The Three pups..

.....have names.

Canoe, Kayak and Diesel. Welcome, little boys! Three healthy puppies!

HOT! HOT! HOT!

it seems to me that ...It's going to be a HOT - DRY summer on the Maclaren...

The majority of my boarding dogs arrived Sunday afternoon. This sled dog kennel boarded here last year and it's a joy to have them back. A few of the dogs that were here last year that aren't here now were adopted out and there's one new guy in the crew. And then there's Miss Georgie-cakes. I just love Georgie! Georgie is back and she's looking good. She's small, fast-paced and a big spirit dog...the dogs remembered the yard right away, and Tinder, rolled around on her back for me to scratch her belly...she was glad to be back, too. I've got a handful of other dogs for the summer from the Fairbanks area, and 2 from California. The boarding kennel is full through Aug. Sure keeping me busy in the yard. I've got a few dogs loose all the time but feeding time...Snoopy, Catania, Echo and Streak or sometimes Marlin..always a handful of dogs running around and then the other 5..house dogs. They kind of like..rule the house, cabin, whatever they want they pretty much get. Lastnight we out to visit and make a delivery..some 30 miles down the Hwy, and I brought Tokyo along (one of my main racing dogs) in the truck..he was over joyed..licking my face every chance he got. 10 miles down the road, he was in my lap passed out, farting something terrible -awful. By the time we crossed the Su Bridge..3 Caribou were crossing the river..then swimming...we got the camera and binoc's out..we pulled over, tuned the truck off and rolled the windows all the way down..open and closed the door, ect...it was pretty exciting..Tokyo? Sleeping! all the way home, he would switch from my lap, and then back to John's, and them back to mom's....

It's been too hot (and dry) to run dogs until later in the evenings. After 10pm....we have a New sled dog cart that rides 6 passengers..(this was a gift!) it's HUGE and the dogs are like" uh, what's this?" and for the first time 2 night ago, we hooked them up..I put Donald and Robin in lead and Zooooom...off we went for a practice run 3 miles. John rode first and I stood up tall on the back steering the cart..it was crazy..easy to over steer..and feels so funny to be standing so tall over the dogs..felt like riding a chariot! Brakes work Good! Whew! The thing is bad, as in good. I'll try to post pictures soon..we're about a day away from being hooked up to our dish at the kennel. I had my first set of buses Monday..went fast, 2 buses, 70 people. We've got buses everyday now but Sunday, Tues., and Friday's. The dogs I'm using for my tours over at the lodge are :

Wilbur and Echo in lead, Cookie and Chuckie in team and Hensel and Marlin in wheel.

I'm taking just 6 dogs to the lodge for these daily tours..the dogs have to sit for 2 hours at least...while I talk, and talk and talk... Over the past two years..i tried it all...10 dogs, 9, and then 8....it got wild sometimes, so 6 seems like the safe number for what I'm doing at the Lodge.

Wilbur is one of my main race leaders...but he's done this for the past 2 years..he knows the drill. Echo is a leader...she's 9 and happy to sit for petting and picturs. Chuckie and Cookie are both on my main race team..they too know the routine from the last 2 years...Chuckie is a hit with all the girls..he's sweet, wagging his entire body into his "hello"...and those big brown eyes..what's not to love about Chuckie-Cheese? Marlin and Hansel both are new to the operation but seem to take very well to it..Hansel is 12...you would never guess....he's real fit, and lively....black and white with striking ice blue eyes..he stands and barks and then sits....then repeat...he too, loves a good petting & demands your full attention. Then there's Marlin. He's tall and lanky, young, he's handsome and he likes the attention...they all sit pretty after 15 miniutes..realizing that "this may take some time" as soon as they hear me begin my talk. It's a nice crew of dogs for the bus crowds. And what a range of experience..these dogs have, (from none to the Yukon Quest and several mid-distance races) and the places they've been...they have very interesting stories and some of these dogs have traveled as far as France to race.

