Puppy Breath ~ The Essence of Life

Featuring our friends, Joann and Larry (and young Ana) Fortier of
 Coyote Run Kennel.

It was time to take a hike over to their place this week for a dose of puppy breath. 
It was well worth it.

Two litters worth.

We got to see puppies in action.

Featuring "Juneau", from the Alaskan-themed litter.

Love flowing.

Woodland adventures.

Cuddles with future Champions.

(Read about Joann's 2010 Midnight Run 90+ mile Championship here...)

Lead dog training.

Coming when called.

Perseverance displayed.

Playfulness.

Oh, there is so much to learn as a young pup...

Thank you Joann, for sharing your time, passion and pups.

And most of all, your friendship and caring.

For those of you who don't know, Joann and Larry act as a "feeder" kennel to us.

Their dogs wrap up an incredible life on the race circuit, 

followed by training new pups on the trail,

and then begin a new adventure,

which allows them to finish out their amazing lives doing what they love,

at our place, just down the road.

Running trails.

We have received the following dogs from Coyote Run Kennel over the years.

Ranger, a "Shaw dog", who has been Russ' main leader for years.

And super "Shaw dog" leaders, "the Girls", Windows and Star, who run our guest teams.

Or just help out around our 40-acre farm, hauling wood from cabin to cabin, and such.

We are grateful for our treasured friends, the Fortiers.

And for their gifts of life. 

Not puppy breath, but breath with the knowledge of life.

The older, experienced, seasoned canines that come our way, to begin life anew.

Until tomorrow, God willing.

P.S.  We did get a new dog, actually a yearling, this week from the Fortiers.  Stay tuned.