Just a Dog

From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog," or, "that's a lot of money for "just a dog". They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a dog."
Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog."
Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog," but I did not once feel slighted.
Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog,' and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.
If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand phrases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise." "Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. "Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person.
Because of "just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future. So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.
"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.
I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog" but the thing thatgives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a human."
So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog" just smile, because they "just" don't understand.
--Richard A. Biby

The Beauty of Aging Gracefully

Greetings to All!
Though I'm not the greatest fan of the summer season I must admit that it's rather enjoyable being paid well to live in the 'Dogyard' here on Douglas Island with the pooches. Not only does it afford the opportunity to spend quality time on a daily basis with our up and coming yearling pups but our elder furballs of faith as well. All of the dawgs are puppies to me yet those that have been around the block a bit longer seem to express a wisdom not only in their personalities but sense of movement.

Gael

I've never felt prouder than when watching Junie, Marcellus, Malaki, Makaj, Uncus, Gael and Gracie as they prance around the trail teaching all that they've learned over the trail of time. The youngest of these lil' poopers is a mere 10 years of age. What I've taught them pales in comparison to all the knowledge they've shared with this eternal cheechacko from Chicago.

Makaj

Competing from December thru April every year unfortunately limits the time I can spend with my soul mates during the winter. Thankfully summer tourism has enabled us to spend the rest of the year within paws reach of one another. The opportunity to share these exquisite treasures with folks from around the globe has truly been an honor.

Uncus

People are continually amazed at not only their speed, beauty and toughness but their... AGE. Guess what folks-- it's all about good eating, good exercise and... plenty of LOVE. Whenever feeling a bit down I just gather a pack of pooches and head for a walkabout; whether climbing along the banks of a local stream or playing alongside the ocean's bay there's nothing that seems to enhance one's soul as well as invigorate the imagination on a daily basis. "C'mon Annie, let's go Deyaah, hey Junie-june-june... Where to next?"

Enjoy the view, Hugh and the Laughing Eyes Kennel Crew

And the Forests will Echo with Laughter...

Greetings fellow mushing enthusiasts!
Been a wonderful month so far on the Island here. A bit wet at times but I guess that's why they call it a rainforest. Presently we have a beautiful sunny day to enjoy, thankfully it also happens to be my day off. "C'mon Deyaah, Junie, Spencer - time to hit the beach for some rays." A couple of the pooches ran into a porcupine last week, fortunately my buddy Pierre was along for that trip and we were able to safely remove the quills from Marcellus and Junie. Tamra was in town last weekend as we switched out a dozen dogs. Annie, Watson and the rest of the main squad are now here - missed them terribly though I'm sure they enjoyed their R and R time at Annie lake. Anyone who knows me realizes that I really don't care for summers but it's nice to know that we've found an awesome race track to play on 'til september.
Rough life we live, making people laugh all day long as we zoom around in circles giggling away. Hopefully one day YOU will be lucky enough to come on up for a visit to the Greatland. Truly one of the most exquisite natural kingdoms on this earth of ours. Enjoy your own unique journeys wherever they may lead...

Hugh and the Laughing Eyes Kennel Crew