That is suddenly what my life is about and you all know I am a cat person! Well my own fault as I did decide to come here to learn to mush! I’ve stepped into a community of mushers. Everyone has dogs… and not just 1 or 2…. up to 18 or more if they race. People know each other based on their dogs. I’ve had many introductions that start with “this is smokey’s owner” and received more than one set of directions via houses where such and such a dog lives. There is a geaneology of dogs and lots of folks have dogs that share family lines. The day after I arrived was a 4 month puppy birthday party for a certain litter. 5 people and their puppies showed up for the event!
It makes sense that I am surrounded by dogs. In fact my winter living arrangement is based on dogs. I’m working for a woman named Mary, who has been mushing since 1970, and has 5 dogs; 4 grown sled dogs and 1 puppy. She is recovering from surgery and needs someone to provide dog care. Enter me. In exchange for room and board I give my time, love and energy to these pups a few hours a day. (Thank you to Baxter – the dog I lived with last year – for prepping me on picking up poop, throwing the ball and getting familiar with “dog language”.)
My first task is training a puppy. I did not really conceptualize what this would mean; in a nutshell a lot of work! He’s sweet – his name is Smokey – and it amazes me that he actually comes when I call his name. His tail wags, more accurately his whole body wags when I approach. It is an amazing feeling to light up the world of this dog. My first job was to train him to stay on his chain. Sled dogs have houses in a dog yard. They generally spend their days on a chain when they aren’t running or in the house. Apparently they can fight when they get restless and this can do them great harm and incourr big vet bills. I had to train Smokey to stay on his chain. I think I sat petting him for 45 minutes the first time I put him on it. He was so scared, my heart went out to him. By day 3 (and a few bones and more love sessions) he was able to get on the chain! WOW!
This love and care goes both ways. The other night I was in a punky mood. I heard him whining so I went down to the dog yard and laid down on the ground with him. We snuggled together. Uplifting for both of us really. Don’t jump the gun – I’m not a dog person yet – but I am enjoying the unexpected connections I am forming with these dogs.
So meet these cuties: 
Big Boy: The patriarch. He’s 9 and he fits his name. He is one big dog. He loves his food and his bones. He can be a fan of sleeping too, but if I have a ball – watch out – he is all about running after it. He is a powerhouse of a dog. 
Too Sweet: if one could get too much lovin’ – they would get it from this girl. She is like glue to me when I’m in the yard. It’s not all just love for me… she is trying to keep the other dogs away so she gets all the petting! She is sweet and regal looking and will snuggle up to you for hours if you let her. This girl can pull – I was practically dragged to the house on a leash!
Frosty: Momma frosty. She and Too Sweet are sisters (hard to believe – must be a milk dog right?) Frosty is mom to both Chunky Monkey and Smokey. (separate litters). She is sweet dog with a will! Always the last to be chained up – she wants things her way. (I get it!) She’s also pretty sweety with a lot of energy. 
Chunky Monkey: Ironic name as he is the thinnest dog in the pack! He is a gazelle when he runs – floating over the ground. It’s a beautiful sight. He’s got a lot of anxiety (poor fellow) and he was skitterish at the beginning. I generally have his trust now, but it’s always a little touchy with him.
Smokey: the pup. Full of energy. He’s sweet and he’s BIG! Already out of puppy size and still not full grown. He and Chunky are best buddies – they play and roll around on the ground and chase each other. It’s sweet.
Will I become a dog person (all of you dog lovers are routing for it!) ….. we’ll see. Don’t hold your breath. They are a lot more work than I bargained for with out the rewards of being able to mush yet.
Mirczak's Magical Year 