I'm still in the works getting things up and ready. I think we'll always be in the "works" process. We want to build the kennel up very nice with more cabins, a large(er) log cabin gift shop and a dog running exercise wheel. John & I are building our Gazebo with an observation tower overlooking the river and mountain range.. for guests and picnic groups. We're working so hard to make this a destination place..it's so beautiful here, so many trails for hiking, biking and we have great lakes for canoeing or kayaking...like to fish? We have fish! ...lots to do with the most incredible views..we don't have the major saturation/crowds like Denali Park...and we have great Wild life viewing opportunities, and awesome terrain above timberline...spectacular mountain/glacier views...everyone that visits make these comments on how much they love the area..it is "THE REAL ALASKA" after all. And we see each year our business growing and growing, along with our friends at Maclaren River Lodge. We're thrilled about it. It's an exciting time of development. Hope everyone out there is having a nice spring and looking forward to a good hot summer.

zoya

New litter is born

Zoya/Wilbur Litter was born 5/27/06

3 healthy males. She was right on time for delivery..! We were out and about driving Valdez Creek, Denali hwy that late aftrnoon...we pulled into the driveway of the kennel and she (zoya dog) wasn't up poking around..normally she would be jumping up and down in the puppy pen excited to see us. I jumped out of the truck and ran right over to her pen..there she was nursing her new babies. The sweetest thing: Life.

Loosing Landslide (7/99-5/26/06)

I never thought something like this could happen. he went from alive to dead all within a matter of hours...he wasn't ill-acting..he just had swelling on is head from internal tissue that continued to grow. The news came as a shock, in the worst way. When we dropped him off at the clinic Friday morning bright and early, he was wagging his tail, loving, trusting and just the same Landslide dog we know and love. The doctor told us to phone back in an hour and a half to see how it was going..Landslide was going into surgery to have mass cell tissue removed from his head..the swelling took on a life of it's own over 11 months, and no other vet was going to touch it. We knew the surgery was a risk..However, we didn't have any other realistic options.

He's one heck of a dog with one heck of a running record.
John ran Landslide 3x in the Yukon Quest..a 3 time finishing dog. Landslide went on to compete in La Grand Odyssey in France, 2005, finishing in 5th place. Landslide would go on to race with me in several mid-distance races...to compete and finish in every race entered. He was always on the UP and nomatter how tired he felt out on longer races, he was the first dog up when he saw you coming with the food bucket...he was driven, friendly with all, a solid race dog who lived to run, and very affectionate with people. Good feet, good appetite, good attitude, good all the way around!! Landslide would make you laugh all the time and you would always be amazed by his working ethic..thru thick and thin, Landslide pulled you through it. He was the best of both worlds..He had all these beautiful qualities about him that you couldn't help to love...he was one of these dogs you just took to naturally...a very popular dog in the kennel. If you were a sled dog..you would hope to be like Landslide!

My heart broke right down the middle, and my head hurt like hell. This pain is like no other really..there's this sense of a terrible loss in our home, and my tears come ripping down my cheeks, burning my skin. Feels like a hole blew right thru me..what a loss, What a sad day in paradise.

We phoned back the vet and he said Landslide had survived the surgery and he was able to remove all the tissue and sew him successfully. (Yeh!!)
We were quite relieved and had planned to pick him up at 5. We rejoiced in happy-tears...so thankful Landslide was given another chance to live another 3,4 maybe 6 years with a "normal head" again...we were so happy to pick him up and take him home. He was after all, part of our family. We arrived the clinic at 5...I swung the door open with all smiles..the doctor came out with a frown..something was wrong.."but what?"
"Landslide had passed away 30 minutes ago in recovery".....my eyes got blurry, hands got tight and clammy, and I felt dizzy...i excused myself back to the truck for a moment where I let out a painful cry, a very painful cry..looking at the picture of Landslide that I had brought in my handbag, a Landslide that was healthy and happy just one year prior...big blue eyes and a serious posture about him..I wondered aloud how this could have happened to such a good dog...We sure love you Landslide and we thank you good ol dog for the good years you gave us...

