McKenzie Earns an Agility Title

She did it. McKenzie not only ran a qualifying run but took another 1st place. Not bad for the chubby matriarch.

I have been receiving some really great updates on the Iditarod pups - everything from the eat/sleep/poop schedules to puppy antics. All seem to be thriving. Around here, Kaltag spent another day at the agility trial. She loves meeting new people, children and dogs. Today she even found someone her own size, a miniature collie, to wrestle with. They had a great time in the isle as dogs and humans just stepped over on their way by. Dave and I also worked on her "come". It is always so much fun to watch a puppy's brain kick in. First the blank stare, then the "oh yea" turn of the head and finally bounding off on the completion of the task at hand.

None in his new home

Nome in his new yard doing what his family call "puppy crazies".

May 30

Memorial Weekend means agility trial or sailing or both. I don't know that I have completely warmed up from last weekend's regatta so this year I have opted for agility trial and gardening. Puppy duties and lousy weather have me way behind on the garden. The greenhouse is getting overrun by tomato plants that have outgrown their plastic pot restraints.

McKenzie had a spectacular run on Friday. She has not done agility for about 1 1/2 years but I found out that the AKC records show I still need two more wins on her. My ribbons have become tug toys so I had no documentation to the contrary. She loves to compete in agility so we went for it this weekend. Placing is big because she competes against all the Border Collie speedsters.

McKenzie with the "Q" and first place ribbons. Saturday I pulled weeds, rototilled the still muddy soil and planted tomatoes while Dave was at the regatta.

Cedar and Koyuk resting after spending the day in the garden.

Today we came up against a really difficult agility course and were the last group to run for the day. None of the dogs at our level were able to run a qualifying run. We had a really fast time but McKenzie knocked a bar on a double jump that was located 90 degrees from the solid panel jump. I did not get her quite far enough out to cleanly jump. But she had a great time and that is what counts.

May 27, 2010

While McKenzie and Willy went to agility class, Cedar and Koyuk chilled at home. Koyuk was in the puppy condo, which now has a heavy duty ceiling since she mastered the x-pen wall. They must have spent time eying the raccoon stretch, squeaky toy. Upon opening the x-pen door to free Koyuk, both dogs ran for their end of the toy. The tug-o-war game lasted for quite a while and at one time included both Willy and McKenzie.Last weekend Willow got to stay with friends of her family. Her position on the couch was dully noted since it is not allowed at home.

Reunion Roadtrip

McKenzie, Cedar and Koyuk loaded up into the van for a trip north to meet prospective Chinook owners. On the way we made a quick stop for pedicures all around. The groomer did take note of the mud under the nails from a vole hunting adventure just prior to our departure.

Kara and Travis went from never having met a Chinook to 5 exploring their yard. Leila brought River to see her sister Koyuk, Jackie brought Zita to see her sister Cedar. McKenzie was the matriarch.

Upon seeing her, Koyuk jumped right in with a big hug for her sister River.Sister jaw wrestling continued throughout the entire visit.

Two leashes - there must be two pups in there.
Still at it as the sun gets lower. Travis and Kara with slightly worn out Koyuk.

May 25 - take 2

Today we dashed out for play and agility practice between thunder storms and pouring rain.

Something of interest is under the broad jump.

Koyuk did not stop to smell the wild iris,

like everything else, she stopped to eat it. Chinook tag has taken on another element -

hide and seek.
Koyuk contemplating as she waited out of the rain.

May 25, 2010

We are so lucky to have such wonderful puppy forever homes for the Iditarod litter. Here are some first pictures and stories.

"Three things we've learned about Ms. River so far: 1. She loves cuddles. She's always happiest when she's on the bed with us or in someone's lap or arms. 2. She seems to think she likes coffee (don't worry, she hasn't had any!). Whenever we're drinking it, she smells it and tries to get her nose into our cups. 3. She falls asleep with her (very long) tongue sticking out of her mouth. She'll sleep for 15 or 20 minutes before noticing and pulling it back in. I'm still trying to get a good picture of this behavior to send to you."

