Happy Presidents Day!
“Let’s wish everyone a happy Presidents Day,” Spence says.
“But it’s actually Washington’s birthday,” says Admin. “What happened to Lincoln’s birthday? It used to get its own holiday.”
“So you’re for more public holidays?” Spence says.
“I didn’t say that.”
“But I’m happy to,” says Spence. “More holidays! Life shouldn’t be work and nothing but.”
“Heard of globalization?” Admin says. “You’re too late.”
Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. – from Washington’s farewell address.
Welcome adventure lover, dude with 3 mascots, friend from Savannah, 2Spot.
Tags: globalization, Lincoln, Presidents Day, Washington
This entry was posted on Monday, February 20th, 2012 at 8:40 am and is filed under Chet The Dog. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
9:08 am on February 20th, 2012
Good morning. Day off here in the middle of the mitten.
9:11 am on February 20th, 2012
Okay B.Stover: Happy Presidents Day or Happy Presidents’ Day?
Beautiful morning here. Slightly chilly (20) with a breeze, but the sun is SHINING!
YSAS and Hamlet will be arriving with cookies (though if the cookies don’t survive the trip that’s okay) and helping get the house ready for Dan’s homecoming in Wednesday. Grips need to be put in and some other stuff done. Glad they’re going to be here.
Dan is excited! Now if he would just stop helping us by trying to make unnecessary doctor appointments, telling us how to fix the door, and explaining about his ear wax once again etc, etc.
Loved the video of the Yukon Quest.
Today is a big shop at all the stores we can manage.
BBL
9:18 am on February 20th, 2012
Hey, is that TYB with all the circular friends?!?
10:03 am on February 20th, 2012
Good morning all. Lovely day here, may get to mid 40’s this afternoon.
Have a good day shopping Melanie. Have a relaxing lunch while you are out!
10:07 am on February 20th, 2012
The sun is shining brightly here also. I’m meeting a friend for lunch.
Good morning all.
10:37 am on February 20th, 2012
Holiday!….Someone here had to go to the busy-place this morning…grunt!…Whats all this noise about today being a Holiday?…sniff!….Apparently, it is not recognized as a holiday everywhere…grump!
10:39 am on February 20th, 2012
Yes, Wolfie,
That’s a shot of me with some more friends I made while visiting NYC last week. I’m thinking there was something I was going to do for you after the holidays, but I’m now sure what it was. Can you help me? Hope everyone has a great Presidents’ Day. The sun is shining brightly here and though the temperatures are still in the teens, there is no wind, so it’s a great day for walking. I’ve already been out twice. I wish my dad would retire again so that we can have every day free.
10:52 am on February 20th, 2012
Brandy’s is the Cripple checkpoint which is the half way point in the Iditarod. Rebecca wrote that she feels Brandy will be “lending his strength of spirit” to help AJ at what she feels is the furthest point away from her.
Thanks to all who helped sponsor this.
11:03 am on February 20th, 2012
Greetings!
Jasper’s Mom: Loving thoughts and prayers going out to you from the lower Hudson Valley. Jasper: How are you feeling?
B: That is great news about Brandy’s checkpoint!!! 🙂
Tyb: I knew that was you in the FOC! You are one handsome dog. BTW: How are you feeling?
Rio: In the olden days, it was recognized as 2 separate holidays…February 12th for Mr. Lincoln, and February 22nd for Mr. Washington. Everyone had off.
Also, Beau’s toy is very cute! I’m thinking I’d like to offer you a challenge, Rio. It’s very sad that Beau will not be going to Nome. I will sponsor a checkpoint for him, if your friend might be willing to do a quilling of you and Beau for me. Will also pay for cost of quilling. What do you think???
11:09 am on February 20th, 2012
Happy Presidents Day everyone!
Jasper’s Mom, Prayers and good hopes going out to you from the Southwest!
Bear, Thanks for the Quest video.
Since the insider has decided to erase videos from the past on their website, we have been watching some Quest videos.
Cool! We know what Brandy’s checkpoint is now!
Fellow Sibers? Are you guys feeling better?
11:11 am on February 20th, 2012
Good morning, everyone. And Happy Presidents Day. Thanks for all of your get-well wishes. We are happy to report that we are all feeling fine…if not tip-top, then very close.
Mom just finished watching the Downton Abby season ending episode. She is very sad that it is the last one until next season…when is that?
B, we love the idea of Brandy’s checkpoint being the midway point. Brandy’s spirit can guide AJ at his most difficult point.
11:14 am on February 20th, 2012
Jasper, there are prayers, positive thoughts, and husky hugs and kisses going out to you, your mom, and your aunt and uncle from here in the flatlands of SE Pa.
11:24 am on February 20th, 2012
OHs: Glad you are feeling close to tip-top!
11:25 am on February 20th, 2012
Rose!…snort!… I don’t think my friend is up to that challenge, sadly….sniff!… The time it would take to design it and work on it would be hundreds of years and the Iditarod is coming up very soon now…wuffle!…This will give someone here something to think about though for another race, another year…..heh!
Checkpoints!…Rose brings up a good point with her challenge. There are still Checkpoints left to be Sponsored! Does anyone have any great ideas on how we can get this accomplished?….snort!…Any other “Challenges” youse guys want to challenge each other with??…hmmmm?
11:27 am on February 20th, 2012
Rio: I’m thinking of a little extra something in the deal for your friend, since she was kind enough to make the beautiful Rose Bouquet for me…
11:30 am on February 20th, 2012
TYB, it took mom a few minutes to remember, but your dad had promised to tell us a story. Not just any story, but the story of how Blou brought you and your dad together.
