aren't so bad either.)

I play bow my acceptance and am surfing the blogs to find additional girls to bring on board! We girls must stick together.

And finally, the kid is home for a few days, and apparently she has some skill with the digital camera!!! I'm posing for pics as soon as I'm done here, and I'll see if I can get new ones of Bandit and maybe one of Chip. I am thinking of snitching the wire that goes from the camera to the computer too........ mine seems to be missing and I'm still not taking the blame for that one!

All about The Mom

2007-07-08T10:29:00.000-04:00

In response to a request from my friend MayaMarie , today's post will be an interview with The Mom. Not to be confused with that funky book The Mom tried to read once 'Interview With A Vampire' - she gave it two paws down.

Dakota - Welcome. Thanks for agreeing to answer a few questions for my blogging friends.
The Mom - Your welcome. Was that you that slopped water all over the kitchen?

D - This is my time to interview you, I won't be answering any questions.
TM - Like you would admit it if it was you.

D - OK, question number one. What did you do with the kids and why? I miss them.
TM - (sighs) Honestly Dakota. We've been through this before. But, once again, when human children get to be human adults, they are expected to leave home and make their own way in the world.

D - So you kicked them out, and if I even make a move to the front door, I get yelled at.
TM - That's correct. They are out working, making money, living in their own homes. It's every parents dream. You are a dog. You may not wander free, you need to be in a contained, safe place.

D - But it's my dream to get out, and you are suppressing it!!!
TM - That's different. It's not like you would leave the house and get a job, feed yourself and put a roof over your head. You wouldn't know what to do if you had to work for a living. Such a shame too, you are a member of a 'working breed'.

D - I shouldn't have to work, people would take care of me. I'm a HUSKY.
TM - Not everyone loves Huskies, Miss Moon. Perhaps we should find another interview topic before we get too much further.......

D - Ok, next question. Something more sedate. How old are you?
TM - Old enough to know that I'm not answering that question

D - Is it because you have to tell your age in three digits?
TM - I DO NOT!!!

D - Yes, I did the math and you are over three hundred years old.
TM - WHAT???!!! I think you may need a refresher course dog. Or perhaps an opposable thumb.

D - That was below the belt, don't you think? The opposable thumb thing.
TM - Hey, not my fault you were born a dog.

D - Lets see if we can find something more neutral to discuss. When are we moving to Alaska?
TM - Now wait a minute. A question or two ago, you were moaning about how you miss the kids, and now you want to pick up and move to Alaska? Not that it's a bad idea or anything.........

D - So there's hope?
TM - I'm not ruling anything out for us at this time.

D - Where do you go every day?
TM - Work. Someone has to pay for the dog food and the mortgage.

D- Why can't I go with you?
TM - Because they don't let dogs in to the place I work.

D - Why?
TM - Because. I don't make the rules there, I just follow them and hope the paychecks keep coming.

D - But why?
TM - (sighs again) Because someone has to pay the bills. And it's time you know that I'm looking at ................... getting you a sibling.

D - A what?
TM - Sibling. Brother or sister. Another pack mate. ANOTHER DOG?

D -
TM - Hmmmmmmmmmm. That shut you up.

D - Will you at least do me the favor of getting another Husky?
TM - Probably. For some dumb reason, I'm quite fond of picking up fur by the pound, getting up in the middle of the night to look at snow and picking up the remains of birds.

D - There you have it folks, this is what I live with. Perhaps she'll agree to sit for another interview when she's in a better mood and has gotten the idea of another Husky out of her mind.

The dream of a lifetime

2007-06-28T22:34:00.000-04:00

If you've read my profile, you know that I'm, well, in to that tropical vibe. Seems like I'm not the only sled dog that feels that way........
I'm (well, The Mom) is a HUGE fan of Jimmy Buffett. Check this out - the Official Jamaican Sled Dog Team!!!

'Wasted away again in Dogaritaville'!!!!!

Don't forget to check out Dogs Aye View

2007-06-28T08:46:00.001-04:00

Good morning. I love lazy mornings surfing the blogs, seeing what the rest of my virtual pack has been up to.

Check out this LINK from the good pups over at Dogs Aye View, Gomer and Opie. What a cool idea they gave their human mom. Check it out and click the links!!!!

All about me

2007-06-26T10:49:00.000-04:00

Look what I found while surfing the blogs.......

