(Inter)National Puppy Day?

I've seen several posts on other blogs today that say it's National Puppy Day. (or International Puppy Day since it seems to be celebrated in the US and Canada)  I don't know who started it, but I'll jump on that bandwagon and celebrate the dog who was the best puppy ever...
LADDIE!

Minimal Monday - Ponies In The Snow

Ears

Do you think they might...

go up?

They Say Curiosity Killed The Cat

And I believe 'em!

The answer is,
"Yes.
 He did that to himself."

Pals?

You wouldn't know they actually hate each other...

Why You Won't See Me Running In The Iditarod This Year

The Iditarod starts today!

Karen Ramstead and Siberian Huskies in the Iditarod

I LOVE the Iditarod and long distance sled dog racing.
Not because I've done it before - I haven't.
But I once rode on a quad behind my friend Karen's Iditarod finishing team,

and it was an honor to have two of them take me on a scooter ride.

My guardian dogs, Togo and Alaska are named after a famous sled dog and the state that is the home of the Iditarod.
The sled dog community is very helpful  on how to keep active working dogs happy and we have copied several of their ideas.
Our dog truck is based on theirs, and our dog yard is similar.

Our dogs seem to like it and, in fact, they often hang out at the dog houses, even when they aren't chained up.

So, if I love the Iditarod so much, why haven't I switched sports ?
 I have the answer for you:

TOP 10 REASONS WHY I'LL NEVER RACE IN THE IDITAROD
by Jenny Glen

1. It's cold in Alaska
2. They frown on taking "little dogs" on the race trail

I'm ready

3. The Border Collies might leave the trail to try to herd a moose
4. It's cold in the snow
5. You don't get to sleep late when you are doing a race
6. You can't bathe or shave your legs for more than a couple of weeks
7. They often have cold storms during the race
8. I can't fit the harness over Togo's head

9. There are no Taco Bell stops along the route
10. It's cold in Alaska

However, I will be glued to my computer for the next couple of weeks following the race on line.
If you need someone to root for, and you are looking for a border collie connection to the race, my friend Karen Ramstead is racing her Siberians this year and her kennel mascot, Bet, is a border collie and  half sister to Scott's Don.
So jump over to the official Iditarod site, sign up for the "insider", and follow along with me from inside our warm houses!

Still A Working Dog

Scott and I own border collies - arguably the best working dogs.
My parents have rough collies - bred for their looks only, but they can surprise you as working dogs.
Their youngest dog, Kane, is considered a canine good citizen, he is started on his agility letters and likes moving sheep around when he gets the chance.
And if you need your newspaper brought in the house, he's the dog for you!
But Kane's most rewarding job is his therapy work.

Kane is in demand for several areas of therapy, from retirement homes, to hospitals, to "lock down" facilities where the residents are in restraints. (only the calmest and most confident dogs get picked for that job)

However, Kane's forte is children - in the pediatric wards in hospitals, troubled therapy groups, and like this week, reading days in the library.
Kane gives them no comments, no criticism. 
Just his attention.

 Who wouldn't feel better about reading with a soft supportive audience like that?