Our little dusting of snow last night made for a beautiful run in the woods this morning!
Fern asked me want we talk about when I’m riding with the guides on the four wheeler when running dogs. I told her we talk about all kinds of things and the other day Lydia taught me about how dogs drink water. Did you know a dog’s tongue makes a little backwards scoop to grab water?! I took a video of Watcha drinking and it’s true! Here’s a link for more information: https://youtu.be/Vv73ywyrFlI?si=mqQN9ygdzV-T40IM
Here’s a look “behind the scenes” as we prepare for the winter season. We are often asked by our tour guests how we train the dogs without snow. We use an ATV/four-wheeler and fourteen dogs pull it in 3rd or 4th gear. We use the atv instead of a cart or “sled on wheels” because we need something with good brakes and it needs provide some resistance for pulling. Since we are always training new staff, we have two people ride the atv as it takes a while to learn the new trails and for safety at road crossings. Here is Sterling’s team with Harley and Stripe in lead. You’ll also see Bug (a bright white dog in the back) as she smiles at me as she goes by.
I was sitting on the porch by the kennel and heard this beautiful bird/owl. Turn up the volume on the video. Does anyone know what it is? One of the dogs even gives a little bark back as it was really close. I could hear another bird return the call in the distance and then this one headed off in that direction. Super cool to live in the middle of the forest!
When our sled dogs move to family homes, people often comment about how quiet they are. They rarely bark when they are inside or outside. But, Quill still gets back to her sled dog roots and gets exceptionally noisy when it’s time to get out of the van with Steve and Michele for fun time!
Hurry!! There’s snacks! The Lucky Pups, age 6 1/2 weeks.
Introducing The Lucky Puppies! Wishbone, Horseshoe, Duck, Dice (male), Acorn, Bunny and Charm (male). Nine days and cuteness overload!
Here’s to chilly mornings and excited sled dogs!!
Frank was adopted earlier this spring and he’s become quite a fan of dog parks! It’s just amazing how adaptable Alaskan Huskies are and how quickly they adjust into family life. Frank is an older dog who acts like a puppy at the park! If you’re in need of a companion this summer, I can send you our list of adoptable dogs 😉
On a hot day, even just this sound is refreshing!!
Off into the woods we go, to calm the spirit and soothe the soul. I followed Audrey on one of my favorite sections of trail today near Murray Lake. It was so quiet, just the swoosh of runners and panting dogs. The fresh powder softened all the sounds of the forest. Magical.
I let the staff run on sleds as long as we possibly can for a few reasons:
1. A run on sleds is definitely more fun than a run on an ATV.
2. They learn how to be really good sled drivers.
3. They realize that a dog sled can be run on marginal snow, trails are not always perfect, and should they ever choose to race, they will never complain about a trail.
4. They have a new appreciation for Iditarod dogs and mushers who regularly run on marginal trail conditions with much larger teams than we are running.
5. A run on sleds is definitely more fun on an ATV…and you never know which day will be the last sled run of the season.
Nature's Kennel-Sled Dog Adventures and Iditarod Racing Team-McMillan, Michigan. For more information, visit 