1. Age? 7 years, 9 months.
2. My age when I came to live with my people? 6 weeks. The Mom says the place I came from was run by an 'idiot'. Not sure what that is, but I suspect it's not good.
3. What color collar am I wearing right now? Black, with paw prints that reflect light.
4. My favorite person other than my people I live with? My kids. Well, The Mom's kids. They don't live with us anymore.
5. How much do I weight? 49 pounds.
6. Most expensive thing I ever chewed up? Probably the carpet. I chewed up a sofa good too, but since it was going with that man that used to live with us, The Mom assures me it doesn't count. And I got a yummy for doing it!
7. Do I like other dogs? Yes, I am a pack animal.
8. Who is my best non-human friend? Bandit. And maybe Chip.
9. Squeaky toys or tennis balls? Squeeky toys. Absolutely. I own the squeeky toy of all squeeky toys. It has 12, count 'em 12 different squeekers in it.
10. Do I like to be brushed? NO! That's my fur.
11. Peanut Butter or Cheese? The sweetest words to my ears......... "Mom's got cheese!!"
12. Do my people cut my toenails? Yup, but The Mom has to engage in a full body press to do it, and it's no fun unless I 'claw' blood!!
13. Any formal education? No. Just the school of hard knocks.
14. Couch Potato or Energizer Bunny? Depends on the time and place.
15. Five nicknames people call me? Koda Bear, KB, Miss Husky, Sweets and Sh**head. The last one is usually the loudest.
16. What is my best trick? At night after last call, when it's time to go to sleep, 'Time to go ni-night'. I trot down the hall, make a right turn and get in bed. It seems to entertain The Mom.
17. Do I like kitties? Only for breakfast or lunch.......ha ha ha......... I live with a cat. I tolerate said cat.
18. What did I have for breakfast? Iams Lamb and Rice dry food. Oh, and Honey Nut Cheerios.
19. Can I hunt and have I ever killed anything? Yes, I am an accomplished hunter. My trophies include bunnies, birds (including a Mallard Duck and duckling) and a groundhog.
20. When was the last time I went to the vet? About a year ago, and I can see my name on the big food box........
21. Where do I sleep at night? With The Mom in our bedroom. No crate for me.
22. Do I like to swim? That's the big water bowl in the back yard. I'm not getting in it.
23. Can I make puppies? Nope. Thank doG. There's too many unparented pups in the world it is.
24. My favorite place to visit? Hmmm. That would be either the back yard, or PetSmart.
25. Do I give kisses? Yup, whether they need them or not.
26. Can I potty on command? What? Why would I pee when they want me too? I pee when I want to.
27. Do I cuz? Only if Bandit is cuzzing. Then I cuz. Otherwise, who cares?
28. Do I behave when we go for a walk? I'm pretty good about it now that I've matured some. When I was a wee pup, I was a master yanker.

Hurricane The Mom

2007-06-26T08:28:00.000-04:00

The Mom spent much time last night tearing up my office - well, her office - looking for the little cord that connects the camera to the computer. Honestly, I had nothing, absolutely nothing to do with the disappearance. It's not my fault she hasn't mastered the basic skills of filing and putting things where they belong.

So, I still have no pictures to put on my blog.

We got a really cool package from SOS-SRF. The Mom is a sucker for anything with a Sibe on it, and I like helping other Sibes not as fortunate as me. Now, if I could just get her to adopt a disciple for me. I keep telling her that we could hook to the front of Big Red, and save on gas.

Ao4, I need some camouflage tips!

2007-06-19T08:23:00.000-04:00

I'm out from hiding while The Mom has gone to work. Let me tell you, I'm not that fond of this time of the year for the obvious reason - where the heck is the snow? - but there's something that the late spring, summer brings out that's even more hideous than the missing snow........

It's bath and grooming time!

The first bath of the season was about two weeks ago. The Mom lured me out of hiding with some tasty ham (Oh, Queen Meeshka, how does one perfect the mind over ham technique?), looped the bath collar on me and started lathering me up.

Then, it's nail clipping. Now, there's not a whole lot in this world that I absolutely hate, but getting my nails done - well, that's it. Once again, I was ambushed while napping! Next thing I knew, The Mom was on top of me, smothering me with her big ol' butt while she trimmed my nails. I got one or two really good claws in - including one that drew blood - but each and every nail was trimmed.

After that, it's the fur between my sensitive little toes. Now, I won't go in to too many unlady like details, but I have to have a bit of fur trimmed off my tootsies every now and then to keep from getting painful mats. But, as I said and as The Mom knows, those little toes are sensitive. That doesn't stop her from getting out the scissors and trimming away though.

