Yes, this week was warm, humid and wet, perfect conditions for Black Flies and Mosquitoes and they flourished! 
Although they return every year, they are still annoying when they first arrive. 
The black Flies like the warm/sunny weather and the Mosquitoes thrive on the dull damp days as well as dusk and dawn. The good thing is the Black Flies only last for around six weeks. Whereas the Mosquitoes are here until at least September. 
But, that is normal conditions here in the forest and after awhile you adjust to them. Soon the Dragonflies will be back and their favorite diet is Mosquitoes. After their return the quantity of these pesty  insects decrease substantially. Even with screen doors and windows, a few find their way into the chalet. It is very unnerving to see them amassed on the screens in the morning and evening frantically trying to get in.
However, the good news is the rain has dampened the forest and the dangers of forest fires has subsided. The wet warm weather has also hastened the blooming of the trees and the bushes. The greens are very vibrant at this time of year.
When working in the kennel, it is important to wear long sleeved sweaters and long pants as well as keeping your head covered with a mosquito netting.
The dogs don't seem to bothered by the insects possible due to the garlic powder added to their food daily.
The dogs are still getting plenty of exercise chasing the Butterflies that flutter from dog to dog just out of reach. 
Often in the morning, when cleaning the kennel , I find a frog that didn't complete its journey from the swamp to the lake. It met its fate hopping the gauntlet through the dog yard.
All the dog houses have there water buckets attached for the Summer. However, I continue to water the dogs every morning with baited water to ensure they stay hydrated.
Today, both Lizzy and Tanya went to their new adopted homes with Bruno Raymond and will enjoy their reunion with Hinto.
Until next week.......

 

Yes, this week Mother Nature was playing tricks on us with some very crazy weather!
The first of the week, hot/humid weather resulting in some severe thunder storms with tornado conditions and warnings.
Snow flurries Wednesday morning, snow and sleet on Friday and cool , beautiful day on Saturday.
What a way to usher in the first day of Summer! 
Even with all the changes of weather, Natures Beauty is there for the beholding.
Here the trees and bushes are just starting to bud. Soon, they will be displaying their new foliage.
We have some rabbits making their hutch here again this year and are enjoying tormenting the dogs, especially the ones with a greater percentage Pointer in them.
This also excavation time in the kennel, with many dogs digging holes. Almost deep enough to hid themselves.
Somethings never change! 
At least they are not chewing on the houses.
Still taking applications for a Handler/Trainee for this coming season. 
If you are interested, don't wait too long to apply.
Until next week......

Yes, there are certain annual signs of Spring here in the Northern Forest.
First, is the return of the Flies. That is right, with the first long holiday weekend makes the coming of the Back Flies. 
It seems that annually with the arrival of the seasonal residents the Black Flies make their presence known and feast on the new comers for the next six or seven weeks. 
It is Natures way of saying "Welcome Back!".
The mosquitoes have been maturing and readying themselves to indulge in the fresh human blood of the city visitors.
The joke around here is that there are only two seasons: Winter and Flies!
But, that is unfair as Winter is only 6 months and flies are only 5 months. That leaves a month of something different. 
But, this only part of the picture. There is also the relaxation of fishing, kayaking, canoeing, leisurely cruises on the lake enjoying the company of friends, beautiful Sunrises and Sunsets and of coarse great BBQ get together.
All this and the enjoyment of daily interaction with the dogs.
Life is what you make of it and life is certainly better than the alternative!
For those that would like to experience a Fall/Winter here, a position for a Handler/Trainee has opened up.
Go to the Handler/Trainee Page for more information on how to take advantage of this unique opportunity.
Until next week.......

Yes, it was a double "D" week here!
First: The disappointment the Bergen will not be having puppies this year. We were very hopeful for this litter with her and Blue as they are two very great dogs and should have produced great puppies. But, it was not to be, maybe next year. 
Second: The danger of forest fires this year. The forest is very dry and there are more fires this year in Southern Quebec. Most of the fires are being caused by human irresponsibility. With the warmer weather and a long holiday weekend approaching, there will be more visitors to the forest. 
Please be very cautious with causing fires!
We the inhabitants of the forest are counting on your respect for nature.
With the coming of the warm weather the migratory birds are returning.
It is great to see the Swallow nesting in the bird house on the garage this year. They have been absent for the last two years.
They are a welcome site as they consume copious quantities of Mosquitoes. 
The Canada Geese have been flying over all week long in very large flocks.
It is great to hear the calling as they pass over. It is one of the signals of Spring. The next time they will be heard is when they fly south in the Fall signaling the the commencement of another season of running the dogs.
The frogs are getting more boisterous with their nightly mating serenade. 
Along with the cry of the Loon, the evening sounds here are fantastic.
The dogs are enjoying their rest time here longing in the Sun and chasing Butterflies. There are still many females that have not yet come into season. This is strange and it is not only here as many of my mushing friends are experiencing the same thing.
Natures cycle seems upset.
It is very still here this morning, signaling the approach of a storm.
So, I am out to to water the dogs and clean the kennel before its arrival.
Please be cautious if you are in the forest.
As the old adage goes "Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires!" 
All of the Nature is depending on you!
Until next week....

It looks like Spring has finally arrived here at Miortuk!
The above group of photos, shows the progression of the ice disappearance here in the lake this week. It always amazes me how quickly it can go from an icy mass to a beautiful mirror, reflecting the Nature surrounding the lake.
Soon the trees will start to bud and then release the vibrant green foliage of the forest.  
Every season here has its special charm, we just need to take the time to enjoy it.
Yesterday, I heard the return of the first Loon, the start of the mating sounds of the frogs and saw the a rabbit that has already changed from its Winter white to its Summer brown.
The kennel is drying out with only a few areas on the South/West side still with ice.
The dogs have been entertained this week with the return of some Butter Flies that they love to chase. 
Bergen is getting closer to her due date (May 5th) and the puppies can be felt as they journey down the birth canal.
Yes, Spring has returned to the Northern Forest!
Here is a recent photo sent to me from Bruno Raymond with Hinto.
Another successful adoption. Thank you Bruno.
Until next week.....