Wild Fires, Fall and Farewells

Alas its my last week up here in Alfalfa, my last morning chores Sunday. At least for a while. Though I know I will be up here hanging out with the pack, two legged and four legged alike, at every available opportunity!

I’m definitely strange to leave as the cycle of life goes on here. Inca is about to drop a litter of puppies at any moment, and I am loath to miss it. She’s huge but seems relaxed and extra happy and loving in her pregnancy, eating ravenously every day. Well I guess she is eating for about 8!

The arrival of huge piles of sweet-smelling straw to be spread amongst was probably the most fun task in the yard yet to date. The dogs are so ridiculously excited to get straw for their beds and houses, its super sweet how they (after sniffing and peeing on it) kick it around efficiently with their back legs to their satisfaction then immediately curl up to nap.

Straw + Dogs = Happiness

All that Golden straw definatly added a fantastic color and smell to the yard and a dreamy, nap inducing bucolic feel. Case in point…

The dogs are almost done with summer rides now and after a break, Fall training begins. Apparently it’s kind of crazy round here at that time. Dogs being hooked up systematically and run on the property, building miles for the Winter season and for any races Jerry has planned. Sounds like a noisy good time to me! And one I don’t intend to miss out on.

I’m headed back to the Bay area briefly and then am returning to Bend for more doggie adventures of maybe a slightly different nature, in between trying to make some essential dough. Working closer with rescue dogs and definitely more hands on doggie massage as I ramp up to take my Canine Sports Massage Therapy Certification. And, of course, scooting up to Alfalfa whenever possible to visit with my new found furries.

I have to admit, I am looking forward to dropping down in altitude and getting next to the Ocean for a few days. The last few weeks of Summer here have been oppressive, plagued with smoke blowing in from wild fires. White out skies and bad air quality. But the mornings already have a refreshing bite, a sharp reminder of whats in store and I’m wondering what winter will be like…..all that snow (hopefully). Am I crazy enough to winter it out ? Soft Californian girl I have become, spolit by those mild winters. Couldn’t be that bad right? I mean…its not like Alaska..though that is still calling… and will I take a dog with me for warmth? And who will it be?!

So important stuff that I’ve learnt (amongst other things) :

Never turn your back on a hungry and excited sled dog on a chain when you have a bucket of raw chicken in your hand. Like the Ocean. (Ok a bit of a stretch but you get where I’m coming from) Getting bumped or whipped by a chain is not personal and means you are not paying attention.

Do not leave your boots/ shoes/ gloves or any garment of clothing outside or it will be taken, chewed or simply hidden.

The dog next to you is always your favorite dog in the yard. No exceptions.

If you don’t feed Rex on his house Brick will try to eat all his food. And he will let her. Seattle does a really good job of acting like he didn’t get any. Which sometimes deserves a second scoop just for the brilliance of his performance. Rembrandt will always eat more. Shadow sometimes buries hers for later and Segrit always buries hers, dumping it upside down and skillfully and delicately covering it under dirt and straw, and eventually… ” Eating just enough to stay alive and not a morsel more,”  Rachel informed me.

A wee food issue maybe but she remains strong and the perfect weight.

Be prepared to fall for a new dog every day, as they all slowly get familiar and their true personalities emerge.

A good howling follows every meal.

Finally, you can’t love them enough and waking up and being greeted every morning a pack of dogs this size, this friendly and unique has been the most wonderful experience of my life including all the tough parts.

I’m proud of the hard-earned scratches and bruises. And that Sanyo has not only finally warmed to me after being fearful for so long, but is actually joyful when she sees me and rushes towards. Where as Seattle still sort of puts up with me but Yoda’s definitely now considering being my friend. And that I tried something different. Purely for the love of dogs.

And that it bought me here and I have no idea where it will lead me next, but I guarantee there will be fur, poop and a lot more fun and I will continue writing, so keep reading ! Thanks for following the adventure!