Finally, when I have practically no dignity left, out comes the rake. No I don't want to be brushed. And it's not even a brush, it's a funky looking thing with teeth that digs in to my fur and takes it away. I'll be naked before long. One saving grace here - so far, it's only my left side that's been subjected to the torture. The right side is mine, and I'm protecting it at all costs!!!

Ao4, do you have any camouflage tips for your loyal trooper? How can I hide from the grooming, while coming out for the good stuff - food, water, belly rubs?

Oh! I hear the front door!

Dakota signing off.

Totally pathetic

2007-05-29T21:25:00.000-04:00

I just think everydog should know how pathetic things are around here. The Mom got home from work - LATE AGAIN -and put us out. The next thing I knew, she was outside, with ice water - no friggin' snacks - with her nose in a book. A book! Now, after being in an office all day, you would think that she should want to come home, stretch out a bit and maybe play???? Nope, she was on her lazy butt all evening!

Didn't even make dinner.

Do you know what Kix are?

That's what Miss Lazy - formerly known as The Mom - had for dinner!

She's not on the computer!

2007-05-27T08:55:00.000-04:00

Finally, after months of not even being able to get in to the office - darn those humans for making sure the doors are closed - The Mom is done school. The computer is free, The Mom is petting and loving me more and all is well with my world.
Well, it was until the kid came home.
I was told that the kid lived at school ( I'm thinking it was not the same school that The Mom was going to), but now she is home. Well, let me tell you, I don't know where the kid was, but she brought a LOT of stuff home with her. Food. Clothes. New tasty looking shoes. And many, many piles of J-U-N-K. I can barely move around in my room! But, it is nice to have the kid home because it means that The Mom will no longer leave me and go visit her. So, I'm happy.
It's terribly hot here - already I have seen the 90 on the thermometer. I am thankful that the air conditioner is up and working again. I'm confining my outside time to early morning and night time - besides, it's easier to guard the perimeter of the yard when it's dark.
As you can see, I am taking regular rest and water breaks.

I just heard The Mom mention that she's off for a few more days. That's good news. I was just thinking of a belly rub and a nap.

Mother's Day

2007-05-13T09:21:00.000-04:00

While The Mom pours over text books and yanks out part of her fur while screaming something about final exams, I thought I'd sneak in and blog to catch everyone up.

The Mom has still not mastered how to hook the digital camera up to the computer. She should.

There's lots and lots of young tasty snacks in my yard. Birds. Bunnies. Nothing yet, although apparently there was a dearly departed baby bird on Bandit's side of the yard. Hmmmm.

Um, if you hear something that sounds like bzzzzzzz - do not, I repeat, do not confuse it as a young and tasty snack. Oh, it was tasty I guess, but then my snoot swelled up and I didn't feel all that well for a few hours. They bite back! I did get some ice in the water bowl from The Mom though.

One of the kids came home last weekend! I was in bed, asleep with The Mom, and I heard someone come in the house!! I picked my head up to listen to see if they were headed toward the cheese drawer, and all of the sudden the bedroom door opened and it was the kid! I was pretty happy to see her - I leaped from the bed to the door and in to her arms. Sure enough, she had brought some tasty leftovers home and we shared a midnight snack.

I've been trying to decide what to get The Mom for Mother's Day. Seems that chewing up a text book could be a possible gift, but I think I'll just let her pet my belly after I get brushed. Maybe I'll behave during my brushing too. That would be a real treat for her.

Bacon Heaven

2007-04-25T20:54:00.000-04:00

The Mom is frying bacon, so I thought I'd sneak in and see how everyone was.

So, how are you? I haven't been able to blog much lately - if your human, owner, Mom, Dad, biped or whatever mentions the words 'on-line course', you can expect to only find the computer free when they are in that small room where they potty (They spend hours sniffing in there, have you noticed that?). Which means you will not be able to read blogs, or blog yourself. How else am I supposed to keep up with my friends? Really.

And - to add insult to injury - The Mom packed up that bag thing and LEFT for three moons. Three. Oh, she let the kid come here and make sure that Bandit and I had food and we went outside and we had someone to cater to our whims, but she LEFT me. I am not happy. I have also discovered her packing up that bag thing again today. I don't know where she's going this time. My question - why can't I go? I have a crate, and I don't need one of those bags. I can just go. I travel light. My blankie, a crate and some water.