He will always be loved, remembered and honored here at the kennel.

We brought him home that evening near Maclaren River and placed him high among the stars, 3500 feet perched on a ridge, near a stream, over looking the mountains in our home area- a place Landslide thrived for years. His spirit remains!

I will post a picture of Landslide up in the next few weeks.

zoya

Updates on the Maclaren

18 hrs of daylight

Things are happening in a big hurry around here- and our late spring is turning quickly into summer. The Maclaren river went out about 6 days ago and the ice jams have all cleared. 50 Swallow birds are back and already nesting under the bridge that connects Crazy Dog Kennels to Maclaren River Lodge. Bald Eagles play cat and mouse with the Ravins, and even the moose are coming in closer.

I've been walking 3 -5 miles every morning with the dogs after chores, after coffee. I rotate dogs daily, giving all the dogs some time outside the kennel. Today Maudy dog took off about a mile out, ran off the road and crested a gravel hill with the sun to our back....she was off tracking something. I had Ravven dog and handsome Henry with me at my side..after a few minutes i decided to hike the hill and once we crested, there she was..a big blonde moose standing there looking right at me with the mountains as the back drop..like a postcard! ..she wasn't moving...and Maudy (somewhere in the bushes) barking her head off like a rabid dog! I couldn't see her, but I could hear her and see the brush dancing.
I laughed and let her have her fun..since the moose wasn't too moved by all this commotion..finally I called her name and she came running back.

The snow is quickly fading away, and those wet mud puddles are drying up. By mid day, it's hitting the mid to high 60's. I've been running one team a day, 3 miles- between all the kennel chores, projects and building. it's been getting too hot to run dogs, by 2'oclock. The dogs are crazy wild to go, tired of sitting. Seems like it's going to be a hot-dry summer here on the Denali....

We've had a fair amount of traffic coming through for this time of year...the RV's are picking up...Jewelry Sales have been good here at the Lodge. I've been having so much fun making new designs and seeing it...sell!

Oh, new news...check me out on vocationvacations.com and look up your dream job!....and type in AK for the state...and now you can book your dream job through VocationVacations....

Maclaren River Lodge, mile 42 Denali Hwy....
Alan and Susie have been working hard, and getting ready for their big summer. Each season just gets better and better for them, busier and busier..and I'm so glad...they are the lodge to visit on the Denali! Gorgeous Views! Awesome Hosts! We're working together on creating fun activities for our guests..

We got the house kennel up today on the main cabin for the house dogs, rebuilt a door for the heat pen, moved Zoya dog into her puppy pen (she is due with pups tomorrow!), and I wrapped up a week's worth of book keeping. Urggh. Not my favorite thing to do. Tomorrow we head to Fairbanks..4am, pack the truck and get on the road....Landslide goes in for an X-Ray. Poor dog has been dealing with swelling on his head.
More to do, gotta run....keep on running!! Cheers!

Zoya

This is the view from our summer cabins..the Maclaren Glacier and range..snow capped and rugged. We really feel grateful for such raw-beauty. I walk the house dogs everyday to this spot here and it's exceptional..today I took a few minutes to soak it up before getting back to work. All the dogs are settled into their summer camp, and I'm working in 6 different directions before opening the doors. There's always so much to do this time of year. I'm hoping to start getting the dogs out soon, we have nice trails for training and I like to keep them moving 3, 6 and 11 miles 3-4 days a week. Today was Clear and goreous and perfect for working with wood.. We're peeling logs for the presentation Gazebo's , and the buses start tomorrow. Maclaren will see about 100 people tomorrow all within 3 hours. I'll open the doors Monday and begin my tours then..a new link for my summer dogs will be added shortly to maclarenlodge.com and we'll see a link off my site as well. It's NICE to be back at Maclaren, like being with family..enjoy the pictures below--from the Maclaren area.  

