Rivers' Newsletters Series Ended 8-13-2011

The End of the Rivers' Newsletter

2011-08-13T17:30:00.000-08:00

Hi gang, Mike here,

Icy (Christmas in the Rivers Books)

Mary walked Icy (Christmas in our books) across the Rainbow Bridge today. Icy was a good natured, loving and gentle dog. We were very blessed to be her human companions for over 10 years.

In light of Icy's passing, I have decided to shut down the Rivers' Newsletter. Our three remaining dogs, Sky, Tundra and Stormy are “Garage Dogs”, who have decided that napping in the garage is more appealing than running the trails. I really don't blame them. At my age, napping is much more appealing than running!

We continue to work on the new Rivers' book, titled “Rivers Book 4, Destiny”. We hope to have in published by September 2012. Once published and available for sale, we will post notice on Rivers' Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rivers-Books/138344872867257, as well as on our web site at www.riversbooks.com.

Rivers 4 will be the end of the series.

Rivers' Facebook page as well as the Book tour web site, http://www.booktour.com will always be updated to reflect the events that Mary and I will be vendors at. We hope to see you at those.

Thank you for all the years of your friendship.

See ya!

Mike

Rivers News March 10, 2011

2011-03-10T18:51:00.000-09:00

Hi,

Sorry that I have not barked at you for a while, but I have been a bit under the weather, and Mike was in the hospital having his left knee replaced. After he came home, we had nothing but windy, very windy weather. While the sun was out, the winds did not make sunbathing enjoyable. Hopefully, with the Iditarod off, Spring will come, and the snow will melt, replaced by sweet tasting grass!

Mike has not received any names of military folks in the war zones that we can pass on to you for you to send cards and notes to them. Mike thinks all of his contacts are out of the loop now and the media's focus is not on the wars as it use to be. However, Mike's Church, St. Michael's has as “Project Soldier” going on right now. They are planning to send boxes of cards, notes, and goodies to our troops. If you want to send a card or note to a military person, just send it to

Solider Project

%Rivers Books

PO Box 876308

Wasilla, Alaska 899687-6308.

Mike will deliver them to the Church to be included in the packages going out. If you want to participate, please send your card(s) before March 23. The Church plans to send the boxes out by the end of March.

Well our good buddy Patty did it again. She presented us with a beautiful painting of Tundra. Really good and such detail!. You can actually see the “hook” in her ear as the result of a “cat fight” with one of her sisters many years ago.

As you can see, Patty is a very accomplished artist. She loves painting dogs. She did our paintings from our pictures of the dogs. Patty also sent us a picture of the painting of her daughter's Horse Dolly. Believe me, while Patty may love doing dog portraits, she is excellent at horses as well. Mike told me that he saw Patty's portfolio of other things she has painted, landscapes, flowers, etc and they are just great. Patty may be reached at pattyh@mtaonline.net.

Well, that is about it for now.

Take care,

Icy

Rivers News 2-09-2011

2011-02-09T10:33:00.003-09:00

"Stormy" by P.Hally

Hi,

Our good friend Patty has done it again. She completed paintings of Stormy and me. Wow, she is good.

The painting of Stormy is very detailed, especially since Stormy is mostly black in color. While I know she did not say anything to Sky (remember Sky got a big head after Patty did her painting), I bet she is very happy of the way that Patty captured her good looks.

"Icy" by P. Hally

I am very happy with my painting also. You may wonder why I look so said. That is my gimmick for getting more treats. If I look sad, I get more treats and people make a big fuss over me because people want to make make happy. Now Mike sees through this, but sometimes Mary doesn't. You see, I am the first dog she ever raised from puppy-hood so she considers me special. Nope, I am not going to argue with that or say no to any of the extra TLC, I get from her. Would you?

Mike told me that my painting in the back room, on a chair waiting is to be framed., The other day, he walked quickly passed the room and stopped short. The painting is so lifelike that Mike really thought I was in the room.

Well Valentine's Day is next Monday. So don't forget to get your Valentine something special.

We have a moose in the area so when Mike took me down the driveway to get the morning paper, I noticed it and hustled Mike back up to the house. I was not sure where it was since it was still dark. Usually the moose don't bother us, but if you can't see them then you don't know if you are between them and their offspring. Being between them could be dangerous. So, it is best to just leave the area the way you came in.

Don't forget that Fur Rondy starts in Anchorage on Feb 25th and the Iditarod take off from Anchorage on March 5th. With Mike in the hospital during that time for his knee replacement, I don't think he will be getting involved in any of the festivities. But I know Mary will be at the Iditarod taking pictures. So, if you see her laying in a snowbank pointing her camera at a dog team, stop and chat for a while. Don't forget that if you are in Anchorage during the Fur Rondy festivities, wear your Rondy pin or else the "Rondy Keystone Cops" will put you in "Jail"

Time to go.
See ya,
Icy

Rivers News 01-09-2011

2011-01-09T12:42:00.004-09:00

Hi
We all hope you had a Merry Christmas and wish you a great New Year.

Well, our good fiend Patty H. displayed her artistic talents when she painted this stunning picture of Sky from a photo that our buddy Kelly M. took several years ago. Mary liked it so much that she offered to buy it from Patty. I hear that Patty may do a painting of me next. Of course, once Sky saw the painting, which Mike calls "Sky in Pastels", she got a big fat head over it and teased her twin sister Tunny and Stormy that she was better looking. The twins did not take too kindly to Sky's remark and well, Sky maybe cute, but she needs to back off saying things to her twin sisters who tend to stand up for each other. Know what I mean?

Anyway, No harm done. As you can see Patty is an exceptional artist. Rusty's restaurant in Palmer is displaying many of her works in their dining room. Please contact me privately if you wish to contact Patty regarding her works or if you wish the location of Rusty's restaurant.

Finally it is here, a training Video humans on selecting dogs form the animal shelter. This is a must see even if you are not considering adopting. I have embedded the video in this posting. Just click on the picture that is below my picture Enjoy.

Oops the girls are back at it. I wonder if they will ever grow up!

Gotta to run.
See ya,
Icy

Rivers News October 14, 2010

2010-10-14T20:25:00.000-08:00

Hi,

While it has been brilliantly sunny here, the temperatures are in the mid 20s and there is plenty of frost on the ground. Yesterday I was napping in the yard and the girls were keeping an eye on Mike who was at the bottom of the driveway cleaning up the debris from a tree that was blown down in the last wind storm we had. This tree had blocked the street, but the borough crew cut it up and moved it to the side of the street. Mike was moving the salvageable wood to our yard and cutting up the branches for kindling.

All of a sudden Stormy started to bark. She was facing the sliding door which leads to the dinning room. I thought Stormy was barking at Mary or maybe that nasty Raven I told you all about who killed that little finch a while back.. When I looked up, I saw a beautiful Willow Ptarmigan on the roof. The bird was pretty and regal looking down on Stormy, Sky, and Tundra as they were barking at it. I tried to get the girls to simmer down and just enjoy the beautiful day and this gorgeous bird. To me it was a real treat, to the girls the bird was an intruder in their yard.

After chow, Mike came outside with us. He let Tundra run in the front, but Tundra found the bird hiding under one of the vehicles in the front yard. The bird flew to the roof top again and assumed her looking at us at below. I overheard Mary tell Mike that she thinks there is a nest of them in our lower lot.

I hope it comes back. It sure was pretty to watch it strut back and forth on the roof. Mary took the pictures of the bird that I have included in this newsletter.

Mike's recovery from hip surgery is coming alone very well. We are walking down the driveway to get the morning paper. We actually go a bit further down the street each day. Sometimes we take a second walk around the yard at night, and he lets me munch on the wild grass that is still green and sweet.

Well, I have to go. The way the temperature is falling,we may have a snowy Halloween.!!

See ya,

Icy

Rivers News August 25, 2010

2010-08-25T18:39:00.002-08:00

Hi, Mike here, I gave Icy the night off since she was napping.

I just wanted to thank all of you who sent cards, prayers and e-mail to us while I was in the hospital last week. There were some complications that required a longer stay than envisioned. But all is well. Thank you.

My friend Jerry of Wiggy's will be at the Anchorage Wiggy's store (north of Dimond, south side of Old Seward just before the Pink Elephant Car wash) from 11 AM to probably closing on Saturday September 4th. If you are in the area and into outdoor adventures, you may want to chat with Jerry. Jerry personally tests all of the items his company manufactures such as sleeping bags, parkas, bibs and his famous Joe Redington boots. I may be there depending how much I can travel after the surgery. Why not take a look at Wiggy's web site at http://wiggys.com/index.cfm?aff=35739

The cover for Rivers' Book 2 was changed. Here is what the new cover looks like. Please do not mistake it for Book 4, which will not be released until 2011/12. We changed the cover due to the many comments we received that the covers for Book 1 and 2 were too similar. Our many thanks to Donna of Husky Production for the wonderful picture of Rivers that she allowed us to use.

Well the surgeon told me to take it easy so I better go.

See Ya

Mike Dillingham

Author/Owner

Rivers Books

www.riversbooks.com

Rivers News July 10, 2010

2010-07-10T10:51:00.001-08:00

Hi,

Hope you all had a nice 4th of July. Ours was nice and cool, but noisy with a lot of fireworks. We got to meet Claire, Mike and Mary's new granddaughter. We all gave her kisses but I think Sky was particularity fond of keeping her nose clean!

Oh, by the way, here is a picture of our new logo. Let us know what you think.

The great strawberry eating caper has be solved. It was Stormy. Mike caught her stashing one in her dog crate in the garage. That plus her "Strawberry Breath", was a dead give-a-way.

Mike will be signing books at Pandemonium Books and Cafe on July 24th from 11 to 4. If you are in the area, stop in, visit and enjoy a great coffee drink or super desert at the Cafe.
Well I better keep this short so you can get back to you summer activities.

See ya
Icy

Rivers News April 13, 2010

2010-04-13T21:01:00.001-08:00

Hi,

I gave Icy the night off since she wanted to stay out in the rain. I guess it is her bath time!

Last Saturday, April 10, I did a book signing at the BX on Elemndorf. While there, I met an extraordinary young 10 year old name Sam Allred who wrote an illustrated children's book titled “Open Hearts”. His 13 year old sister, Emily, did the illustrations for him.

The book is Sam's own adventure of dealing with chronic illness that really prevents him from living the normal active life of a 10 year old. Sam writes about how others, including his peers, treat him, which in some cases is not too nice. The message of this short book is HOPE. The hope to find a cure, the hope to get well. Sam told me he wrote the book to share his hope with other kids who are facing disabling chronic illnesses.

Sam and his family did not stop with just a book, but also started a nonprofit called Kindness for Kids whose purpose is to bring some measure of comfort and hope to children with chronic illnesses. They have a web site: www.kindnessforkids.org. For more information about Sam's book and guest appearances, contact his mom at Angie@kindnessforkids.org.

During the book signing, a military K-9 unit did a routine patrol of the BX. The handler, with his dog, and I talked dogs. His dog was under constant hand command and was on alert while we talked. After we were done chatting, the handler visited with Sam. While talking across the table we used for book signing, the dog gentle put both front paws on the table as he faced Sam. The dog stared to whimper, indicating the dog knew Sam was not well and the dog was there for Sam. This was very apparent from the look on the dog's face. The handler knew exactly what the dog was doing.

The dog's display of concern is very indicative of the main purpose of our military; to defend and to protect the weak. Weak, not only in stature, but also those who need assistance in times of crisis. Protecting the weak through compassion, kindness and helping. Our military, both now and past, is a national treasure. Without which, there would be no personal freedom, our greatest nationality treasure.