River (Ms Elim)

"Muku is doing very well...she is so smart and taking well to training. She sits to greet people, and is getting used to all the action at our place. She gets to watch the kids play hockey from the front porch...and soon will learn to play goalie like the neighbours dog does. she has met the mailman, as well as the garbage and recycling guys (although she was a little unsure about their trucks!) ... Ben playing with his beloved puppy. He is so protective and proud of her. Whenever other kids come to see her, he insists on holding the leash and telling them that she is HIS puppy. "

Ben with Muku (Ms Takotna)

May 24, 2010

This weekend I did a really dumb thing. You can't come off three 1/2 days without eating and in bed and go out and wrestle a catamaran in the "Life on the Edge" regatta. I have not sailed a multihull since this race last year and have not been at the helm of any craft since last summer. I was lucky enough to recruit Amber, a SPYteam member, to crew for me. She has very limited sailing experience and had never been on a cat but she was game. We bundled up in all of our downhill ski clothes and then laughed that we had not brought our ski helmets and goggles when the whiteout hail started. If you think a cat trampoline is slick, try adding a coating of hail. It was cold and the wind came from all quadrants as different storm cells hit. It rained so hard we did not have any tell-tails to know where the wind was coming from. The fully battened sails were no help. But we made it around the buoys even if we did throw in way to many tacks for cat racing.

The weather people said was going to be warmer with a high forming Sunday. It was 39 degrees when we were rigging boats but the sun was out and the winds were still just moderate. The high would mean even less wind. There is no place to store anything on this boat. Not wanting to get too hot, we opted for one less layer of pollypro. Launching the boat was the last we saw of the sun or any warmth. In sailing terms "it blew stink". Like the day before, each storm cell brought wind in another direction but this time it was WIND and primarily from the long axis of the lake so there were also large waves. The waves hitting the boat soaked us as did those splashing up through the trampoline. We were quickly soaked to the skin. The rain was meaningless. We made it around the buoys the first race but halfway through the second race, with the wind building even more, we bagged it as did other boats. Normally flying a cat in winds like that is a blast but being weak from illness and being numbing cold, the thrill wasn't worth it. I'll just have to wait for a nice windy summer day to take Amber out for a wild sail.

Today I finally got a picture of all four dogs sitting - not an easy task when you are alone and holding the string cheese.

Meet: Cedar, Willy, McKenzie and Koyuk

Jack Bauer Virus

For the past three days I have been down and out with what I am calling the Jack Bauer virus - only this one does not end in 24 hours. I just go another round with Jack. Everything hurts. Actually it has been a good time to be confined indoors. The 60 mph winds have been blowing the rain and hail horizontal.

The great room stairway has become the activity center for Koyuk.

On her own, Koyuk figured out a one-pup game of fetch using the stairs.

Cedar joining in the game.
The landing tread has always been McKenzie's domain. Koyuk spies Willy...
From this height they could engage in some serious jaw wrestling.

Koyuk

The BrownStone Iditarod litter pups were named after checkpoints on the famous 1,100 mile, Iditarod Sled Dog Race. The race had just started when the litter was whelped. The pups were named in chronological order of birth from Willow, the starting line to Nome, the finish line.

Most BrownStone dogs are named after rivers with Chinook salmon populations. At home I have McKenzie, Willamette (Willy) named for the rivers that flow through Eugene and Cedar named for the Cedar river in Washington near where she was born.

Koyuk is also a river. It is located on the Seward Peninsula of Western Alaska. The river originates in the interior and flows to Norton Bay. The two major tributaries are the Peace and Salmon rivers. In Inuit, Koyuk means "big river". The Koyuk community website states: "We are a community who rely on the wisdom of our elders to teach our people our traditional and subsistence lifestyle while living and respecting the land, animals and sea; we believe in quality education and employment opportunities through economic development for all generations while keeping healthy families and homes."

Koyuk is staying with us until a breed home can be found. She is an outstanding example of a strong, even tempered Chinook. While here she goes to classes with the big dogs; sees visitors; is mastering basic commands; runs and plays in the yard and woods, and goes on errands. We are lucky that sister Willow lives nearby and comes for play dates. Willow and Koyuk have both tried their luck at swimming in the ponds. Poor Willow needs a bit more practice as she has a completely submerged entry technique.

