Puppy Class!

Class begins with some free time fun. Topa is the biggest puppy there.

Topa warming up a bit to the idea of a strange dog in her face. Her initial reaction was a calm stance but bared teeth. The other pups got the picture loud and clear and backed away.

Wimzi showing excellent eye contact while heeling at 10 weeks old!

Wimzi's sit for a treat.

Wimzi redeemed her little naughty self this morning at puppy class. After quickly working through her initial fear of bigger dogs that didn't look like her or act like her, she blended right in. She was much more focused than I had anticipated for her first class and for a 10 week old puppy. She kept very good eye contact when in a relatively acceptable puppy "heel" position and soon began to sit whenever we stopped. There were extra long play periods for those short puppy attention spans which helped her stayed focused when working.

Topa was to attend the next class but was invited to join in the socialization fun of Wimzi's puppy class. She was actually a bit more concerned and bothered about having strange dogs in her face. Hedlund Huskies don't tend to appreciate or tolerate obnoxious behavior by those they don't know well, even when they are puppies like Topa.

Topa's beginning obedience class was up next and she was very happy to get out of the crate at ring side. She stood motionless and drooling, pressed against the wire crate door for Wimzi's entire class. She was not happy about being in this crate and between two dogs she didn't know yet. She ignored treats so I just left her to calm herself while I would occasionally check in with her as we walked nearby. She has had what we thought was motion sickness all winter during trips in the dog truck. When we would go to retrieve her from her crate, the straw would be soaked as if someone had doused it with a gallon of water. We tried various things that didn't work and hoped she would out grow it. She has done just fine in that same crate in the truck over night and in a crate in the house over night so, again, we assumed it was motion sickness. On the way to our class today, she didn't drool but did throw up, again adding support to our theory. An observation by the instructor of Leader of the Pack Canine Center indicated that it might not be motion sickness after all. She suggested that we treat it as nervousness; an uneasiness about what is happening or where she is going. This could be a training issue and not a physiological issue at all. This means we have a training strategy to work on. More to come....

Topa, although distracted, as puppies typically are, did a wonderful job at her first obedience class. She did not pull on the leash when in heel position and sat whenever asked. She does go out a bit further on the leash while in heel position than I would like so I'll be working with her on this by using a tasty treat to "bait" her in closer to me. When she has remained in the appropriate spot for a short period of time then she will receive the treat and a word of praise. The treat offering will become intermittent then will go away all together once she is on track but the verbal praise will remain. She's not to keen on "down" at this point. Practice, practice.

Next week, Topa will get a rest and it will be White Feather's turn to go to class with Wimzi.

Birds and Hedlund Huskies

Glorious evening on Oake Lake

Phoenix and Topa greeting Wimzi

Goofy Phoenix does his typical "lay down to greet the puppy". The orange mesh in the background is to keep the puppy from jumping off the deck.

All four playing.

Tuloon with "baby" Topa

Wimzi is the focus, as are all naughty puppies

Tuloon reminds Topa to play gently with Wimzi

She's got my cheek!

Wimzi begins to follow Topa around the yard.

More fun

I gotta tell ya somethin

Another puppy bite

Now she's got Topa's ear as Tuloon chews a Nylabone, completely unaffected.

After reporting that the ice went out just four days ago, it has been 80 degrees for two days in a row! The Bald Eagle and his young apprentice have been out fishing in the mornings then again in the evenings on Oake Lake. Two Trumpeter Swans have been spending their days on the lake, swimming slowly by the dog kennels and honking a hello. After hearing the honk, honk, honking of the Canadian Geese ALL day, I'm not complaining, but I'd like to request another tune for tomorrow, please. The Starlings came in droves and I could not hear myself think over their chitter chatter way up in the trees, while out in the dog yard. Having said all of that, I'll take that honking of the Geese and the loud conversation of the Starlings over the honking of impatient drivers and mind numbing freeway noise of rush hour traffic in the cities any day.

