Lilacs, Lead Dogs and Lovin' the Lord

Introducing Skunk...

...our new lead dog who turns 1 this month.

Right now, she is busy turning our kennel upside down, as she is in standing heat.

She also managed to single-pawedly bring two 12 + year olds  (Windows and Asta)

and a 10 + year old (Star) into heat. 

Not to worry, they are safe in the "heat pen" portion of our Alaskan-style dog yard.

Around the stroke of midnight last evening,

the coyote who we tagged "Too Tall"

came by to serenade the girls on a clear, cold, star-filled night. 

It sounded beautiful...and only Skunk responded.

(Yes, mushers have this uncanny ability to know each sled dog by their bark...)

My dear husband, Russ, is still sidelined on crutches and has his leg elevated

since his Sunday riding accident where he and his big horse, Raz,

went down in a tumble and Raz rolled on his leg.

Thank you for all your prayers. 

They are truly felt. 

Healing is taking place, slowly.

I just got done with my morning chores, 2 hours worth,

which ended with the sled dogs, as always.

As I clasped the kennel gate, signaling my departure, it began.

Awatchy, in the far right corner of our dog yard began his slow,

head to the sky "thank you" howl.

I turned my back to walk away,

but not before the 23 sets of eyes saw my face break into a slow grin.

For they know...I love what I do.

Having Russ laid up has thrust me into the world of early morning chores,

and early evening chores.

Not just "helping", but doing it all.

Moving pig fencing,

burying the elderly chicken that passed on while sitting in her favorite spot, 

reporting to Russ all the nuances of each animal...

how the 5 week-old piglets are now becoming weaned and letting me pet them without moving...

taking the goats for walks... 

In the ten years we have been together Russ has not even had a cold,

so he has never missed seeing the animals. 

Nor have they missed seeing him. 

While it is difficult for him to sit by and watch me struggle, it has been a blessing to me.

I get a peek at the core of this farm.

To have the animals react to me, the way they always have to him. 

Up until now, especially with the horses, I've always been the "Boss' wife". 

I'm so fortunate to be able to fill some very big shoes.   

Right now, we are in survival mode. 

But we "count it all joy", as it could be much worse.  Or winter.

"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up."

(Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, NKJV)

Thank you Josh from Maine for highlighting that scripture for me, as we move forward.

I love how the Lord factors in what happens when situations like ours come about.

Until tomorrow, God willing.