Again......

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

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!!!

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!

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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 ..........

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

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

For all of my blog friends who are snowless:

Check this out!

Welcome from the Yukoctin Mountains

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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!!!!!!

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!!!

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!!

Back to normal

A long week here. I'm happy to have booted The Mom off the laptop to blog for a few minutes. You would not believe how much time she spends in front of this darn thing for 'school'. Well, she needs to spend more time with me, let me just say. The darn woman wouldn't even play ball with me yesterday, she spouted some stuff about how 'wet' it was out in the yard. A little mud bath wouldn't hurt her nasty dry old people fur, that's for sure.

Lots of guests on the TURKEY day. There was leftovers..... yummy turkey parts that Nana made just for me and Bandit. We've enjoyed a little nibble every dinner since then - The Mom could be a bit more generous in the turkey department. Bandit even managed to snatch something called pumpkin pie. He did mention it was mighty tasty - the old guy didn't share though. The kids were here, and I am happy to say a good time was had by all.

Particularly us, as we also managed to sneak off with a good bit of cheese before anyone noticed. I'm sure Bandit will be all eweey and yucky soon (he's allergic to cow, which means that if he eats anything cow related he gets bad fur), but that didn't stop him from helping me with the big sneak.

As I recall, after TURKEY day, they put the fake tree up and start putting a bunch of stuff in the house that we're not supposed to sniff. I ask, if I can't sniff it, how am I to approve it?

Weather report

Exciting news from the Catoctin Mountains.............. I heard it is supposed to snow tonight! The Mom says maybe just flurries, but that's enough to get me excited. I am happy enough to chase snow flakes and have some fun in my yard.

The Mom came home with lots of bags today. It's that time of the year when she starts buying lots of stuff - including stuff for me - and they get together and give things to each other - and to me. Today, she came home with two of those things that they hang on the fake tree.

I personally think she's taking this husky thing a bit too far. Really, why does she have all these fake husky things when she has me. She didn't say a whole lot when she found out about the bids I put in on eBay. I suspect that's because I bid, but didn't win! Oh well.

I'm going to go stare out the window and wait for the snow!

One wet husky

Today has been particularly fun. I started my day by nagging The Mom way before the light came in the windows. I knew that darn opossum was outside, and I did my best to see if opossum is anywhere as tasty as oatmeal.
But I didn't get him. He made it in to a tree before I could grab him. Sigh.
Then I refused to come in, even though it was raining and nasty outside. I'm not coming in for just any old reason.
I topped of my day by trying to get one of Bandit's favorite toys from him.......... running in front of The Mom while she was bringing in those bags of yummy food from the store place. I had the briefest scent of some yummy beef roast (which, you may recall, is a special treat around here).
The weekend is shaping up nicely. I heard talk that they are going to an 'Oyster Feed'. Now, for those who don't know, oysters are these little nuggets of ocean goodness. I'll be seeing who brings some home for me!
If you have not already done so, find your human's money card and do a little shopping on eBay . Those really great humans at Harnessed To Hope are selling lots of nice husky things to help support our northern brothers and sisters who aren't as fortunate as us. I know The Mom won't mind if I am spending her money on such a worthy cause.
And if she's going to drink that nasty stuff in the morning (even I won't go near that stuff in the mug), she can at least drink it out of a fabulous husky mug!!
Bid early folks, and bid often.
But not on that mug.

Saturday Night Fever

Well, not really.
It's been a difficult week here. First, that darn beta fish died. Mickey had been around for about four years, getting coos and tank pets and stuff. I had to attend the burial at sea.... The Mom was crying, so I had to dry her face off and remind her that there's still those in need of love here.
Then, I heard today, that I am now officially an AUNT. Yup, the kid went ahead and adopted a ...... kitten. Apparently it's a young (tasty?) version of a cat. She gave it some sort of a goofy name too - it's Wilma of Wilma and Betty. I think Wilma is coming over for that day soon where there's lots of food and they all act like absolutely none of it can be fed to us. I'll scope her out then and let everyone know if she is, um, tasty.
The other kid is home for a few days. What that really means is that there's three or four people sneaking me good stuff today. Tonight's special treat..... chicken, gravy, a little corn, some mashed potatoes and some cheese. I see where they snuck in some of that dry stuff that usually ends up in our bowls. Hey, even that stuff isn't bad when you put gravy on it.
Is there anything tastier than gravy?

Friday musings

The Mom is at work, so I decided to sneak in and blog a bit. I've been more or less locked out of the office - some stuff about homework laying all over the place. Looks more like The Mom is either too lazy to file and do things properly, or she's spending a lot of time on addictinggames.com . I suspect it is the latter.

