Although it was a shorten season of running, we worked on our next seasons leaders.
We are always working on improving our teams and the auditions of new leaders is always important.
You can never have too many Leaders.
Lance & Lloyd were the two new dogs that received the leader training this year.
Both dogs exceeded our expectations showing confidence, high attitude and speed.
The above video is of Lance running lead with Saphir.
Lance is running on the left side here.
Levi also got an audition and will be worked on the leader position next season.
He showed great potential!
Until the next.......

It has been awhile since updating the happenings here at Miortuk.
We have been out training the dogs on a fairly regular basis although meeting the challenges of extreem frigid temperatures and an over abundance of snow!
However, the dogs seemed to get in shape very quickly considering the late start to the season for running.
We did accomplish several goals of developing some new Leaders in particular Lance and Lloyd.Both dogs showed great confidence, speed and enthusiasm at the Lead position and will be exciting new leaders for next season.
Also Olive, who suffered an ankle injury two seasons ago, returned to running with the team after a long recovery period.
Although starting her for only a short distance to ensure her safety, she slowly progressed to the complete 4.5 mile training loop.
She was very enthusiastic to run and truly enjoyed herself.
I was so proud of her and it showed that patience with her recovery paid off!
​Until next time........

This week marked a wonderful day!
Olive (the brown dog on right wheel) had serious wrist injury three years ago on her first run of the season where she twisted her wrist.
We never thought the Olive would be able to walk with the extent of her injury.
In time she was able to walk, dig and run loose.
This season we started her off with a very short run of 1/2 mile where my Gus, my handler, would take her out of the team while I continued the 4.5 mile run with the balance of the team and place Olive back in the team for the last 1/2 mile.
I was monitoring her ability during and after the run and seeing she was having any problems.
Over the her next several runs, we increased the length of her runs in small increments.
On Friday, I was monitoring Olives run  expecting to have to take her out of the team part way.
Olive was showing no problems and cautiously we continued the run.
It was amazing, Olive completed the whole 4.5 mile run with no problems and was a very proud/happy dog on the completion of the run.
Seeing Olive run again will be one of the highlights of this season.
Patience was the secret with Olive not running for three whole seasons and the payoff was a miracle!
A big thank you to Zoe Knight who spent many hours giving Olive special messages when the accident first happened.
Until next week.......
​ 

After a long Hyannis, I am finally updating the Blog!
A lot has happened since the last post.
In early January, we last a dear member of our kennel Kira, who suddenly died due to a rapid spread of cancer. She slipped from a very healthy dog to her passing in just a few days. She was active and eating well right up to her last night. I will post more later about her spectacular life.
January was one of the coldest months experienced here in many years with temperatures in the low -30's at night and day time highs in the -20's.
We also got over 100 cm of snow for the month of January!
Guss Plater, this seasons Handler/Trainee, arrived on the evening of January 19'th.
Welcome Guss to Miortuk and the Canadian Winter!
The week of the 24th, we got the dogs out for the first runs of the season.
This last week got the dogs out for three runs on Monday, Tuesday and Friday with Thursday run cancelled due to a trail blockage by a fallen tree and removal of another 20 cm of snow.
Needless to say, the dogs are happy to get back to running and the same for myself!
The above video is of the first run with the "A" team.
Until next week......

It doesn't matter who you are, how strong you are or where you live; life gives us challenges that we have to overcome!
Some of these challenges are easy to overcome.
Some are not.
This year has been a difficult one here with the suffering of lose, dealing with Covid and the resulting difficulty of getting help.
One of the things that makes life meaningful is the daily interaction with my canine family and looking after their physical and emotional needs.
They are a daily comfort.
Although, things have certainly been difficult this season (one like no other), we will persist and make the best of things that we have control over.
There is hope that a new Handler will arrive in Mid-January and we can finally get them running.
We have to stay positive and handle these challenges in our own way.
Things will get better!
​Until next week......

Thank you one and all for a great Birthday!
Here is a video produced by Rosalie Cerro:
https://youtu.be/dqCHsSKLYxo
​Just so fantastic!!!!

From snow flurries, to sunshine, to mild temperatures to rain; that is the type of weather here this week!
However, the forecast is some snow all next week which will make great conditions to start running the dogs.
The dogs are getting anxious to start running!
They all look great with nice weight and shinny healthy coats.
Unfortunately, last Sunday Laura had to change her decision to come here due to family challenges with relocating here in Quebec.
I totally understand her decision and respect it.
The good news is there is another person interested in coming here to join the Miortuk Team for this season.
I am hoping all will work out, as she would be a good fit here and I would be happy with her joining the Miortuk Team.
​Until next week.......

Living in a remote area, doesn't mean you have not to enjoy some great meals.
The only difference is have learn how to make them yourself!
The above are for those special occasions when you need to treat yourself.
The weather here is starting to get colder and with a forecast of some light snow this coming week.
The migrating birds have all departed, the tree leaves have fallen, the squirls are busy getting ready for Winter, the fox are out looking for squirls and the Grey Jays are back coming to me for feed.
The dogs ae getting more excited with the anticipation of a new running season and this years Handler/Trainee is scheduled to arrive here this week.
Life is good here at Miortuk.
​Until next week......

A beautiful view from here at Miortuk is one thing that we are thankful for!
Life here in the forest makes one realize the beauty, tranquility and serenity of life here in the forest co-inhabitation with Nature! 
It is my pleasure to announce that Laura Soulat will be joining the Miortuk Team as a Handler/Trainee for this season.
Welcome Laura and looking forward to your arrival.
Happy Thanksgiving!
​Until next week.......