We are in yet ANOTHER cold spell. Its -40 tonight and dogs are loaded...I got bought some more fat for them, National Blend this time instead of pork lard, hoping they would like it better. No such luck... Of course I have dogs who will wolf it down no questions asked but I want them all to like it. Its a crucial part of keeping them comfortable and warm... its got to work for them all. I will try another fat source again when we run out of this stuff.
Chicken skins are always on my mind but we wont be able to use a big block of that until we get our meat saw. Processing the frozen blocks are time consuming and almost impossible for the portions to be uniform using an axe or some other type of blade.
The dogs weights are looking good so that doesn't worry me but to find something that will work, that I can depend on... that would be a nice piece of mind...
It is constantly amazing me how useful the perimeter fence has been. Having the dog truck inside the fence has not only been a time saver but a useful training tool for the dogs who were brought here as adults. They had many lessons to learn and since I do most of this work by myself I heavily depend on efficiency. Leading each dog to the truck, helping them in and out... well, I bet you can imagine how much time that would take with the 16 we have now.
I can proudly say that each and every one of the dogs knows the loading and unloading routine and can do just about all of it unassisted. Now if I can teach them how to open their doors we would really be in business!
I used to have to call Reba and Ichabod to the truck, used to have to go and get Salmon and lead her in but now all three have no problems. Well, they do have a problem getting out of the truck at -40. They really dont want to leave it! But they are starting to learn that getting down is only temporary and a good time to relieve themselves.
With all those dogs running around loose Ive had to figure out the water situation. I dont want them to have too much, especially overnight when they will be in there the longest without a break, but I do need them hydrated. I brought over two bowls and regulated them for each dog. Much to my surprise many of them came over when called to get a drink. This is very impressive considering the water was plain and not baited with something tasty like salmon powder or meat.
Eating doesnt seem to be an issue either as long as they can get a warm up in the dog truck. I have no doubt many, if not all, would not drink if they were on their dog houses through the cold. Ive been having trouble getting the twins (Hera and Gemini) to eat and drink since they prefer to be on the ground until its -40 but since they are in the truck warming up this may change their outlook.
Its completely satisfying to see the look on their faces when I drop the tail gate after their pee break and its even better to see them so eagerly jump back into their boxes. The dogs newest to the kennel are starting to remember which box is theres and the pups have loading down to a science.
Cali, my spoiled little girl, prefers to have me lift her into a box instead of using the step up. This is all my fault since its been easier for me to lift up her tiny build rather than teach her how to use the platform. I cant help myself... I love it when she puts her little paws on me and asks for a boost...
Hoping for warmer weather and trails to travel soon...
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