I did notice a digital camera for human idiots type book though. Perhaps she'll finally get the digital hooked up so I can post some of my pictures. That would be cool. Sometimes I feel like I'm the only Husky blogger who doesn't post pictures............... I feel so left out.

The weather is awful warm here. The leaves are on the ground, and it's HOT. This is not right.

Dakota

Howl-o-ween

Dakota here.
I just want to know if I am the only pup who participated in trick or treat. You know, where they throw the treat in the bedroom to trick you in to staying there so you can't run rampant through the neighborhood getting all that stuff back your humans hand to those little kids.

At least I have been spared the indignity of a costume. I've been reading blogs when I can, and it appears that some have not been as fortunate. My sympathy. As retribution, may I suggest either a good flop on their lap where you leave a pound of husky fur or perhaps a good shake next time you are out playing in the rain?

So, in between papers and what not, The Mom had time to check in with the Danamaniacs group she belongs to. This picture is from Alaskaauthor1. I don't know how she feels about huskies, but I think she's quite passionate about snow.

I think it's time we consulted HULA and discussed a snow machine..........

Family outrage!!!

Dakota here.
Well, it's not like I don't have enough problems getting to the computer, with The Mom in school and just making a hog of herself when it comes to computer time.
No, she just tried to shoo me off so she can do...........................CAT RESEARCH!!

It seems one of the kids decided to switch to the other side and adopt a cat. A cat. How embarrassing is that? Who knows how many huskies, or how many dogs, need a home, and my kid adopts a cat. I'm beside myself. I already live with one cat, Sadie (also known as Satan), and I just don't know that I can even tolerate another one.

Really, I don't know what The Mom was thinking when she raised these kids. A cat. I just don't know what to say.

On another note - The Mom was all wet eyed this morning. Tomorrow, it will be 7 years since I arrived here. Trust me Mom, there's days where it feels a lot longer than that. Now, I have it pretty good here, but lately............... It's also The Mom's birthday. Those kids usually get me a card to sniff and lick shut, but with the cat on the way, I'm sure it's forgotten about.

Wait until she finds out that I didn't forget about the Shrimp Scampi in the fridge...............

Lessons Learned

Dakota here.......... Finally.

My Husky friends, if your humans ever utter the words 'back to school', you may want to do what you can to dissuade them. What that phrase actually means is:
1. They will no longer have time for you.
2. They will hog the computer.

Now, I can't really complain. I am getting fed on a regular basis, and it's not like I've been kicked off the bed at night. But there's no fun. No extra belly rubs. No extra ball. It's bare bones (no pun intended) in the attention area here. I had to resort to acting like there's something under the shed, then run in to the house when The Mom came out and jump on to the computer. How dignified is that, I ask you? I'm sure she'll be in any minute to reclaim the laptop, undoubtedly muttering something along the lines of 'damn instructor'. The only plus I've heard in all this is apparently when she's done, The Mom will be working in a restaurant. That means leftovers............. yum. She's also surfing the net looking for jobs in places NORTH of these Catoctin Mountains (No snow here yet, but there was frost the other morning.)
For the record, I am totally sick of Colorfest . People at the house all weekend, not sleeping in my own bed, noise, people in and out and not one of them dropped a tasty treat. Not one. The Mom made sure that everyone knew that Bandit could not have anything related to a cow, so everyone assumed that I couldn't either.
You know what they say about assuming, humans.
I think I taught a lesson when I went outside, rolled in the weekend frost and stuck my nose in Nana's housecoat for some yummies.
Ha!!

"And now, back to you, Biff...."

Dakota here, with a weather report from the Catoctin Mountain area...........

The thermometer on the deck reads 42 degrees. Not that I can read this confounded thing, I overheard The Mom muttering something about cold feet this morning and she checked it out.
42 degrees. It's comfortable, it's breezy and I'm planning on spending my day outside. How far away can snow be? It's a great day to be a Husky!

(It would be a better day if The Mom shared her bagel with peanut butter on it. Not that I'm complaining, but...)

Doggie friend tag!!!

The Army of Four tagged me! I'm supposed to list five things that make a great doggie friend. Hmmmm...........

1. A good doggie friend shares. Not just their old chew bones either. Bandit and I have two big toy baskets, and we share everything. When Chip was here, we shared with him too.

2. A good doggie friend keeps their Mom/Dad/family safe. Bandit does better than I do with this - he's a barker, let me tell you - and if anyone comes close to our house or our yard, he lets The Mom know.

