Updates as requested....

The number is 24 now. Since Sundin there have only been two additions, Anvik and Tehya.

Preacher passed away on December 21, 2006. He had what we thought was an intestional blockage. When the vet went in to remove it, he found a dozen cancerous tumors. I did not let Preacher wake back up as his life would have been short and filled with pain. I miss the big noisy doofus. I still have his line up in front of the house. Preacher was blind and when he went outside he was hooked to a clothesline style tether just to keep him safe. Haven't been able to take it down yet, although I haven't used it since he died either!


Anvik arrived on August 31, 2006. He had been in the shelter for months. Just before I pulled him, Anvik had a little breakdown. He was shaking to the point that the shelter staff thought he was having a seizure. He underwent a full neurological workup and was technically fine. The vet thinks that the stress of shelter life was too much for Anvik. He was dumped by a dog sled tour operator who claimed to be sick(mysteriously he is still taking bookings for wilderness tours!). I believe Anvik was dumped because of his seperation anxiety, which manifests itself as a "Death Howl". It's a gawd-awful noise that doesn't stop and carries for miles!

He's a great sled dog, can even lead. He loves to run and hates being left at home. He's also Tehya's favorite chew toy!

Anvik's world begins and ends with me. He is a big lap dog, a snuggle-boy and hates to be too far from me. I even moved his doghouse against a window so he can look in the house. As long as he knows where I am, he doesn't do the death howl.

Anvik had a rough start with us. He jumped the fence frequently and I was often out searching for him. I think he was looking for me. He never jumped when I was home and was always very happy to see me when I found him. I met some nice people while out searching for Annie! It took him a long time to adjust to being a pack dog and not being chained too. He had mysterious lumps removed from his side last November and in February had a hernia caused by a Heyoka headbutt. It's a good thing he likes his crate because he's spent a lot of time on crate rest! He's healthy and happy now.


Tehya arrived in March 2007 at six months old. She's everything we don't normally take--a puppy and a female. Females are much harder to integrate into a pack. I originally said No to adopting Tehya, but I am glad I changed my mind eventually. She's a handful. There is never a dull moment with Tehya around, but she's delightful. Her name means Precious in Cherokee

She's full of energy and joy. She's smart as a whip, anxious to explore and learn. Everything is an adventure to Tehya. She loves to play and run. She's going to be a fantastic little sled dog. She loves other dogs and has a particular gift for getting the shy ones to relax. She adores Anvik and spends hours chasing, chewing and cuddling with him. She plays with Pacer, who had no real friends before Tehya. She beats on Chum all the time and Chum loves it.

She's a character. It's hard to believe she's only a year old and has been here for such a short time. I don't remember what we did before Tehya!