Speaking of service and working dogs, I must remind you not to try to pet or touch a working service or military dog unless you have the owner's permission.

Yes, I am enjoying retirement and our dogs are getting spoiled with me being home.

Enough gabbing for now. I will be at Pandemonium Books in Wasilla this Saturday April 17 from 11 to 3. If you like hot chocolate, have one at Pandemonium. Take my word, you will find none finer.

Take care

Mike

Rivers News April 1, 2010

2010-04-01T20:33:00.001-08:00

Mike was thinking of doing an April fool gig on you, but I convinced him not to. Sometimes practical jokes don't go over well.

We had a Momma Moose and her babies visit the other day. Momma and I discussed how these kids today are really a bit different than when she and I were kids. Mary was a bit shocked to see Momma Moose and I were nose to nose through the chain link fence chatting.

Guess what, we got new wood floors in the house and it is a bit scary walking on it. But it is sure beautiful. Goes very nice with the paint job that was done. Of course Sky was the first one to explore the floors and the first to belly flop across them when she lost her pawing. Stormy and Tunny watch Sky's display of grace and decided to walk on the throw rugs to be safe. Sky, how many times were you told not to race in the house????

Mike told us that he sold a bunch of vacation time and he is using the cash to fix up the house. Next comes a new roof and seal-coating the driveway. Oh, and the gravel area next to the garage side entrance where we come in will be paved also. That will cut down on the dirt our muddy paws bring into the garage.

If you are up for a movie then check out "Blind Side" excellent. We all enjoyed it as well as the new Celtic Woman concert "Songs from the Heart". Pass the popcorn please!!

Well, the girls are acting up again so I have to go. You know, a Momma's work is never done especially when it comes to her pups.

Happy Easter, and remember not to give your pup any of those chocolate Easter eggs. Not good for them, and you too if you eat too many.

See ya
Icy

Rivers News February 21, 2010

2010-02-21T19:20:00.007-09:00

Hi,

It has been great having Mike home. He spends a lot of time with us in the back yard, especially when it is sunny, and lately, warm. We are having our February freeze-thaw cycle. Temps during the day have been as high as 40. The snow is melting and would you believe, we had rain last week!

The small birds have been visiting the feeder Mary has in the back yard. I really enjoy watching them and don't scare them off. In fact, I bet I could nap by the feeder and the little birds would not mind. But my girls scare the little birds and it is annoying to the birds and to me. I think the girls want the bird food. You think those dogs were hungry or something. I can assure you they never miss a meal, a treat, or an ear rub either.

The other day while I was watching he birds, one fell out of a tree and before I could get to it to see if it was OK, a big raven swooped down and got it. I started to bark and chase after it , but I cannot jump as high as a raven can fly. He laughed at me and called me a fat old lady. Well Mr. Raven, don't make the mistake of perching in my yard. While it may be illegal for a human to eat raven, it is isn't for a dog. Your time will come for snatching that little bird. The sea gulls are coming back soon as well as the geese and both don't like ravens. Eagles just tolerate ravens and will chase them off.

I guess Mary heard me bark and let the other dogs out from the garage. Sky asked me what I was barking at and I told her and her sisters about the raven and the little bird. Stormy told me that she noticed a raven hanging around the yard near the feeder. Now Mr. Raven better be very careful around our yard cause Stormy can jump, she is very fast, and not fat like her Mama.

By the way, do you know what I am doing in this picture? No? Well I am “Husky Snow Bathing”. Yep, I lay on the cool snow and the warm, suns lays om me. It sure feels good.

Remember Bugle Girl? Well she is in the Navy and doing very well. Her Mom says she is on the fast track for promotion. So if you wish to drop Niki a line here is her new address.

FN NICHELLE CUSHING

301 Surfside DR

TH A2

Goose Creek, SC 29445

If you do write to her, please put a return address on the letter. The military does not think too highly of mail without a return address on the envelope. It may not be delivered and could jeopardize Niki's military career. Her Mom told Mike she is getting unsigned letters with no return addresses.

Niki's Mom also told Mike that her husband, Tom, is deployed back to Iraq. Here is his address if you wish to write. Tom played Santa Claus for us one year during a previous deployment when the Rivers Group (that is you guys) sent goody boxes to the troops in his unit.

Here is Tom's address.

SFC THOMAS CUSHING

HQ USF-I BMO

III CORPS

APO AE 09342

Tom says there is a little coffee express called Green Beans Coffee. He has signed up to receive free cups of coffee that have been donated. According to the Green Beans site, Green Beans is a coffee shop chain with many outlets in the Western USA and also Africa, Iraq and Afghanistan, “In our travels to see the Troops, many share with us their sense of loneliness, isolation and feelings of being forgotten. Their commanders tell us that some Soldiers never receive mail from home. In response, Green Beans Coffee has launched “Cup of Joe For A Joe” to let anyone, anywhere in the world, say thanks to our troops through the simple act of buying a cup of coffee and having it delivered along with their own personal note of encouragement into the hands of a deployed Soldier.”

Here is the web site. http://www.greenbeanscoffee.com/coj/index.php Check it out and see how it works.

Mike told me that this is a cool idea since most of the time, the GI coffee is, well I cannot bark what Mike said about it, but take my bark, it leaves much to be desired. Now Tunny is a coffee drinker, better yet a coffee hog. She will drink anything Mike has in his coffee cup. But according to Mike, even Tunny would turn her snout up at this stuff. So if the military folks serving in the war zone can get a decent cup of free coffee (Joe), lets help them do that.

For you youngin's, a cup of Joe is an old term for a cup of coffee and at one time all GI s (soldiers especially) were called GI Joes. GI refers to “Government Issue”. I never knew Mike was tri-lingual. He can speak human, military and techspeak.

Iditarod time is coming up and that means many of our friends will be visiting Alaska for the big race. That is alway a fun time for us. While Mary will be busy with her visiting friends and helping Donna at Husky Productions, Mike has book signings at Borders and Books Saturday (2/27) 1 to 4 and at the ITC HQ at the Millennium Hotel (3^rd floor) Friday (3/5) 11:30 to 1.

Mike's last working day is Friday Feb. 26 and he is officially retired on March 1. He already celebrated by buying both Mary and himself new laptops!

Well it is TLC time.

Take care and keep in touch.

See ya, Icy

Rivers News January 10, 2010

2010-01-09T18:15:00.010-09:00

Hi
My name is Icy, Christmas in our books. Many of you have asked if the Rivers Newsletters would continue. We girls (Sky, Stormy, Tundra and I) felt it would be nice to do so since we know many of you from the stories our Uncle Rivers told us about you.

Speaking of Uncle Rivers, we want to thank all of you who sent your condolences. Just like us, many of you know he was a special dog. He many not of crossed the finish line first but he was a true champion in his spirit, his kindness, and his devotion to Mike. Many of you have told us stories of how Uncle Rivers helped you. Thank you. Your stories just made us more proud of him and of you for overcoming whatever challenge you faced.

For those that have asked, Mike and Mary are doing OK. They miss Uncle Rivers, but both know, especially Mike, that Uncle Rivers is in a place where he can see and be a young health dog. He is with our Uncle Lakota and Aunt Sandy. I think Mike summed it up best when he said that while his dogs are no longer with him, they are with him spiritually. He knows they are in a better place and free from what physical limitations they had here with us. He also told me it is very important to strive to do our best so we can all be in a better place when our time on earth is done.

In canine-ees that means take the good memories with you as you make the most of today as if it was your last day.

Some asked about a Rivers memorial or foundation. Mike said no to both of those ideas. Times are tough and many of our friends are having a hard time making ends meet. However, our good friend, Dr. Jim made Mike aware of ACVO, Vision for Animals Foundation. The foundation sole purpose is supporting animal eye disease research. Their web site is www.visionforanimales.org. If you wish to make a donation in the name of Uncle Rivers or another sight challenged animal, I am sure that ACVO would greatly appreciated that.

We are in the process of contracting to rebuild the web site. Our web master will be CA Wetovich Design and we will be using a new web address at www.Riversbooks.com. We do not have a time line as to when it will be completed. My daughter, Stormy, our techno-canine-geek is preparing the files to be use. This may take some time because her sisters, Sky and Tundra are undecided as to what pictures of them we should use. The new site will have an e-shop so you can buy our books on-line if you wish and a link to our blog so that you can keep up with what is happening in our neck of the woods.

Sky and Tunny asked me to remind you that one of their favorite TV shows, “Chuck”, is returning to TV on Sunday night Jan 10 on NBC.

We understand if you do not want to receive our news any longer. All we ask is that you let us know so Stormy can remove you from our newsletter.

Well I have to go and take care of my youngin's. You know how kids are when they are left unattended too long. A mother's work is never done!

Uncle Rivers ended his e-mails with “See Ya” his joke because he could not see. He told me that deep in side, he knew he would “See Ya” sometime. So, if you do not mind,

See Ya

Icy

Rivers News 3-08-2009

2009-03-08T18:58:00.004-08:00

Hi Gang, Rivers here,
This newsletter is posted on our Blog at www.riversbooks.blogspot.com because of the pictures and web sites included in this newsletter. As a practice, we do not send attachments or embedded items in the newsletter because some e-mail providers will not deliver it.

Yep, it has been a long time since I bark to you, but short of the last week or so, there really has been nothing really to bark about. We have received about a foot of snow and Mike has been out there 4 or 5 times snow blowing the driveway. He did a really good job from what I can tell. His knee was OK enough for Mike to walk me so that I could resume my trail marking of the driveway and the street in front of our homestead. Yes, a trail marker's job is never done!

The restart happened today and Mary is with her “Idita-Pals” in Willow, “Iditaroding”. I get a bit moody this time of year with the race and all going on. Mike tells me I am in the advances stages of a “Blue Funk” . Maybe he is correct. You can take the sled dogs out of the race, but you can never take the race out of sled dog!

Next Saturday, March 14, 2009, Mike will be at Barnes and Nobel in Anchorage from 1 to 4. Last Friday he was at the Millennium doing the book signing for ITC. He told me that he met many nice people and several teachers who use our books in their classes. He told me that he has never been so busy at an ITC books signing as he was last Friday.

Terri the “Weather Girl” is back in Alaska. I don't know if I barked that to you or not. She told us that she lost her computer with the e-mail addresses of those of you who kept in contact with her. So, if you and Terri were “e-pals”, let me know and I will pass on your address to her. She is very busy going to school.

Mike was home Thursday due to a bad head cold. I mean very bad. We heard him snoring and wheezing while we napped in the garage, and he was way in the back of the house in one of the bedrooms. Lucky of us in was a short term gig and Mike was feeling much better on Friday. We are keeping our paws cross that he has successful knee surgery on March 25. Yes, he told Icy and me that once that knee get better, we are going to start some serious trail marking.

I mentioned to you in a prevision e-mail about the Bark paintings that our friend, Susan did for us. Here are some pictures of the ones she did of Lakota and me. Hope you enjoy them. You can contact Susan at HTTP://www.northwindcrafts.com/

While at ITC book signing, Mike sat next to his good friend and fellow author, Marianne Schlegemilch. Marianne is the author of two Husky books. One called “Solo Flight” and the soon to be released “Coho Waterboy”. Both are nicely illustrated. But Marianne, ventured into a different ball park with a book she wrote called “Raven's Light.” We have not read “Raven Light” yet, but Marianne told Mike about it. Mike told me that Marianne is very proud of it because ti is geared at helping people, mainly adults. If you would like to read more about Marianne and her beautiful books, go to HTTP://www.publicationconsultants.com then click on Author's List and then Meet the Authors. Then scroll down to you find Marianne Schlegemilch on the list.