11:31 am on February 20th, 2012
Rio: I will still sponsor the checkpoint on behalf of Beau, and your friend. Your friend can take all the time she needs for the project. Are you game?
11:37 am on February 20th, 2012
Hooray for BStover and Brandy with their Cripple checkpoint.
I would like to sponsor 2 checkpoints: One for Dan and Zoe who have made it through so many difficulties this last year – they exemplify the spirit of the Iditarod; and one for Melanie and the Pack for the sheer variety of their talents and willingness to share. Anyone wanting to donate to either of these checkpoints can e-mail me at dawson.j2@gmail.com. I will leave it open for 1 week then will send to Rebecca whatever is needed to sponsor the checkpoints.
11:37 am on February 20th, 2012
Rose!….My friend says she will do whatever it takes to get another Checkpoint Sponsored!….chuffle! Woooo!..She says she will take the challenge as long as there is no deadline on the project…grunt!…Seems she has her hands full right now. So you two will have to work out the details, ….wuffle! …Just to be clear, this Checkpoint will be for Beau and My Friend?…snort!…That guy always lucks out…sniff!
11:40 am on February 20th, 2012
Awesome!…Dawson!….WOOOOOO!… Now we are talking Checkpoints!….snort!snort!…I’m twirling! I’m twirling!…wheeze!…I’m skipping! I’m skipping!…heh!…Now I’m twirling again!….Yipppeeeee!
11:42 am on February 20th, 2012
Rio! Check your SDD!
11:50 am on February 20th, 2012
Wow and double wow! Wonderful things happening today on the blog.
Jasper, we will send up a prayer too, for you and all your loved ones.
Rio, that is quite an honor from Rose. Your friend does do beautiful work. Maybe she could just replace those two adorable bunnies with two adorable pugs!
11:51 am on February 20th, 2012
I am going to sponsor a checkpoint in Chet’s name! He is my hero! Mom said I could do this.
Rebecca, Pick out a checkpoint for Chet. WOO WOO
12:01 pm on February 20th, 2012
Rio: Yes, I will send Rebecca a check for $250 to sponsor a checkpoint on behalf of Beau and your friend. How cool will that be to see all youse guys sponsoring acheck. I’M twirling!!!!
Yes, your friend can take all the time she needs. There is no rush….Repeat, there is no rush!!!
Yes, we can work out details via SDD.
Rebecca: Will you pick an appropriate checkpoint for Rio’s friend and Beau? I will sponsor the checkpoint in their names. Check in the mail first thing in am.
WoooooHoooo! I’m dizzy from the twirlinhg, but quite happY!
12:07 pm on February 20th, 2012
SiberH!….Wow!…snort!… Do you have a job we don’t know about?….heh!…He’s sponsoring Checkpoints all over the place…Woooo!… What a Siber! I think we need a SiberH Checkpoint….wheeze!
12:09 pm on February 20th, 2012
SiberH: How cool is that? Since I’m so dizzy from twirling, I am skipping and skipping for you! Thanks for your generosity, and your mom’s too!!!!!
WOOOOOOHOOOOO (oops, now I’m howling!) 🙂 I love hanging with Sibes!
12:11 pm on February 20th, 2012
You guys are the best!!!!!! I am sitting here with tears in my eyes because of the goodness and love I see here on a daily basis.
Wow.
12:12 pm on February 20th, 2012
Idea!….Good idea about the Pugs In A Meadow…heh!…Maybe my friend can just change the color of the bunnies and change the ears….snorkel!…How about that Rose???….wuffle!….Bunnies are the only animal she has ever made…heh!heh!
12:14 pm on February 20th, 2012
Rio, There is a Siber-H checkpoint. It is Rainy Pass. Mom wouldn’t dare not have one and continue to live in harmony with me.
12:17 pm on February 20th, 2012
Checkpoints!…. How many do we have covered now?…sniff!….Last time I counted we had 12, but we are way over that now, aren’t we?….chuffle!
12:24 pm on February 20th, 2012
Question about the checkpoints. Does each musher have their own checkpoints that are $250.00 each? We had thought that all mushers pulled in to the same 24 checkpoints. Please explain this in more detail for the uninformed.
Way to go Siber!
12:37 pm on February 20th, 2012
Speaking of stories, I have one to share.
When mom first moved to Oakhurst, she had a pack of three labs, Honey, Winnie and Paddy. At the time, Mom worked from 2:45 am to 10:15 am and in the afternoons, after mom rested, they would go out hiking. Their favorite hike was along Lewis Creek, a beautiful trail with two waterfalls.
They were together for 14 years, and when mom bought her property, her girls all died within a few months of each other. My mom says that it broke her heart.
A year after they crossed the Rainbow Bridge, mom took the day off on a whim and went for a hike along Lewis Creek, To hear mom tell the story, she felt the swish of three black dogs racing past her on the trial, and heard (not with her ears but with her heart) their happy barking. Honey, and Winnie and Paddy flew across the Bridge and joined mom for one last joyous romp. And what a romp it was, yessirreee! The wonderful part was that they were so happy to go back across the Rainbow Bridge!! They loved it there!
And so when I think of Brandy, and Younger and Howard and Mollypop and others running the Iditarod with AJ, I know it to be true.
And AJ, if you happen to see Honey, Winnie and Paddy out on the Trail, tell them that mom sends her love, forever and always.
