New Year 2021

 Hey Tribe,

A new year, a new me? Nah, same me, same crazy KBDs.  2020 was a quiet, but pretty good year for us:

We bought a kickbike and learned are learning how to dryland mush.

We went on a Denali Highway road trip.

We visited glaciers.

We summited new mountain peaks.

Rex and me on Lion's Head overlooking the Matanuska Glacier

Fly and tiny Rex in Palmer Creek Valley

Pepper Peak

We used the Scamp even more.

Rex guards camp on the Denali.

During our SAR workshop - see the little sparrow baby sitting by the wheel?

Hanging out in Hope.

We continued as models for Alaska Goldens Co and became models for KomaloCo, Remi and Me, and Jax & Moonie

Alaska Goldens Co water-resistant scarf that matches the glacial fed lake: code AKFLY15

Remi & Me Co ice-dyed bandana and matching tag are absolutely stunning: code FlyRex10

Rex's Jax & Moonie collar bark marks document all our epic adventures together: code Rex10

We now have 2,183 friends on Instagram. Thanks for liking and conversing with me on that platform - it's so nice to have Insta friends from all over the world!

We learned new tricks and earned Trick Dog Novice titles on both dogs.  We're nearly ready to submit for the Intermediate and Advanced titles, Fly just needs to stop being silly and take it seriously while doing the videos!  Also, we earned Canine Good Citizen, Canine Good Citizen Advanced, Canine Good Citizen Urban, and Farm Dog Certified titles - all of which demonstrate the KBDs ability to be well mannered and obedient in a variety of settings and situations.

So it began.

We made history with Fly finishing her Barn Hunt title of RATChX, or Rat Master Champion, the highest title possible: she is the first and only Karelian Bear Dog to earn the title.  Also, we began the crazy fun sports of Rally, Lure Coursing, and Fast Coursing (think drag racing for dogs!).  Rex is particularly excelling in these - stay tuned for more posts on these three sports this summer!

Here is the video of Rex's first ever Coursing Ability Test. I think he's got it!

We progressed in Search and Rescue and Fly is now certified in Wilderness Area Scent Specific Live Find and in Land Human Remains Detection.  Rex continues working on urban trailing and human remains detection and is doing well.  I hope both KBDs can certify in Avalanche this winter season.

Rex works an hour aged trail at -5F

We met up with the Dive Rescue team on several occasions and I learned how to drive a zodiac boat in 30mph winds (and waves) and support divers as they enter/exit the water.

So, what do we have planned for this 2021 year? More of the same!

More kickbiking, kicksledding, kayaking, dog sports, new hiking adventures and greater community service (remind me to tell you about our Therapy Dog certification!).  I am also really, really hoping to enter into a dog show - Fly is ready to prance about and look beautiful in a doggy beauty pageant.  Please, Canada, hurry up and lift your border restrictions.

Thank you for following and joining our crazy Karelian and Alaskan adventures.  Let's enjoy 2021!