Madeline - Shelter Foster Update

Since the weather has been cold Madeline has been able to stay inside and get some more human socialization in. She does pretty well with other dogs but is still extremely wary of people and of inside noises.

While she's been inside Ive decided to work her into my office schedule a bit more. She is up in my office right now in the 'luxury crate' that I use for my own dogs.

Its a bit of a luxury due to its large size, comforter and location up here in the office. Gaea likes to use it the most and has 'customized' the comforter to her liking. Its a bit less fluffy but its provided her with a lot of busy work during the somewhat boring hours of the day. Not boring for me mind you, but its usually nap time for the adult dogs during my work hours.

Madeline is coming along really well and opening up the more I work with her. We just got her a nice jacket thanks to the Fairbanks Shelter Fund (thank you donors!) and we plan on beefing it up even more to keep her extra warm and so we can take longer walks with her.

Id love to have her outside with the other dogs during their free run time but its just too cold right now. If we can get her a heavier jacket she can be much more comfortable.

Laya tried out her new jacket last night (thank you again donors!) since she had to be shaved for her spay. I cant say that she loved it exactly but it was very effective and I didn't have to worry about her getting frosted in the -30 something degree weather.

When she is tucked away in her house she does really great and had created a nice little straw hollow to keep her extra warm but since she loves to run and stretch she really needed the protection. She is also going to get even more use out of it when we get back to running the team again. That should be very, very soon...

The weather is still harsh but not too bad. Its been around -25 this morning but still too cold for our training cut off. There is still so much work to do so its actually been a bit of a relief to be forced to stay at home.

Speaking of work Ive posted up our new Husky Hair Scarf to our website (www.LeadDogGraphics.com/Musher_Wear) . This is only the second made in the line and is available for purchase along with our other Husky Hair Hats.

All of the Husky Hair Hats you see on the web will be available to check out this Friday at the Yukon Quest cabin in downtown Fairbanks. I will be doing their first, First Friday art show with many of my other art pieces.

For more information contact the Yukon Quest office at (907) 452-7954. A percentage of all purchases made at the cabin will go directly to helping support the race efforts of the Yukon Quest.