12:41 pm on February 20th, 2012
Barb, all mushers do stop at the same checkpoints. Mushers have different ways of raising money. It is not that Snowhook has to give each checkpoint the money we are donating. It is Snowhook’s money to use for the Race as they see fit.
Sponsoring a checkpoint is just a fun way to raise money.
Did I answer your question? If not, I can try again.
12:42 pm on February 20th, 2012
Chet!
Of course Chet has to have a checkpoint! Way to go SiberH!
Rose! That’s one way to get a picture of Beau and Rio. Smart thinking!
Wolfie: Pats and scritches and tummies to you amid a couple of teardrops. We’ll all be there together on the Iditarod Trail.
12:47 pm on February 20th, 2012
Rebecca: The toffee is for you and AJ. You do have to share.
But I know that you won’t mind!
12:48 pm on February 20th, 2012
Wolfie, That is a very nice story, sniff.
12:53 pm on February 20th, 2012
I am counting 17 Plunderer sponsored checkpoints…..
12:58 pm on February 20th, 2012
OMD!!!!! I’m so excited over all the checkpoint sponsorships I skipped over half the posts. WOOOOHOOOOO!!! Now we’re on a roll. GO PLUNDERERS!! We are in BIG time. Details to follow.
1:04 pm on February 20th, 2012
A checkpoint is a place where all mushers must stop and check in officially. They must also checkout when they leave. At checkpoints the Race officials make sure that the musher has the required gear in his sled…like axe and sleeping bag. The vet checks of the dogs are done at checkpoints.
Some checkpoints are mandatory rest periods for the dogs and some are not. Even if a checkpoint is not a mandatory rest stop for the dogs, some mushers will choose to rest their dogs there anyway. Sometimes all a musher will do at one of these non-mandatory checkpoints is officially check in and out and quickly hit the trail again.
1:04 pm on February 20th, 2012
Wolfie,
Here goes. Twenty five years ago, I put helped a borzoi cross the bridge and swore that I’d never have another dog. When Blou came to me in 2002, I accepted him because he was wearing a tag and I thought I’d have him for only a couple of days before I found his person. He arrived on MLK, Jr. weekend so the county offices were closed for 4 days. By the time the office opened, I was in love. I traced the tag, called the owner and said, “I have your dog, but he’s such a nice dog, I’m sure you don’t want him back.” His answer, “To tell you the truth, we don’t; all I do is kick the s— out of him. I took Blou to the vet for a check up and she found that he had 1/2 an ear, burn scars, cut scars, and lots of other marks. He was either accident prone or abused. Then he was mine. The day I took him, I started to pray that I’d never have to put him down. He was with me for 7 years. During that time he was on the front cover of a national dog magazine, served as a model for a life size border collie doll made by a German toy company and for a hand puppet made by a Chinese manufacturer. He was animated and put on Wonder Pets program on Nick, Jr. network. and served as the spokesdog for the Pet Emergency Fund of western New York. He was the mascot for the Letters from Home Program which sent gift packages and letters to US service people all over the world. He received mail from
President Bush for helping with that program and a thank you from the Obamas.
In Sept ’09 he was diagnosed with cancer and my prayer changed to ask that he die before he hurt. He never showed any sign of distress or pain and when he turned 14 on the 15th of December, he ran up a flight of stairs to a second floor apartment where they were having a birthday party for him. He ate his ice cream, talked to everyone and lay down. An hour later when I said, “Let’s go home.” he couldn’t move he had had a stroke. I took him home watched him over night. He didn’t move a muscle. In the morning I had to help him, too, cross the bridge. It wasn’t so bad as it was with Czar, the borzoi. Blou was such a good guy he made even the end easier that I ever though it could be. Then I swore again that I’d not have another dog and that was it. I didn’t think that I could even like another dog.Three months later, I don’t know why, I booted my computer and went to border collie rescue just to look. I had no intention of finding a dog. I saw Merrick and fell in love. He was about to be put down if someone didn’t adopt him. I drove 5 hours to get him. I didn’t like his name and decided to call him Hey You. The second night he was in the house, I woke up ar 4 AM, saw 4 pictures of Blou and said, “Thank you Blou” because I was sure that Blou made me boot the computer and find my new friend. I decided that I liked Tyb better than Hey You as his name and that’s how Blou connected me to Tyb. Every time I think of or call Tyb, I think of and thank Blou not only for finding Tyb, but for being such a good guy that I knew I couldn’t live without another dog, but there will never be another Blou. That is not to say I don’t love Tyb with my whole heart. I know that Blou and the other dogs at the Bridge are the best dogs out of the world and that Tyb and all you guys are the best dogs in the world.
1:08 pm on February 20th, 2012
Wolfie, that is a beautiful story. We are crying for real. Our mom says she understands. When her second husky, Misha “Moonman” was close to dying, she felt Boris close by, waiting to guide him. She could even feel his breadth on her. After Misha passed. Sasha was lost in depression for many months. She would just lie all alone out in the field late into the night, staring into the distance. Sasha is 16 + 3 months now, yet Mom knows she is staying here and still strong, because when it is her time, Mom knows without a doubt that her Moonman will show up to wait with Sasha.
1:09 pm on February 20th, 2012
Checkpoint. I propose another checkpoint for Wolfie’s mom in memory of Honey, Winnie and Paddy. Anyone who can help a little please let me know at bearspiritdog@aol.com
1:12 pm on February 20th, 2012
Tyb: I know I’ve heard that story before but that does not lessen it’s power one iota. Sniffle.
Thank you Blou and thank you Tyb. We are blessed with the best!
Another Thank You!