This little porcupine was up in a tree snacking on a willow..we pulled over and watched him for quite some time, he started to climb down and then hesitated..and then climbed back up his tree..we shut the car off and John ran out with the camera..he got right under that tree and started taking a series of shots..this one is my favorite. The little guy wasn't really alarmed by us there and so he continued to snack. Ethan was in the car, huffing and puffing and hoping...sorry little doggie, this is not a toy.  

mile 47 Denali Hwy Coming home from our little road trip up the road from summer camp...the sky was on fire! The colors would rip right through you with amazing brilliance! Alaska is Amazing! 

Lastnight about 9:45pm we drove to 50 mile, enjoying the view. This Bald Eagle was sitting pretty in search of something good to eat..you can see the mountains and lake behind him..what a spectacular night it was. 

50 mile Lake, Denali Hwy. 

It's my Donald..the Duck! I just love this dog..he went from being pretty shy to really outgoing in a short matter of time. He jumps on his house as soon as he sees me coming.. he loves a good ear rub.Donald is a terrific leader besides being a big sweetie and I'm so excited to welcome him into the team. He's quite cozy at the summer kennel and camp. Look at this pretty dog!  

Uncle Arthyr. 

Bonnie, Jellybean, Sirius and Sharkey..Now living in Germany with friend and musher Silvia Furtanwangler. 

The dogs made it safe to Germany! Sharkey with the black ears and freckled face was a dog we raised, and Jellybean (the brown dog) was a dog I have had since 2003. It was hard to kiss them goodbye..but they had a fine trip, and seem to be happy with their new "mom".  

Zoya's Summer Sled Dogs...

Come see us on the scenic Denali Hwy this summer--if you're passing through on your way to Denali Park or making this your destination place to kick back and relax....Let us accomodate and entertain you with some outside fun! 48 Alaskan sled dogs and gorgeous Views of Maclaren Glacier---full service lodge within walking distance.

WE'RE OPEN MAY 20- SEPT. 9th 2006

Make your reservations today! Email the kennel staff at zdenure@yahoo.com and someone will reply promptly.

Sled Dog Kennel Tours, Rides, Cabin Rental and Dog Boarding.

Gift Shop opens May 22nd.

Unique -Alaskan Made crafts and art for sale, jewelry, furs, soaps, and much more. This year we'll have disposable cameras and bottled water available!

Come visit us on the Denali at Mile 42......

soon...For those visiting the area, we'll be back later next week with Denali Hwy do's and don't s.....

back and forth

Can we say..culture shock? Whew. Two trips out in the last 30 days- it's been busy times for me and I'll tell you what, my mind needs a rest with a little calgon bubble bath and a good book. I need some time out of the truck and airplanes..and time home with my husband and our dogs. Time to reflect, rejuve and get re organized for the busy summer to come..in just a few weeks. I had my fill of TV and People Magazines back in the mid west--wow, totally different life for me but fun for the contrast! I brought with me lots of jewelry wire, beads, quills and clasps...made 21 precious stone bracelets, 14 pair of earrings and even got mom making her own. i am addicted to making pretty things.

When I left Alaska on this last trip, we were still on the sled-running dogs around in circles, still going 6 miles out and back. The dogs were home, we had Lots of snow and our Paxson home was a busy place with lots of activity. Now, back for one day and the yard is empty (the dogs were moved to our summer camp just a few days ago) and an eeerie quiet lingers in the air. The snow is almost Gone, melting away leaving stinky mud in the dog yard and there's little rivers and lakes running through the yard & driveway. It's glamourous. You should see my knee boots.
Dog dishes that were once buried under the snow are re surfacing among other things. The sleds are put away and the yard is changing. We've got dogs coming in and dogs going out. Did I already mention to you that the snow is almost gone? I have a hard time with this one. "let go, Zoya, let it go..." the voice in my ear whispers. I whimper on...

More kennel news: Loui is with us now from sunny California -a sled dog that will be here boarding for the season. We've got 2 more sled dogs coming in from Fairbanks tomorrow for boarding and another 16 later in May.

