Q is for...

Q is for...

Image by JD'na
quite Sundays and quotes about dogs...

A dog is one of the remaining reasons why some people can be persuaded to go for a walk.
-O.A. Battista

I have been a dog lover ever since I can remember. We had dogs every where we lived...but for whatever reason we would have to give them up when we moved. There was Bear a HUGE mutt (I say huge, but I was also 3) in the Philippines and then a black lab Maxie and a golden retriever Goldie in New Mexico. The last two are still sore subjects. Mom and Dad got rid of them without telling us...which is awesome.

But when we picked out our Chocolate Lab Cocoa...our lives would never be the same. She was the sweetest, smartest, most loving dog in the whole world. She'd follow me around the back yard as I cut the grass, sit by the door when she knew I was coming home and lay by the bathroom door as I got ready for my day. I loved that dog with all my heart.

She passed away in 2005...she lived a long doggie life. My parents still can't fathom getting another dog...and I totally understand. They watched her get older and sicker. I don't know how I would have handled it.

A year later, I saw Charlie's face. It was an out of focused washed out picture on the interweb. He was scruffy and cute as all hell. We drove up to the Humane Society and Charlie quickly ran to the window to see who was coming. I fell in love right there and then. I had no idea what changes he was going to bring to my life...

It's been Charlie and I ever since. He follows me around the house. Sits next to me on the couch even if there's company. He sits at my feet while I'm on the computer. He sits in the passenger seat in the car. He wakes me up, tells me when I've been up too late and gets me to take 3-5 walks a day....because we both need it.

It was on one of these walks when a happy skinny waggy puppy came running towards us, with no tags, no name but a lot of love. I settled with the name Snoopy because he followed Charlie all over the place and did this happy dance before we would go outside just like Snoopy does in the cartoons. They're a handful...but they are my handful. And when I went to www.realage.com to find out how old I really was, one of the questions was if I had a dog. By clicking yes, that helped me to not be so old. :o)

Gotta love that, huh boys?

197/365

Morristown Team

Image by Paul Lowry
Taken by LA

Green Mountain Dog Sled Adventures Business History
The activity of running dogs is getting more and more popular as people are discovering the distinctive appeal of being swiftly transported by dog sled through the picturesque snow-covered wilderness. There really is nothing like being pulled or riding the runners behind a friendly and enthusiastic team of sled dogs. Take a step back in time before automobiles and snow machines were a way of life, when dog sledding and running dogs was the norm. It will definitely be a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a highlight of any winter vacation. Their sense of teamwork, camaraderie, and extraordinary power will astound you...

Green Mountain Dog Sled Adventures is truly a magical place. Occupying 77 acres and surrounded by 4,100 acres of state-owned wilderness, our winter wonderland is unquestionably the ideal setting for our sled dogs. We are located near Stowe, Vermont, known for generations as the Ski Capital of the East. Our dog sled tours are definitely unique. You won't find a dog sled tour like it anywhere in the East.

Our first love is racing our dogs. Our kennel consists mostly of Iditarod dogs that have been flown in from Alaska. They have competed in numerous mid-distance dog sled races throughout New England and are presently in training for a longer 250 mile race in 2005 and hopefully the 1,000 mile Iditarod race in 2006 or 2007.

Our dog sled tours originate from our kennel and scenic cabin in Morristown, Vermont. We provide an educational tour as well as an actual dog sled tour. Your adventure begins with a discussion about how the dogs live, how they are cared for, their incredible abilities and genetics, and how they are trained. Our dogs have been socialized with people since they were puppies and are very friendly towards adults and children. After you meet your team, one of our experienced mushers and team of eager Alaskan Huskies will swiftly transport you in our padded and enclosed sleds through six to eight miles of winding woodland trails that have been hand cut by us. The dog sled trail meanders through large tracts of wilderness and is hilly, so the ride is quite exciting - it is not a flat tour in a field. Tours are as hands-on as you want them to be. You can learn how to harness the dogs, ride the runners, or just sit back and have the ride of your life while enjoying the breathtaking scenery. There are plenty of opportunities to stop and take pictures and to drive your own team.

The running time of the tour is based on trail conditions and the weight of the sled, but generally lasts an hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and a half. Once back at the cabin you will be served hot chocolate and are welcome to stay as long as you want to cross-country ski or snowshoe on the property if you desire. The entire dog sled experience lasts between two and a half to three hours.

Green Mountain Dog Sled Adventures Business History. (2007, November 1). In Green Mountain Dog Sled Adventures. Retrieved, November 2, 2007, from www.dogsledvt.com/

farewell hoshi

Image by paul+photos=moody
Update 2 - You can see Hoshi at his new owner's stream...
www.flickr.com/photos/94902637@N00/

Hoshi will be going to his new owner this evening - Katy - she'll take good care of him and probably give him more attention than we could. Here's wishing him the best life possible..

Update: Katy came and Hoshi is on his way to visit his extended family in NH for the weekend. She's going to take great care of him and I can tell, he already loves her. Hoshi can go to work with her, and I know he's going to be a very happy puppy.

Thank you all for wishing the best for Hoshi. My ex deserves the credit for finding both hoshi and yuki great new owners. Katy promises to start posting pictures of Hoshi on Flickr (I showed her all your comments - she was amazed that Hoshi had so many friends). I'll make sure you can find him online.

blkwhthighkeyeyes

Image by Photocowgirl
The cc license was added solely for "Fliffy" at SO. If this is not you, please do NOT dl this image. Image Copyright Photocowgirl.

This puppy was purely accident. I took a color picture outdoors with my Fuji p&s in the pre dslr days. Then I was tweaking the channels for a monochrome contest and came up with this bad boy. One of my favorites of all time - I love my little Fuji!