The Dingo Chronicles

...you stay upright for an entire run with Wally-dog. Yep...that's right...Wally and I went for a 7-miler this morning and managed to avoid a disaster similar to what took place just one week ago today, which involved me falling near-flat on my face.

Here's the back-story. In addition to stops for unannounced piddle and poop breaks, Wally has also developed a habit of stopping - UNANNOUNCED - smack dab in front of me to sniff. Sniff what, you ask? Hard to say, but more than likely something you would not want anywhere near you or your loved ones. In other words, something dead, decaying, or regurgitated. It's all part of the blessing of being a dog. Everything smells utterly delicious. Anyways, last week Wally had been making sniff stops at intervals that seemed to be hitting every tenth of a mile. My patience was wearing thin towards the end of the run. Reason being, this behavior not only interrupted our pace, but would send me jolting to a halt comparable to clamping down on just the front brakes of your bike while cruising downhill. The result would send me into a near catapult over the "handle bars", which in this instance were represented by Wally's butt.

With only 1 mile left to go in the run, Wally made a sniff stop that caught me in a moment of blissful inattentiveness, meaning I'd forgotten the potential for Wally to cause me pain and potentially broken bones. Yes...I was chatting away with Danni (running buddy) and not paying attention when before I knew it, Wally sent me flying...stumbling...reaching for something to hold me up with the only wherewithal to know that I had to save...my....FACE...FROM HITTING CONCRETE! At the last second my heavily padded mittens came flying forward and kept my teeth from knocking pavement. Wally stared at me with a hint of "oops" in his eyes and Danni's pup Sonja immediately ran to offer her support - administering kisses to the inside of my mouth (because that's where the pain was, right?). I shouted a few expletives at Wally - in between dog-tongue first aid I was receiving - and Wally got the point that he had messed up big time.

Fortunately, the temp was around 20 degrees that morning so all body parts were well bundled and safe from "road rash." The knee was a little sore from hitting hard, but I was able to hobble on for a few and get back into the groove for the remainder of the run.

I'd like to think that today's success (Wally had minimal sniff stops) was due to the fact that Wally remembered what tragedy he ALMOST CAUSED and felt remorseful, thus forcing him into good behavior. Yeah right! I know...I laughed too when I typed it, so don't feel bad for laughing as you read it.

All I have to say is one day at a time with these pups. Remember the good and forget the bad - this way they'll always be our angels.

*Note: Hunter wasn't able to join this week's or last week's run because 7 miles just isn't his bag. He does get to join in on the other, shorter runs though. It's hard to leave him when you can't explain that the 'ole hips will appreciate it.

I REALLY need to do better at this blogging thing. I enjoy it immensely and am going to have to find a way to make it part of my routine. Thanks for your patience with my infrequent posts. It's no excuse, but I'm going to throw it out there anyways that work has been pretty killer lately. I'm by no means in a position to complain because our company is doing really well and given the state of things I feel so fortunate to have a job (Oh...and Hunter and Wally feel lucky too...it means they're guaranteed another meal!) :). However, it has been NUTZ!

Speaking of Hunter and Wally...they are both doing well. Hunter got his first swim of the season in on Saturday. We went for a run down by the park and before I knew it, he was taking himself for a dunk in the freezing water. It's funny how 40 degrees is hot for the dogs. I always forget that they go through this period every year when it starts to warm up and they think heat exhaustion going to engulf them. Wally had a classic display of feigned overheating a couple of weeks back when the sun was actually shining and the temps were mid-40's. We ran our typical route in the park and had to run on the road more than usual due to muddy conditions on the park's dirt roads. Apparently, Wally felt that the blacktop/sunshine combo was like kryptonite to his running skills. Not only did he slug along behind me for the last 2 miles of the run (and this was only a 3-mile outing), but I literally had to DRAG HIM the last quarter mile. Mere yards from our house and I'm standing in the middle of our street pulling this "near death" dog to the point where his collar is about to slip right off over his head. He wouldn't budge! Finally, I was able to get him to move forward and we made it the rest of the way home. I'm sure the neighbors appreciated the show.

