Had a great moment in the dog yard tonight. For the first time in a looong time I was able to sit down on the bench and not get too terribly mauled by all the babies and adults clamoring for attention. It was really sweet watching them take their turns and listening to my growls of protest when they started getting a bit too pushy.It was also nice to see many of them take a break in their play to come over specifically for pets. In the past they have been too consumed with themselves and ripping around the yard to mellow out enough for some attention. I have been guilty of not slowing down as well... there have been so many chores to do before the cold comes upon us full force.
But since we are going into our last weeks at the market I'm hoping things will slow down a bit... I keep hoping for that but the last few days haven't showed any sign of things letting up. It seems the tourists will be in town for a bit longer, or at least our retail clients will remain open for those coming to visit. The traffic is reflected in our stock continuing to sell off the shelves which comes at a bit of a surprise since its getting pretty late in the season.
We do what we can with what time we have and hopefully soon things will calm down a bit... the time in the yard is always extra special when work is hectic like this and tonight was full of wonderful moments. In the past I used to hand out biscuits while everyone was loose. I would call each of them by name and they would each get one while the others waited. We hadn't done that in a looong time but I had some chicken tenders stashed away as a special treat so I thought Id see if they all remembered.
They did surprisingly well with only Hera needing to be tied up since she was not being quite as patient as the rest. The babies were so sweet with their inside sit training shining through nicely.
Boreas and Thani were especially cute. All the pups know they don't get treats until their butts hit the floor but since the two brothers wanted each to be in competition for the first snack they put their heads right together, side by side, pushing each other cheek to cheek silently trying to be more in my spotlight. They couldn't have been more precious if they tried!
Its going to be quite the delight handing out treats this year on the trail. Wont we look silly, all these hard working big sled dogs sitting like little pups waiting for meat snacks... I cant wait! : )
Gemini and I also had a wonderful moment tonight. She has always been aloof and insecure about trusting me but over the years Ive seen her come around more and more. A few times now shes been confident to paw my back to get attention for pets and tonight I was able to massage both of her ears at once which is a hard position for any wary dog to feel comfortable in.
I didn't keep at it long knowing how much of a milestone it was for her so I moved on and worked under her collar, her chest and other areas of her body that she so loves to be touched on. She is such a gem, not the best worker or puller, but a rare diamond that brings out the very best in me with her silent movements and gentle shy nature...
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