3. A good doggie friend knows when it's time to take a nap. Sometimes, it's all you can do. You have to lay down and be quiet and let everyone else sleep. (This one's real important on those mornings where The Mom doesn't hit that talking box thing three or four times before she gets her lazy butt up.)

4. A good doggie friend helps you dig a hole! If you think digging alone is fun, try digging with a friend.

5. A good doggie friend tags his or her other doggie friends to let them know that we're having fun and they need to join us! So, I'm tagging...........
Poesidon Koda and Ronak

Saturday night

Another Saturday night, and The Mom is sitting here doing absolutely nothing. Really, do these people have a life outside of that place they call 'work'? I don't think so.
They could be doing all sorts of fun things - and taking me along. A car ride. A shopping trip. A park visit. But what did they do? They trimmed the bush out front! They did not use the bush dog................. which seems to be a perfectly sensible product that you put down before you trim bushes. No, they did it the old fashioned way, then complained and limped when they had to rake and pick up everything and put the bags by the side of the house.
Do you think I should tell them that the garbage guys don't pick up stuff like that anymore? Nah. That will teach them to stop doing boring things.

On being seven

Dakota here.
Now that I have turned seven, I feel so much more mature and forgiving.

NOT!!!

Ha! Before bed last night, The Mom came over with a bowl full of cake and ice cream. Yum. Bandit and I played with the new squeaky toy, and I showed off my new collar to the neighborhood huskies walking on the perimeter of my yard. They were jealous.

I must admit to being a bit tired last night. We turned in after watching Kayne get aufed from Project Runway. Sigh. Now I won't be able to chew on some crazy, fru-fru pagent dress designed for The Mom.

Not that she would wear anything all sparkly and flowing anyway.

Just one more nap.....

Dakota here.......finally.
Yup, one more long sleep tonight, and tomorrow will be my birthday! I've been waiting for a long time. I'm not supposed to know, but I saw The Mom put a bag in the closet - it's got a fish squeaky toy and a new collar in it. I also sniffed out a birthday cake. Smells like banana to me. But, I'm getting off track here.

So, I haven't posted for a while. That's because The Mom packed up that ugly box on wheels and left me! Yup, she was gone. I watched her pull out. We slept without her two times, and then she came back. Not that we slept alone. When The Mom packs up that box on wheels, it means that my sister is coming! It's the older kid, the one that always shares her food and spends all the time on the computer when she's here. I tried to tell her that I needed to get on and update my husky friends, but she was having none of it. Something about planning for the week and tests for her kids. Now, I don't want to give anything away here, but if she has kids, The Mom doesn't know about it. She doesn't even have a dog where she lives. I'm not sure what she's talking about, but I do know that she comes here sometimes and smells like LOTS of different people. I also know that The Mom spends money on books about cold places for her to take to her 'classroom'. I also know, because she told me, that this place she goes to with these other people has something to do with huskies. And that I can't go and play with her kids.
At any rate, I am usually very irritated when The Mom goes away. Mostly because she doesn't take me! This time, she went to a place called Canada. She told me all about a big waterfall, and lots of cool weather!!! It sounds like a place I'd like to go. I was going to chew on the stuffed husky she brought back, then she opened another package and gave me the most delectable treat that a husky can imagine....... salmon jerky. I can't begin to tell you all how wonderful salmon jerky is. I'm hoping that she bought another package of it for me as a special birthday gift................

Catching up

Dakota here.
It's wet and soggy in my area of the husky world. We're not doing a whole lot on this end, well, Bandit and I aren't doing a whole lot.
The Mom is another story.
She's going to 'school'. Which is apparently the same as hogging the computer and using all those words she really shouldn't expose my delicate ears to. I suspect that she'll peter out, but who knows, maybe she'll surprise me.
Speaking of surprises, my birthday is in a few days. I wonder if anyone will remember this year. Last year, The Mom remembered about two seconds before I nodded off for the night. The kids didn't remember at all. No tasty yummies, no cake. I plan on taking cue from Meeshka and clawing until they beg for mercy.
Or offer me birthday cake.

The Crocodile Hunter was killed a day or so ago. (No, I didn't have his name in the pool.) Some goofy fishy thing stung him. A sad day when a true animal and outdoor lover passes on.