On this glorious evening, I watched a remarkable sight. It was Topa and Phoenix's turn inside tonight and Topa's first chance to meet baby Wimzi face to face without a fence between them. We began the introduction outside on the deck as I and Tuloon acted as the referees. It seems Tuloon has softened up to the idea of being a mentor and protector to this new little one. Phoenix did his typical "lay down for the puppy" greeting. I was ready for any rowdiness that could come out of a 9 month old pup towards a 10 week old pup. But none came. Topa was as gentle as a kitten with Wimzi. Tuloon made sure of it, and reminded her how to behave on a few occasions by wrapping her muzzle around Topa's. Fairly soon, all three "big" dogs were gently playing with the puppy and each other at the same time. It was a heartwarming sight. This gentle interaction and behavior is one of the most notable traits of the Hedlund Husky. You don't just find this in any breed or line of dog. It is part of what makes them who they are. Our Hedlund Husky Preservation group has been recently discussing how they seem to have a "knowing" about them that is hard to describe, that sets them apart.

Once inside, Wimzi began to assertively harass Blueberry, our 22lb house dog, as she does every chance she gets. Watching Topa, still a puppy herself, place her herself between the puppy and Blueberry consistently throughout the evening, while gently licking Blue's face was yet another fascinating observation. Wimzi eventually retreated, deterred by the blocking tactic of a very smart and young Topa.

Although Wimzi has only a small portion of Hedlund Husky in her, we are hoping she is able to pick up some ideas about how to behave from the Hedlund Huskies in the Kennel. Poor little Blueberry would sure like to see this happen. Little Miss Wimzi has made a habit out of trying to drag the poor guy around the house by his wispy tail. She's becoming quite a bit less modest in her confidence and quite a lot more cocky. We're working at nipping that in the bud. It isn't acceptable when asked kindly not to bite my hand to then bite it again. Actually, the "asked kindly" is a swift but gentle grab of the muzzle and strong eye contact as I utter the word "no". This request has grown from offering her something else to chew on to a more abrupt consequence as needed. Lately, her answer to my kind request has been "heck no!" as I remove my grasp from her muzzle. And this "heck no!" has come in the form of more continuous snapping of my hands. Oh, the joys of a precious but bratty puppy!

Ice Out in March

Ice Out!

Just this morning I watched as an adult Bald Eagle and, by its markings, likely a second year juvenile Bald Eagle had a meeting on the thin ice of Oake Lake, scattering the seagulls at their presence. At the same time, two Trumpeter Swans swam carelessly on the other side of the lake where the ice was already gone.

Uplifted, I walked away from this glorious sight and spent some time working on the computer. A few hours later I was astonished to see that the ice was out! The windy sun soaked morning created ideal conditions for this event.

The ice is out on March 29th!

Ice Almost Out

White line reminders of early winter when Neil sunk an ax in the ice to check the depth. One penetration of the ax into the ice sent a chain reaction of cracking all across the lake. This then allowed water to seep up through the cracks creating a different surface color at the cracks as the water flowed over the existing ice.

Ice pulling away from the shore

I can't believe it. Here it is, not even April, and the ice is almost off the lake. I do know that if we have no snow in March this year we will beat a record on the books from the late 1800s. What is going on here?

The sled dogs appear to be anxious to start a new season. They could use a rest from all of our winter activities, as can the mushers. Spring is here!

Today, on Oake Lake, it sounded as if we were on the northshore with all of the seagulls squawking. Eight Hooded Mergansers were spotted paddling along the shoreline where the ice no longer exists; a male/female pair and a five male/1 female group. I love this time of year on Oake Lake!

Just when I thought it couldn't get any better, our friend, the Blue Heron came gliding past the window, hesitantly landing on the shore then taking off again as if to say, "Wait, this is just way too soon. This can't be right. I'd better check the memo again."

Large white and gray birds, yet to be identified and possibly in the Kite or Tern family, flew by one by one, looking down upon the lake. A red tailed hawk glided quickly by the window and landed in the shag bark Silver Maple Tree.

The birds have returned!

Supporting the Lifestyle

Last year's Minnesota Honey Producers Association State Fair booth

Selling not only honey but honey lemonade and honey ice cream!

Did I forget to mention honey candy?