We've been having bacon on everything and in everything. I wonder if the folks at Dogs With Blogs would mind if we had a Wine, Cheese and Bacon Pawty here?

Easter Snow-day

2007-04-08T19:34:00.000-04:00

No sun today! It's been overcast and snowing here in the Catoctin Mountains. Well, no snow on the ground snow, but lots of snow in the sky snow. I think the Easter Bunnies under the building in the backyard are huddled up - it's might chilly here for them. Even The Mom is a bit cold these days.
I'm loving it!
Let's see. Bandit's birthday was last week, and we got cake and ice cream (well, doggie ice cream, but........). Then it was Bandit's Momma's birthday, and we got MORE cake and doggie ice cream. Quite the coupe, having those days in a row like that. I wish I had pictures but a) The Mom has the camera 'hidden' somewhere (she lost it!) and b) she really needs to buy the cable so we can actually upload the pictures from the camera to the blog. I think this is just a conspiracy to keep me off the computer.
Good thing I have no intention to buy in to the conspiracy!
Oh, and she didn't win one thing on the eBay auctions for Harnessed To Hope . I'm sure that she needed something....... maybe her wallet would have been a little fuller if she'd stop going to all those ham and turkey nights. Not that I'm complaining about 10 pounds of bacon.

Sunday Musings

2007-04-01T18:03:00.000-04:00

Good afternoon to everyone.
Things continue to be quite hectic here, as The Mom recovers from her fall and spring has arrived. I've spent much of my time helping The Mom, and making sure she is safe. I am happy to report that meals and yummies are back on the pre-injury schedule. I did get somewhat of a break yesterday, as The Mom got up very, very early in the morning and did not get home until very, very late. I'm not quite sure what a one armed bandit is, but it apparently got some of The Mom's money stuff.
The Mom found a cool place called Jake's Dog House (www.jakesdoghouse.com if you happen to have that plastic thing the humans use). They had homemade dog treats, and The Mom brought us some! We also each got a new squeaky toy - mine is a squeaky mat with 16, count 'em, 16 squeakers in it. Bandit got a squeaky duck. It was nice to be rewarded for all of my hard work of late.
The Mom is now doing more school stuff. Stress Management. Stupid humans, if you have a Husky, there is NO stress. You just have to live on dog time and understand that the Husky way is the only way.

And finally, I'm sad to report that my namesake and friend Dakota over at The Brat Pack has gone to the Rainbow Bridge. If you haven't had the opportunity to visit Thrawn, Samantha, Tucker and Dot, head over and read their blog. Dakota my friend, I will miss you and I am sending soft Husky woos to the rest of your pack.

Stupid human tricks, or how the biped landed on her ..........

2007-03-15T20:55:00.000-04:00

Phew. It's been an eventful few weeks for me, not the least of which was playing nursemaid to The Mom, while she recovers from a sprained wrist.
She fell, and I almost had to jump the fence to come to her rescue!
It was many nights ago, that day where we had a nice fluffy snow here in the Catoctin Mountains. The Mom came home from that work place, put me and the Bandit outside, had a cup of that hot stuff she drinks and put her outside boots on. Well, I stayed outside to enjoy the snow, and Bandit came inside (he's, well, snow challenged), and The Mom went out front to move all the snow from one place to another. (Humans - what's up with that? Why do you move the snow? It's all over everything, and who cares if one spot is bigger than another? There's usually enough to share.) I was watching her do that, and all of the sudden, wham, she's laying on the ground! I started to whine, to make sure she was OK, then I figured that I needed to get over the fence and offer a quick diagnosis (where's Dr. Meepenstein when you need him?). Well, about that time, The Mom started to talk to me and let me know she was OK (embarrassed and wet) and that I should stay where I was.
Those humans.
She finally came in the house and let me in the back door. I rushed to her side, and made sure she was safe, then I pushed her down on to the bed and laid beside her to keep her warm. It must have worked, because outside of some bruises, all that happened is she had to wear a goofy looking thing on her hand and arm. Mind you, it's the hand and arm that do all the cooking and feeding, so this was cause for great concern.
She's better now, still wearing the goofy thing though.
I think the school thing has stopped. At least part of it did. I don't know what accounting is, but it sure causes the people in this house to use those word we're not supposed to use.
She's heading in to the kitchen now, I'd better go. Who knows what will happen if I don't keep an eye on her?