Monday, Monday

Dakota here.
I can tell you that there's absolutely no snow in the Catoctin Mountains. It's still hot here, and my winter coat is coming in. Really, I think Mother Nature must have a very sick sense of humor.
So, I heard from Patch and Kirby today. They are my friends who live in Mississippi. They spent an entire week at the Doggie Spa - which I understand is probably not exactly what their mom told them it was - while their people were in a place called Myrtle Beach. Having not been to either of these places, I can't provide an opinion - but I'm sure it's hot there too. Any way - Kirby has those dreaded worms from fleas. I think she's having some sensitive tummy issues, but other than that she's OK. Help me think good thoughts for Kirby. She's not a member of HULA - we really should have a HULA auxiliary or something for dogs who don't have the good fortune of being born Huskies - but I think she would appreciate the good thoughts.
I did hear that the good part of not being at home was there was no sign of the noisy thing her mom pushes around every day.
There's lots of talk around here about the first day of school. Both of the kids had their first day today, and The Mom has her first day later this week. All I know is that I can't go and when they go, they have their snoots in books all the time. Which leaves very little time for me.
Since it's supposed to be good 'in the long run', I guess I can be patient. I'm all for a long run.
And while these people are at school, I'm hoping they learn how to post pictures. What is the sense of keeping them in that little box?

Not much going on

Dakota here.
Not much going on here. The kid is home, and the house looks like they hid an entire box of yummies somewhere, and Bandit and I couldn't find them. Really, I don't know what these people are thinking. I can't even get to the toy basket in my room. That kid has stuff everywhere.

Have I mentioned the new loud thing that chases us and sucks up my valuable fur? This one stops every few moments, and I hear The Mom using 'those' words while she empties my fur and some dirt. It's difficult work leaving all that beautiful white fluff laying around, but, since I can't get to the toys, I have nothing better to do.

I did overhear The Mom discussing my groundhog with someone. I am sad to say that as we speak, the groundhog is riding on a big truck somewhere to some big pile of delectable garbage. Sigh. Meeshka was right, it's gone with the mole.

I'm going to go see if I can drop some more fluff. The Mom just put away the loud thing.

I've been tagged!! Twice!

Dakota here

Well, had the Mom been home this weekend, I'd have found out about this earlier. Instead she was gone - and she'd closed the door to her laptop. (I need to follow up on my laptop when I'm done this.) Thanks Turbo and Dusty! (And I was a yes for the opposable thumbs poll!!!)

So, here it is.
When you play this game, you get tagged. Then you write in your blog five weird or crazy things about yourself. You also get to tag five other dog blog friends so they have to tell five things about themselves. You need to list the five dog blog friends in your blog, and you need to leave them something in their comments to let them know that it's tag, you're it! time.
Here's my five funky things:

1. When I first came to live with The Mom, there was another dog living with them. His name was Lindsey's Sherlock Holmes. He was a very large Chocolate Lab, and a very good big brother. He taught me all about The Mom, and the two kids in the house. He's across the Rainbow Bridge now and I miss him.

2. I live with a CAT! Sadie the cat came to live with us when Bandit and Momma B did. We don't really get along that well, but I don't bite her as much as I used to. She has a very good left claw jab. (Ouch!) There's also a cockatiel and a beta fish at my house. (The Mom likes to tease my by having those tasty treats right in the house!!!)

3. I don't eat my treats right away - I like to hide my biscuits and come back for them at my leisure.

4. My very favorite food is anything with fish in it. I am particularly fond of fish sticks, which make a more than acceptable alternative to biscuits in my book!

5. I am usually called either 'KB' or 'Koda Bear'. The kids that were living here when I got here wanted to name me 'Bear', but the Mom decided on 'Dakota Moon Twenty'. Go figure.

I tagged Floss , The Rascals , Bosco , Dusty Dog (check out that yummy recipe) and Bond.

Tag, you're it!!!!

Sad news

This is the Sibe's Mom today.......

I just read that Susan Butcher passed away yesterday. Four time Iditarod champion and from all accounts, a great dog lover.

While I'm certain that Dakota is of the opinion that I should be pulling the sled and she should be mushing, I know she respects a great dog lover.

A sad day for those of us who are fans of the last great race.

What the @%*&?

Dakota here -
Look what I just found on The Mom's laptop (my new one hasn't arrived yet). I'm sure this is from one of those foolish emails that makes you send it to the 57 friends in your address book or have 34 years of bad luck.
She has a Husky. She should know better!

Interesting.......

Dakota here...........
The Mom is in the shower, so I'm surfing eBay with her credit card!!! It's true, you can buy almost anything on eBay, and I hope she doesn't get too excited when my new huskified laptop and a gross of chew bones arrive at the door.

I ran across this. Does anyone know what on earth a 'camel' is, and why would you be selling it with your sled dog?

Why would you be selling a sled dog anyway? We're supposed to own you!!