Cedar and daughter Koyuk at agility class

The dogs are only allowed to get up onto the up stairs "dog couch". Koyuk can now climb up by herself and has taken over more than her allotted space.

Cedar looking for her spot...
Not to be found - Cedar has to settle for the now to be allocated "dog chair".

Neil Brown

Last night my Father-in-law passed away. He was 92. Neil shared our house and was a huge part of our lives for 20 years.

Puppies are Settling In

Saturday night Koyuk sorely missed her litter mates making quality sleep - hers and mine - nearly impossible. Life is now improving for both of us. By eliminating her water after her dinner, her pea-size bladder is not filling as frequently. Even though she is in the same puppy condo with the designated paper lined potty side, she insists on going outside - what a smart girl!

Last night, Koyuk even got an hour more sleep than I did. Unfortunately, when I let her out at 0400 there was a small herd of deer in the backyard. Cedar apparently knew they were there and bolted out the door with us. While Koyuk dreamed away, I stayed up until 0530 to let Cedar back in.

catching a much needed nap

Yesterday Koyuk went to Cedar's agility class with her. She got to meet all 8 of the other dogs in the class; be held by all of Cedar's "aunties"; and lick the nostrils of the horses at the arena.

Cedar and Koyuk waiting their turns at agility class

The puppies are settling in. A couple of my favorite remarks have been: "I learned to never give a clicker to a six year old." and: "She's (Willow) been going up/down the steps today by herself and she got over her fear of the kitchen floor (helped by Cora toddling around with the treat bag and dropping kibble everywhere).

Takotna is now Mulu. She is living in BC, Canada

Can't get any cuter than this:

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all the Iditarod litter new moms. The pups are greatly missed around here by everyone - especially Koyuk. My great-niece Sarah and great-nephew Andrew came for a visit.

Sarah took charge of Koyuk's leash.

Oregon Duck Fan - Andrew Brown

Sarah with Koyuk

Day 55 - Going to New Homes

First There Were Six

After letting the pups out for a run about the property and then rounding them up again, Brad left early this morning with his puppy yellow - Tokotna and the two boys, Nome and Kaltag. He generously went out of his way to deliver the boys in northern Washington on his way to Canada.

last early morning litter outing

Brad rounding up the boys for their trip to their new homes.
Cedar saying good-bye to three of her little ones.

Then There Were Three

A few hours later Jeremy, Jen, Oscar and Cora came to pick up their new puppy, pink - Willow. I am so lucky. they live just down the hill and have promised to keep in touch - even bring her for visits. She is one smart, adventurous girl and should fit right in with their active family.

Jeremy, Cora and Willow's rabbit

Oscar, Cora and Jen with Willow and Elim

The puppies were fascinated with Cora.

Down to Two

Later this afternoon, Leila and Danny came to pick up - white - Elim. Elim and Koyuk got to make one last run together with Cedar, Willy and McKenzie.

Cedar, Koyuk, Leila and Elim

Elim saying good-bye to Koyuk.

Leila and Danny about to head home with their new puppy Elim.

Now There is One

Tonight I am left with Koyuk and very solemn Cedar, Willy and McKenzie. Cedar is hanging close to her last little girl. All of the three older dogs follow Koyuk out during potty outings. I am pleased to say that she is responding well to clicker training for being quiet with four on the floor in the X-pen.

Last Day and Night

This morning started with this blissful scene.

The pups go to their forever homes tomorrow. I am sad but then happy for the families. This is an outstanding litter of little ones.

Pups resting after exploring about 6 acres all on a flat out run. Ms Elim even voluntarily went for another swim.

I wanted a picture of all of the pups in the whelping box. Knowing that in was a very limited amount of time, I set the camera on high speed. Dave pushed all pup bodies down and rushed out of camera range while I shot away as the little ones quickly scaled the sides of the whelping box to freedom. Repeated attempts were required before I got the shot I wanted.

Brad drove down from Canada today to meet Ms Takotna. It was love at first sight. He got to help us herd the pups about the property and back into the house. Later we posed the tired pups for their last milestone picture.

Week 8 pictures.

Ms Willow

Ms Takotna
Mr Kaltag
Ms Koyuk

Ms Elim

Mr Nome