Mary and her camera have been very busy for the last few weeks take photos at Fur Rondy, the Junior Iditarod, and of course, this past week “Idita-happenings”. She has been gone so often that Mike refers to us as “Idita-Orphans” and himself as an "Idita-Widower". He is only kidding. It is good that she gets out of the dog yard and has some fun, with other than us, her “Idita-couch potatoes”! Mary has posted her pictures on line using Picasa. If you wish the link, just e-mail us privately.

While Mary has been gone, Mike has been in the back yard with us tossing the ball and making us “snow cones”. Whenever Mike sits down in the yard to drink a coffee or Vitamin Water, he has 5 dogs in his face wanting to lick some of the stuff out of his cup or bottle. So Mike solved the problem by drizzling some of the Vitiation Water on the fresh snow so we can lick it up. It became a win-win situation. We got a treat and Mike finished his drink in peace.

Got to go.
See Ya
Rivers

A DVD Review: "See You In Nome"

2009-01-09T19:12:00.003-09:00

"See You In Nome" A Husky Productions DVD.

A review by Mike Dillingham, Author/Owner Rivers Books

Donna Quante has done it again with her latest video, "See You In Nome!" Like her first video, "Pretty Sled Dogs", Donna gets you up front and personal with a class act musher and his beloved dogs. Donna's mastering of video brings out the humbleness, yet dedication and motivation of Sven and the happy, contented nature of his dogs.

You will also meet Sven's wife, Andrea, a veterinarian and enjoy viewing her performing a pre-Iditarod "vet check" on one of Sven's dogs. While highly entertaining, watching a veterinarian do this pre-race examination is also very educational; an eye opener as to the pre-race medical evaluation these dogs must undergo before being allowed to race the Iditarod.

This excellent video starts by introducing you to Sven and his dogs and, you would think, ends with the crossing under the Burl Arch inNome. It does all that with outstanding style and clarity. However, Donna adds an extra bonus for you; an in-sled interview with Sven. Yes, Donna focused her trusty camera on the dog team as they raced down the trail. While you, the viewer, are watching these magnificent dogs enjoy their run on the snow pack, Sven is talking to you, through Donna, answering Donna's questions. This piece of video is in itself amazing, and worth the price of this video.

When you "get out" of the sled, take time and read the credits and ending comments that scroll by on the screen. Sven makes a very important statement attesting to what I wrote above about his,"humbleness, yet dedication and motivation". I had the honor of meeting Sven, and I can tell you his words are not just lip service to sell to an exceptional video, they are true of the man, the musher, the dog lover.

Sven expressed concerned that you, the video viewer, would experience difficulty understanding him due to his accent. I experienced no such problem, either in person or watching the video. My hearing leaves much to be desired, even with state of the art hearing aides.

Besides being extremely entertaining, this video makes a very clear statement regarding a man's dedication to his dogs and the dogs' dedication and unconditional love for the man. You can not go wrong adding this video to your collection. We, at the "Howlin' Rivers Home"
gave it a 4 paw+ tail wag rating.

Enjoy

Rivers News 10-12-08

2008-10-12T10:14:00.005-08:00

Hi Gang, Rivers here

Wow, where did the summer go? Did I nap through it? There is frost on the decks when Mike puts us outside in the morning and the lawns are full of wet leaves. We had a touch of snow the other day, but it is gone now. I know the winter is coming because Mike and Mary started watching their favorite show, Northern Exposure, in the garage with us . As soon as we hear the music, we know tummy rubs are coming our way and maybe even some popcorn! Icy stretches out next to Mary along with Sky and the rest of us hunker down around Mike because he normally has the bigger bowl of popcorn!

Now we all know that one of our favorite humans who lives in the Midwest always sends us popcorn from her special place. Yummy, her Carmel popcorn is just out of sight. When Mike fills his bowl, we all gather around. Poor guy gets one piece for every 5 he passes out to us.

Our good buddy Erin will receiver her service dog next August. The fund raisers were very successful. I know Erin’s folks’ were very happy for this pup to become a part of Erin's life. On their behalf, let me thank all of you for your prayers and the best wishes you sent Erin's way.

Stormy, who acts as my eyes, told me that Mike shaved off part of his beard. His fur is gone?? No, she told me, he just trimmed it down a bit. She giggled that when she nuzzles with Mike, his bead does not tickle her nose now.

Mike took Tunny down the driveway with him the other night. Tunny became very interested in some kids across the street who were playing with a soccer ball. I don't think Tunny ever saw a ball that big and she was figuring how she could play ball with those kids.

I overhead Mike and Mary talking and it sounded like they have some sort of event scheduled almost every weekend until Christmas. Here is the schedule.
Elmendorf AFB, Saturday 18 October, 11-3
Raven Hall at the State Fair Grounds, Saturday & Sunday October 25 & 26, 10-5 (Huge craft show with over 120 vendors)
Annabel's Books in Wasilla Saturday November 1, 11-3
Pandemonium Books and Cafe Saturday November 8 and again December 20, 11-4
Willow Craft Show at the Community Center, Saturday November 15 10 to 4
Read Alaska at the Anchorage Museum on 7th and C, 11-4 Friday November 28 and again Sunday November 30
Colony High School Saturday November 29 10-5 (The students put this show on and the money raised pays for their traveling expenses for school activities!)
Ravenswood Elementary in Eagle River, Saturday December 6, 10 to 5. (This event is put on by the schools PTA)

Wow, it makes me tried just barking about that schedule. Sky who checks out the computer room often for stashed treats told me that she saw more event dates on the calendar but they were marked tentative.

I know I have been a bit tardy with the newsletter. Well things have been busy around here at the Howlin' Rivers Home. Mike is still working full time in Anchorage and I heard him say that his two bosses are no longer working in his department. I guess where Mike works is like in a dog team. So when two the dogs stop pulling, the rest of the dogs have to pick up the slack. I gather from listening to Mike and Mary that Mike is in a 4 human team. Two of which are no longer working and the 3rd is out due to some personal reasons. Does that really mean that Mike is pulling the “sled” by himself. If so, no wonder he is so tired when he gets home.

Well I better get back to work. We have a load of book orders that I have to autograph. I really enjoy that!

See ya
Rivers

Rivers News 7-24-2008

2008-07-24T19:57:00.005-08:00

Hi Gang, Rivers here,

The weather here has been nothing but wet and cool. I just started to shed my winter coat, but it feels as if I may still need it. I heard Mary tell Mike that she saw “termination dust”on Pioneer Peek! Termination dust is an early dusting of snow on the mountain peaks and is a warning to tourist that winter is coming! Sky told me that the fire weed is well up its stalk. According to native lore, once the fire weed flowers reach the top of the stalk, winter will soon be here. Where has the warmth of summer gone to?

We have a new addition to our family. Her name is Iris, she has brown hair and brown eyes. Iris is 2 years old. Tundra told me Iris does not look like your normal Husky. Tunny told me she is a lot bigger. Well that is nice, I thought, so when are we going to meet Iris? It appears we are not. Iris stays at the farm since she is a Musk ox!! I guess this what they call a “gotcha!” Mike and Mary, actually our company, Rivers Books adopted Iris. We have a picture of her on our Blog.

Moving on, according to her dad, Lt. Amber and her team are now home. Welcome back and thanks for fighting the bad guys over there so we do not have to fight them here.
Sandy Q from Texas asks that we keep her Mom in our thoughts and prayers. Sandy's Mom is experiencing some health issues.

Book 3 is at the printer. I have included a picture of the cover of Book 3 on our Blog. We are taking advance orders for delivery in late August or early September. There is an order form at: http://home.gci.net/~sleddog/order.htm

Did you know that my good buddy Wiggy's has been working with a children's outerwear manufacturer who is making Lamilite insulated outerwear? The company is Molehill Mountain Equipment Inc. the phone number is 208-263-8422; proprietor is Doug Faude. The web site is http://www.molehillmtn.com/outerwear.html According to Wiggy, Doug Faude;s products come with the same guarantee of quality that Wiggy's offers!

Another good friend, Ms. Tails brought this to our attention about a chance to send free care package items to our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq in honor of the marines depicted in the HBO miniseries “Generation Kill.” Here is the web site. http://www.hbo.com/generationkill/ then select the TROOP DRIVE tab.

Well, it is time for a good tummy rub, so where is my Mike??

So what are you doing for the summer? Anything interesting?

Got to go.

See ya
Rivers

Rivers News 6-29-08

2008-06-29T12:20:00.005-08:00

Hi Gang Rivers here,

This year is sure going fast. I cannot believe it is the end of June already. I was wondering why I felt a bit older and then realize that I turned 13 in June. Wow, that makes me a senior citizen, 91 in human years . I wonder if I can get a senior’s discount at the dog food store!

We have a dog for adoption. Nope, not one of my kennel mates living at the “Howling’ Rivers Home”. One of Mike’s long time co-workers and dear friends must give up her dog and she asked us to help her find a home for Serena. Yep, that is the young girl’s name. Serena is 8 years old, very sweet, loves to chase a ball, and is great with kids. Serena is house broken and use to city life in Anchorage. Serena would be a great companion dog for a single person or an empty nest couple. Of course, since Serena is great with kids, a nice family will work also. Serena is not a big dog, more of a lap dog. If you are interested or know someone who could give this pup a great home, please e-mail me privately. We only have to August to get Serena adopted. Thanks.

Our good friend Donna Q of Husky Productions just returned from someplace called Maryland. She did some camera work for an upcoming PBS show about veterans. The show is scheduled to start airing on Veteran's Day and is called “America's Veterans, A Musical Celebration”. The show was taped at the Music Center at Strathmore, produced by the United States Air Force and Maryland Public TV. Guests are Clint Black, Patti LaBelle, Jake Shimabukuro, along with the US Air Force Symphony Orchestra and The Singing Sergeants. Cliff Robertson is the host. Mark you calendars and check you local television listings for the time in your neck of woods. Here is a picture of the concert

A fellow "near famous author" like Mike, Dr. Ken Jones, will be releasing his book about veterans on July 4, 2008. Ken’s book is called “When Our Troops Come Home”. The book and the web site for supporting our troops and their families are up now, Please visit Ken’s web site att http://www.whenourtroopscomehome.com/

My good buddy Wiggy knows a thing or two about keeping warm. That is why he manufactures the best sleeping bags and cold weather gear. Now, Wiggy has turned his attention to helping you save money when you heat your house. As you know, no matter how well your windows are sealed, they will loss heat. Wiggy has devised an insulation material that can be cut to the size of your windows. Just like the insulation Wiggy’s uses in his gear that keeps your body heat from escaping, the same idea works for his material preventing heat from escaping from your home. Wiggy told me he will have the product information on his web site next week, here is the web site of Wiggy site. http://wiggys.com/index.cfm?aff=35739. You may have to look for the stuff, but take some time and browse. Check out Wiggy's newsletters. Great products from a “Made in America” company!

Our publisher send us a .pdf file of the new cover for “Rivers Book 3, Unknown Trails”. Fantastic!! It is a 2 MB file so I am hesitant to send it to you . It might choke up your e-mail. The publisher is supposed to send me a .jpg copy so I can post to the web. I will let you know when both the picture and book become available. We are taking advance orders.

Got to go. Wait, what is is the sound I hear? Why, it is the girls barking “Happy Birthday” too me. How sweet of them. What is that I smell, Cake also! One of Mary’s cakes. Yumm. They can sure make me blush!

