team resting on a run - fall 2010
Well it is August in Alaska, and where I live that means it is starting to look like fall. Fireweed is topping out and going to seed, and there are yellow leave in the hills. Cooler temps, and darker nights. A return to my office at Interior-Aleutians Campus for the fall semester. All signs of the season. And the most exciting thing about the fall season, time to start running the dogs! As we start to get our canine team ready for the year ahead we want to invite you to join us this season, as part of “Join Team Dew Claw”
Fall conditioning: the fun, often wet (as rain is ideal training weather to keep the dogs cool) insanity of hooking teams to a 4WD Quad to run. Doing this now ensures that the team is fit and able to do long runs with the sled as soon as there is sufficient snow on the trails. Not nearly as much fun sitting on the quad as it will be traveling by sled, but it is a necessary evil. One that, over the years, I have made peace with* becuase I am so appreciative of what it allows us to accomplish. Yup putting in the miles now so we can have fun when the time comes.
*OK I say this now, as it is just the beginning. Ask me again in a few weeks when my thumb has started to go numb on long runs, and I am so sick of sitting on that Bleep Bleep Bleeping machine that I could scream. It is bouncy on our rough trails, and it will start getting colder, and I will dream of and dance for snow. But until it comes we will be out there, running with the quad, waiting for enough snow to safely travel the trails with sleds…
The view from the quad
As we plan for winter we are seriously looking at everything we hope to accomplish and thinking about what we need to invest in and work on to make it possible. And that is really what fall conditioning is, an investment in the teams fitness and capacity now so that we can go out and really enjoy the winter later.
There are other exciting investments at Dew Claw to share with you. We are very happy to have Usibelli as a member of the team again this year. I am honored they are joining us for another winter of racing.
You may remember earlier I wrote about Usibelli’s generous donation to the Yukon Quest. And folks who followed Dew Claw last race season will already know that Usibelli was one of the corporate sponsors that made our our 2010-11 race season possible. We are very thankful for their continued support and encouragement to Dew Claw Kennel.
Now is also the perfect time, as we thank Usibelli, to also thank the kind individuals who have already joined Team Dew Claw for the 2011-12 season:
~ Our Families ~
~Meg Thornton ~ Nancy Bailey ~ Virginia Pond ~Joel Switzer, Ramy & Cathy Brooks, Rick Studly & Caroline Williams, Tony Hendrickson, Curtis & Shannon Erhart, Lou & Fran Varndel, Orren & Judy Brownson, Kirstie McGuinness, Sally Dunkley, Marlys Sauer, & the Mushaholics!
If your interested in becoming a member of Team Dew Claw or seeing photos of some of the canine members of the team, you can learn more here. We realize that some people prefer to donate needed items to the kennel. There is a list at out web site, in addition this fall we will be needing to purchase new harnesses and materials for making ganglines and tugs to replace the very well worn ones from last year. Also fall is the time for vaccinating and worming the entire kennel. All items will be purchased at locally owned and operated, Cold Spot Feeds. Contact us for more information.
jodi@dewclawkennel.com