(Ground) Hog's Breath

Dakota here...........
I finally rooted out the critter living under our shed. I know Mom was sure it was a rabbit, but it was a groundhog! (Note that the picture is only a representation of the groundhog that I got from the internet, because my Mom is too lazy to hook up the Kodak software.)

While the details of the capture are fuzzy, I can tell you that I was interrupted during my through inspection......... well, I was lied to and told that I would be going bye-bye in the car. I dropped the groundhog, fully expecting to finish my inspection after an enjoyable ride in the car, but it disappeared during a brief incarceration I suffered at the hands of Momma B. I don't think that the groundhog got up and walked away, but I will continue to search.

More later.

One quick note - this groundhog did not squeak. My stuffed groundhog squeaked.

Lazy days and sun-days

Ugh.
Dakota here, reporting that at 9AM this morning, it was too hot to go outside. I've done what I needed to do, and I'm getting ready to lay on the vent in the cool, dark back room. Really, who's idea was all this heat anyway?

I'm not 100% sure, but I thought that I heard that one of the kids was coming over to visit me today. I guess that means that I'll have to rouse myself for a few moments, and act like I'm thrilled to see the kid while I check to see if she brought me anything.

Then it's back to sleep for me.

Does anyone know when the first snowfall of the year is scheduled to take place? A few years ago, Mom and Momma Bev took a trip (WITHOUT US) to a place called Deep Creek Lake in October. They took pictures of snow, it apparently snowed for a few hours there. October is a long, long way away at this point.

Sigh.

I'm outta here to dream of snow.

Goodbye, Mr. Chips!

Dakota - finally with some time to blog.
Chip went back home with his parents. While I enjoyed having my younger cousin, and teaching him the Husky way, I was somewhat releived to see him go. He's very vocal for all the wrong reasons, and he has not learned where to go potty. I don't really need Mom yelling every day because someone went poootttttttttyyyyyyyy in the house.
I still have not been able to push Mom in to hooking the digital camera up to my computer. The woman can be positively irritating at times. Something about lots of stuff to do. What could be more important than sharing my musings with the world?

If you have not done so, go to Meeshka's blog and sponsor my fine Husky girlfriend in the Blogathon. You'll be helping Huskykind, as well as other Northern friends. Hey, we may need them in the revolution, you never know. I snitched some money from Mom's tight little wallet - you can snitch some too. And while you are at it, check out the Harnessed to Hope site.

Assuming that our summer fun is about over - no more visiting family or baths or other such stuff, I should be able to get on to blog more often.

Chip the Cocker Spaniel

Dakota reporting from the front line........
Chip has been here a bit over a week now. He seems OK for a small guy. We spend a lot of time trying to teach him that I am the boss, that all toys are mine and that I am first for doggie love, puppy biscuits and time on Mom's lap. He is not a quick learner.
Bandit has confided in me that he does not like Chip - I think it's because Chip has a crush on me and Bandit thinks he is my number one man.
Little do they both know that I am an independent lady! No men for me, I'm foot loose and fancy free.

As soon as Mom gets off her butt and fixes the digital hook up, I'll post a picture of Chip. He has scoped out a favorite spot in the house - on top of the blanket chest in front of the windows. Since that's not my number one spot, I guess I can be gracious and let him stay there while he's visiting. I think his mom and dad are due back soon though.

Outdoor activities

Dakota here, posting from the deck, as I am currently not allowed inside. I understand all great writers, Hemmingway, Stein, some dude called Gardner, all wrote using the great outdoors as their muse. Me, I'm just out by default. According to Mom, who was yelling very loudly a few weeks ago about all of this, the new carpet is being installed again.
Same two guys we sniffed out last time. New carpet though.
At any rate, the new carpet is just in time for us to welcome my cousin Chip for a few weeks.
Chip is a Cocker Spaniel, and he will be staying with us while his family goes somewhere. I'm not sure why Chip has to stay here, and I hope it does not take him long to realize that this is a Husky house and I am top dog.
I'll post a picture for my Husky friends to see as soon as I can. Right now, it's back to lounging on the deck - Mom put out the big shade thing and lots of water for us - until we can get in for the final carpet approval.

Catching up

I see Dakota has been entertaining our loyal fans while I've been busy. Note to self - cruising the counters? I don't think so, young lady.

So, I'm at work. Because I have to be, that's why. And I get to come in on the fourth too. It happens, and I guess I am just going to have to deal with it. But, corporateamerica gets old. Very old.

Not much to discuss today. Dakota has been keeping you pretty well informed.