To Rose who has generously donated to both Dan and Zoe’s AND Melanie and the Pack’s checkpoint! WhoooHoooo! Here we go!
1:25 pm on February 20th, 2012
Someone here hasn’t stopped twirling since he read about the overwhelming generosity of his fellow Plunderers.
Moi is frantically trying to keep up with all the details for a head (checkpoint) count.
I have a feeling this race is going to be the Best of the Best.
Hope everyone got a chance to see the YQ2012 Video Bear posted late last night. Just in case here is another link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTh9n-cto2s
Wolfie, Tyb & Howlers: Your stories touched our hearts.
Jasper: Your cartoons always make my day.
Prayers for your family coming your way. The comfort of the Quilt is here for you.
1:27 pm on February 20th, 2012
Rose!…Here’s to Rose!…WOOOOOO!…Here’s to everyone who helps sponsor a Checkpoint! We are Blessed with the Best!…snorkel!
1:31 pm on February 20th, 2012
Thanks to all of you for another fantastic fundraising on the blog for Snowhook!
TYB and Fellow Sibers, Beautiful stores, sniff. All of us here understand.
1:37 pm on February 20th, 2012
Thank you so much, BearSpiritDog. Sniff. They loved the snow, and even though they have never been to Alaska, I am sure they will love it!
1:38 pm on February 20th, 2012
Chet’s checkpoint has been chosen!! It is Nikolai!!
It is in that general area that Whitey-Lance took, ummm, his little vacation.
(whispering) It is also close to my mom’s real name.
Martin Buser (who has won the Iditarod more than once) named one of his sons, Nikolai.
1:45 pm on February 20th, 2012
And Jay, thank you for sharing TYB’s story. I am not sure why Mom needed to hear it, but she did. It is difficult to think of anyone harming a dog. I know it happens, but it is unfathomable. Blou came to you because you needed him as much as he needed you. And the same goes for TYB.
2:03 pm on February 20th, 2012
Sniff. Every time I watch that video my eyes tear-up and then I’m smiling at the same time. It’s perfect for our fund-raising today.
WooooooHooooo!!!!
Rebecca: Brandy’s checkpoint is not only the half-way point in AJ’s journey where he is the farthest from you, but also marks his return journey back in your arms.
We need your assistance in a name for Wolfie’s Checkpoint in memory of Honey, Winnie and Paddy.
Dawson: Thank you, thank you…we are over half way there!
Fellow Plunderers You Are The Best!!!!
2:12 pm on February 20th, 2012
Have any of you ever stayed up until the wee hours of the morning completing a last minute sewing request for your giant, mushing husband only to wake a few hours later to find that generosity has abounded? No? You should try it sometime.
What can I say? I am in awe, honored and humbled. Words fail me, so please know that my gratitude is great and sincere.
Tyb, Wolfie and Howlers: Thank you for sharing your stories. I haven’t felt Younger since he left, but felt others when his spirit was leaving his body.
2:19 pm on February 20th, 2012
Rebecca!…Check your SDD right after you stop twirling…heh!heh!
2:49 pm on February 20th, 2012
Ok….I will contribute $25 to the Bear Spirit Dog checkpoint fund and $50 to the two Dawson checkpoints fund and $25 to the Siber-H checkpoint fund. In the mail tomorrow.
2:52 pm on February 20th, 2012
Got home from “Shop til You Drop” day, you don’t even want to know what we spent on groceries. We haven’t done a big grocery shopping since Christmas.
Get home, feed the dogs, take Jesse home, boot up Chet’s Blog and burst into tears. Still crying here. But good tears. Happy tears.
Oh, my Awesome Dawson and all, you guys touch my heart. Went in to tell Zoe and she says, “What’s wrong?” And I said nothing it’s okay and told her Dawson’s news. She burst into tears.
I can’t tell you guys what this means to us. No words here, I think that Riö when he started his twirling here on Chet’s knows what it means when your heart is so full that nothing else can express it. Just some excellent TWIRLING!
Dan is going to love this. My guys are going to love this.
Zoe, The Pack and I all thank you. Dawson, you will always be Emosewa Noswad to me!
2:57 pm on February 20th, 2012
Siber: We are in awe of the uncanny perfection of the name of the checkpoint for Chet. It honors not only our hero Chet, but the one bestowing the honor.
Checkpoint total should be at 18…does that sound right, Rebecca?
3:06 pm on February 20th, 2012
Tyb and Wolfie *sniff* The only time that mom has seen Dad cry HARD was after he came out of the office where he had held Socks as she crossed over. Honey and Socks were the sisters who helped raise our girls. The day we went to look at them, the lady handed a pup to each girl, and of course, when we asked them which one they wanted, each said “this one”. So one Lhasa Apso became two.
Rebecca, good things come to good people. (and my picture is on it’s way, finally)
3:07 pm on February 20th, 2012
C.Harris: Thank you so much!!!
Melanie: We wholeheartedly agree that Dawson is the Awesome-est.
You and Zoe getting teary-eyed is making us teary-eyed.
This is a day for Tears of Happiness. The Plunderers are a Family like no other we have ever seen. Sniff. Proud to be a part of it.
3:10 pm on February 20th, 2012
C.Harris, Thank You! Mom is letting me cover the checkpoint this time all by myself so maybe you could divide up my $25.00 between the other ones raising money.
I already gave Snowhook the money online and then mom took the credit card away from me and hid it.
3:10 pm on February 20th, 2012
Map!….Once Rebecca picks out all the Sponsored Checkpoint names, I will update the map of the Northern Route and post it out here. It will have the names of those sponsoring the checkpoints…heh!
