Shakespeare's Juliet asked,  "What's in a name?" Well, if you're one of our two-year-old triplet pups whose  name just happens to be Bandit, then there's a lot to the name! According to the dictionary, a bandit is a robber, an outlaw, a thief. Now considering our Bandit was given her name at just eight weeks old, there would be no way to know exactly what her personality would be like. In her case, it was destiny, fate, kizmet, whatever you would like to call it because in Bandit's world every single toy, scrap of fabric, bone, ball, even a rock--are all hers. She will gather them all, and in true bandito form, "steal" them all from the rest of her family, even if they were being played with. She will attempt to challenge even the alpha queen of the pack (who just stares her down then gives her a flip of the nose as if to say, "whatever.") She will then pile up all of her finds and perch herself atop them, like a chicken protecting her ...

After seeing all the beauty of Canada and watching the fascinating winter sports competitions, and even their great little segment on sled dogs, I do have to wonder why dog sledding is not an Olympic sport? Naturally, the typical courses are too long, but sprint-style would be perfect. There is no other beauty in my mind than watching these beautiful, awesome, and strong dogs happy in their element doing what's in the blood, all set against the winter beauty of places such as Canada, Alaska, etc. There has not been a dog sledding event competition in the Olympics since 1932 in Lake Placid. I think it may be high time that's reconsidered! Here's an interesting clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhrCfj3ILdY

Well, we're in the midst of a winter storm, today it's rain mixed with snow, tomorrow a "snow hurricane" is heading our way...all of which makes one think of fluffy white stuff. So, how in the middle of winter can my Sibes find a mud hole? The create one! It only takes one frisky, curious, mud-loving Husky pup to entice the whole pack family to join in the muddy swim. And, naturally, when they're done, they just want to come back inside for some Husky hugs. Ummm...can you say "baths first!"

Harley's pearly whites! For this, my "maiden-voyage" blog, if you will, I'm kicking off with a tip  of the hat to February being Pet Dental Health Month. How many of us tend to our dog's teeth and gums on a regular basis? Just as we enjoy playing, snuggling, and taking our dogs to the vet for check-ups, we also need to brush those canine teeth! Our five "kids" (as we refer to them as) all now enjoy getting their teeth brushed. I do have to use the mint flavored pet toothpaste, though. No chicken flavor or anything funky like that. They love the smell of mint. Our one girl, the alpha queen, just loves to sniff anyone who has just brushed their own teeth! So getting her used to the process herself was easy! As you can see from her photo here, she is quite proud of her smile! Some of our kids prefer the finger brush to the standard toothbrush. But that's okay. They both work well. The finger brush actually allows some gum massaging, which is a gre...