Paws March for a Cause

Nick and Ruger attended the Paws March for a Cause in Lees Summit, MO this weekend. The 2k/3k/4k benefitted Wayside Waifs. Wayside is the shelter where we got Denali, so this is particularly special to us. Nick and Ruger had a great time, and won the 4k event.

The dogs have also been doing longer runs. They both completed their longest run this week - just a little over 12 miles. They have been doing great with their training. They're listening well and really enjoying their runs.

The look on Ruger's face must be the definition of pure happiness. 

Sunshine Award

We were very excited to receive a Sunshine Award this morning from one of our favorite blogs, Talking Dogs.  Our pups thought the award should include lots of treats and belly rubs.
We would like to pass this award on to one of our favorite blogs, the SPKennel Dog Log. The SPKennel Dog Log follows the Alaskan Huskies of SP Kennel as well as mushers Aliy Zirkle and Allen Moore. We are Iditarod lovers, and we love this blog.

Spring is (almost) here...

The past few days have been unseasonably warm. Our highs have been in the mid to upper 70's. This has hampered the dogs training a bit as they still have their winter coats. We have been spending time searching for upcoming races and have found several we hope to do this spring and fall.

Payin' for the Spayin' 5k Race Day

Yesterday we attended the Payin' for the Spayin' 5k in Crocker, Missouri. The race benefitted the Loving Paws Adoption Center. We had a wonderful time, and the dogs did a great job.

 

Denali and Joy before the race.

 

Ruger and Nick playing before the race.

Although we have not seen a published total, there were probably 90-100 participants, many of which participated with their dogs. Of course, Ruger and Denali were the loudest at the start line. Ruger was ready to go, and slammed forward - it was his way of saying "let's get this show on the road."

The course is a bit hilly, and is comprised of paved roads and gravel. Nick and Ruger had a great race, leading from a quarter mile in. Ruger listened well and he and Nick had a lot of fun together.

Joy and Denali made a few friends along the way. They ran part of the way with another runner who was enjoying Denali's company. Denali listened well, and was quite talkative throughout the race, responding to commands with little sounds.

Joy and Denali coming into the finish.

 

Nick and Ruger were the first ones in. Denali and Joy were the first females in, and were 4th overall.

The race benefitted a wonderful organization, and we were grateful we had the opportunity to support it.



 

Nick and Ruger after getting their medals.

 

Nick, Joy, Ruger, and Denali after the race.

 

Ruger and Denali with their medals before heading home.

It's Iditarod Time!

We love this time of year! The Iditarod is truly an inspirational and wonderful event, and we enjoy following the teams as they make their way along the trail. Our favorite kennel to follow is SPKennel out of Two Rivers, Alaska.

We also have the Payin' for the Spayin' 5k benefitting the Loving Paws Adoption Center in Pulaski County coming up next weekend. We are looking forward to participating in this event with the pups. We are supposed to get some sleet/ice tonight, so hopefully that does not hinder training this week.

The dogs have been enjoying the cool weather, and they are likely going to enjoy the sleet and ice as well!

If you are interested in following the Iditarod as well, you can keep track of your favorite musher at http://iditarod.com/.