Winter Wonderland

2007-02-25T20:32:00.000-05:00

Another 4 inches of snow (that's about a quarter of a Husky leg) fell in the Catoctin Mountains today. Snow. Not the ice stuff we had a couple of weeks ago. Snow. Where you could make yourself a little bed and lay in. Snow. Where you could dig and find the ground and track the rabbit under the shed or the squirrel that has taken up residence in the Leland Cyprus trees in the back yard. Snow. Where, once you came in because SOMEONE promised you cheese, you could lay at the door of your room (I don't think I ever blogged about my room. I'll have to do that.) and watch lots and lots of birds at the feeder. Red birds. Really red birds. Big gray birds that coo instead of woo. Little brown birds that seem happy. Snow.
Snow. Snow. Snow. Snow. Snow. Snow. Snow. Snow. Snow. Snow. Snow. Snow. Snow. Snow. Snow. Snow. Snow. Snow. Snow. Snow. Snow. Snow. Snow. Snow. Snow. Snow. Snow. Snow.
I don't know how else to say it.

Now, lets talk about that squirrel. According to The Mom, who has lived here for 13 and a half years (however long that is), this is the first time she's seen a squirrel in the neighborhood. All I know is that it smells different, and it can jump from tree to tree! It doesn't fly - it jumps! I can't climb trees, something that I learned the hard way over the past couple of days, but if I could that squirrel would be history (um, well, probably breakfast, lunch, dinner or a snack).

It's been a good day and I am sort of sleepy. I believe that I'll nap, then get The Mom up so we can check out the snow sometime tonight.

This one's for Opy

2007-02-16T19:51:00.000-05:00

For all of my blog friends who are snowless:

Check this out!

Welcome from the Yukoctin Mountains

2007-02-15T20:45:00.000-05:00

We hit the weather jackpot here! About six inches of snow. At the moment, it's quite solid though, almost icy. Well, lets be honest, it's about six inches of ice at the moment. It's very odd, you can walk on top of it and not sink your paws in. Bandit is having some difficult time with his footing. As a spry and delicate Husky, I'm doing just fine. I had a nice snooze out in the sun today, and keep making sure that The Mom lets me out for my weather reporting duties.
The only real problem at this point is that we can't go down the steps from the kitchen - everyone has to go downstairs to go outside.
Apparently, The Mom is not that thrilled with having to get up at 4:30 and walk down the steps. She should be a bit more careful and perhaps turn on the light next time. Oh, she's OK, but I suspect that if I have to go out tonight I'll probably be discouraged............... good thing I don't listen to her.

Snow, beautiful snow

2007-02-13T19:11:00.000-05:00

While The Mom walks around the house quoting from 'The Owl and the Pussycat' - I don't know, some stuff about a pea green boat - I'm doing my best to stare out the window at the spectacular snow. There's about three inches - that's up past the paws for those of you who need a visual reference - of snow in my corner of the Catoctin Mountain range.
Supposedly more to come.
I think it's time to trip the old girl up, get her attention and see if I can go outside and play!

If I smell it, it will come

2007-02-11T19:47:00.000-05:00

Dakota here, and I'm all about snow!

I've had my head in the wind and my ears to the Weather Channel. Snow is on the way! Tomorrow, I think, not Tuesday like they keep saying. I'm hoping for at least six good inches, enough to dig in, romp in and pretty much just do what I want in.

Of course, it's been such an odd winter that we're liable to not get any snow at all.

I must admit that there's just nothing going on here. I did see The Mom smuggle in a bag of something for the Valentine thing. I'm hoping that there's more in there than stuff for those kids she has.

Like chicken yummies. Now those would be an acceptable Valentine's present.

I've added my card for The Mom, what do you think?

Back to School

2007-01-28T17:47:00.000-05:00

Dakota here. I'm happy to announce that there's absolutely nothing going on in my little corner of the world. The Mom is working, and she's back in school. Which means that I'm left to my own devices for far, far too long while she's got her nose stuck in a book.
We had a dear little bit of snow a few days ago......but no pictures, she was too busy.
I did the best dogball I've ever done...... but no pictures, she still can't figure out how to hook the camera to the laptop.
I had a good time chasing the cat.... but no pictures, because I'm smart enough to know that I shouldn't chase the cat and tell her!

There's also been a ton of complaining about the 'cold' weather. Cold weather?? This isn't cold. It's barely cool. Just a bit of snow and wind, and you should hear them go on and on about it. This is the time of the year that The Mom starts looking at warm places to live. I'm going to have to get those websites blocked or something. Well, maybe not blocked. I must admit to a yearning to walk a warm moonlit beach every now and then.