Photo!….The damned post office is closed today so my photo is STILL not on its way…grump!
3:13 pm on February 20th, 2012
Rebecca, mom wants to know why can’t the dogs just reserve a car on the Alaska Railroad and enjoy the scenery while someone ELSE does the work?
3:17 pm on February 20th, 2012
My oh my oh my.
What a wonderful day today is. Heart touching stories, generous hearted donations, heartfelt dedications…..
Sniff, sniff.
We are so proud and honored to be in the company of so many Good Hearts. We treasure each and every one of you and give thanks for having you in our lives.
3:19 pm on February 20th, 2012
This is from Zoe..
Dear Blog, and Awesome Dawson ..all of you enrich our lives each day. Melanie keeps us up on all the news; funny, smart and sometimes sad. We at River Bear are fortunate to have such friends and such support. I have the wonderful prayer that Rio wrote for Bess framed with my favorite picture of her . I have Amalia’s thankful prayer by my bed.
Now, thanks to Dawson, we are part of the Iditarod. Dan and I will be cheering right along with Melanie and all of you.
It is wonderful to have such friends. Much love, Zoe
3:24 pm on February 20th, 2012
Sniffle!…awww geee!..snorkel!
3:26 pm on February 20th, 2012
ditto…sniff
3:29 pm on February 20th, 2012
SH, Dawson and Bear: I just sent a donation to Snowhook in your names.
3:36 pm on February 20th, 2012
SH: The last post was before I saw your post about your checkpoint. The online payment I made, then, is for the checkpoints that Dawson and Bear are sponsoring.
3:38 pm on February 20th, 2012
Hi Zoe! Thank you.
3:44 pm on February 20th, 2012
C.Harris: Thank you, my Northern friend, for your donation to Dan and Zoe’s and Melanie and the Newfs checkpoints. I will add your name to my little book and Rebecca will gracefully receive your check. That’s $25. for each checkpoint for a total of $50.00, correct?
Thanks as well to BearSpiritDog & Masquers for their donation to D&Z’s and M&N’s checkpoints.
This is so much fun…I don’t understand why we are all crying. Sob, sniff, honk!
3:45 pm on February 20th, 2012
Hi Zoe! At this point there is not a dry eye in the house.
3:46 pm on February 20th, 2012
Oh my Gosh!
Thanks to B.Stover, too!
3:46 pm on February 20th, 2012
That video is wonderful.
I am beginning to understand the pull of long distance sledding…..
…..the wonder and beauty of being in God’s country, feeling the edge of competition, pushing your body to it’s limits, but most of all, the relationship between the musher and his teammates. The dogs are so joyful, and that joy is contagious. At least, that is the way it seems to us, me and mom.
3:47 pm on February 20th, 2012
B. Thank you!!!
3:51 pm on February 20th, 2012
Very well said, Wolfie
Thank You, Stover, for your donations. Thank you, all of you. sniff, sniff
3:59 pm on February 20th, 2012
Dawson!…I would like to donate Beau’s treatie budget to the Dan-Zoe & Melanie-Pack checkpoint campaigns…snort!snort!…I don’t know how much it is, but it better not be bigger than my budget…grunt!…I’ll fill you in later on the SDD…chuffle!
4:00 pm on February 20th, 2012
Wolfie: You have said it beautifully. That is just what we thought watching the video! The song is hauntingly beautiful…Everyone is smiling…Dogs and people too.
Siber-H & Rio: It is due in larger part to your rallying efforts that got the checkpoint ball rolling, that all this wonder has come to pass. Thank you for your clarion call, my friends.
4:04 pm on February 20th, 2012
My heart is overflowing with tears today.
And since we are sharing good news, we are happy to report that Wolfie’s boys are doing very well.
They are clean and sober. Cody has held a job for six months. Chad is interviewing for jobs. Cody is now going to therapy 2X weekly. Once for talk therapy, and once for hypotherapy to begin the process of healing from the childhood trauma.
And by golly, if Cody is getting hypnotized, then so is Chad. not to be outdone.
They have a ways to go, but they have finally chosen a path that will lead them to discover their highest Good.
Thank you for your prayers. Whoo hoooo!
4:05 pm on February 20th, 2012
Another donor!
Rio: That is very generous of you to donate Beau’s treat money. I wonder can I expect a donation in kind from Beau?
Snowhook was worried that Rose was donating from the Prof’s treat money. I say all’s fair in love and checkpoint donations!
4:06 pm on February 20th, 2012
Wolfie, This is wonderful news!! What a great day it is!!
4:08 pm on February 20th, 2012
Thank you for the video. That countryside is beautiful. I love it when the dogs jump up when in harness.
4:10 pm on February 20th, 2012
Wolfie: Ahwoooooo! for your boys and their journey on the right path!
4:12 pm on February 20th, 2012
Just laughing and crying here!
4:12 pm on February 20th, 2012
I have to go walk off some of my adrenaline. What a day!
4:13 pm on February 20th, 2012
Okay, so I have been wondering what mystery project Rebecca is whipping up for the Giant. Hmmmm..gray and red…..
And, as a special request, could someone copy and paste Rio’s prayer for Bess and also Amalia’s thankful prayer?
4:13 pm on February 20th, 2012
Great news Wolfie.
4:19 pm on February 20th, 2012
Another Donor!
Thank you to the Oley Howlers. They got a donation in to both D&Z’s and M&N’s checkpoints before I could get my walking shoes on! I’m having a hard time making it out the door because of the generosity of all youse.