And there's a mess here.

Siberian's are not water dogs

Dakota here............
To take my cue from Tubey - rain is STUPID!
It's been raining here for several days. Mom won't let us play outside for long, we can't play ball in the house, and I'm tired of laying and watching the birds just take over the yard. I brought all of this to Mom's attention, and I was told to mind myself!! Of all the nerve!
Bandit is not happy. The vet told him that he could have no more cheese, no more ice cream and no more anything to do with a cow! I don't know if this means Mom has to remove all of the cow stuff from the kitchen or not. I plan on taking that up with her tonight.
Speaking of the vet - I got very excited when Mom told me we were going bye-bye in the car last night...... until I figured out that I was going to the vet for a booster shot. Now, I love a good car ride as much as any Husky, but this going to the vet's has got to stop. I did manage to register my displeasure by stepping in some good mud and getting in to the car. Then I woke Mom up at 1 o'clock this morning to do a nightly check on the birds and made sure I got good and wet before I got back up on the bed to sleep.
So now I'm practicing at the computer, and trying very hard to check out who has signed up for the Iditerod next year.

My pack

Dakota here. A good night, mostly. Both my kids were home tonight, which makes Mom pretty happy. The older kid just came to visit me and to share her dinner with me. The other kid is here too - she came home to visit me and to share some time with me tonight.
The other kid has been sitting around a lot, with ice and water on her leg. I keep hearing something about pills and a spider bite. I tried to tell Mom that she's OK - I inspected and tasted both legs and they seem to be fine, but Mom isn't listening. She's making the kid sit and do nothing but watch TV. The kid could at least be playing with me.
Mom even came home early to be with me.
She's a good Mom. More so when she had both cheese and chicken for dinner. My belly is full, what with tasting for the older kid, tasting for the other kid, tasting for Momma Bev and making sure Mom shared her's too. She shares almost everything with me - except those round colored candies she's fond of.
So I did some online research on spider bites - the experts concur with me, the other kid will be fine. I hope Mom goes night-night soon - all of this visiting and stuff has tired me out.

The Sibe way or the highway

Mom has left for work, so I thought I'd sneak on and say hi to everyone.
It's been very hot here, way too hot for a Husky, so we've been laying around a lot. Last night, we played outside, but only for a few minutes. There has been no time to track the rabbit, the birds aren't in the yard and Mom hasn't even opened up the house in the back yard and pulled that loud thing out that she takes all over the yard.
I don't like summer. I don't like the heat and I am tired of being cooped up inside. Even with the cold air from the floor, I'm hot.
And Mom keeps using the b-a-t-h word.
I think it's time to make sure I get her attention and woo her out about that b-a-t-h thing. That involves the hose and her telling me how nice I smell. Rabbits don't smell like flowers, why should I?

PS - Bandit needs to smell like flowers too Mom.

Happy Meal!

Dakota again -
To make yesterday truly wonderful, Mom came home with a Happy Meal at lunch time! For those who don't know about Happy Meals, they are these box things that come from a place Mom calls 'McDonald's'. They are full of FRIES! Mom always shares her fries with us, so these are big favorites with this Husky.
There's also something in it Mom calls a toy. Yesterday's toy was this little thing that scooted across the kitchen floor and followed me and Bandit. I put a stop to it by slapping a paw on it when it came near me. It didn't come near me again. I'll be checking the kitchen out while Mom is at work today, making sure it does not come back.

Peace and quiet

Dakota here. After many weeks of furniture moving, painting, boxes going, boxes coming (you can't imagine all the time we had to put in checking things out), it looks like Mom has settled down and we finally had a normal evening. We played outside, we pestered Mom while she was trying to read her book and drink a beer. Then we moved inside to have dinner and play for a while.
I even left the cat be for the evening, I was so happy to be back to normal.
Mom is off to work today, and Bandit and I are going to nap. Then maybe woo at the rabbit living under the shed.

Long time, no blog

We found the computer again.
After weeks of redecorating, getting 2/3 of the carpet laid (don't ask), painting the kitchen - almost complete and a ton of other chores and stuff, we found the computer again. Dakota is laying beside me, almost asleep. She's recovering from last night's visit to the v-e-t-s for her annual visit to the spa. A couple of boosters later, and she's ready for anything.
I wish I was.
The vet hit me last night with the announcement that Dakota is now considered a 'senior dog'. Now, she's not quite 7. And I had heard that 7 was the year where dogs became 'seniors'. But I had not heard that 'senior dogs' should have blood work done every six months to check on thyroid and liver functions. I'm a bit skeptical about that. Just like I was a bit skeptical a while back where the temp vet (who was filling in for my usual vet while she was on maternity leave) told me that Bandit's yeast infected ears would be cured if I had his anal glands removed.
You ask me, this guy was way too interested in Bandit's a$$.
But, as I am not a vet and just the Sibe's mom, I'm going to research all of the above and make an educated decision.
After all, she's the only Sibe I have.

