ANWR 2009 -- Part 5: On The Run

Note: This is an excerpt from my contributions to the SP Kennel Dog Log

Here is last part of the video series on our recent Natural Extremes mushing adventures in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR):

ANWR 2009 -- Part 4: Life With Dogs

Note: This is an excerpt from my contributions to the SP Kennel Dog Log

Here is Part 4 of the video series on our recent Natural Extremes mushing adventures in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR):

ANWR 2009 -- Part 3: Panorama

Note: This is an excerpt from my contributions to the SP Kennel Dog Log

Here is Part 3 of the video series on our recent Natural Extremes mushing adventures in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR):

ANWR 2009 -- Part 2: Mushing

Note: This is an excerpt from my contributions to the SP Kennel Dog Log

Here is Part 2 of the video series on our recent Natural Extremes mushing adventures in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR):

ANWR 2009 -- Part 1: Base Camp

Note: This is an excerpt from my contributions to the SP Kennel Dog Log

Everyone -- human and canine -- is back at the Kennel after some spectacular Natural Extremes mushing adventures in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Here is the first in a 5-part series of videos:

Happy's New Neckwear

Hi, I'm Happy! I'm always Happy... That's why they call me Happy!

As you can see in the photo below, I've got some new neckwear! It's not fancy or anything, but there's a pretty good story that goes with it:

It seems like no sooner did we get back to SP Kennel after the Iditarod than we were getting back into the truck and heading up to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) on the famous North Slope of the Brooks Range. It was a long drive, but totally worth it because it is so beautiful up there!

My pack mates and I spent a couple of days putting in trails, which means we mushed through deep, new snow to create trails for Aliy and Allen to use when their guests arrive. It was hard work, but I really liked it because it's so out there in the wilderness where dogs like me belong!

Well, the next thing I know, all the humans are looking at my neck and making a big fuss. It turns out that I have a little booboo on my neck where some of my fur is worn off and my skin is exposed and raw. The humans think it's because I pulled so hard while I ran the Iditarod and put in the trails-- which I did! -- that my harness chafed me. I think it's because I've been doing so many Happy Dances!

Anyway, I didn't even notice it because -- well, you know -- I don't really feel things like that. But, because I'm now such a great sled dog the humans didn't want to take any chances of me getting hurt. So, the boss -- that's what we call Aliy -- gave me the neckwear right off her neck and put it under my collar to protect my booboo. The boss is always nice, you know, but she's really nice to me now that I'm an Iditarod dog!

The bummer is that they sent me home! So, now I'm back at the Kennel with the other dogs who didn't go to the North Slope. They've been asking me all about what it was like, and about the Iditarod too! The weather is getting sunny and warm, so I'm spending my idle time hanging out on my dog house. Hopefully I'll have some time to work on my website store, so I can make some money and buy myself some really fancy neckwear!

Please don't worry about me. My booboo is really nothing and I'm totally fine!

Love, Happy