The last few days have been cooler here, and it has made a big difference both in the forest and in the kennel. The rain that came this week finally lifted the fire ban, which means we've been able to light campfires on our recent Husky Hiking tours again. There's something special about gathering around the fire after a hike – the dogs settling down, the guests enjoying the warmth and calm, and that feeling of the evening unfolding at its own pace.
The dogs have been working really well in the cooler weather. They work smoothly, focused, and with that joy that always comes when the temperature drops a few degrees. And our guests have been fantastic – they help take off the harnesses, give the dogs water, and make sure everyone gets their little moment of care by the campfire. It's always nice to see how quickly people and dogs connect in those small routines.
A lot is happening in the whelping box too. The puppies are growing like weeds, and now all of them have opened their eyes. It's always such a lovely little milestone – suddenly they look like real miniature dogs. So far, it's impossible to tell if they'll have blue or brown eyes; it usually takes a while for the color to stabilize. But their personalities are already starting to show, and it's just as fascinating every time.
This is our summer right now: cooler days, the warmth of the campfire, dogs working well, guests helping with care, and puppies taking their first small steps into the world. We look forward to more hikes, more encounters, and more small developmental leaps in the whelping box.