2-9-11 Book Recommendation

Hachiko Waits by Leslea Newman Illustrations by Machiyo Kodaira After reading about a loyal dog in Brazil (post from January 17), I came across this story about another faithful canine. Based on a true story from the 1920s in Japan, Hachiko, the dog and main character, epitomizes a “good dog.” Synopsis: “What a good dog [...]

2-6-11 Renae and Gus Skijoring Loppet 2011

The big day has arrived- Chuck and Don’s Skijoring race in Minneapolis! As a part of the City of Lakes Loppet series of events, this one captures quite a crowd. As you can see, Gus (Renae’s reliable Labrador skijor partner) and Renae are getting ready for the start of the race. Dog handlers Jordan and [...]

2-5-11 Skijoring Loppet 2011

Today is Chuck and Don’s Skijoring Loppet in heart of Minneapolis. Many dogs will make their way around Lake of the Isles in what has been a most exciting adventure for some of the folks of the the Twin Cities. Renae and Cousin Gus (the big, black Labrador Retriever) will be doing it again. Here are [...]

2-4-11 History of the Beargrease

John Beargrease,  son of an Anishinabe chief and the namesake of today’s popular Minnesota sled dog race, was a force in the creation of many Minnesota towns as we know them today. In the late 1800s, he and his brothers delivered mail along the North Shore of Lake Superior. They were able to bring stability to [...]

2-3-11 A Skijor Adventure Done For Now

A day at the ski trails- who could ask for more? There is beautiful snow, the air is crisp, there is plenty of space. Well, Abby Sunshine might ask for more. She might ask if she could do a little more running. Even though she played her favorite game of fetch while the others were [...]

2-2-11 After the skijor

Ah, yes, the helpers at base camp were waiting patiently for us. Abby Sunshine made a sprint out to me, proving her speed on the ski trails. Now as she meanders back toward the others, she sniffs the trail. She kicks it into high gear- maybe trying to impress Renae, Todd and Gus with her [...]

2-1-11 Taking a Break

Renae and Gus are running right toward me. Look at Gus’ excited gait! His ears are perky- his tail is wagging. I hope to find out why they slowed their pace. Oh, now I see- Gus got thirsty. He needs water! We must quench his thirst. That’s why it’s always important to have water along [...]