back on the runners

...we've been hooking up on Paxson Lake ice for about a week- black ice, glare ice, rough ice...ice, ice, ice. The dogs footing has improved and they have seen more wind the past week than they would have liked, I bet. But now, we have 4 inches of snow and the ATV has been stored away for another winter season. Yesterday I ran several teams around the lake...felt like a dream to be back on the runners. more coming soon....zoya

training images 11-05-09

It's Dude!

It's Bongo!

John driving my team over the ice with Cinnibar and Bonnie in lead

Ice and Overflow

We train in less than ideal conditions...
...the best training
Go team zoya!

Trapper

Trapper is training for his third 1,000 mile racing event! Trapper easily steals the hearts of many with his "come over here and see me" barks! I Never tire of his awesome energy and enthusiasm for the trail. I just love this dog! We've been together now for just over 6 years! Trapper came out of Nenana in 2003 and has since finished the Yukon Quest with John, Iditarod, with me and countless other mid distance races, finishing every race. He's the father of 4 super star dogs in our kennel -- Bligh, Storey, Peak & Naked....and grandfather to the super 6 yearlings--Mudflap, Slick, Lugnut, Fender, Sparkplug and Bumper. Trapper is a team dog who has huge heart and tons of drive adding something special to the team each time we run.

jackie with trapper pictures above.

Paxson Lake and kennel pic's

Maudie on a frozen Paxson Lake

Ania & Maudie

Ania and Jericho

Jackie with the Demon dog
zoya training her A team

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Crazy Dog Kennels

Lady Bug Jona's first Halloween!

commercial fisherman John, toddler Jackie, Sexy devil Zoya and rocker, Ania!

A new straw bed! Seagull stealing the left overs!

It's been awhile since I posted on this...... Today was a loong training day--60 miles on the 4-wheeler; 36 dogs in 3 teams. The trail is very good for people on ATV's in areas, a little too easy for the dogs. Good for dogs in other sections and will beat you to a frazzle on the rig. We switched off; Zoya did the first run with Jackie and I took Jona for a hike in the woods, showed her some rabbit tracks in the day-old snow. She was sound asleep about a mile into the walk, so I brought her back to the truck. Zoya stayed with Jona on the next run while I took our new handler, Ania out. Zoya did the next run and I stayed back with Jona for coloring time. We put the 36 dogs back in the truck for the short run home---then out they come to go back to their houses; the handlers and I do that while Zoya is back in the house being Mom. Finally all of the outside chores are done and the three of us get to have some family time. Dinner is later than that of most households I am thinking..... and we probably start a little earlier in the day than most......Jona gets some play time after dinner, oh yeah, I guess at dinner also----some food gets scattered here and there, the two house dogs, Maudie and Ethan are pretty happy with that. I'm not sure who enjoys the after dinner reading time more, Mom or Jona. I do know that Jona is sleeping first---at least tonight----sometimes it is the other way around. john