See ya
Rivers

Pretty Sled Dogs Video - A review

2008-06-17T19:44:00.005-08:00

Pretty Sled Dogs
A video By Donna Quante, Husky Productions

Reviewed by Mike Dillingham, Author/Owner Rivers Books

If you think this video is a “chick flick”, forget that idea. And it surely is no parody of “Pretty Woman” either. It is a video about dogs and their hard working owners who love them dearly. That love comes across very clearly in the video as Karen Ramstead talks about her dogs; their training, showing and racing.

Donna captured all of the power and beauty of these “Pretty Sled Dogs”. You will walk through the kennel area with Donna as Karen cares for the dogs. You will ride with Donna as she piggybacks on a 4-wheeler as Karen runs a dogs team during a training run. You cannot help but being awed by the sheer beauty of these pure bred Siberian Huskies. Donna’s video takes you so close to the dogs that you will think that you could reach out and give these beauties ear rubs!

Donna’s video gives you a great inside view of a real working, championship racing kennel. You will see the amount of work and dedication it takes to get these magnificent dogs from puppyhood to the finish line or to the show floor.

This video is a must have for anyone who wants to be a musher, own a dog team or breed working dogs. If you ever wanted to visit a world class sled dog racing kennel, but resources prevented you, adding this video to your collection is the way to go.

Donna has won 3 Emmys for her TV camera work. Her mastery of video comes through in "Pretty Sled Dogs". Please visit Donna's web site at http://www.huskyproductions.net/

This video earned our highest rating, 4 paws and a tail wag!

Enjoy

Mike Dillingham and Rivers

Rivers News 3-31-08

2008-03-31T09:44:00.006-08:00

Hi Gang, Rivers here,

My good buddy, Bob N. spends much of his time helping veterans. His nephew, Kurt is in the war zone and I bet Kurt would appreciate hearing some hometown news. When you are away from home, anybody’s home town news is welcomed. So here is Bob’s nephews’ address:

SPC Kurt Sprengel
169th MP CO
Unit 73301
APO-AE 09371-3301

When you write, tell Kurt you got his address from his Uncle Bob’s buddy, Rivers, a blind Alaskan retired racing sled dog. I bet that will get Kurt wondering abut what is happening back in Alaska!

The Iditarod is over and Lance Mackey did the impossible by wining back to back Iditarods and Yukon Quests 2 years in a row. Unfortunately, Zorro, a member of Lance’s canine family was hit by a snow machine outside of Nome during the All Alaska Sweepstakes.

Zorro was resting in the sled basket and a snow machine rear-ended the sled at high speed. Lance is okay, but the sled is probably totaled. Zorro was severely injured and had to be med-evaced to Seattle with possible spinal cord damages, internal injuries and 3 broken ribs.

Here is a link to Lance’s web site that will provide you with more information.
http://www.mackeyscomebackkennel.com/

Lance is a cancer survivor and literally the “Comeback Kid”. His story is very motivational and inspires others to do their best. Please keep Lance, his family, his dogs and, especially Zorro, in your prayers. I know they would appreciate them, as well as any cards or notes you wish to send to them.

Well, that is about all I have for you right now. Kind of slow. We are all waiting for the grass to grow tall for munching and the sun to warm up things so we can sunbathe. Mike and Mary have been cleaning up the yards and getting ready for our ‘warm season”

Take care,
Rivers

Rivers News 3-16-08

2008-03-16T11:32:00.005-08:00

Hi Gang, Rivers here,

Okay, I know it has been a long time since our last newsletter, but believe me; it has been very hectic around the Howlin’ Rivers Home. First we had many of our friends from “Outside” visit us. Besides Mike’s day job routine, he had several book signings to attend. Mary was busy with her friends, visiting musher’s kennels, attending the Vet check at the ITC headquarters, helping Donna at Husky Productions gather Iditarod media tidbits, attending banquets, and trying to catch up on some quality time with us during these busy Iditarod times.

Congratulations to Lance Mackey for winning the 2008 Iditarod. What an interesting race this one was! Besides the suspense of the cat and mouse chase between Lance and Jeff King, there were many other interesting things happening. We are also very happy that our good friend Karen Ramstead http://www.northwapiti.com/ made it too Nome safely. Karen is one of our favorite mushers and all around good people. Way to go mushers!!

Speaking of Lance Mackey, our good friends at Northern Light Media, in cahoots (wow, I like that word. It sounds like something good to eat!!) with Husky Productions, produced a great video of a conversation with Lance called “Appetite and Attitude, a conversation with Lance Mackey”.

We had the privilege of watching it with Mike; well, I listened to it since I cannot see. Mike wrote a review on the video, which I hope you enjoy reading. Since it is a bit long, I have posted it to our blog at www.riversbooks.blogspot.com. I hope the video inspires you to add it to your collection. If so, please contact Northern Light Media at www.northernlightmedia.com

I want you to know that if you could not make our open house, you were missed. I posted a picture of the cake on our blog. Mike told me that the picture on the cake will be the cover our Book 3.

At this time, we do not have any new military folks in the war zones to write to outside of Lt. Amber’s team. So if you know of any military folks in the war zones who would like to receive some mail, please privately send their addresses to me and I will make sure they get posted to the Rivers Group.

Caitlyn came by the house yesterday with a great move that she watched with us. It was called “Firehouse Dog” and it was great. We all gave it a 4 paw rating!

Mike was a guest speaker for the Alaska Society of Professional Engineers last night. He gave his presentation “Life with a Blind Dog” at the banquet. I know he was rehearsing this and I had to remind him that this presentation was originally written to motivate teachers and young people. He told me when he came home last night that he had modified it for the Engineers. He told me that he received two standing ovations from the group when he was done. He told me that he made it very clear to the group that he was only the messenger of the story; I was the star of the show. Holy Moly Mike, you are making me blush!

Spring is almost here, Yippee.

Take care

Rivers

Appetite and Attitude, a Conversation with Lance Mackey

2008-03-16T11:15:00.006-08:00

Appetite and Attitude, a Conversation with Lance Mackey
A video by Northern Light Media

Reviewed by Mike Dillingham, Author/Owner Rivers Books.

I met Lance Mackey at a public function soon after Lance won the 2007 Quest and Iditarod. I had Rivers, my blind retired racing sled dog, with me and we had the chance to talk to Lance. Now Lance, being a celebrity, a super hero of the mushing world, winning both races back to back, I figured he would be a pompous arrogant individual who really had no time to discuss anything with someone who he does not know. However, I was very wrong. I found Lance to be friendly, down to earth, humorous, and honest. He is not disillusioned about himself. Believe me; his outstanding achievements have not given him a fat head.

So, when I this video showed up at my house, I was very interested in enjoying it. Frankly, I was not disappointed. The same Lance I met in 2007 was the man talking on the video. He was open, honest, and talks to you, not at you. While the questions he was asked were probably scripted, Lance remarks were not. They were extremely candid, at times emotional, and sincere. Lance does not talk to the camera. Lance talks to the interviewer and focuses his energies on the conversation.

This is an extremely professional video. The camera work captures a relaxed, but at times excited Lance Mackey.

If you buy this video to learn Lance’s secrets of being a dog team driver, you are wasting your time. However, if you want to listen and in some cases feel a part of a one-on-one dialogue with a true champion, this video is a must have.

Enjoy

Mike Dillingham

Rivers News 2-3-08

2008-02-03T11:47:00.000-09:00

Hi Gang, Rivers here,

We are in the mists of a very long cold snap that does not look like it will break up any time soon. Temperatures are averaging 20 degrees or better below than normal. Last night it was -20 degrees in the kennel. Now, that is lukewarm compared to other places in Alaska, but it is cold for February in Palmer.

Icy told me that Mike fell three times walking her down the driveway in the morning to get the paper before he headed off to work last week. The driveway, as well as most side streets and intersections, are slick and icy due to the melting caused by a "Pineapple Express" weekend we had about two weeks ago. The recent prolonged cold snap froze the melted snow causing the icy conditions.

Well you asked for it, and now you have it. Mike posted the 2003 and 2007 Christmas stories on our blog at http://riversbooks-christmas-stories.blogspot.com/ Enjoy!!

The Christmas stories have been a tradition of the Howlin' Rivers Home since 2000. We freely e-mailed them to anyone who requested them. However, once the stories appeared in, or are scheduled to appear in our books, they are no longer free for the asking. As of right now, the 2003 and 2007 stories are not scheduled to appear in our next book, "Rivers Book 3, Unknown Trails". The 2004, 2005, and 2006 Christmas stories will be in Book 3.

Forever Home Wanted! We received an e-mail from our good friend Cissy, who works with a harness trained 8-year-old husky/female who is a very sweet dog. Jenna is he dogs name. According to Cissy, Jenna is a sweetheart and very playful. Jenna is living at Alaska TLC kennels. Here is the website to see her picture. Please visit and pass on the info so Jenna can find her forever home. http://www.adoptafriend.net/AKDogRescue/privateindiv.htm.

Our publisher, Publication Consultants sent us this by e-mail. "As many of you know, and participated in, we sent our troops books for Christmas. The books for Christmas was the idea of Mike Dillingham, author of the two Rivers books. Yesterday we received a nice letter and certificate from Troop Commander, Jeffery J. Jablonski. Although the letter was addressed to us, it's people like you who made it possible for us to send the books. We thank you for supporting our troops and helping us send them books for Christmas." Thank all of you who sent books to our troops.

We received e-mail from a fellow canine named Monte. Monte told us he was rescued from a shelter by a group called N.E.A.D.S., (National Education Assistant Dogs Service) and is now a service/companion dog for a lady named Janet who is hearing challenged. What a super story! But wait; here is the main thing that makes this story so cool. According to Monte, "Janet is no longer afraid to be alone in the house. I am there to help hear for her. She has gained a lot of confidence and freedom because of me.” What someone discarded at the shelter became another human’s lifeline! Just for you info, N.E.A.D.S. was the first group to initiate the Prison Pups Program and the Dogs for the Disabled American Veterans Program. Please visiting their web site at http://www.neads.org/index.shtml.

Mike and Mary met with Katie and her Mom at the Elmendorf Air Force Base Exchange the other day. They told Mike and Mary that Elizabeth (Liz) is hanging in there. She has her good days and then her bad days. So please keep your prayers and good wish flowing to Liz.

Well, the Iditarod starts on Saturday, March 1, 2008 and that means it is time for the annual Rivers' Howlin' Kennel open house. So mark your calendars for Friday February 29, 2008, 4 to 8 p.m. Please RSVP as soon as you can, but no later than Friday February 2008 so the lady dogs can make enough of their infamous "kennel cookies". Sky and Tundra are the social directors for this year’s open house even so they will e-mail you instructions for getting to our homestead upon receipt of your RSVP.

Hope your team wins the Super Bowl.

See ya,

Rivers

Rivers News 1/26/2008

2008-01-26T19:55:00.000-09:00

Hi Gang, Rivers Here,

Want to know where Mike will be for a book signing, just click on http://www.booktour.com. Type in Rivers and change the box that reads Authors to Books and then click search. Pretty slick. How did you like the picture on Mike's bio? Well that is one that Donna Q. at Husky Productions in Willow took. You can see more of Donna's fine pictures at http://picasaweb.google.com/djqhusky/

We received an e-mail from Elizabeth. She asked me to thank all of you for the prayers an good wishes you sent to her. her exact words were "I'm not able to respond to all of them, but thought maybe you could let everyone know how much it means to me and to my family to know how many people are praying and sending their well wishes our way." She told us that she works with a dog named Jeta in the 4H. Jeta is a 6 year old German Shepherd.

Barking of dogs. Check this site out http://www.vetdogs.org/We did not have a lot of time to visit the site, but from what Mike was telling me, the program provides guide dogs and service dogs to disabled veterans. I bet those guide and service dogs are happy to help those veterans! Let me ask you a question. If a blind human has a guide dog, does a blind dog have a guide human? If so, is Mike my guide human??