Yippee! I will be skipping down the trail today.
4:25 pm on February 20th, 2012
Carpola!
In my excitement I used a bad word and am being moderated. (sigh)
Here’s what I wrote, minus the bad word.
Another Donor!
Thank you to the OleyHowlers. They got a donation in to both D&Z’s and M&N’s checkpoints before I could get my walking shows on! I’m having a hard time making it out the door because of the generosity of all youse.
Yippee! I will be skipping down the trail today.
4:31 pm on February 20th, 2012
I have a question…..why are some of the dogs wearing knee socks?
I think Chet would enjoy the race. He loves the snow and he has that great go-to trot of his. I think he would want to be the lead dog, though, although I can’t be certain. I wonder if Bernie has ever given any thought to putting a team together……
4:41 pm on February 20th, 2012
Whew! Our dog dish and our email runneth over. I think I’ve responded to all the emails I’ve received today as a result of the generosity abounding at Chet’s.
I want to stress, please, please, please do not go without or stretch you finances for Snowhook’s benefit. With that said, each amount, large, small or in kind is meaningful and appreciated.
Macy: Luna and her dog, Belle Starr have asked the same question. They prefer to ride while others roll.
Wolfie: Those leg warmers help keep the muscles warm and can help protect against injuries. AJ takes them with him on the trail, but they aren’t as fancy as what you see in the video.
More to Wolfie: I am so happy to hear your boys are making positive steps. Like the Iditarod, another long journey, it is best accomplished one step at a time.
Zoe: I don’t think I’ve ever seen Zoe on this here blog since I joined in the fun. This is a good day. So many tears amidst so many smiles.
4:58 pm on February 20th, 2012
Rebecca!…Hurry!Hurry!…snort!snort! …Check your SDD!…heh!
4:59 pm on February 20th, 2012
We here think Spence’s next book should be a story about Chet & Bernie’s Adventures on the Iditarod Trail. Some of youse already mentioned this last year.
Wondering here too about the knee socks…probably so the dogs won’t lose their booties on the trail…they look like they are made of spandex (?)
Ahroooo, Ahrooooo for Wolfie’s Boys!!!
What a day, What A Day!!!
5:13 pm on February 20th, 2012
We agree…Spence’s next book should take place in the Far North… Chet & Bernie’s Adventures on the Iditarod Trail.
Wondering here too about the knee socks…probably so the dogs won’t lose “them” on the trail…..
Ahroooo, Ahrooooo for Wolfie’s Boys!!!
What a day, What A Day!!!
5:17 pm on February 20th, 2012
Bear:
I sent you a note on your SDD, but I will contribute $50 to your checkpoint.
5:18 pm on February 20th, 2012
Rio: Checked, decoded and responded.
The last minute sewing project last night was a bag that can be used to carry straw; I designed it to hook on the back of his sled. The team will be given a bail of straw at the checkpoints that AJ will spread out for their rest, yet there are sections of trail—usuall longer sections where he may want to take straw with him. I made it out of leftover scraps of cordura and rip-stop nylon so I had to piece it together here and there. AJ prefers his gear to be black, or, in a pinch he’ll accept grey—just a lighter shade of black. I am pleased to announce that the bag for straw is black and grey with one exception. Around 2 am, I ran out of black thread. The straps are sewn on with purple!
5:22 pm on February 20th, 2012
Purple!…Good colors!…snort!…Purple and Black are the Rockies colors…heh!
5:23 pm on February 20th, 2012
Purple is the color of royalty.
5:25 pm on February 20th, 2012
In honor of Dawson, we made a faux double D. The blog moderator wasn’t “quite sure” of that last post.
5:27 pm on February 20th, 2012
My good friend Rose. Bear and I are in awe of your generosity. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
5:27 pm on February 20th, 2012
Rio!
Thanks to you and Beau for the donations to D&Z’s and M&N’s checkpoints! It is above and beyond for you to give up money from your treat budget. Maybe you can score some Zingers from Grandma to compensate…
5:31 pm on February 20th, 2012
The Colorado Rockies’ colors!! Way to go Rebecca!
Rio, Maybe this will be a good omen for this baseball season.
6:06 pm on February 20th, 2012
Okay, so now I have to find a suitable photo, package up the toffee and get my checkbook out. BBL.
6:37 pm on February 20th, 2012
Siber-H: The Hot One is at the top!
WoooooHooooo! Meashka!
6:56 pm on February 20th, 2012
Can anyone else see the semi-double Dawson above where the forbidden footwear worse was allowed. Maybe only walking shews are ok.
6:58 pm on February 20th, 2012
Did someone just say Dawson is a double D? Wow, you go girl!
We already sent a picture and $$, but will be sending another check tomorrow for our B. Stover contribution, and extra for the decals.
How many checkpoints at the last count?
7:04 pm on February 20th, 2012
What a wonderful day. So happy to hear the wonderful news re Wolfie’s boys. Hope. Joy for the future. Potential. Smiling.
7:08 pm on February 20th, 2012
OMD: I’m blubbering like a baby here, but the tears are tears of joy. I am so honored to be a part of the Plunderers. Youse guys are just amazing! I’m not sure how long I have been on this blog, but I feel as if you are family. Thank you for acceting me into this wonderful group.
Rio: I don’t think your friend can turn those bunnies into puggies. Neither one of those bunnies has a head as flat as yours. 🙂
Dawson: What makes you think I’m using the Prof’s treat money. I have a secret stash of my own. I just have to refrain from buying sparkly things for a while!