A NEW OLD DOG: Welcome Uncle Arthyr! He is here to retire to the good life in Alaska ....ART comes all the way from Wiscosnin. I recall the day well--me, my mother and a friend drove 2 hours to buy this dog. My mother bought this husky mix dog 11 years ago and he was uncle Art to my Ethan dog for many years. Art has never flew and this was one experience he'll never forget but now he has the life all dogs dream about..space, freedom, and all the time attention and 24/7 care. I think he's feeling a little lost with all this new space and new dogs and without my mother and grandmother there with him but with a little more time--I'm sure he'll adjust just fine. All dogs we bring into the kennel do, with time and training. I've been walking everyday with him at my side and I think we'll keep this little routine going now that we're home. Ethan hasn't seen Art in years..almost 5 to be exact..and you should have seen them reunite...lots of happy tail waggin and gestures.

It's more work to keep things clean this time of year because everything is wet, dirt and mud....and spring cleaning is a must. This isn't my favorite time of year. I've been home for one day now and already kicking it into high gear with a move in one day--so I am busy packing for our move to Maclaren, and our quick trip to Fairbanks. We're off to Fairbanks with the dogs...Our friend and musher Silvia Furtanwangler in Germany is excited and waiting her new dogs. She's adopted Sharkey, Jellybean, Sirius and just recently adopted Bonnie from the FBAS.

I've been getting all their paperwork and pictures ready to go. We'll leave sometime between 4-5am. It's hard saying "goodbye for now" to some of these dogs..and the ones you raise yourself are like your own kids.....but it makes all the difference in the world to know they are going to a great place with a great person who will treat them right and run then where they need to be ran. I have total confidence. And if all goes smooth, we'll be seeing them again this winter when Silvia returns to train from our kennel with her dogs.

Zoya DeNure-Schandelmeier

BACK HOME WITH THE POOCHES, THE MOUNTAINS, MELTING LAKE, SLED DOG CENTRAL.....AND MUSH MORE...IT'S GRAND TO BE HOME! " VERY LUCKY AM I"! SAID THE WISE WOMAN-- ZOYA 

Coming Home

One year ago today I was on my way to Valdez, AK with a big white dress, and wedding bells ringing in my ears...I was on my way to marry the man I fell head over heels in love with just one year earlier--the guy who would turn out to be the "one"..my best friend, partner in crime and pleasure, and husband to-be. I was ready to make that lifetime commitment and for me, that was a Big turning point in my life. No regrets, and more sure now about my evolving relationship today than I ever was. I believe there is someone out there fo everyone, that one special guy or gal that will make your heart flip over and over again, that one person who is there to pick up the pieces when you can't--that one person who knows you inside out and loves you unconditonally. That is love and love makes things GOOD and SPECIAL.

Today, one year later I'll spend today on the road to Chicago with a friend (So GOOD to spend time with you , Carrie!!) ---5 hr drive from Mom's, and then 6 hours on the plane..into Anchorage...very late this evening. This week with family went by so fast, and what a different world here they live--the small town I grew up in.....far from the moose, sled dogs, white snow, and those tall tall mountains that grow on you.....On my way home!

zoya

another sunny day!