In our last newsletter, I barked to you about our friend Katie who made and gave me something called "scare-a-bear beads". Here is a pcitre of me wearing them. Teh picture was taken by Donna Q of Husky Productions

Last weekend is was very warm, then it turned very cold, then we received over a foot of snow and now the wind blew all the snow away. This has been one weird weather year. I heard some of the bears got up from their winter sleep because they though it was spring time because of the warm weather. Wow, I bet they got upset when the cold wind came. I know I am when I got to get up from my warm and cozy doghouse to answer natures calling when it is very cold and windy.
We heard form our buddy Bugle Girl (Nikky) she is in Texas now and had another medical challenge to deal with. But according to her mom, Nikky is doing OK.

Mike finished his last edit on Book 3 and it will go to the proof readers later this week. We are making progress!

Mike is considering putting our 2007 Christmas Story on our Blog. What do you think?
Well I have to go.

See ya!

Rivers

Rivers News 12-09-07

2007-12-09T19:43:00.000-09:00

HI Gang, Rivers here,

Well, as you may know, I have become very good at sneaking into the house. I am also doing very well at finding my way around the furniture also. After finding the Christmas tree and sniffing the packages underneath the tree, Mike grabbed me. “Well now that I got you Rivers, it is time for some Christmas pictures to send to your friends,” Mike said.
So here you go, pictures of Mike and your truly.

In my last e-mail to you, I failed to give you the Celtic Women web site. Http://www.celticwoman.com/

You may find samples of their music with video on You Tube at

ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v28is4jFWeo&NR=1

There are several members this fantastic group. Lakota told me the clips were very enjoyable. Mike has said that their Christmas Concert, on DVD, will be the after dinner feature this year. Oh, I had better explain that. Each year we show a Christmas movie for our guests, so this year, they get to see and hear this fabulous Christmas concert. Hmm, I wonder if I can sneak in the house when they do that. While I cannot see the show, I can hear the excellent music and great voices.

If you have seen the Husky Productions “Pretty Sled Dogs" DVD, you probably were intrigued by the music that accompanies it. Kyf Brewer composed and performed the music that accompanied Donna Q’s DVD. Well it turns out that he has 3 very talent young daughters who have released their very own CD called “Raining Hearts” which I guess is the name of the group. The music ranges from folk to ballads to some upbeat tunes. They have a cute web site at http://www.raininghearts.com/

One interesting song is called “Pretty Sled Dogs” If you viewed Donna DVD, “ Pretty Sled Dogs” then you will note the Kyf did the vocals, but on the CD the girls do the vocals. Very interesting and enjoyable.

You can find the DVD, “Pretty Sled Dogs” at www.huskyproductions.net. If you have dog lovers on your gift list, then this DVD maybe the gift you are looking for.

Our biggest fan in the North West sent us this link for a super rendition of the “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Take a gander at http://www.greatdanepro.com/Battle%20Hymn/index.htm.

Time to go

Take care,

Rivers

Rivers News 9-23-07

2007-09-23T11:48:00.000-08:00

Hi Gang, Rivers here,

Lakota told me that the leaves are falling. He described the colors as yellow with a hint of red. Stormy told me that the snow is creeping down the mountain sides. Yes, autumn is here and winter is coming. There is a chill in the air when Mike puts us out in the morning before he goes of to work. Isn’t turkey season starting soon? Umm, I can taste Mary’s turkey as I bark this to you.

A few nights ago, Mike decided to camp out with us in the garage. Apparently his granddaughter Caitlyn was doing a sleep over with Mary and Mike decided to let them have the bed to themselves. We all get to wrestle and cuddle with Mike when he does this. When we are done and ready to go to sleep, we go back to our travel crates and wait for Mike to settle in. When we hear him snore, the girls move into their “sleep with Mike” positions. I am told that Sky will wrap herself around Mike’s head, while Storm and Tundra pin him under the blanket. Eventually, Icy will move out of her crate to cuddle also. Lakota and I will hang back in our crates, keeping a watchful “eye” over them. Frankly, there is not enough Mike for all of us to curl up to at the same time.

I guess I woke Mike up because I heard him say “Rivey, are you sleep-walking?” I guess I stopped and turned my heard in the direction of his words. Okay, what am I doing out of my travel crate, I thought? Mike told me that I was prancing around the garage jumping in circles, just like I do in the yard when Mike plays with me. But this time, Mike was not playing with me. Was I actually doing this in my sleep? Mike got up and helped me back to my travel crate, where I promptly when back to sleep. Before I did I heard the girls chuckle a bit even though I did disturb their beauty sleep!

We did receive some bad news this weekly. Our good buddy Doctor Jim Gaarder, is leaving Alaska. As many of you know, Doctor Jim is an animal eye doctor (ophthalmologist) and made me pain free. Dr. Jim told Mike that he has some commitments and obligations outside Alaska that will prevent him from staying here. Dr. Jim told Mike about checking the sea lions and seals’ eyes at the Sea Life Center in Seward, Alaska. Mike asked him how he could check their eyes out. Does Dr. Jim do it under water? Dr. Jim told Mike that the mammals are trained to hold still next to the tank enclosure so Dr. Jim can do his tests. I guess there is some difference in examining a 60 pound dog’s eye and a several hundred pound wild sea creature’s.

Interestingly, Dr. Jim’s new practice will be in Ardsley New York, only about 20 miles or so from where Mike grew up in New York City. Here is the web site of the new practice. www.vesny.com. If you click on the “Doctor’s Link” you will be taken to Dr. Jim’s bio. Icy read it to me. It is very impressive.

One of our Rivers Book 3 test readers dropped by the Howlin’ Rivers Home last week. Tatjana, with her Mom and 2 of her siblings, came by to pick up some of our books and to give us ear rubs. Mike was at work so Mary took me in the front yard and let Tatjana walk me around the front yard. It is always great to “see” our friends. Tatjana will be heading to Chicago for a few weeks soon. Among the other things she will be doing during her visit to Chicago, is a study on Chicago pizza bones. Her goal is to see if they are as good as the pizza bones we get from Mike and Mary’s favorite pizza place, Evangelo’s located close to where we live. I offered to help Tatjana in her pizza bone studies, but unfortunately it would be impossible for her to bring any Chicago pizza bones back to Alaska due to airline security.

We received a nice picture of SSG. B and his troops playing soccer in Iraq. He did not say much so we can assume he and his troops are doing fine. I am not sure when they are coming back to Alaska, but until I find out, please keep those cards and notes of gratitude, caring, and encouragement going their way.

Mike and Mary will be out and about selling our books and some other things they have added to our line of goodies. The sitting Husky and Husky change purses. Mary has added some wooden ornaments and some more Husky stuff dogs. Stormy keeps bugging Mary to take some photos so Stormy can put them on our blog for her. Sky told me that many of the Husky stuffed dogs look like here. I cannot verify that and Lakota just chuckled when I asked him.

Here is where Mike and Mary will be. In October and November so if you are in the area, please visit.

Saturday and Sunday, October 26 and 27, time 10 to 5, Raven Hall, State Fair Grounds
November 24, time 10 to 5, Colony High School, Palmer.
November 2, time 9 to 3, Anchorage’s Providence Hospital‘s Holiday Bazaar. Books only for sale at this event.

Gotta go.

Take care
Rivers

Rivers News 8-19-07

2007-08-19T15:11:00.000-08:00

Hi Gang, Rivers here,

Wow, it sure has been a long time since I barked at you. Time flies when you are having fun, or napping in the shade, or, well just loafing. Sometimes, it is just too “hard” to get on the PC and bark out a few lines to all of you. Mike tells me he feels the same way, sometimes. After working on computers all day at the office, he does not want to “play” with them at the house.

I had a chance to ride into town with Mike and Lakota a while back. Seems that Lakota developed an eye problem and Mike asked Doctor Jim to check Lakota out. Just before their trip, Mike received an e-mail from a “Rivers’” fan. The fan's nephew from California was visiting Alaska. The fan asked if they could visit with us. Since the fan lived in Anchorage and, close to where Doctor Jim’s office was, we set up the visit by Doctor Jim's’ office. Mike signed the nephew’s book and the nephew took me for a walk so I could re-mark some of my old territory. Remember, I stayed with Mike when he lived in Anchorage while I recovered from my eye surgery.

It was good to see Doctor Jim again. He told Mike that my “eyes” looked great. It has been 7 human years since he removed my bad eyes, put the artificial ones and made me pain free. Lakota’s eye problem was a mild one and he received some medicine to help him. His eyesight is still good and he will be okay very soon. Lakota told me that Doctor Jim has a picture of Mike and me his office. Wow, I did not know that.

The latest news on Nikky, “Bugle Girl” is that she is doing great and playing “Taps” again. We understand that she is receiving some national recognition for her efforts. However, the bad news is that they are leaving Alaska due to an Army re-assignment. You bet we will miss Nikky and her family. Nikky gives some great doggy ear rubs.

We have not heard from SSG B (Iraq) in a while or Bill L who is in Afghanistan. I bet both of them are super busy. We hope they are safe and well. I know they really do appreciate your cards and notes. So please keep them flowing to them.

Another good friend of ours, Charlee in Germany is dealing with some very serious medical issues. I hope you will keep her in your thoughts. Charlee is a kindergarten teacher and uses the Iditarod and our stories in her classes.

We had a visit from Barbara and Jerry from Tennessee. Barb cuddle with us in the garage for a while. It is always nice to visit with friends.

Mary took some time off from taking care of us and headed to “fish camp.” Mike took off from work to fill in for Mary as she embarked in another one of her adventures. Mary’s son Chuck and his wife Kristine came up to visit, and fish. They have friends who own some property on the Kenai so they spent some time with us, and then headed to the river to fish. I think Mike is putting some pictures of their trip on our blog. Anyway, we now have some nice salmon and halibut in the freezer.

A few weeks ago, Mary told Mike that they needed to go up to Hatcher’s Pass to check on how the berry crop was doing and get an idea when the berries would be ready for picking. They took me with them. I really enjoyed the trip. Mike told me it was very foggy and cool at Hatcher’s Pass. I was comfortable with the coolness and since I cannot see, the fog does not bother me. We hiked on the trails for a while. We had to be careful because this is bear country. Nope, I did not smell any, but the trails were fun to explore! Unfortunately, the trip ended too soon. I really enjoy getting out of the yard every occasionally.

Well, I hope your summer has been a very enjoyable one. Our state fair starts shortly and we are already getting “fair weather”, cloudy, cool, and a bit rainy. Lakota tells me the fire weed is almost up to the top of its stalk and very tall. According to native lore, that means summer is almost over and we may get snow as high as the stalk is tall. I wonder if that means we will get a lot of snow this winter.

Tunny went to the vet to get the stitches taken out of her mouth. For those of you that did not asked for the “Home Depot Gig” from Mike’s log, Tundra had to have one of her upper fangs reattached. She was on soft food and no hard chews or toys for 8 weeks. I know she was bummed out because she could not chase any tennis balls. Tunny is as good as new and was having a great time chasing the tennis balls Mike tossed for her. This morning, Mike gave us each a pig ear. It has been a long time since we had one. Mike stopped giving them to us after Tunny’s accident. It would not be right for us to enjoy them when Tunny could not have them while her fang mended.

