Christmas Run!!

Finally got out to run the dogs today for 11.5 miles. Our trip was going to be shorter but once we got to the halfway point I knew the dogs would need to expend a bit more energy before they would be satisfied. After giving them, and ourselves, a full week off they all impressed me with their extra energy. Gaea and Hera had even more time off than the rest of the team and they came back looking wonderful.

Coyote and Eli had to stay behind for this trip. Coyote stayed because we had enough dog power to work with, too much actually, and Eli because she is still recovering from her surgery. She is getting quite used to inside life and doing very well but I can tell shes a bit bummed at having to stay stationary so she doesn't stress her incision.

Nita rode in the sled and we had about four dogs off their tugs until we hit the bluff trail. That steep incline always works the dogs extra hard and they did very well. With ten on the line we tackled it easily and I only had to get off and help them a few times.

On the way out Sookii and Bella were loose and soon took off for their own adventure. We thought we would catch them down the trail, since Bella kept checking in with us as we traveled, but we didn't see them. We thought we could catch them back at the truck but didn't find them there either. So, after getting Nita's Nissan we took back to the trail on another search. We had no luck until we got out and walked the trail on foot calling to them the whole way, eventually they came to us and we were all a happy family once again! :)

The most interesting thing about our search were the HUGE wolf tracks we found on the trail. Now my pups have big feet (at 80 and 90lbs) but these were at least twice as large as our biggest dog. It was amazing to be sharing the trail with such a huge wolf and a little bit interesting since I hadn't expected them to be so close to the parking area and other dog walkers.

Been taking a bit of time off for myself during this Christmas vacation. Haven't been lazing about too much but getting things done while sitting on the couch watching movies has proven to be very productive. I have a few new cool things to share with you all but I will wait to share the details until I get the photos on my computer.

I also hope to have details on Eli's condition from the vet once the information comes back from the lap on what her mass is.

And a very big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Griffin!! Its his birthday today, my little Christmas baby. Hes ten years old... Still going strong and he did great loose running behind the team on the trail today.

LOTS of photos to come in our next post! :)