My Front Porch

Our main cabin view...stepping off our porch.

Until Spring.

I hope your view is exactly what you desire.

Blessings ~



Snowy Sunday Simplicity

On Sundays, we like to take things slow.

Sabbath slow.

Although we started out with some wind and snow on Saturday...

Sunday ended up nice.

 

And sun filled.

Our two goats, Rachael and Levi, are now bedded down in their new winter location.

Attached to the barn for inside warmth.

And some of the chickens are still making up their minds.

Deciding on a winter roost.

Or to simply enjoy the mild weather.

The rabbits have many options and love the snow.

And the room to roam and run.

 Everyone is welcome.

And no one goes the cold winter alone.

We hope your Sunday was simple and snowy.



Carrie's Visit

Like clockwork, our friend Carrie flew home from her duties at Husky Homestead in Alaska
to visit her hometown in Bellaire, Michigan.

We look forward to the yearly visits.

They are a sign of change...of Autumn morphing into Winter.

This year, we had two more guests joining us on our walk.

Levi, our new buck Boer goat.

And our new sled dog turned house dog, Broccoli.

Fall was in the air ~ and the canines and caprines were energized.

Ready, set...GO~!

Carrie fell in love with the big fella...Brocolli.

And why not...

He's a wonderful dog, who gets along with everyone at Russ-Stick Acres.

And knows he's a good lookin' boy, even with tiny floppy ears.

And a nose for kindness.

Until next year Carrie...

we hope your infectious laughter will linger on the Autumn breeze.



Russ-Stick Nite Life

Around here, nights are for winding down.

Reflecting.



Or so we think...

Even when we think all is quiet...

 is it so?

Enter Broccoli.

Since early summer, he has been transitioning from a sled dog,

to a house dog.  (Click to read his story.)

 

Broccoli has been doing so well, that he has been left loose overnight,

to sleep in his own dog house.

This was fine until the 3rd night.

Then...

Something happened. 

On the third morning, Broccoli had company in his dog house. 

The Blue Ball.

Also, Raz was out.

Could it be Raz and Broccoli had a midnight game of soccer?

Naw...

But just in case, Broccoli is secured ~ at night ~ until we can be sure. 

The Making of a House Dog

In the world of sled dogs, sometimes you find that one special dog.

With a special name...

Broccoli

When he first came to us this spring, we knew immediately that he was special...

As if his soul had a hint of those dogs that had come before him.

Satchmo

Scooby

And Hootch...our sweet big lug of a bear.

 All three have been our house dogs and protectors over the last 10 years.

Hootch regrettably passed on a couple summers ago, from an osteosarcoma that was hard fought.

Satch, who was nearly 18, passed away this spring, with no regrets, having lived a life fit for a Queen, which included being hand fed by Lance Mackey - mushing legend.

Photo by Pat Brighton

Scooby, who was Russ' very first rescue, followed shortly thereafter, unable to continue due to a failing body.

That left Zip...to carry the task of house dog and working dog.

The pain of loss lingers on, however we must move forward.

Seeing Broccoli and sensing his heart and soul, we knew we must make him into a house dog.

So the task began...we removed him from the dog yard and began testing his prey drive, necessary due to the husky blood that was coursing through his veins.

Then began the training with chickens, cows, horses, pigs, sheep, goats,
and...free-ranging rabbits.

Will Broccoli (aka Bubba) pass the test?

Stay tuned for Part 2 of

Broccoli Becomes the GG...Guard Dog and Greeter.