Did you asked about Rivers Book 3? Well, Mike has been working on it and he is almost finished with the first draft. He told me that Sandy Q did the “Forward” for the book. Mike also told me that he is doing something special for the “Cast of Critters” pages (yep pages.) He said he needs to do the “Acknowledgement Page”, my page and something new this book, a Trail notes page. Not sure what he plans to do with that. July 08 is Mike’s deadline to get it to our publisher and then to market by September 08. Mike did promise me that the readers of this newsletter would get first word of when the book becomes available. Stormy told me that Mike and Mary designed the cover and there is a picture of me on it. Book 1 and 2 were designed by the publisher.

It is a rainy Sunday and a nice day to snooze in the garage on one of the big pillows in there. Yes, this is the true meaning of “Dog days of summer”!

Take care,
Rivers
http://home.gci.net/~sleddog
www.riversbooks.blogspot.com

Rivers News 3-18-2007

2007-03-18T20:17:00.000-08:00

Hi Gang, Rivers here,

It sure has been busy here. With Mike teaching a class and then make a very sudden trip to Ketchikan, I had no time to get on the PC and bark out an e-mail to you. Mike told he drafted two more chapters for Book 3. I heard him dictate them into the PC and they sounded really good. He uses his version of BRS (Bark Recognition Software) to do that. Mike is not talking to us about what the story in Book 3 is about. But, from what I heard, it is going to be a good story about us.

We received several nice e-mails from SSG B in Iraq. He told us that it take about 14 days for mail to get to his unit. He asked us to pass on his troops’ appreciation for all that you do for them. So please keep sending those cards and notes down the trail to them.

SSG B sent us a picture. He wrote that this was a camel that wandered into his camp. He gave it some water. Enjoy the picture. Mike told me that they race camels in the area where SSG B is at. He also told me that there are one or two camels at the Anchorage zoo. He joked that they could run the Iditarod. Gee, Idita-camels?? No way!!

Do you remember I barked to you that Mike was invited to Annabel’s Books for a book signing? Well I did not go because they had a silent book auction to raise money for Lois Harter. Lois lost everything she owned in a fire recently. We understand that the auction was very successful. Thanks for helping.

Mike took me to Alpenglow Elementary School the other day. He took a sled full of equipment and I was one of the guests of honor. Some of the students got to pet me and that was very cool. They were a very well behaved and nice bunch of students. Mike told me that he would include a picture on our Blog with this newsletter. That is me with Mike who is sitting on the floor with the Kinders (as Cheryl in Iceland calls her kindergarten students).

After the Kinders left the gym, the rest of the student body came in and one teacher told me we were part of an assembly. I am not sure what that is, but I guess there was some kind of show besides Mike’s presentation. They had live music and honored one of their teachers who ran the Serum Run this year. It was a super time for all. Mike read “Screaming Eagle” from our first book. However, Cyndi J, the school’s librarian converted the story to a theater script. That allow for more students to participate in the story. There were students playing the dogs, a sign walker and a young lady playing the eagle. The young lady doing the Christmas part, Yipped just like Christmas (real name icy) did when she was a puppy. The Rivers Good Time players did a great job and made Mike laugh so hard that I heard him forget his lines! Mike told me that Cyndi’s script was excellent, very professional. He was enjoying himself too much and just started to laugh due to the students’ playacting the story. The students who had parts were just fabulous!

Mike and Mary also had a book signing at Elmendorf. I stayed home and loafed. While it was kind of cold, the sun was out and it nice to lay on one of the decks and soak up the rays. Mike told me that book signing was great. He met some very nice people there and did a lot of bragging about me, his “military dependent”!

Well it is getting late and I better let Mike hit the straw and dream of retirement. He has to get up early tomorrow and go to work while we enjoy spring break with Caitlyn.

See ya

Rivers

Rivers News 3-05-2007

2007-03-06T19:50:00.000-09:00

Hi Gang, Rivers here,

Well, it has slowed down a bit from the hectic pace that Mary and Mike have been working the last few weeks.

Our friend Sky Queen came up from Georgia and had several stuff toys for Tundra. According to my “eyes”, Stormy, they lasted all of 32 seconds. We are thinking of renting out Tunny as a toy tester. Stormy tells me it is very funny to watch Tunny go thru Mike’s coat pockets looking for tennis balls that he may throw for her to chase. Mike has to be careful because Tunny actually thumps Mike’s chest with her front paws.

Since Sky Queen was here, Mary played tour guide and the 2 of them took off doing Iditarod things.

Mike was off from work Thursday and Friday. We did have some quality time with him, but it was sure windy and cold out there in the yard. On Thursday, Mike took off to Sherrod Elementary to do a presentation and read a chapter from our first book. The chapter name was “Screaming Eagle”. He told us that there were about 100 students who attended the presentation. He also told me the school librarian invited him to do the Young Writers Workshop on 5 May. Mike told me this is one of his favorite events.

Thursday night, Sky Queen, Mary, DQ, Lead Dog and Taku’s Mom, took off to go to the Iditarod banquet, while Mike and our good buddy Keith (Jack Attack’s Dad) stayed home and enjoyed a great meal that Mike prepared. We got scraps so we know it was super scrumptious. Yep we got plenty of ear and tummy rubs that night.

While Sky Queen and Mary took off to do their Iditarod thing on Friday, Mike headed to the Millennium to do a book signing for the ITC. He told me that he was happy to see his fellow authors especially Marianne Schlegelmilch, author of “Solo Flite” and Bev Stevens, author of “This dog Team Sleep in the House”. Both are great books about dogs and I highly recommend them for your collection. Bev has won 8 out of the last 10 sprint dog races she entered and was heading to Fairbanks for a big race. Hmm, I wonder if I could be a sprint racer? Nope, I like retirement too much

Friday night was our open house and our first visitors were Brooke and her Mom from Star Base. Brooke writes to us all of the time and wants to be a veterinarian. I bet she world be a great one.

Pat and Mel from PA came to visit and brought us bandanas to wear. I think they took a picture of Pat, Mary and I. If so, we will post it to our Blog with this newsletter. Pat. gave us the “Pet angel” medals last year.

Helen, Taku’s mom came and Mike visited with Taku for a spell. He told us that Taku was a very handsome dog. Maybe next time, Taku can visit with his Momma Icy (Christmas in our books.)

Let’s see if I remember all of the people that came and gave me great ear rubs. There was Texas Betty and her sidekick Doris, GG (Sasha’s mom) and her buddy Al, DQ, Lead Dog and Keith came also. Belinda was also another welcomed guest and there were many more, but I lost track, except for Pat Ford who joined us by telephone from Illinois. Hmm, I could swear I felt her present as well as her son Bob’s.

We were very happy to see Tatjana who plays the violin very beautifully. Tatjana came with her brother Tomah, and older sisters Maria and Karina. Excuse me if I barked their names wrong.

Bugle girl (Nichelle), her brother Paul and her mom came also. Ya know what? I think we will stop calling her Bugle Girl and call her Nikky. It was great to see her and Paul again. They give great ear rubs. Nikky’s dad is due home soon, maybe by the time you read this. However, Nikky is having some health issues that resulted from her being bucked off a horse when she was a yougin’. She is facing a lot of testing and more surgery (she has had 9 already) to fix the problem. She is a real trooper with a great attitude about this, but I know she would appreciate your prayers and best wishes (you can send them to me and I will pass them on to her).

Nikky wants to be a photographer and Mike introduced her to DQ. DQ was very nice to Nikky and made some positive suggestions to her about pursuing her photo career. Not to leave Paul out, who spent a lot of time with Lakota, he wants to go to West Point! I know he will make a great cadet!

The next day being the Iditarod start saw Sky Queen and Mary take off to 4th Avenue, while Mike did some chores around the homestead and played with us.

On Sunday, Mary took Sky Queen in to Anchorage to see the sight see while Mike headed north to Willow to help Perry Solmonson launch out on the restart. Mike told us that he got a chance to talk with Karen Ramstead. He told me that they were the 2 prime mushers he is following this year. Surprise to me, I did not think Mike was too interested. He told me he was taking an off year from Iditarod stuff. Sure Mike, once that dog fever bits you, you are hooked! See what I mean? Here is a picture of Mike working on Perry's sled. Picture by DQ

Mike will be at Annabel’s books in the Meta Rose Square, Wasilla this Saturday, March 10th. Besides the book signing, Annabel’s will host a silent auction of donated author’s works to raise money for Lois Harter who lost everything she had when her home was destroyed by fire last month. Lois has been with the Iditarod almost from the races’ beginning. Mike will be delivering autographed books provided by several authors. Annabel’s’ hoisted events are fun thins to come to. While I may not be there, I know Mike would be happy to see you there.

Wow, that was a lot of barking to do. Made me tired just thinking about all of the paw steps that Sky Queen and Mary traveled last week Idita-touring.

Take care,
Rivers
http://home.gci.net/~sleddog

www.riversbooks.blogspot.com

Rivers News 1-29-2007

2007-01-29T20:32:00.000-09:00

Hi Gang, Rivers here

Nichelle (our young friend who plays Taps at veteran's funerals) will be honored with one of the 2007 Spirit of Youth Award. It will be presented to her on March 10th. Hopefully, her dad will be home from Iraq. Bugles Across America has awarded her this year's scholarship for bringing in the most recruits. Spirit of Youth is a media event to promote positive stories of youth to Alaskan Communities. Congratulations Nichelle!

And now for an Abby update from her human companion Angie. You remember Abby, don't ya? She is the blind husky that this was formerly known as "Abraham", the blind senior found in a shelter in the Midwest.

"Just a little Abby update, who sends her love, btw. So far, so good! She's been doing really well - a very happy husky now there's snow on the ground! She actively plays and mouth-wrestles with Max and Iris everyday, doesn't want to come in unless I bribe her with a biscuit, and has a grand little frenzy "de-gutting" her stuffed doggie toys about every other day. Her energy is good, she's very alert, her appetite is great, and she is just as sweet natured as can be. Oh, and she is a dream with kids! We had a number of them around during the holidays and she was exceptionally gentle, sat very quietly, let them pet her and was very attentive to them."
We have pictures of her and will post them to the Blog soon.

Our good friend Bob has been gone for more than a year now. Bob was our dear friend who was a multiple organ transplant recipient. He had failing eyes, but that did not stop him from harnessing up his beloved Jet and Roshi and go mushing with them. He was a good human and a true inspiration to all of us, both canine and human. We do miss him, but take comfort in knowing that he is in a place where the snow is great, the trails are unlimited, and he is in perfect shape for dog sledding.

According to Mike, the last several months has taken a heavy toll on the Alaskan troops in the war zone. We grieve for them and their families. Please take a moment to remember their sacrifice, and while you are at it, jot a few lines on a card and mail it to them. Mail call is a great moral booster.

Iditarod time is coming soon. Rivers Books is very proud to be a supporter of the North Wapiti Siberian Husky Kennels.
Ya don't know who that is? Well check out http://www.northwapiti.com/ Good luck Karen!! If you really want to know what life is like at a Yukon Quest/Iditarod level racing kennel, you just have to check out Donna Q's great DVD " Pretty Sled Dogs". Donna, a 3 time Emmy winner for her camera work, filmed the DVD on location at Karen's kennel. Not only does the DVD show the work involved in maiking a superb racing team, but also is graphic proof of the love, care and attention that Karen gives her dog. This TLC is a very important part of any successful kennel. Please visit http://www.huskyproductions.net/ for more information about this great DVD.

So you ask, how would I, a blind retired racing sled dog know this is a great DVD? Simple. First, I see with my heart. Second, the DVD was carefully analyze by 5 dog experts and they reported to me that this is one great DVD. You ask who my dog experts are? Well they are my kennel mates, Lakota, Icy (Christmas in our books) Sky, Tundra, and the very critical, Stormy.