I was reading blogs, and I see where Mary Margaret is moving to Pennsylvania. I live just a few minutes away from Pennsylvania, and I'm hoping she will be close to me. Maybe we can visit and play? It's so boring having no girldogfriends near by.

I've decided to be more politically active this season, what with Hillary Clinton running and all. But, I think I'm voting for a man I have come to admire. A true patriot. A bachelor who won't back down from his opinions. Yep.................. I'm voting for TURBO!

The Weekend

2007-01-06T20:06:00.000-05:00

Dakota here.
After a long stretch of time where it seems everyone was sick, things seem to be calmer tonight. I'm blogging, and everyone else is watching that stupid box with the pictures on it.
The Mom did make it to that work place last week, and she worked too much, even after I took that thing on her wrist. I'm going to have to continue to help her learn doggie time. Humans can be quite difficult to train.
They can also be quite fun to watch.
The Mom got this tiny little thing that blasts music in her ears a few months ago. Since then, I've been subjected to some of the strangest things...... she walks down the halls and wiggles her rear end, she claps her hands and she smiles and sings. (She does not have to worry about joining the local Husky choir, let me tell you.) I laughed so hard at her wiggling up and down the hall today that I peed myself. Really. If she only knew.

It's practically summer here in the Catoctin Mountains. The only thing making is bearable is the lovely mud in my back yard........

Moon, sun and tears

2007-01-02T12:14:00.000-05:00

Dakota here. Catching up on the blogs with The Mom. We've read about Tara and Peanut and The Mom has been doing that thing with her eyes. It usually means she's sad. I told her that the pups are at the Rainbow Bridge, having a good time with all the other pups while waiting for their moms and dads to come.
I guess it could also be she's crying because of all the Kleenex she's been using. The Mom is just laying around, doing much of nothing, including playing with us. I think she's just looking to get away from that place for the day.
I can't blame her.
Meeshka's blog talks about dog time today. And I think that it's time The Mom began using dog time. I'm hiding the thing she wears on her wrist. All she does is look at it and say those naughty words anyway. If it makes her that unhappy, then I'm going to do something about it.
I'm going to put that music she likes on. That Buffett guy. And then I'm going to make the ultimate Husky sacrifice and lay with her while she sniffles and uses up every Kleenex in the house.

Dakota (respectfully writing to Mr. Buffett to change 'It's Five o'clock Somewhere' to 'It's Doggietime Somewhere)

Happy Howlidays!

2006-12-25T21:21:00.000-05:00

Dakota here, after making sure that everyone was tucked in to bed.
It's been a long time since I've been able to blog, what with The Mom and the school thing and all of the time she spends at that work place. I've advised her to stop both of those horrid things and spend more time with me. It seems that it's the best idea all the way around. I get to blog more because she's on the computer less and I get to see her more because she's home.

So, what did everydog get for Christmas? I got a new squeeky moose, a very sharp bandana from the nice people at the humane society and one of those delectable filled bones to chew on. Did I mention that the people here had crab imperial? And that I got a perfectly yummy cracker full of crab imperial? I do love my seafood. The Mom got some thing that makes those Jimmy Buffet tunes that she likes come out. It's real small, but it sure is cool looking. She has it where I can't reach it. I told her not to worry about me, it's Bandit that chews everything.

I must admit, I am a bit sleep tonight. Waiting up for Santa is tiring, and I fell asleep before I saw him. Sigh. I would have liked another of those chew bones.

To all of my blog friends........... Happy Howlidays! May your snow be deep, your food be warm and may you have a family you can curl up with after a hard days play.

Dakota

LET IT SNOW!!!!!!

2006-12-07T19:28:00.000-05:00

Dakota here.............. it's snowing and blowing in my little corner of the Catoctin Mountains. What a beautiful sight, it's snowing tonight!!

I'm hoping for a winter wonderland in my yard!!!

Score one for this proud HULA member!!!

2006-11-30T20:50:00.000-05:00

While everyone was distracted by the persistent banging on the gateway to freedom, I managed to snatch the better part of a delectable roast beef sandwich!!!
I don't know if you are all familiar with Roy Rogers or not, but I highly recommend the roast beef!!
I also managed to get a few pets from the lady that was at the door. I promise that I only belched a little bit, and I did not belch in her face as The Mom said!!