(Whispering) Don’t let Belle Starr hear that I haven’t purchased anythingsparkly in awhile.
Rebecca: Check your SDD when able. Explanation of my check is there….
7:14 pm on February 20th, 2012
Oh, Wolfie, I can’t tell you how happy to her your boys are doing well. My hugs,love, and prayers for their continued good health are always coming your way.
7:17 pm on February 20th, 2012
My eyes are blurry from tears of joy! That was “happy to hear your boys are doing well.” Sniff
7:27 pm on February 20th, 2012
ATTENTION: NEWS FLASH!!!
Wolfie’s checkpoint, in memory of Honey, Winnie & Paddy, has been chosen, with Rebecca’s help, to be Finger Lake.
Thank you so much to Dawson, C.Harris, B.Stover & Rose for their generous contributions.
Bear’s checkpoint fund will remain open to the end of the week…at which time Nana will make up the difference and send it to Snowhook.
TYB, in a place of honor at the top, reminding everyone to smell the flowers!
Barb&Magpie: Please check your SDD.
7:46 pm on February 20th, 2012
Finger Lake, Rainy Pass, Nikolai…all these magical names on the blog today bring back wonderful memories of all my years of following the Iditarod.
GO SNOWHOOK!!!
Bear, I did see The Hot One up there. She should get more pictures up on FOC so she can appear more often on the blog.
7:52 pm on February 20th, 2012
Whew, What wonderful news for everyone today. Still tearing up here every once in awhile. YSAS and Hamlet are here. The cookies are fantastic.
They’ve been telling NYC stories and making us laugh.
Have to sleep now. Such a full day. TTFN
7:55 pm on February 20th, 2012
Wow, what a day and what a week. Better late that never. Mom says that we can donate a little more. $25.00 each for Chet’s (BSD) and Dan&Zoe and Melanie&the Newfs, and for Wolfie’s labs. Rebecca, Mom will send a check in the mail tomorrow for the $100.00.
How generous you have all been! Rebecca, it is because of the love you show for your babies and for AJ! Thank you, SiberH, for getting us involved in this and also thank you, Rio, for being the constant cheerleader we need to keep things going. (Rio, please tell your friend to check her SDD shortly.)
The stories earlier today were so moving, Mom was almost crying at work reading them on her Iphone.
Mom needs to go back and find the video you guys are talking about. Was the link posted earlier today?
Gus & BooBear
7:57 pm on February 20th, 2012
grunt!…Rio ripped the throat out of my new toy today. That makes me so mad….gurgle!
8:01 pm on February 20th, 2012
8:07 pm on February 20th, 2012
Rio, You should be ashamed of yourself.
Poor Beau, I’ll tell you what…since Rio won’t let you go on the Iditarod, send your picture down here and you can go with me and mom to the dog park every morning.
8:11 pm on February 20th, 2012
Awe, I feel really sad about Beau’s baby kitty. But he (she?) looks swell with the duck tape,
I am certain that Rio is feeling some remorse. Lots of remorse. Right, Rio?
8:13 pm on February 20th, 2012
Oh, Beau, not your favorite toy. sob
Rio! How could you? Go tell him you’re sorry. Go on now.
8:15 pm on February 20th, 2012
Oops, just reread the earlier posts and saw that SiberH is sponsoring the Chet checkpoint all by himself so Rebecca, take that $25.00 and put it to whatever checkpoint needs it the most!
8:18 pm on February 20th, 2012
Liar!…I did no such thing…grunt!
8:20 pm on February 20th, 2012
Thank you Gus&BooBear!!!
Forgot to mention…we saw little Ishmael at the top last night. At least he was little in the photo, probably not so much anymore.
Masquers posted the YQ2012 video link on page one at 1:25 pm.
8:22 pm on February 20th, 2012
Evidence!….That is all circumstantial evidence and besides those photos have been photo-shopped …wheeze!
8:28 pm on February 20th, 2012
Oh, Rio. This does not look good for you. I know a Plunderer is innocent until proven guilty, but if it smells like pug, snorts like a pug, plays the harmonica like a pug…
Dawson: Check your SDD.
8:42 pm on February 20th, 2012
Grumble!…. He carries that damned toy around all day long only setting it down to lick it over and over again…grunt!… It was driving me mad I tell you! Mad!….wheeze!…So when he went outside I did it. I ripped the throat out of his beloved toy…grump!….You should have seen the look on his face when he came inside and found all that stuffing…heh!heh!
8:48 pm on February 20th, 2012
So glad to hear the news about Cody and Chad. Hip, hip, hooray!
They are on the right path. I know they will be strong, and I am sure the therapy is helping a lot.
Rio, That poor toy looks like a lot of the ones around here. As soon as I get a new one, first thing I do is take the eyes off, then after awhile I pull all the stuffing out. Sometimes you just gotta do it, right? How do you feel about duct tape?
8:59 pm on February 20th, 2012
Gus and BooBear: Thank you for that great donation on behalf of D&Z’s and M&N’s checkpoint!
Hey Gus and BooBear! Can I have that extra $25.00 to go to a new checkpoint for all the Kats on the blog? There are a lot of kats that need to be represented on the Trail. Same deal. I’ll take donations for 1 week then make up any shortfall. Kats rule! (The kats in this house made me do this – claws out!)
Okay – If Gus and BooBear give Snowhook that extra $25.00 for the Chet the Dog Kats! we are on our way to another checkpoint.
8:59 pm on February 20th, 2012
Poor, poor Beau. Kat has lots of toys but most of them are hand-me-downs because we never eat them. Beau, come visit us and we will let you play with all of our toys. Maybe you will fall in love with one of them.