Don't forget to RSVP for the open house on Friday March 2, 2007, 4 to 7 p.m.

See ya,

Rivers
http://home.gci.net/~sleddog
http://www.riversbooks.blogspot.com

Rivers News 12-26-2006

2006-12-30T18:52:00.000-09:00

Hi Gang, Rivers here,

I guess the Christmas must be over since Mike when back to work the other day. He was home for a few days and we had some quality time. We sure had a bunch of people visiting us. At the same time we had all of the visitors, Mary was cooking up a storm and, yes, we had a nice sampling of treats and scraps.

We got about a foot of snow last week and Mike spent a good portion of his time off plowing the driveway. I heard him talk that he was running out of places to put the snow. I guess that is why he broke out the snow blower and Stromy told me Mike was blowing the snow over the hill.

The folks who live next to us have a dog that likes to run the length of our fence with Icy. I think they are buddies. Sometimes when the dog is out, Mike will take Icy out into the side yard and let her run back and forth with the other dog. She tells me that she looks for him when Mike walks her down the driveway for the morning newspaper. Unfortunately, Icy told me, it is probably too early in the morning. Besides that, the big snow plow buried all of Icy’s sniffing areas. Oh yeah! Lakota and I are keeping an eye on them. You know how protective we uncles are, don’t you? Icy did tell me that this morning there was fresh moose tracks near the driveway. I hope it is our favorite momma moose and her babies.

Lakota got a chance to run in the deep snow the other day. He told me he likes to run to the end of the top yard and then look back to see what Mike is doing. Lakota told me that if Mike just looks at him, or just keeps doing whatever Mike is doing, Lakota will head to the lower lot and do some exploring. If Mike starts to walk after Lakota, then Lakota charges at Mike and veers off just before he gets to Mike. Then he will sit down and wait for Mike to give him a bunch of TLC. Yep, Lakota plays like young dog.

Sky, Stormy and Tundra also had some play time in the front yard playing in the deep snow. Tundra chased some balls, but she lost two. Icy tells me it is so funny watching Tundra “tunnel” into the snow looking for the tennis balls. Tunny’s head was snow white from the snow. Lakota told her she looked like a doggy Santa Clause with all the snow on her. Tundra Clause, a new nick name?

Stormy hops like a bunny in the snow. Icy was a bit concerned when Stormy hopped right into a big snow pile that was over Storm’s head. Fortunately for Stormy, Mike was right there to get her out. Nope, that did not stop ”Hoppin” Stormy, she fond some snow that was not so deep and just had a ball in the snow. I over heard her asking her Momma Icy if the balls her twin sister Tunny lost would grow like the veggies in Mary’s veggie patch? I do not know if they will, but they are good chewing after sitting outside for the winter!

Sky was Mary’s assistant host yesterday when we had guest in the house. She told me that she helped Mary clean up and it was hard work. Sure she did. That sounds like she took a page from Sandy’s play book and begged for treats from our guests. Here is a picture of Sky, "hosting".

I had a visit into the big house also and got a piece of ham from Mike and one from Mary. Mary was impressed that I found my way into the house from the garage. I took it nice and slow and just focused on Mike call me. He told me to jump when I came to the step up. Not a problem except for the herd of girls dogs that changed the door when it opened. Gee, ya think they were neglected or something. I have learned a very valuable lesson from the 4 girl dogs. One, never get in their way when the door opens for potty time. And two, never ever get in their way when the door opens to the big house. Moose can learn from these girls about stomping time! Lakota is very smart and hunkers down in his travel crate when the girls go charging. He told me that they actually jump over me! Airborne Alaska Huskies! Must be the vitamins.

Gifts you ask? Did we receive any gifts? Well yes we did. And we sent thank yous, privately to each friend who sent us gifts. Did you tell the one giving you gifts, thank you? Sometimes it is easy to forget to do that. If you forgot, you can still thank them.

Well, I better get back to doing my chores.

Take care

Rivers

Rivers News 11-05-06

2006-11-05T19:11:00.000-09:00

Hi Gang, Rivers here,

Yes, the temperatures dropped and we received a bit of snow. I heard that road conditions were nasty for a while.

Mike and Mary had a table at last week’s Holiday Bazaar at Raven Hall at the state fair grounds in Palmer. It was a two-day event. Mike told me they met a bunch of great people. Here is one of Mike in front of the display. There are tow more at the end of the Blog

Mary met a farmer who was selling pumpkin butter at the Bazaar. The farmer also produces a cranberry/walnut jelly and carrot butter. I had a taste of the pumpkin butter since Mike tends to be a bit sloppy. I was impressed. For human food, it was darn good. I heard Mike tell Mary that the cranberry/walnut jelly would taste great with turkey, or used as a glazed on ham. Not sure, what that all means, but I think Mikes thoughts are on food again. 3 Bears Farm produces these all-natural butters and they are available from Budget Feed and Farm in Palmer. You can e-mail them at info@budgetfeedandfarm.com for more information about these great products.

Speaking of homemade goodies such as the butters/jelly I mentioned above, one of our friends, BEA, sent us, actually sent Mike and Mary, some home made blackberry jelly. This stuff must have been really good since Mike was not sloppy with it. Bummer, I did not get a taste. Besides making great jelly, she also does Windows! (chuckle)

As I barked in my last newsletter, Captain Tony is coming home in November. So please do not send Captain Tony or his troops any more stuff. It probably will not be forwarded. However, please do not forget Nichelle’s dad and his buddies who are also in Iraq. They are from Ft Richardson, which is just outside Anchorage. Mike use to work there after he retired from the Air Force.

You do remember Nichelle, don’t ya? She is the young high school student who volunteers to play Taps at veteran’s graveside services. Our local paper, the Anchorage Daily News, did a story on Nichelle in today’s paper from what Mike told me. Here is the link http://www.adn.com/life/hometown/story/8379398p-8274662c.html. Nichelle might be on national TV! As Icy and her girls would say, “You go girl!”

The Golden Corral, a national restaurant chain is offering Veterans a free meal. Golden Corral sets aside the first Monday after Veteran's Day as their Military Appreciation Monday. It is their way of honoring all active duty and retired military personnel with a free "thank you" dinner and beverage at any Golden Corral restaurant. No identification is required. Chow time 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday November 13, 2006. Here is the link http://www.goldencorral.net/specials/

As I barked in my last newsletter, the sisters had a bit of disagreement and Sky had the wounds to show for it. However, Sky healed and resumed her position as the alpha dog.

Lakota is doing great. Mike told me that this year’s Christmas Story is about Lakota.

Are you having trouble deciding what to get that special dog lover on your holiday gift list? Is your budget somewhat tight yet you want a unique gift that keeps on giving? Well, maybe our books might be the gift you are looking for. Please e-mail me privately for more information.

Here are some more pictures from the Holiday Bazaar ( thanks Lead Dog JP)

Well it is time for me to go,

See Ya

Rivers

Rivers News 10-22-2006

2006-10-22T18:37:00.000-08:00

Hi Gang, Rivers here,

It looks like snow time will never come to our neighborhood, just rainy and cool weather. Well, that is good in a way because we get to visit with many new friends.

For example, Nichelle, the young woman who volunteers to play Taps at veteran’s funerals, stopped by our home with her mom, brother, and friend from Kansas. It was a cool visit. Nichelle was talking to Mike about taking pictures and playing the guitar. They talked about things called guitar licks, flicks, and pix. I wonder if those are from a new kind of language. It sure is not canine friendly!

Nichelle thanked us for telling you about all of the soldiers who could use some mail.

Then just a few days ago, Mike took me to the Palmer Visitors’ Center to meet a fan named Evva. Now Evva wrote to us and asked to meet us. She read both our books and, well, just really had to meet us. Therefore, Mike packed me up in the truck and off we went.

The weather cooperated and when we arrived at the Center, Mike took me out of the truck and walked me all around the area. I remember this place. I met BEA and Linda here a while ago. Mike and I did a book signing here also. We have met many nice people here. Mike told me that it is a nice place for taking pictures.

Well as soon as Evva, her Mom, Ian, Evva’s younger brother, and Aubrey, Evva’s older sister, arrived, Mike gave Evva my leash, and off we went exploring the area. Evva is sure fun to walk with. I think she caught on very quickly that since I cannot see, I tend to make my own trails thru the bushes.

I know Evva’s Mom and Mike talked a lot while I was walking with Evva. I am not sure what they were talking about, but it sound as if our families have much in common. Apparently, Evva’s family helps orphaned and distressed animals. I think they sent us a picture, which I will post to our blog.

A few days ago, while Mike was at work and Mary took off to do some errands, we were all snoozing in the garage. I work up to Icy’s babies getting in one nasty dogfight as Mary walked through the door. All I know is that the girls woke Lakota and Icy. The three of us raced out the door as Mary came in.

I heard Mary break up the fight. Tunny and Stormy raced out of the garage while, Icy raced back in to see what happened to Sky and Mary. Icy told us that Mary packed up Sky and took her in the big truck to the vet.

When Mary returned, we all went back into the garage. Lakota and I immediately headed to our travel crates to get out of the way. Icy was checking out Sky. Mary was very upset and let Sky, Tunny, and Stormy know that fighting is not good. “Wait till Mike gets home,” Mary said, very sternly. “He does not like this bad dog behavior.”

Lakota told met that Sky sat near Mary. She had some bite marks on her snout and around one eye. Stormy was in her travel crate. Tunny was lying on a pillow with her ears down and curled up into a ball trying to hide. Yes, they knew Mary was upset.

By the time Mike arrived home, we were finished with chow and in the kennel. Well, all of us except Sky and Stormy, they stayed in the garage. Mike came to the kennel and he immediately knew that Tunny was the one that probably started the dogfight. Lakota told me that Tunny was by the fence waiting for Mike. As soon as he asked her about the fight, she started to cower and raced to her doghouse. Lakota told me that she got so far back into the house that he had a hard time seeing her. Tundra knows that fighting with your sisters is a bad thing to do. Lakota told me that the look on Mike’s face suggested he did not believe Tundra started the fight.

Later that night, we found out that Stormy really started the dogfight. Apparently, Stormy did something to Tundra or Sky. Stormy does that often even though she was warned to be nice to her sisters. Tunny generally just ignores Stormy, but Sky will not. Each of the pups had there own version of what happened, and each version is different. Whose story do you going to believe? Yep, poor Icy sure has her paws filled being a single mom.

Well, that was a few days ago. Icy just t told me that Sky face is almost completely healed and will be as good as new in a few days.

New news: On Saturday and Sunday, October 28 and 29, 2006, Mike and Mary will be at the Holiday Bazaar at Raven Hall located on the state fair grounds. It cost a dollar to get in but there are door prizes you can win. I understand there will be over 100 vendors there. It should be a lot of fun. If you need direction just e-mail me privately.

Icy was telling me that she watched Mary set up the display racks with all of the beautiful things she has for sale at the bazaar. Things like husky pillows, husky stuff animals, husky Christmas cards, husky ordainments, handmade bookmarks, and two books about a blind Alaska Husky. I guess you can say that Mary likes huskies. Besides the display racks filled with goodies, Mary convinced Mike to bring our sled and let her fill it with more goodies for display. She had Mike make a slide show using pictures of us dogs. Mary wants to show the slideshow at the bazaar. Is Mary excited about the Holiday Bazaar? You betcha!

Well I barked a bunch in this newsletter. Guess that is what happens when you have not sent one out in a while. I really have to apologize for that, I will try to write more often.

Take care, and please keep writing to our military women and men in the war zones. They need your kind words of support and thanks.