Beautiful day again today-- not a cloud, no breeze.... and hey; no bugs either. It was still cold enough at noon to take a team out; it was down to 10* when I got up this morning. Warmed up this afternoon and really melted. Still over a foot of good snow on the Lake though.
Tomorrow I will be moving the dogs to Maclaren. They will be on snow there for awhile. They have mud in the yard here, or at least some of the dogs do. The Denali Highway is fair to Maclaren; some soft spots around the Summit. The views of the Alaska Range are absolutely fantastic this time of year. Little doubt that this is one of the most incredible spots in Alaska --or anywhere. I have been in this area for most of my life, and have driven to Maclaren countless hundreds of times: each time I come over the Summit to overlook the valley it is as the first time---it takes my breath away.
Alan and Susie are busy working on the Lodge- this is their time to do maintenance; between snowmobilers and the start of the buses. The place looks good! They are the best neighbors anyone could have.
Zoya is fidgeting to get home. I think if she could catch a flight tonight, she would. Day after tomorrow. She is jealous that I have snow and am running the dogs on the sled still. She worries that it will melt before she gets home....... The girl would have snow year around if she could. No worries, we will still be able to do 20's when she returns.
Gus and Demon both ran again today and showed glimmers of becoming sled dogs. Demon is turning into a big whoosie, and I think he is about ready to turn loose in the yard. Hunter was loose today: went over to Demon and they got along just fine. Close to feeding time too. I was careful to stay out of the yard while they were getting to know each other just to not add any jealousy to the mix. Dogs usually get along just fine as long as no one puts any pressure on them, or conveys any expectations.
Just how do dogs communicate anyway? Everyone who has spent a significant amount of time with a dog, be it sled dog or house pet, realizes that there are many times when our animals seem to anticipate our actions. I have had sled dogs take directions without speaking to them, just by concentrating on the turn I want. Have even tested it with a couple different dogs by having someone else that is with me tell me where they want to turn. It isn't foolproof, but I have had 3 dogs that will take directions that way about 80% of the time. If we can get in a dogs' head well enough to do that, then it must work pretty darn flawlessly; dog to dog.
Caribou are moving through the area; already I am seeing some on the Denali, and there are quite a lot around Paxson, even up by the Lodge. Big herds crossing the Richardson Highway just North of Sourdough. Sourdough Lodge is open. The Gulkana is not. The Kings might be late? Cold water temps. will hold them back. So this is all of the news that is fit to print---good night. john

wolves

Four wolves killed a small cow caribou on the Lake in front of our place yesterday morning. The dogs woke me at about 4:00 am. Too dusky to see anything then, by 5:30 I could see pretty good, but even with the binocs I could only see that there were 3 or 4 animals eating on something. I ran up that way with the snowmobile, (still a foot of snow on the Lake here) ; when I got closer, they scattered for the trees. Can't be much more that 100#'s of meat on a medium cow caribou. They had most of it gone. By 8:00 am there were 5 eagles and around 25 ravens working on the remains, with a couple of glacous-winged gulls hanging out for scraps. By late afternoon there was only an eagle left. This morning, I Maudie and I went up for a look, and there were just a few bones scattered here and there. The kill could have been a week old if it wasn't for the tracks.
Didn't thaw much here today, I had a team out at noon and could still set the hook without it pulling. Birds are singing, they expect the grass to come up as normal..... Yellow-shafted flickers are here. Saw a screech owl. My first. Actually saw it a week ago but thought I wasn't looking at it right. Even looked it up in the book. Today, there it was again. No mistake at very close range. It certainly is lost at Paxson.
We have a dog that we are boarding---Louie---he is a city husky I think. I gave him a piece of fish---good silver salmon. He was afraid to get close to it until I showed him that it was okay. Today he didn't want to step in the mud at the front of his doghouse. Tomorrow we will see if he likes a 6-mile run in May snow.
Chime and Louie (our Louie) are parents. 6 pups. Born yesterday at Todd and Amy's. the parents are old so we were surprised with the relatively large litter. Louie is 12. Chime was a rescue back in the 90's so is at least 10 or 11. We did this breeding once before and got 3 pups--all of whom are excellent; big, fast males. Our main leaders---Wilbur and Pitch. This is Chimes' 2 nd and last litter. Louie is 10 th generation from this yard.
Anybody need a Toyota Corolla Wagon? Engine is bad but everything else is in pretty good shape. First $400 takes it. It's an 89. good night,------------ john

Perry Creek

8th of May

We took county road J into Black River Falls this afternoon to do some shopping and visit our old time favorite child hood park- Perry Creek. It was cloudy when we left, 5 deer hanging out in the front yard feeding on the corn my grandmother sets out for them everyday. The rain drops came wetting my brow. We drove down the road with the windows down and our favorite Sarah playing on the cd player. My mother and I talked and talked and talked, like we always do. We had some pictures developed today--from our trip to Hawaii (John and , that is) and the pictures we just recently took with my family. My uncle was recently diagnosed with serious health issues--- thus for the speedy trip back to be with the family in the mid west.

