Greetings from toasty warm northern Alberta! 

This has been the worst July we have had since moving to Perryvale. Okay, others may disagree and think that warm evenings, mornings, and hot days are an enjoyable thing during the summer. Me - I'm more a fan of cool mornings and warm days! * sigh *

I've only been able to get 2 teams out so far this July. But I do admit that I'd rather have a warm, 'unable to run' July then the same in January or February! The 35 miles that I had planned for the dogs this month will easily be made up down the road. 

The pups have certainly been keeping us busy. Chip, Dare, Q, and Jinx have all adapted well to outdoor living. They have even learned to dig, which keeps them nice and dirty! We took them into the vets yesterday for their first shots and a checkup. One of the techs commented on what an interesting soft gray color Dare was. I had to own up to the fact that she was actually white - just very dirty! Ah, well - they seem happiest that way!

Yesterday I filled the kiddie pool up for them. No one is brave enough to dip more then their toes in it yet, but I'm sure in no time they will figure out how much easier it is to get dirty when you add water to the equation!

Kaylinn's kids are as noisy and rambunctious as week old pups can be. Finding themselves more then 2 inches from a nipple leads to squawking and screaming that you wouldn't believe. I've run into the back room a million times, figuring the pups were tangled in a blanket and on the verge of death, only to find out that the fuss was over not being able to push one of their littermates away from nursing or something equally simple. What a pushy bunch they are!

Loki is now out with Cynthia and Kerry for the summer. Cynthia says that he is getting along with all the other dogs and other then the death and destruction of a few plants in their garden, things are going very well.

He actually picked up 3 more points towards his Championship at the Evelyn Kenney show in Calgary the weekend I dropped him off. Just 3 more to go! This weekend coming up he will be in Prince George, B.C. working on those last 3 remaining points. Go Loki!!!!

Actually, it will be a busy time in the ring for us over the next few weeks. In addition to Loki being out - Mannie, Freya and I will be in Edmonton.

After the weekend there, the dogs and I will be home for a couple days and then heading off to Calgary, for what will probably be our last show of the summer.

I'm crossing my fingers and saying my prayers for Freya and Loki finishing - as well as some nice wins for Mannie. I've been threatening for a while to retire Mannie from showing, but he enjoys it so much and has been doing so well lately, that I just can't! And I will admit, although it is not the same 'rush' I get from being behind a dog team, there is a certain indescribable thrill to gaiting a beautiful, capable example of your breed around the show ring!

All for today!!

Karen