ALASKA

Can't really believe I'm leaving for Alaska..... back in September I attended the Northern New England Trade Fair.  I particularly wanted to hear Aliy Zirkle and Allen Moore speak.  Having watched videos of them and followed them on FB, they always struck me as super nice people with impeccable dog care.  Little did I know that we would end up friends with an invitation to be a part of their dynamic team of handlers for the upcoming Copper Basin 300 Sleddog Race in Glennallen, AK.  My bags are almost packed, dogz will be resting somewhat while I am gone and then we'll be right back into tours and training for some upcoming races. We'll have a little bit of ground to make up which is a bit frustrating as the dogs have already done some good miles and some long runs, but I'll get them back up par again fairly quickly.  I'll be returning from Alaska with yearling from Mackeys Distance Alaskans.  A young dog I've been following for quite a while and again... little did I know he would end up being mine and coming home with me to New Hampshire.  Many wonderful things to start the New Year with and as always, with much gratitude.

From Wheels to Sled to Wheels to Sled !

Training and  tours were a mix of experiences as we had to switch from using wheels to sleds a few times.  Still, it's all part of our authentic experience and guests learn how we adapt to mother nature and go with flow.... we've had some wonderful people, many participating with harnessing and helping out.  It's always a joy to share our dogz and passion with guests who understand dogz and connect with them as we do.  Baby Tuliq will be in harness in a few weeks and she'll start out with some fun puppy runs.  Looking at how active she is here at the homestead, I think she'll take to it like a duck to water or rather ... sleddog to snow !

Busy Few Weeks at Valley Snow Dogz

Our friends Team Kelim

Our gorgeous view !

Waiting for our guests to arrive

Back home just hanging out, love our boy Dougie

Richard hooking up his team

Gone Camping... Checkpoint Style

Great time with friends and their wonderful dogs.

We covered a lot of miles and got the dogs used to camping out

and resting the same way we would in a long distance race.

Great learning experience for all.

Couldn't have been prouder of all the dogs!

We did lots of passes, head on passes and then a few sandwich passes
in true Boot Camp style

Teams were super geed over
Proud of my leaders as they are both natural lefties !!!

Taken at the beginning of the day

Loaded up and ready!

Wishbone and Sofiel ready to get going again

Everyone was waking up
They all looked so cute and snuggly in their blankets

Hana and Tumac had to turn around to face me



Lovely friends... Christine and Sally

Valley Snow Dogz Annual Santa Run in Waterville Valley NH

Another successful fund raising event.

As always, the dogz touch the hearts of many

 

 

 

 

Sofa Time For Hana

Valley Snow Dogz Waterville Valley Resort Sleddog Rides

Waterville Valley is now taking bookings for our winter season sled dog rides right from the center of Waterville Valley Ski Resort. Check our the link below or call them directly on 603-236-8175 to make your booking!


http://www.waterville.com/village/dogsledding.html

Valley Snow Dogz Squam Lake Tours

Gorgeous scenic photo from last season's excursions on Squam Lake NH
We are taking bookings now for this winter season
you can email us at valleysnowdogz@gmail.com
or call us on 603-340-2390

Time to 'Up' The Miles

Dogz are doing great in harness this season and we've quickly reached our goal despite a bit of delay in starting out this season due to the warmer temperatures.  The free running in our secret garden has totally helped the dogs maintain fitness which has boosted their ability to move through their early season mileage.  We love running this time of  year with the fall colors and how the leaves are highlighted as the sun goes down during an evening training run.  We have many leaders this season with some of the yearlings in training. So much fun to hook up a young team with some seasoned dogs tucked in next to the pups and watch how they teach the young ones while keeping an ear turned towards me as I assist with some instructions.  The Valley Snow Dogz are in training for what we hope will be a very cold and snowy winter for all to enjoy!

Baby Tuliq Turns 6 Months Old

She is just like her mamma Rosie
An old soul with eyes that just melt you
A spunky pup with a lot of skin to grow into!
She weighs 50lb already

Another Enjoyable Event

Another glorious day at the Thornton Historical Society Old Home Day. The dogs did so well for 4 hrs of loving, cuddles and photos.  What a fun time we all had. We met lots of new people and the dogs gained a few extra fans.  The Valley Snow Dogz comprised Rosie, Miss Squish, Dougie, Cookqiz, Sofiel and Honey Bunny Soft!

Lots of loving!

Sofiel found a true friend
they just loved each other!

Cookqiz and Honey watch the parade



Training Is Just Around The Corner!

Finally some reliable cool temperatures.  Gear is checked and ready, harnesses washed, lines fixed... just need to get tires switched on the truck and training begins later this week. In the meantime dogs have been getting lots of time in the secret garden, charging around and really stretching out.  We are all anticipating the first few runs with sheer excitement.  The dogs only had 4 1/2 months out of harness so they should be back into it fairly quickly.  Meanwhile, the retired doggies are getting lots of playtime and walks and some of the older ones are now getting more time in the house with us thought it's sometimes too warm for them with their bigger coats. 

Our Two Beautiful Leaders.. Hana and Cookqiz

Nap Time In The Dogyard