New Addition to the Family

We have a new addition to the family. His name is "Chocolate". You can find his pedigree and pertinent information at "natureskennel.com". He is affectionately called "Choco" for short and is winning the hearts and minds of many of us in Naubinway, MI. Choco is about 60 pounds or so of pure Northern Michigan Dog. He is a black and white bundle of solid muscle who loves every human being. Choco is a veteran of the Iditarod and ran to Nome in 2008 in the middle of the pack. I first met him in February when he helped pull our team through the Seney National Forest on a beautiful sunny day over piles and piles of snow. My guide joked that all the dogs and all the people love Choco, but he doesn't pull his weight. He'd rather stay in the middle, smile and hug and run in circles than tow the main weight of the musher and sled. Such is why he is being retired. Although he comes from a prestigous line of sled dogs, he's more into having fun than doing any work. Thus, he and I hit if off from the git go. I was immediately taken to him---as I too have run a few Iditarods but only did it because I had to. I too am looking to be in the portion of the line that has a lot of slack.

So, we took Choco home on a trial run for a couple days. He instantly acclimated to home life. He helped me find all the drafty places in my house because he sought out the coolest places in the house to sleep. Unlike most dogs who try to find a warm place to sleep---Choco was seeking the cool of the tile or a place near a window. Afterall, he's used to sleeping outside or running sled thru the minus 20 and digging himself a bed in a snowbank. However, he is very open to placing his head on your lap and getting petted for hours on end.

He also had many other character flaws. He doesn't bark much at the door knocks, is not territorial at all and loves everybody. Thus, as a watch dog he doesn't offer much up front. However, get up front and personal with somebody he loves and you are going to feel a lot of pain. He's like the Phantom he is so fast. You open the door and let him in, turn around again and go back to the door and he's already there. He's like a streak of lightning in speed. He doesn't go very far away from you---he's always looking to get harnessed and pull a sled. Thus, he's always within twenty feet of you when you are on the move.

Choco has lightened us all up. The kids love him and we can't wait to bring him home again. We had to go away for a few days and take him back to his outdoor home. He went right back to his house and perch when he went back and seemed very happy at first. However, when we started to walk away he put his head down and looked downright depressed. It's almost as if he said "what, aren't I good enough for you?" Didn't I acclimate to your home? Why are you leaving me here? I did all I could to make you love me, isn't it good enough? Well, yes, Choco, you are more than good enough. So good in fact that I have been to Wal-Mart and bought you a new collar, leash, yard chain, bones, treat, dog-food and am building you a great kennel with your own new dog house. I will probably be out there with you for a few nights---as we go through potty training together and my beautiful wife uses up all the carpet cleaner and deodarizer. Actually, considering you are an outdoor dog---piddling on the carpet only twice in three days is a pretty darn good start.

Can't wait to have you home again, helping to pull our team through the woods and Iditarod of life. Welcome home Choco, welcome home indeed.