To carry on the theme or running with Wally, we had a running adventure the end of February - the 30th Annual Snow Joke Half Marathon held in Seeley Lake, MT. It's really just a fun, local run to help keep people motivated in the dead of a Montana winter. The bonus is...you can run with your dog! It was Wally's first year to participate and my second. We had a blast and Wally was such a good boy. He made me quite proud and didn't do anything embarassing or out-of-control (I know...SHOCKING!). And he even got his name in the results - Wally Anderson listed as a finisher!

Before the race - Wally was amped beyond comprehension at this point. So much excitement!

Other items of interest consuming our time includes a week-long trip to Boise for work and a chance to visit family and friends while I was there. Little niece Ava is getting so big and growing so fast! Ty was the mobile doggy-day-care that week, taking the dogs up to Columbia Falls with him each day I was gone. I'm so grateful he's willing to do this and I know the dogs appreciate it. We've also had some company in March - Ty's friend Matt came to K-Town for a hockey tournament and Bill and Wileen came to visit this past weekend.

So...I'm sure it could go unsaid but we're just antsy for the real spring to come now (ya know...the warm, sunny, flowers-are-blooming spring). However, as I type this there are snowflakes falling. Ugh! The conditions have been pretty soggy as of late. On two occasions already this spring I've had to hose the dogs down after a run. They kick up so much dirt from wet, sandy roads. And after one run, I think Ty was tempted to hose ME down after I came home caked in the gunk. For now, we'll have to simply dream of dry, sunny conditions and be content knowing that it's impossible for winter to last forever.

I'm going to try very, very hard to get back to regular updates of dog-like antics around this place. Lord knows, we have plenty of 'em coursing through this home. And just to prove my point, I leave you with this...

Where does it go? I blame work this past month for my inability to do anything far beyond, well, work. It's been crazy busy and the fact that it's hitting during a time that is usually kind of quiet has me worried for what the rest of 2009 will bring. I can't complain too much, since having a job at all is something I am more than grateful for with the state of things.

Let's see...what has happened since our last post. Ty and I have been skate skiing quite a bit and take the dogs whenever we can. We traveled to Hailey, ID (our old stomping grounds) a little over a week ago for a company party, visiting family, and lots of skate skiing. Oh! We also managed to get a very nice recharge in the SUN department.

We took part in a local Ski the Rails event with Ty's aunt and uncle on the Saturday we were in Hailey (a few pictures follow). It's an informal gathering of cross-country skiers, organized to promote nordic skiing on the groomed bike path, which is founded on abandoned railroad (see the connection? ah...ah...Ski the RAILS) ;). The goal is to start skiing in Ketchum and end in Hailey. Altogether, it's about 12 miles of mostly flat terrain and is very mildly graded at a decline. The best part about it? Dogs are welcome to join their owners in the romp. Not only are they welcome, but they're catered to at each of the aid stations. Treats and water bowls await. Hunter and Wally were in heaven. Especially when Hunter found out he didn't have to beg for treats, but that humans actually came to HIM and offered the tasty morsels quite liberally.

The first 5 or 6 miles went by quickly and Wally only embarrassed us a few times. We left a car at the mid-way point for Hunter, since we knew he wouldn't be able to voyage the entire way with us. With our speed and the distance combined, it would eventually get harder and harder for him to keep up. The drop point partnered well with an aid station and while the rest of us refueled, Ty took Hunter to the car. I missed the whole transaction, but made note of the Subaru set nicely on the side of the road with windows cracked and sun shield in place. Initially, we thought Hunter would be psyched to have the down-time. A nap in a warm, well-sunned car. Free from the harassment of Wally. But, as I started up to ski again, Hunter proved us quite wrong.

Ty was ahead of me a bit as I made last minute adjustments to my gloves. All the sudden I heard this high-pitched yelp from nearby. Surely this couldn't be Hunter and I looked around for an alternate source. He never barks from the car. It happened again, louder and more urgent. The tears hit almost instantly...it was Hunter. I had never heard him yelp like this. He wanted more than anything to come with us and was definitely voicing his displeasure with our decision to leave him behind. "It's okay Hunter Bunter," I yelled to him as a skied away. My heart was broken. It killed me to have to leave him, but it was for the best.

