BrownStone Iditarod Elim (River)

I had lost contact with BrownStone Iditarod Elim (River) then recently received a wonderful surprise of photos and an update.

Hi Kay Lee,

It's been too long and, as always, I am thinking of you and your dogs as we approach River's birthday. It's hard to believe that she's turning 6 already! I thought I would send you an update and some pictures to give you an idea of what River's been up to these past few years.

We recently moved back to Corvallis from Portland, and bought our first home in the same neighborhood where River lived when she first came home with me. She loves being able to run down to Willamette river with us every day, where she keeps her dad company while he fly fishes.

She has backpacked across a good portion of the Oregon, Washington, and Northern California wilderness with us (I'm attaching pictures of her adventures in the Willowas, Bull of the Woods, Strawberry Mountain, Marble Mountains, and the Trinity Alps). She is the best backpacking buddy we could have hoped for. Chasing chipmunks and squirrels is probably her number one favorite pastime, but even then she stays near us on the trail and always comes running when we call.

 

She also regularly goes sailing with us, and is now almost too confident on the boat--she has learned how to climb the wooden ladder into the cabin and goes up and down at will. :-) 

 

When we're not adventuring, we're incredibly grateful that she is such a cuddler, and so content to snooze on our bed all day. She is just wonderful around the house (except for sneaking an occasional snack from the trashcan when we're out!).

 She has also gotten over her fear of children, as you can see from the pictures.

River continues to be our best friend and consummate partner in absolutely everything. I am grateful every single day that you sent her home with us. Sometimes we talk about getting a second dog, but honestly, we are such a happy family right now that it feels unnecessary. When we do, though, I know where we'll be going.

I hope that you and your human and dog families are all well, and that you enjoy the pictures.

All the best,

Leila, Wes, and River