Sniff-fest

Grand and glorious sniffing at the house today, we had new carpet installed. Both Dakota and Bandit were fairly well behaved, considering they had to spend several hours watching the installer through the sliding glass door rather than helping the installer.
I'm sure the installer was thankful.
The house is a mess, the kid is home from college for a few short days and I think there's company coming.
But it's awful nice to be on vacation.

Sneaking out

As Dakota alluded to below, corporateamerica has kept me more than busy the past several days.
But, and I'm not sure Dakota knows this, I'm on vacation from corporateamerica starting Friday and lasting 11 glorious days. I can't wait.
No huge plans, other than getting out the paint and making the kitchen something significantly more livable.
Or making my Husky a new brownish shade. You know how they like to help.
Oh, and did I mention the new carpet? (What was I thinking?)

Here's one we call 'Best Friends'.

So, it's back to the grindstone here shortly. But, before I go........ we have been honored to find out that we were Turbo's 1,500th visitor. I see something about an offer to help shred cardboard.......hmmmmmmmmm....................not on the new carpet, I hope.

Sibe on the beach?

I see Dakota is monitoring the blog while I'm in corporateamerica. Interesting thoughts she has.

One of my small entertainments at work is admiring the Siberian Husky calendar that I have hanging there. For the month of May, the featured Sibe is trotting along the shore. I've spoke to Dakota often about the beach, and we have begun to discuss a trip to the beach. I'm thinking that she's been very well behaved the past several times she has gone bye-bye in the car and it may be time to work up to a longer trip.

So the beach is my natural choice. I may start with a trip to the lake at Catoctin Mountain State Park - if I can sneak her in before all the campers get there. Much of the state and federal parks in this end of the world don't much care for dogs. Too bad. Having been to the lake in the peak season, I can honestly say my Sibe is better behaved then most of the guests they have.

Sightings

Dakota here..............
Mom is at work, which is apparently a place where I am not allowed. Hhhmmmppphhhh! If they knew what was good for them, there would be Huskies and other dogs at this place. But, I am getting off track.

I have confirmed that there are at least three new Huskies in my neighborhood. I have not met them yet, but there seems to be a pack of two who walk together a lot - one gray and white, one brown and white. And a brown and white one who lives alone. The one that lives with the grey Husky is a very dark brown.

More as soon as I have it. Huskies are moving in to the Catoctin Mountains! Is this the place where we plot to take over dogdom?

AND WHERE IS MY INVITATION!!! I WAS HERE FIRST!!!

Dakota the green pawed Husky

Dakota is being a bit camera shy tonight, and it's a shame. I mowed again tonight, and Dakota spent much time rolling and walking through the freshly cut grass. Which has an interesting affect on my previously gray and white dog. She's gray and green and white at the moment.
But, all is well. Besides, I think it's a preemptive strike - she heard me mention the b-a-t-h word earlier this evening.

The treat that I can't have....

Dakota posting tonight. Mom spent her day shopping, and coming home with about the most useless thing ever.
White Chocolate M & M's.
Now, Mom knows better. I don't know why we even have chocolate in the house, because I can't have any of it. None. I don't even get to get a good sniff in on the bags.
But they keep bringing it home.
Even worse, she brought home the box the chocolate is sent to the store in. Cardboard. And she put it up where I can't get at it.
Not a good shopping day for the dogs here, that's for sure.
Oh, she did bring home a few of the chicken treats that I sometimes eat. I guess she thought that would be enough.
Hmmmmmmmmm. If I push over the chair and get on it just the right way, I think I can get that box.

The Bandit

For those who asked.......... the Bandit.

