is actually an outside job at Dew Claw.
Lets be realistic, spring house cleaning in Alaska is somewhat of a loosing battle. Between the mud of break up and the constant in and out traffic of people and dogs, spring cleaning inside is a battle you just can’t win. So instead we focus on working outside and doing kennel improvements.
The dogs have mostly shed their heavy winter fur and are enjoying the sunshine.
Of course we have to check, clean, and store all the mushing and winter camping gear so it is ready to go for next year. And then we focus on the yard. Doing our best to keep it dry by digging trenches for drainage, and using straw to keep dogs areas cleaner until things dry. And then the real work begins.
This year we are expanding, and adding more pens to our kennel set up. A line of large pens have been built, that will eventually be one side of an even larger fenced in free run area. Wood chips worked so well in our first set of pens we decided renting an industrial chipper for a weekend to make more was the way to go. And make more we did.
This pile of wood chips is one of 2 we made that weekend. In addition to making the dogs more comfortable and making the dog yard look great, we were also able to clear out brush and standing dead improving the property and making the area around the kennel more fire safe.
In addition to new pens and ground cover we also drug out the hoses so we can pressure wash the dog houses. Brought in gravel to fill in some areas. Raked out the perennial flower beds, not technically kennel related but still part of the spring clean up. Got the snowmachine parked for the summer and tuned up the quad; which we are now using to take out small teams and free run dogs. So you can see spring is a busy time.
OK and now you may be wondering, when is the best time to give the home a total cleaning? Well with as many dogs as we have the answer might be never. But since it has to be done, I like a good winter cleaning, once the snow is on the ground and the dust is gone. Till then I will focus on kennel improvements and having fun with the dogs.
Want to come see what we are working on? we will be offering kennel tours this summer by appointment. Guests will get to meet the dogs and learn about mushing with a hands on demonstration. So if you are planning a trip to Fairbanks we would love to share our love of dogs and mushing with you, contact us for more information.
Kennel is cleaning up nicely this spring 
Pens are filled with fresh wood chips 
The Asian Food Litter has grown into beautiful young dogs 
The porch furniture is out for the summer, and Orchid approves 
Covered in sunflower seed mulch the Rhubarb is coming to life
under the watchful eye of the garden gnome
New gravel spread in the house dogs private doggie door access pen
