Similar to last week, I decided to show a compilation of photos of sunsets here in the Northern Forest. 
What a gorgeous way to end the day!
This was the hottest week so far this year. With Summer Solstice, came 30+ Celsius temperatures with high humidity. 
Now the days start getting shorter, it won't belong until the start of a new season running the dogs.
Slowly everything is getting into place in preparation of a new season, harnesses all cleaned, 6 new harnesses added giving more flexibility in sizing, a trailer capable of transporting the ATV so we can train longer runs before the use of the sled and last but most important the addition of a second Handler/Trainee.
I would like to announce the addition of Carmella Stiebing who will be joining the Miortuk Team this Fall for the upcoming season. (See Handler/Trainee Page)
We desperately need rain, as with this extremely hot/dry weather, the forest is getting very dry. With the coming of Summer, more people will be visiting the forest for recreation & camping increasing the risk of forest fires.
The dogs are the smart ones in this heat, minimizing activity & digging under their housing finding a nice cool place to relax. With my kennel being in the forest, they have shade throughout the day to escape the penetrating rays of the Sun. Luckily, the nights here are considerably cooler making for comfortable sleeping.
Until next week........

Here are a compilation of photos highlighting the beginnings of a new day. However, to enjoy these sights you have to be up around 4.30am,in the Summer, to capture this display of "Natures Beauty"! 
AH, THE PEACE & SERENITY!
News regarding the breeding of Tony & Teal: No puppies this year!
No the breeding didn't produce any pups. However, Teal enjoyed extra attention! Although this was disappointing, it wasn't the end of the world and there is always next Spring.
It seems when one door closes, another door opens. This is the case here with puppies, as I was offered an opportunity to get a few pups, from another musher, that could enhance my bloodlines in the kennel.
The rest of the dogs are enjoying trying to catch the Butterflies that are hovering around the kennel. It is quite comical to watch the dogs as the butterflies go from one dog to the next. Also it is funny to witness the competitiveness between the dogs to catch them. It must be the "hunting dog" in the bloodlines!
The weather here has been sunny & warm and quite delightful. However, nature adds it's curve with an increase in the fly population. 
Ah, such is life in the Northern Forest!
Until next week.........

The past, are of photos of the three pups from last years breeding with Cobalt & Tony. The photos were taken two weeks past at Rosaire's kennel. That was one of the most uniform litters I have ever bred.
The present, the due date for Teal & Tony puppies has come & past with no pups so far. 
The Future, only time will tell if there is going to be pups from this years breeding!
This was a wild week here weather wise with some late day storms, which produced strong wilds & heavy rains.
The dogs enjoyed the cooler weather; however, the rain also stimulated the activity of the Black Flies. With the help of a product called "Swat", the dogs are not being bitten by the flies.
A new add. was placed on Sled Dog Central for a second Handler/Trainee for this coming training/racing season. If anyone is interested in the position, please contact me.
In the mean time, the puppy watch continues!
Until next week.........

Yes, there is just one week to go before Teal is due to have her puppies. She sure is not showing much with such a short time left. I have felt a puppy earlier this week when I felt movement at the bottom of her Rib cage. Everyday, I have seen her running around playing with her neighbor's Sophie Cannelle & Cobalt as if nothing was going to happen. She is getting very affectionate wanting all the attention I will give her. That is different, as she can be a little reserved.
We have had several days of rain this week. However, we missed the bad storm that hit Montreal and caused serious flooding due to the volume of rain that fell in a rather short time period.
The rain also brought in some cooler temperatures along with heavy winds.
I hope to have the new whelping pen finished & installed tomorrow. I want to get Teal in the whelping pen early this week so she can adjust to her new surroundings.
I had to do more work on the truck this week replacing the "ball joints" on both front wheels & the "wheel bearing" on the drivers side front wheel. I hope this is the last of the repairs for a long time!
Until next week.........