Ty reassured me that he'd be ok...and he was (well, he did give us a bit of the silent treatment when we got back to the car to retrieve him after we finished the ski), but never had it become more clear to me than at the moment he hollered after us, just how smart Hunter is. He had the wherewithal to know that 1) he was having a blast out there, 2) he wanted to keep having fun, 3) we were leaving him behind, and 4) he was gonna let us know how he felt about it. Wally, on the other hand, would have sat there in the car and thought to himself "Huh...how'd this happen?", blissfully ignorant of the potential to change his situation. Ty and I regularly agree that Hunter is one-of-a-kind in his intelligence and this incident helped remind me that we can't take that for granted. Love you Mister Hunter!

Since our return from Hailey, we've done a bit more skate skiing. Mom and Dad got some classic skis and we took them out for ski in the NW Montana sun on Sunday. I've been running quite a bit too. In fact, Wally managed to configure himself into a somersault on our run this morning after he decided to stop mid-stride to investigate some form of smell. That dog...always keeps us guessing.

Anyways, I'll try to do better with stories and keeping you posted on the antics of our crew. Happy February!

Road trip!!! On our way to Hailey.

They're amped! Hunter, Wally, and Chutney gearing up for Ski the Rails (please forgive the slobber on the seats).

Crossing a bridge on skis. Close to the starting line.

Ty, Aunt Wanda, Uncle John, Wally and Chutney. Hunter is next to me - sticking close (maybe he knew what was coming!).

Greetings and Happy New Year! Well...we survived the holidays! No major incidents to tell of. Lots of goofiness from every angle and plenty of moments we were able laugh about and enjoy the instant it took place. I promise to summarize with a few photos at the end of the post.

As mentioned, Christmas was spent here, the weekend after at Ty's parents', and we kicked the New Year off with an afternoon of skate skiing with the dogs back here at home. They loved it! We go to this great little place about 10 miles outside of Whitefish - Stillwater Lodge - and they have extensive trail that's dog friendly. They romp, play, and run and run and run. It's a good way for us to get some exercise and the dogs to get EXHAUSTED! We've gone back once since then and hope to get up that way many more times before the snow melts. We also ski the Whitefish Golf Course. No dogs allowed, but they have night-time skiing, so we take that in quite often. Luckily, we have this winter-time recreational activity to keep us sane and remind us that there is fun to be had in snow.

However, we're already starting to feel the effects of cabin fever and long for the days when the trails are clear and the grass is green. The dogs seem bored with running and walking the same routes over and over again. I'm with them...I miss the diversity of spring and summer. And since most of our snow is depleting day-by-day and we haven't seen fresh since New Year's, the spirits are not getting any lifting from what's happening outside. We'll get through as we always do, but for now I'll have to dream...dream of vacations in Mexico, California, Florida.... And Hunter and Wally will have to contend with wrestling in the house, slip-sliding their way through the backyard for potty breaks (it's icy out there!), and worst of all - NO SWIMMING - for a couple more months. I think they're grateful for skate skiing and Stillwater too!

Hunter, Wally, and I hope your 2009 is off to a great start! We'll be posting again soon in 2009. Until then, a little something(s) from 2008...

Our tree (with decorating assistance from Rosco...notice the bald spot?).

The Anderson Family

Although I love my bro and his fiance dearly, I'm including this photo more for its chaos factor vs. the endearment. Yes...that's Hunter's nose.

They're always so cute when they're NOT moving. Gotta love 'em!

WISHING YOU ALL THE BEST IN 2009!!!

My girlfriend sent this to me and I have to share. We'll be busy with family these next few days, so probably won't write much. However, look for great photos and updates after Christmas. Wishing you all a wonderful holiday!

By the way...Ty and I are pretty much certain that this could indeed be Wally on any given day.

I'd always considered myself a single-digit kinda girl. I like the numbers 3, 6, 9...ya know...easy to remember, not hard to write, and a bit of character in and of itself. No "partner" number imposing additional influence on its appearance or meaning. Well...that all changed today, when it had been four days...count 'em...FOUR DAYS since the dogs had been outside for any exercise. None! As in nada, zilch, zero. It was today that the number 10 and anything higher became my favorite number. And please...don't put a "-" in front of it. That's just mean.

