Wordless Wednesday

Sadie, the sister cat in her sleepy basket.

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

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

........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

On being a puppy.......

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

Wow!

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!

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......

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

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

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!

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

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!!!!

DID YOU??????

Get out and woo your vote!!!!

Outraged!!!

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!!!!

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

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

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

Wordless Wednesday

Woo is me!

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

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!"