Since the dogs are only able to provide partial financial support for their mushers and our lifestyle, we must do other things to bring money into the pot. While Neil is back in England for a few weeks working in his business, as an "Operating Theatre Practitioner", I continue to do Real Estate Appraisals and handcraft Scent from Nature; 100% Pure Beeswax Candles. This year, however, I will be adding something new! (Hey, I thought this blog was about a quest for a more simple lifestyle?! Well, it is. And in this "quest" one must do what they have to do to be set up for the desired future. This doesn't always mean it will be easy or simple. But it sure makes for a fun and interesting journey!)

I've got a background in and experience with honey bees as well as business so I thought I would combine the two. The Minnesota Honey Producers Association had a need for a manager for their Minnesota State Fair Honey Booth and I submitted a proposal that was accepted! This is their annual fundraiser where honey and other items containing bee products produced by their members is sold. What fun! The Minnesota State Fair runs from August 26th - September 6th. We'll be looking for bee products produced by members of the organization so join if you make these products and would like to take part and aren't a member already AND we are also looking for individuals who would like to work at the booth selling those items! You don't have to be a member to work the booth. You just need to be reliable, willing to learn all you can about honey and share that with our customers and then sell, sell, sell!

The 12 days of the fair will be very fast paced. Thankfully, Neil will be here to take turns feeding and exercising the dogs as they are a #1 priority, of course. He may also take on a volunteer shift or two at the fair. You can't live in Minnesota or visit Minnesota during the summer without going to the State Fair!

Arkansas Visitors

Andy with Wimzi

What a beautiful sight!

We had a chance to spend last week with family as my parents and nephew made the 16 hour drive from Arkansas for a visit. Blueberry had put up with the pestering by Wimzi too long, now it was Andy's turn to take over! He kept the house dogs, including Wimzi, fully entertained playing with toys and fetching the ball for hours on end.

There were many things to do in the dog yard and Andy was very helpful keeping the dogs occupied while I raked straw from their kennels and carrying water buckets to each kennel as the water line in the dog yard is still frozen. A long hose attached to a spigot at the house runs to only one kennel. From there, the water buckets are filled and distributed. I assured him that the next time he visits, he will have had enough experience moving those water buckets that he might be able to spare the entire front of his pants becoming soaked with water. Lift out and away from the body as you walk.

Mollie, the family Sheltie, came along for a vacation as well. She and Tuloon didn't hit if off very well. Each would lift a lip at the other as they walked by. At one point, a noise was heard while all of the "house" dogs were outside. A quick investigation revealed Tuloon laying on top of Mollie, making absolutely no contact with her mouth. It was obvious that she didn't want to hurt the 10 year old Sheltie, but she certainly wanted to dominate her. Mollie (and all of the people) didn't need the stress of managing these two and their personality conflict so Tuloon got to spend the remainder of their visit in the dog yard with the other sled dogs.

While our visitors were here, spring wildlife began to show itself and we were graced by the presence of a Bald Eagle that landed on the ice directly in front of the house. No doubt it was investigating the status of the ice break-up as it anxiously awaited fishing season. Knowing that it was looking for food, I quickly ran outside to bring the puppy and little house dogs inside before continuing to enjoy its presence. No little dog snacks for you! The very next day, a weasel was seen romping along the shoreline on the ice where the Eagle had been. A comedy show commenced as a red-winged black bird, which had just announced himself two weeks ago on Oake Lake, pecked the unsuspecting weasel in the hind quarters, sending it straight up in the air then straight into a hole in the ice to seek refuge. Moments later, up it popped from the icy waters and continued its stroll along the lake, maybe a bit more cautiously than before.

Wimzi - 8 Weeks Old

Wimzi is 8 weeks old today. She has turned Blueberry into her permanent play thing. Fortunately, mild mannered Blue is beginning to set some boundaries and is not getting walked all over as he did previously. She is sooooo persistent!

At 8 weeks old, Wimzi weighs 16lbs. This is the same weight as Topa, one of the Tuloon/McKenzie pups, was at this age. Topa is now 9 months old and the tallest female in our kennel. She weighs roughly 60lbs.

Wimzi loves to latch on to Blueberry's wispy tail.

Playtime

Blueberry with a look on his face we've never seen! He's finally defending himself.

Action shot