Perry Creek was just like it was years ago---rustic like, with moving lively streams, wild flowers, tall grass, rich copper red water and hiking trails. And dreams. I loved soaking up all the scents- closing my eyes--It was like going back in time when mom and i would come here to play..the fresh smell of nature in it's purest form. There was noone there today, like most days. It's a quiet place. I had butterfly friends..the butterflies would always come out of the woodwork, and land on my hands, nose and cheeks. We picked flowers, walked across the suspension bridge and hiked up a trail to look down at the rocks and water..

Zoya

Nuts

Nuts--maybe! Crazy in love with my husband? Yes! Yes! Yes!

Zoya- Wisconsin

Demon

One of those dogs that I was immediately attracted to. He thought he might like to bite me, and I thought---hey pooch; I'd sure like to have you pull me around. At first glance, he was sure all teeth, but a look in his eyes and you could see it wasn't mean there, just fear. Fear of the things he had never yet seen in his young life. I've heard mushers and dogtrainers say that you need to go right up to that type of dog; show him that you are in charge, that you are not going to take his aggression. Sort of like the parent who tells his crying child; "I'll give you something to cry about!" doesn't work with the child, nor with the dog. He was not easy to get in the truck and I really had no idea how I was going to get him in and out to drop him. We drove for 3-4 hours and then I stopped to sleep. Figured that sleeping in the dogbox might work, so I did. ( hey, not what you think, we have an internal box....) When I woke up, the Demon licked me. We had opened up a new chapter in our relationship. The next day I taught him to shake hands. Not because we need a sled dog that shakes, but because that is a much, much, kinder way of showing him that I am in charge.............
There has been a virtual flood of dogs being offered to us that others no longer want; 27 just today---from 3 different dog kennels. I think dog owners need be more responsible, and maybe these people that have the dogs to part with are; they may keep them until they find homes; I surely hope so.

Getting warmer here in Paxson; 45* now at 7:00 pm. It may still be cold enough to run dogs in the morning; the lake has about 18" of soft snow on it so is tough for the dogs to plow through in the afternoons.
Lots more birds arriving. Most of the sparrows, some thrushes, many of the raptors, all of the puddle ducks, a few of the divers. I've seen Ruby-crowned Kinglets and Myrtle warblers. No flycatchers. No swallows.
I see the Yukon Quest intends to boost their purse by $25,000. sounds good, but they are putting it all in the front end, which will do little for the teams that actually support the race. I doubt whether they will see much of an increase in entries. I could well be wrong, but I think putting all of the extra money in the top 5 places is a p-poor idea.
Hey---- my girl is off with her family for the next few days---so I may write again so any readers that are out their don't get lonesome. We've been together for more that 2 years and we had 4 calls going back and forth today; just to say good morning and good night. Maybe we are both a little nuts? you think? john

Iditarod 2007-- Zoya's Rookie Year

JOIN THE TEAM!! TODAY!!

Sponsor Zoya & her Crazy Dog's in Iditarod 2007!

This is a GREAT opportunity for you to be a "Crazy Dog Insider" through training and racing 2006.07.

Get all of our up close and personal coverage..from news media news, interviews, pictures, and kennel letters with updates. You'll have access to lots of pictures of your musher and her team, as they rock and roll down the Iditarod trail.

Iditarod Race Sign up is coming soon in June ....JOIN THE TEAM & SPONSOR YOUR MUSHER AND TEAM TODAY! Take the Opportunity to have your name appearing on Zoya's racing sled bag for the duration of her race!! Make History with Crazy Dog Kennels and Iditarod 2007!!

Cash donations welcome and encouraged! Be a special part of the team as an official RACE sponsor--support your favorite team & stand up for a good cause! Zoya will be taking a mixed team of rescue dogs and dogs of her own breed in IDITAROD 2007. email for more details. zdenure@yahoo.com

Demon, and his new friend, Catania.  

The big Fuzz..... 

sleepy eddie, tight as a bug.