9:01 pm on February 20th, 2012
Money is already sent so it’s great with us that it starts another checkpoint for the kats. We told Rebecca to put it where she needs it most and a new checkpoint should work great. Are there any checkpoints left?
Rio, what’s the count so far?
9:08 pm on February 20th, 2012
A checkpoint for the Kats! NOW we’re talk’n.
Let’s see…there’s me, Alice & Abbie, Elliot, Gus&BooBear, Buddy& T.C., Bluecat, Basil & Sage…..have I forgotten anyone?
Dawson: May I be one of the first to answer the call?
9:25 pm on February 20th, 2012
Calling all Kats!
Masquers: Donation accepted! You are such an on-the-ball balanced Kat!
The checkpoint for Dan and Zoe has been chosen. It will be Yentna. The one for Melanie and the Pack will be Skwentna. These two checkpoints are very close to Snowhook Kennels. It is not going to take a week to get all the money we need for these checkpoints. In fact, the Plunderers generosity has been such that if you want to donate any little or big amount for these two checkpoints, you’d better be quick. The donation period will end at this time tomorrow!
9:35 pm on February 20th, 2012
OMD!
Like Rio’s friend I had to work today. I knew something was up when I saw 126 posts when I logged on! Goodness. It will take me a minute, I have to count my funds. I’ll be back soon.
9:40 pm on February 20th, 2012
Cripple, Yenta, Swenta…WOO WOO
The Race is On!!!
A Kat checkpoint just might be a first.
9:42 pm on February 20th, 2012
OK,
$25 for the Kats. Alice and Abbie insisted
$25 for Dan and Zoe’s checkpoint
$25 for Melanie and the Packs check point,
and
$25 for Bear Spirit’s checkpoint honoring Wolfie’s 3, Honey, Winnie and Paddy.
Let me see that is another 100.00
Gosh almighty what an exciting night and day.
9:42 pm on February 20th, 2012
Count!…As far as I can tell the Kat Checkpoint will be number 19…snort!…Not completely sure yet…sniff!
9:54 pm on February 20th, 2012
WhooHooo!
Thank you Staff for your nearly instantaneous generosity. I knew I could count on you! I will add your numbers to the totals. You can tell Alice and Abbie that Kats rule and the dogs are the tool!
10:00 pm on February 20th, 2012
I say that every day, Dawson….snicker
10:10 pm on February 20th, 2012
The kats need to think about which checkpoint they want to sponsor or if they will leave it up to Rebecca.
I am only counting 17 checkpoints sponsored…I must be missing some.
10:29 pm on February 20th, 2012
Rio: I have the same checkpoint count as you do.
10:31 pm on February 20th, 2012
Tool!…”Dogs are the tool”…sniff!…Whats that supposed to mean anyways?…gurnt!
10:39 pm on February 20th, 2012
Staff: Thank you! A big Bear hug for you!
Wowzer! We’re almost there…only one more spot available for Wolfies checkpoint!
10:41 pm on February 20th, 2012
Rio: The tool is what gets the job done. The sled dogs will get the job done. That’s what I meant. I don’t presume to know what Alice means.
10:45 pm on February 20th, 2012
These are the checkpoints that I don’t have listed as sponsored yet: Rohn, Nulato, Kaltag, Unalakleet, Shaktoolik, Koyuk and Golovin.
10:46 pm on February 20th, 2012
Day!….What a day! …snort!…I am pooped and tuckered out. Goodnight everybody!…wheeze!…Off to my warm soft bed where all my baseball toys are waiting for me….wuffle!sneeze!
10:54 pm on February 20th, 2012
Dawson: Unalakleet is BearSpiritDog & Masquers.
I have the count now at 20.
11:04 pm on February 20th, 2012
Ok….since Siber-H doesn’t need the $25 I posted earlier with my other amounts, it can go to the KATs checkpoint –Rebecca just has to keep it straight since the money and note are already in a sealed enveloped.
KATS: In a moment of generosity, I will allow you to sing at your own checkpoint as the teams go by. (I figure that the singing will speed the doggies on their way.)
11:05 pm on February 20th, 2012
Mom loves Unalakleet. She has seen so much video of it. It is featured on one of those programs on tv about bush pilots
I cannot hold my blue eyes open any longer.
Night All
11:16 pm on February 20th, 2012
AJ called a bit ago from the trail. He and Handler Jeremy are doing a long training run. They ran to Dan and Zoe’s checkpoint, Yentna. From what I could make out, they are having a good time.
11:31 pm on February 20th, 2012
C.Harris: Thank you on behalf of the kats! That is some smart thinking regarding the singing. I’m sure the caterwaulering will have the doggies sprinting on past with barely time to sign the checklist.
I’m off to bed. Thanks to the Plunderers for a very good day.
11:42 pm on February 20th, 2012
Booties, food, checkpoints. Next year we will have to call it the Snowhook Plunderers dog team. Snicker.
Off to bed also.
I wonder if Rebecca told AJ about the Amazing checkpoint money ‘bomb’ on ChettheDog? Hmmmmmm
PS. This is way more fun than giving money to politicians!!!
11:44 pm on February 20th, 2012
Thank you everyone for your generous contributions.
A very special day is coming to a close.
Now, sleep-time calls – Bear
11:49 pm on February 20th, 2012
AJ left early and our connection was sporadic at best. I heard words like: good run, doing well, nine.
Thank you to each of you for all you’ve done for Snowhook.