Yep, it has been a long time coming.  When you have been at it as long as we have people start to expect it even. Our friends who have made the leap already ask us… when are you going to?

But you know it is a lot of responsibility, can really change your life, and we wanted to make sure we were really ready. It required a few adjustments to our living arrangements, but I think it will be well worth it.

Well the time is now –

And we are super excited to announce –

Dew Claw is welcoming a new live in handler to the kennel!!!!!!

Yes after Thanksgiving Madeline will be joining us for a winter of adventure and dogs. Looking forward to the extra help of a full time handler.  Now do not get me wrong , we have Awesome friends who have done amazing things for us. But they have lives, jobs, goals, families, you know all the things that tend to keep adults busy. You can only ask so much. Adding a full time handler to the mix means there will now be 3 people fully focused on the Dew Claw dogs and kennel. And hopefully will free up more time for all of us to spend more time on the trails and having fun with those amazing friends.

She is joining us from Montana, and is no stranger to hard work or rural living. During our phone interview I asked her what some of her goals for the winter were, and she replied “I would actually like to experience some real cold”. That was when I thought to myself, she could really work out.

So now we are getting everything ready for her arrival. And really there were not many adjustments to be made. The garage loft got a good cleaning, and some new sheets. Craiglist provided a nice little fridge.  I will find a  good cheap microwave to complete the kitchen corner. Set up a clothing rack in the closet.  Basically tried to trun it into a studio loft apartment – Alaska style.

Hope she likes it!