Before I begin our story of Union’s Freedom Run, please check out the Prairie Home Companion video of mushers Jennifer and Blake Freking, from last week’s show with Garrison Keillor. (click on video) Good stuff. Beautiful dogs.
Idita-Brat Andie and now-retired Union in the Upper Peninsula two winters ago.
For Union, life will be different now. Having been raised by the Andrew Cesario family, Union experienced life as an Alaskan “sled dog”, carrying out the task of main leader for the last decade of her life.
However, now, she is demoted/promoted to the rank of House Dog.
Zip ~ demonstrating the skill required of a Last Chance Kennel house dog. It’s a talent.
Rustic Russ know each dog’s ability and character. He reports Union won’t be a problem being loose at Russ-Stick Acres with the house dogs for the remaining years of her life.
He states this without reservation and with no concern in his voice.
I, on the other hand, envision all kinds of disaster waiting to unfold. There are so many opportunities for adventure here. Cows, horses, our free-ranging rabbits…oh my!
My head won’t stop conjuring up the scenerios.
However, I believe Rustic Russ and with shaking hands, I release Union for the very first time into a new way of doing business. Freedom to roam. (Note I did keep her leash on, just in case I needed to grab it for any reason…)
The Release! Heading from the Wee House to the main cabin. It’s dinner time!
OK, she’s resting…before the big run.
Hmmm…well, the snow is deep.
Although 16-year old Satch seems to be getting through fine.
Er, ah, hmmm…and it is cold.
Double Hmmm… Can you say anti-climatic? (See that teeny tiny dot of a dog still sitting there?)
Zip to the rescue.
It works with goats, cows, and even chickens.
OK, with dogs, not so much.
Rustic Russ to the rescue.
Still nothing. Nada. Nothin’ doin’.
Ah, pulling…
That’s it!
The Release ~ Again!
Better…
Oh yeah Baby!
I like initiative. After all, she is a lead dog.
First stop ~ Chicken Coop. That was to be expected. Even the house dogs can’t resist those aromas.
The making of a House Dog completed.
Knowing you’re home, and heading for the door.
Another successful day of kennel life. Life is good.
Until tomorrow ~ God willing,
Woodswoman
Bravo!! Congratulations Union! I was wondering how you were adjusting to “House life”. Is it hot for you inside with the wood stove or are you digging it?
Comment by Becky Parth — January 29, 2009 @ 3:42 am
I think I can speak for Union when I say, she is digging that wood heat. How can she not? I love it!
The other morning her head was actually on Scooby’s flank, sharing the dog bed. She’s getting there.
Comment by Administrator — January 29, 2009 @ 3:53 am
[...] first time our little gal, Little Feet, ran in lead (with Union). (Click to read her [...]
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