Spring training

Just a short video compiled from a solo training run today - running just Bandit with the scooter along the Erie Canal Towpath. We worked on on-by, using Byron on the bike as a surrogate lead dog at times. I'm so proud of Bandit for bravely facing the tunnel and working so hard! Good Boy, Bandit!

Buzzard Sunday 2010

I just have to share these wonderful photos, taken by a friend I made today while out socializing Tempo.

The story is, every year, our quirky rural town hosts the Annual Return of the Buzzards. They serve up a huge pancake breakfast, and then everyone goes over to the park to spot buzzards and chat. Despite the carrion-eating bird theme, it's a great time, and a fantastic oppurtunity for socializing puppies!

Tempo went along, carried in my arms, since her vaccinations are not completed yet. We spent most of the day hanging out at a picnic table. All in all, she met close to 80 people today - kids, men, women, elderly, all different races, folks with weird hats, costumes and masks (all buzzard-themed, of course). She did beautifully and showed not a hint of shyness! She got fed tons of treats, performed her Sits, Downs, and Touches, and licked and wagged and wiggled her way into so many people's hearts!

One of these folks was so enamored with her, that she spent a good portion of the day snapping photos of little Tempo.


This girl was the photographer's daughter. She and Tempest hit it off! I love how they both look like tough cookies here!


How sweet are these two? Look at proud puppy-dad Byron in the background!


She has already grown up so much since she arrived at our home.


This buzzard mascot was downright creepy, but Tempo LOVED IT! She chewed all over the costume and tried to peek into the eyeholes, and even wagged happily when the big, creepy wing-arms descended on her and practically smothered her. She's a brave soul!


All in all, a great day. Tempo's baby blues won her a lot of new fans!

The chair-biting vampire

This photo series cracks me up.

Overdue puppy photos

I realize I've been negligent in posting new photos of our little Tempo. This is likely because I'm running on very little sleep - constant puppy supervision will do that to a person!


The most recent pic of her and me, taken by Tempest's breeder, who is also a professional photographer, great friend, and a wonderful musher and mentor.


Willow is just an obstacle to be conquered...


"I love you, Bandit! You smell good!"


"Uh wait, I'm allowed to sniff you, but who said you could sniff ME? Um, you're really big and a little intimidating!"




Fitting right in, playing with the big dogs!


This little puppy is extremely toy-motivated. She is a tennis ball fiend!

Incoming

If I could pick one photo that perfectly sums up Tempo, this would be it. She is a maniac.

New race photos

I was fortunate to have these additional photos from the Punderson Sleddog Classic sent to me by a photographer who attended the race, and thought I'd share them on the blog. I am so thrilled to have such great shots of my team blazing down the trail!

Puppy reunion

Today, Tempo's first mom came by with two of her beautiful siblings to have a littermate play date.

I wasn't able to snap any photos myself, but Shannon took good care of that angle with her wonderful blog post, and video, of the happy event! (Tempo's first puppy name was Bolt, thanks to the bright lightning mark running across the nape of her neck.)



Enjoy!

Spring forward

Here in Northeast Ohio, the air is charged with the vibrance of spring, and as the snow melts, you can hear the songbirds filling the woods with chatter. I caught a glimpse of some geese returning to the North, and the chickens are beginning to bravely poke their heads out of their coop, after a whole winter spent hiding from the cold snow.

I have some exciting news to post, but for now, here's a little video from TIME that just about made my day. With the snow melting around here, this musher's thoughts are turning from "sled" to "wheels", so this is very fitting.