It's a Dogs Life at the Dew Claw Dog Spa

Everyone working together in team.

First off let me say I am very pleased to welcome Jeff Budington to Team Dew Claw! Thanks so much for joining us this winter as we work toward Dan’s run on Iditarod 2014.

Our sponsors get involved with the kennel for a variety of reasons: They are friends or family who support us in our mushing addiction. They have been following the Iditarod for years and want a way to get more involved. They value the idea of setting goals so huge no one person could dream of accomplishing them alone, and so they support them. And the #1 reason, we hear over and over again, is that they LOVE these dogs!

Look at that face, how can you not love ChaseUm?

*And seriously who can blame them. These dogs are pretty awesome.*

It is safe to say that Jeff falls squarely in the dog loving category. So in honor of him joining Team Dew Claw, and for all our dog loving friends, I wanted to do a post taking about the Dew Claw Dog Spa.

Dan built our garage with dog care in mind. Slight alterations to the typical garage, like large kennels built in under the main work bench and drop chains*, allow us to turn the garage into a comfortable place to have the dogs. This summer we did some additional work to make better storage space and drying racks for gear. (What’s keeping us busy this summer) And since this is where we tend to do a lot of feet checks & toenail clips (pedicure) and post run massage, I have nicknamed it ‘the dog spa’. The place our team goes after a race, or an especially long, or hard, or cold, or any combination of, training run.
*In situations like this mushers use ‘drop chains’ shorter chains, used only for temporary restraint, that allow us to have a large number of dogs together in a limited amount of space.

Our sweet little Sweet Pea.

Post run care includes bringing the dogs in for fresh water, and a big meal. Then letting them stretch out, dry off their coats and relax in a comfortable heated area. This area is equally comfortable for mushers! We can check every dog over carefully, bare handed, in good light! A real treat being since most of our dog chores are done outside, in the cold, with gloves and a headlamp on. This careful attention allows us to notice any small issues, such as a little rub or soreness, and deal with them right away. Feet are always carefully checked, and massaged with ‘Mushers First Aid‘ and ointment applied as needed. Wrists are moved, legs are gently stretched to see range of motion, backs are rubbed, and ears are scratched. Being brushed is not only something the dogs really enjoy, it improves the coat condition and can help prevent rubs. The dogs love the attention, and this hands on approach allows us to monitor body condition.

Onion waiting for his turn to get his feet checked.

In addition to getting the dogs in and giving us some quality time with them, the dog spa is set up to handle the huge ‘gear explosion’ we create after a run. Dog booties are always in abundance, but dog coats, leggings, mushers coats, and various other items we carry in the sled all benefit from the dog spa. Booties are dried, inspected for wear, and if still good, sorted by size to be used again. Dog coats and harnesses are inspected to make sure they are in good working order with nothing that might cause a rub or problem.

Now enough words. The other day I took some photos of the dog spa in full use. Here is your behind the scenes peek at what goes on in the Dew Claw Dog Spa~

ChaseUm and Sweet Pea settling in, Sweet Pea wants a belly rub.

OK, now ChaseUm wants his belly rub too.

Dan giving Stymie a shoulder rub.

Sweet Pea, ChaseUm, and Ribdon resting in front, Wizard in back, and Carrot with the glowing eyes is getting his feet checked.

Sparrow sound asleep after dinner.

Dogs sleeping and gear drying – the wood stove is surrounded by gear drying hooks, racks, and shelves. A pot on the stove heats water for dog meals. Dan is massaging Orchid in the background.