Buried Treasure or How to unconstipate your dog

It's spring in central Maryland. That means a few things.
First, you will need to use both the 'heat' and the 'cool' setting on your thermostat in a 24 hour period. When you get home at 5PM, it's 87 degrees outside and the house is a balmy 80 degrees inside and you have a Husky for a roommate, you turn on the AC. Then, after the storms blow through at 3AM, wake said Husky up and generally reek havoc on the house and yard, you realize the temp outside has dropped to 36 degrees. The Husky is happy, and you are freezing your keester off and trying to figure out if the Gerber Daisies on the deck will survive.
Second, you will go to work one morning and notice that the grass has greened up and all is well in the outside world. You will come home that afternoon and find that your grass has grown approximately 17 inches while you were gone. Which leads us to.......
Third, hello WLMWA (World Lawn Mower Wrestling Association). You get to shove, push, cajole and pray that the mower will start, will keep running and will cut thorough the 200 square feet of 17 inch grass that was formerly your back yard. Where you run in to.....
Fourth, the elusive Buried Treasure. AKA as 'poopsicles' during the months of December, January and sometimes February. You know, those piles you missed because it was too stinkin' cold to go out and pick up or you picked up some but not all the yard.

So, yesterday Dakota, Bandit and I did the lawn thing. We survived, but I was forced to question both dogs as to what on earth goes on in the back yard while I'm at work. Do they have poop parties? Inviting the neighborhood dogs over to leave a pile with a smile? Really. Two dogs = enough poop for an entire pack of dogs.

And I had just picked up a few days ago.

I picked up again. And while I'm picking up? You know. Both dogs. Fresh, new, humungus, stinky piles. Really. If this stuff was gold, I'd be a gazillionare by now.

Both dogs have assured me that it is not them, they do not have parties while I am gone and that it must be, absolutely has to be, the rabbits under the shed.

Happy Spring to all. May you find Husky fur blowing in the wind, and not step in a pile while trying to pick the fur up.

Head in the sand

Much to the Sibe's chagrin, I'm heading to the beach. Dakota will stay with Bandit and his momma while I go and spend some time and money on my human kid. It's all for a good cause though - we're attending a picnic and a silent auction to benefit the Children's Miracle Network. Our family donated a basket filled with Husky approved doggie goodies. A design your own dog bowl. A soft grooming mitt. Several tennis balls. A few lion squeaky toys (personally tested by Dakota). Some biscuits, some food and a few other things. Somewhere, a dog will be pleased. And my Husky will not be happy because she thought the booty was for her!
I guess I could bid on my own basket........ but that's like paying for it twice. I'd like to win something for Bandit and his momma, as they are being so kind as to stay with Dakota.
Dakota had her first big trip in the car a few weeks ago, and I'm hoping to make that a regular part of our routine. With the eventual idea of taking Dakota to the beach with me. I don't know if she will make it though. Smooth, straight riding is ok. Those turns and stops - a definite dislike. As expected, she's also showing an interest in learning to drive.

PS - from Dakota. Of course I want to be in the front and make it go. I believe that all Huskies should be the lead dog!

Blogging skills

OK, so it looks like I managed to post Dakota's pictures in my archives? Something funky here folks. I guess I'll have to do a little more blog polishing skill building.........

Picture #1

Dakota Moon Twenty, my Sibe

The fur my friend is blowing in the wind...

For those that own a Sibe, it's that time of year again. Or still. It's time for the Sibes to blow their fur. How is it that my own little Sibe, my sweet little Dakota, has blown enough fur off to force me to rent a dumpster to haul it away. Sheesh. The dog only weighs in at 48 pounds, and I am now forced to consider the idea that 40 of those pounds is nothing but static filled, smelly, white fur.
I've even taken to using the shedding tool on the carpet.
Dakota of course, is none too keen on getting any regular grooming. She's far more interested in the rabbit living under the shed in HER YARD. Or the rabbit living in ANY YARD SHE CAN SEE, HEAR, SMELL, OR OTHERWISE. So, grooming has taken a back seat.
We should also discuss Bandit, Dakota's Labrador brother. Bandit is a honey, a very good boy who likes to be with his momma. This concern is a 24/7 thing for him, unless Casper walks by. Casper is Bandit's arch nemesis.
I've gotta learn how to scan in pics and post. You guys will love them.

Another day in paradise

Not. Well at least not until I got home to my Sibe. One of those days where I told the boss I'd be more than happy to turn in my two weeks notice.
You'll note that Dakota is all for this until I remind her that one of us has to pay for the dog food. She has offered to catch the wrascally wrabbit in the back yard, but somehow baby hossenpheffer doesn't do anything for me.
I think we should head to the beach and rent umbrellas for a living, but Ms. Fluffy Fur is not going to like the sun and fun. Some crap about wanting a cold weather state of mind.
Can you go to Margaritaville and Alaska at the same time? And who would you take to either place?

Lady Terps

Even a husky lover can appreciate those Lady Terps! U of Md's first WOMEN'S b-ball championship.
May there be many more.........


Goooooo wooooooooooooo - Dakota adding her two cents on the win (she's a UConn fan)