Hopefully I haven't totally confused you. Allow me to elaborate. As you gathered from my last post, we've been experiencing colder than normal temps lately. Ty and I have decided that anything below ten degrees - unless the sun is out and making itself more than known - we probably shouldn't take the dogs out into the elements. As a result, they hadn't been out since Saturday and let me tell you...the tensions were running high. The casual wrestle session between Hunter and Wally had turned from friendly to snarly. And the Rosco-Wally chase fest went from knocking one or two ornaments from the tree to an unprecedented three or four falling to their death. AND a tree skirt disturbance thrown in for good measure. It was turning desperate here at the Anderson's.

But...finally (hallelujah!!!), the temps started going up, up, up today and we crested at 14 degrees! To make it all that much more enjoyable, it's been snowing all day too! Hunter, Wally and I celebrated with a drive-way shoveling, chuck-it throwing, snow eating (the dogs) fest after work. It was grand. The dogs are now sleeping peacefully downstairs and I imagine we won't hear a peep from them 'til tomorrow.

Thank you double digits! I owe you my life.

Happy dogs, happy me!

If only I could capture the glory of the temp in this photo.

Long time, no chat! Well...my new year resolution is taking affect before the calendar switches over to 2009. I've decided it's been way too long and I've been far too negligent for this to wait. It's time I get back to it. And surprise...a new look to go with it! Hope you like the design.

Christmas is coming up fast, with lots of excitement for our clan this year. The dogs will spend most of the holidays at home this year. My brother and his fiance (a June 2009 wedding!) will travel east from Seattle for a week here in Montana. Their visit will be kinda old school style, as they'll arrive on the train to Whitefish on the morning of December 22. Maybe we can whip up a light snow to welcome them as the train rolls into town. We always have a blast when the Hanzelka's are together and I'm sure this time will be no different. The day after Christmas, we head to Moscow, ID to spend a few days with Ty's folks and his sister's family. New little Ava will get her 1st Christmas rights-of-passage. It'll be fun to have a little one around...the awe and magic of the holiday will start to creep back into our lives as the tiny tot gets to experience all the traditions for the first time.

Yeah...funny how the magic just isn't there with the mutts. There seems to be more yelling and caution that enters OUR lives when the holiday grows near. "Wally...step AWAY from the tree!", "Wally...get AWAY from the ornaments!", "Wally...quit STARING at the Christmas lights! They're not alive...promise!", and finally...facing the near-tears that I've experienced every year since 2002 when I unpack ornaments. Memories of Hunter's first Christmas flash to my mind as I delicately handle the RUINED baby's 1st Christmas ornaments he so thoughtfully picked from the tree for gnawing and munching. Thanks, HUNTER!!! I still hold on to them for the sake that 1) there's sentiment in what's left of those things and 2) I can chuckle about it when the time comes to put the ornaments away at the end of the season. Tears...chuckle...tears...chuckle...it's an emotional cycle I've come accustomed to every year.

To the more immediate happenings around the Anderson zoo, we had a crazy morning that started with the visit of the cable guy, followed by the Culligan man, followed by a visit from my Pops (with coffee...thanks, dad!!!). As you can probably guess, this also meant a morning FULL of barking as each guest came and went. We're working on it, though, and Hunter's getting a little better at controlling his announcement of each suspicious (and non) arrival to our home.

One final note...it's been FREEZING here the past couple of days. Negative 12 the other morning with a windchill that has it feeling much, much colder. The dogs voyaged out with me for a run on Saturday, but Sunday was just too darn frosty for them and I had to leave them behind. Hoping that by tomorrow we'll be back in a normal range so they can get out for some extended exercise (they're getting just a wee bit restless). However, it was pretty funny to watch Hunter literally tip-toe his way back from a potty-stop in the backyard and Wally has been wasting no time at all in the great outdoors.

And since we missed you at Thanksgiving, here's a couple of photos as evidence that we did indeed stuff ourselves...Hunter too.