See ya

Rivers

Rivers News 9-23-06

2006-09-22T22:06:00.000-08:00

Hi Gang, Rivers here,

This newsletter with pictures is on our Blog at www.riversbooks.blogspot.com

Did you know that veterans have the right to have Taps played at their burial? Did you know that there is a shortage of buglers? Did you know that Congress authorized "mechanical" renditions of TAPS at burials? In other words, Taps played over a boom box or digital bugle.

Why am I barking this to you in this newsletter? Well, Mike read an article in our local newspaper about a young woman who volunteers to play Taps at the burials of veterans. She found a bugle and taught herself how to play it. Her name is Nichelle. She is 15. Nichelle is a very remarkable young woman according to the article in the newspaper.

This is a picture of Nichelle playing Taps at a veteran's burial.

The paper also stated that Nichelle's dad is in the Army and his unit is in Iraq. Their home base is Fort Richardson, just outside Anchorage.

Mike told me it was just great to see a young adult become involved like Nichelle did. He sent Nichelle a thank you note for doing such a great thing for veterans. Mike also asked if she would ask her dad if any soldiers in his unit were not receiving any mail during their adventures in Iraq.

Well it turns out that this is a big problem. The unit has been in Iraq since spring and many of the lower ranking soldiers have received very little mail and some, no mail at all since they have been there! That bothered Mike and he asked me to get the word out to you to help.

Nichelle's mom sent us a list of soldiers who could use a note or a card from you. There are many names on this list, too many to be forgotten. We won't let that happen, right?

Think for a moment. Why are they not receiving mail? Maybe it is because they have no one to write to them. That is very sad. Well they do now, right?

I know things are tight biscuit wise, but may I ask you spare a few crumbs for a postcard and stamp that would bring a smile to these soldiers' faces?

For all those rescue groups that asked for our help, well now I am asking for yours on behalf of these heroes. Would you networking with your volunteers to mail some cards and letters to these troops? That could be a win-win situation. You bring some cheer to these troops now and in turn, they may network for you when they come home. You never know how a simple act of kindness and snowball back to you. You know there is a natural bond between GIs and dogs.

All of the soldiers are E-4 or below (lower ranking) and will be Iraq until 1 March 2007. Please e-mail me privately for a list of names. For security reasons, I am not posting their names on this web site.

On behalf of them, I thank you. If you want to thank Nichelle, please send thank-yous by e-mail to me and I will pass it on to her Mom.

Lakota tells me that there is more snow in the mountains. It is getting cooler and which makes me frisky. Every morning I bark at Mike to hurry and finish his chores so I can lead him back to the garage for a treat. I guess I start prancing around and jumping in circles because he told me I was acting like a young pup. The girls join in and we all dance around Mike encouraging him to finish. However, I bet very serious when he gives me the "Hike Hike" command and I race the other dogs back to the garage. You know who wins, don't you?

Please do not forget our troops. They are there for us and we need to be there for them

Take care

Rivers

Abby Update 9-15-06

2006-09-15T19:57:00.000-08:00

Hi Gang, Rivers here.

I received the following e-mail from Tammie who is the a volunteer with Northern Lights Sled Dog Rescue. Tammie receives her updates from Ann who is the "foster mom" for Abby. While her thanks are directed at Mike and I, you all deserve the thanks for helping and caring about these dogs.

Take care and thank you
Rivers

9-14-06: Abby's lenses somehow moved from her condition being neglected originally and are not where they should be. This is the cause of her blindness. She had extreme pressure from the glaucoma as well and her eyes were going to have to be removed. However, we have a great holistic person in the Chicago area named Michael Durkin and he was able to provide supplements that have reduced the pressure so significantly that there will probably be no need to remove her eyes. She will be blind, but the surgery appears to be a thing of the past at this time.

There is a lot to be said for Eastern medicine. He has reversed kidney failure on one of my Huskies and has helped a couple beat cancer as well. I have seen some pretty amazing cures that were not thought possible by traditional doctors and Abbey was one of the lucky ones. It is a shame that her lenses had shifted and that is what damaged the eye sight. Had it strictly been the glaucoma, she may have had a chance at a cure.

We have a very pretty and happy Abbey just waiting to find her forever home. I know there is a heart waiting for her somewhere.

Thank you two for your constant concern and support of rescue and the animals in need.
Blessings to both of you for caring.
Tammie
Northern Lights Sled Dog Rescue
Volunteer

Tyrone: Updated - 9-16-06

2006-09-15T19:51:00.000-08:00

Hi Gang, Rivers here.

These are e-mails from Bobbie of the Echo Dog White GSD Rescue and Dachshund Rescue.

9-16-06: At present Tyrone is going to the vet on Monday for shots and HW testing, if he is in condition, also to be neutered. And the vet will do some evaluation check him out. He will be there a few days then if we do not have a legitimate rescue, we will either board him or bring him to Michigan to Pamm's.

Thank you so much for posting his needs. Will update you in a few days when we know more. - Bobbie

9-15-06: We have someone pulling him and he will go to a vet nearby for evaluation shots and if he is able to be neutered. This will buy us a few days. Then we will either board him or he will go to Pamm's until we find the right place for him or rescue.
Thanks and I will keep you posted. - Bobbie

9-14-06: Thank you so much. This dog is going to be saved no matter what it takes. He is not going to be the only one left behind. My friend Pamm in Mi and I are working on him too but even if she is able to board him we do need a rescue. Thanks again - Bobbie

I want to bark "thank you" to those of you who got involved, and e-mailed us with support and ideas.

Take care

Rivers

Blind Dog Name Tyrone Needs Help

2006-09-15T19:44:00.000-08:00

Hi Gang, Rivers here

I just received an urgent e-mail from Julie Hoffman, Founder/Director, Northern Lights Sled Dog Rescue (they rescued Abby) about a blind husky in a shelter in Northern Ohio. Julie received her info from another rescue outfit.

If you want help, please contact July directly at KatyLied2@aol.com, or Bobby at baspi@buckeye-express.com. Bobby is part of Echo Dog White GSD Rescue and Dachshund Rescue

I am not sure what our group can or should do in matters such as these. Mike does not have the time to do rescues the way he feels they need to be done, so he is leaving it up to you. He asks that if you or someone you know in the Northerwestern Ohio area that might be able to help, please contact either Bobbie or Julie and see what needs to be done.

The dog is a male and is named Tyrone. He is in a shelter apparently part of a group of dogs that were confiscated due to neglect. The other dogs have been adopted out. Unofficial diagnosis is that he has 2 detached retinas. Again, this observation is from a non vet. But the dogs is blind; apparently not in any pain. The shelter warden thinks Tyrone is 5.. Apparently, Tyrone gets alone well with other dogs and is very is a very nice dog.

Please cross post and energize your personal networks. Any contacts to either Kathy or Bobby should reference the Rivers News group so that they understand your inquiry is legitimate.

Take care and thank you
Rivers

Rivers News 9-3-2006

2006-09-03T18:36:00.000-08:00

Hi gang Rivers here,

Well, the rain has returned but not before Mike got a chance to do many chores around our homestead. He has been off for the last few days. Mary and Mike have been working very hard to get the homestead ready for the winter. It has been a very cool and sometimes, wet summer. The fireweed is almost gone to seed, so winter could be just around the corner.

Now, according to local Indian lore, when the fireweed starts to go to seed, winter is very near. As I reported in my last newsletter, we have snow in the mountains. Mike was telling me that when he first came to Alaska in 1985, there was snow in the mountains by mid-August. However, since then, he told me, the snow comes to the mountains later and later each year. He was very surprised to see it early year.

Our friend Pat from Texas came to visit. Pat runs a travel agency and tour business for senior citizens. Pat has been a long time “Rivers fan” and this was the first time she was able to meet my kennel mates and me. From what the girls were barking to me, Pat took a bunch of pictures. I hope they all come out. Pat was up here to check out places and activities that she can promote for tours to Alaska and other places worldwide.

We found a really cool web site dealing with dog sledding. Now I am sure you have your own favorite mushing, dog racing and sled dog web sites, but check out http://www.sleddoggin.com/. I bet it will become one of your favorite sites. The site is called “Sled Doggin’” I am not sure if they have a guestbook or not, but if they do, tell them that Rivers sent you. Hey Ms. Tails, check out the dog sitter link!

Our good friend, the Georgia Sky Queen came to visit us and Mary took her to the fair. We will talk more about the fair later. It is always good to see our good friend Sky Queen. While she always brings treats for us, Mary told us that Sky Queen brings treats for Mike and Mary also. Besides great treats, Sky Queen gives us plenty of ear and tummy rubs. You know we enjoy that. Even Lakota will come out and visit with her, and you know that Lakota is not only shy, but also very selective whom he lets into his doghouse.

The fair. For those are you may not know it, Alaska has a state fair that normally runs the last two weeks of August and ends on Labor Day. There has been a bitter controversy this year because the school districts started school two weeks early. That means the kids cannot go to the fair until after school is out. Many of the kids have livestock, crafts, vegetable, and baked goods they exhibit as part of their adventures with 4 H and other programs of that nature. Another problem was that high school students usually work at the fair to make extra money. This year fair was only 11 days instead of the normal 14 to 17.

The weather has not been very nice, either it has been very rainy and cool. However, the day that Mike and Mary went to the fair, it was dry, but overcast. We really do not mind them going to the fair and leaving us in the kennel because Mike gives us special treats before they go.

When Mike came home from the fair, Icy (Christmas in our books) became very excite as she was stiff him. She barked that Mike had different smells on him. I went over and sniffed him and so did Lakota. We were not sure what Mike smelled like. He started to laugh and said that we must have smelled the goats, pigs, cows, steers, and chickens that he petted at the fair. Now considering that Mike is a city kid from New York City, he told me it is very excited seeing all the livestock.

One farmer told Mike that his cows give between 12 to 15 gallons of milk a day and the cows are very gentle. Mike did not know that. Mike asked the farmer if he sells all that milk. The farmer told Mike that the milk he does not sell becomes cheese and cheese curds. Now, I am not sure what cheese curds are. Mike said they are delicious. Mike told us about is a place at the fair where cheese curds are deep fat fried. Now I do not know if that is true because Mike never brings home any samples.

Sky got into little bit of trouble today. As I barked, it has been raining and Mike took Sky out with him in the front yard to check something. Now, Sky is normally very obedient and a smart dog, but today she saw a stray cat. Sky chased the down into our lower lot. Sky did not come back on Mike’s command. We all heard Mike call Sky many times, as we loafed nice and cozy in the garage. I have not been down in the lower for while, but Lakota has. He told me that the lower lot is overgrown with Devil’s Club, tall grass and many trees. The trees are full of leaves and some branches are crowding the trail. You cannot see too far. Since this is the power line trail, Mike does not do too much grooming down there. I know Mike went down to the lower lot after Sky, and I am sure he did not find her because of all the overgrowth.

I really do not think Sky realizes the dangers of stray cat chasing. As you know, cats will instinctively climb trees because they know dogs cannot climb trees. However, sky corned the cat and the cat decided to fight, Sky might have been in big trouble if the cat still had his front claws. Cats, with claws go for a dog eyes and nose. Nevertheless, all is well that ends well, and apparently Sky doubled back behind Mike and ended up on the upper lot, while Mike was still in the lower lot. Sky did not realize that Mike was a little upset with her for running off. She started to play hide and seek again with him. That is when I heard his voice go into that tone that we will know means, "and you are a very bad dog.” I am sure that once Sky heard that tone she made a mad dash to the kennel gate before Mike got there.

When Mike brought Sky into the garage, she received a good scolding, not only from Mike but also from a Momma Icy.

Because of Sky’s game playing, Mike did not finish the project he started in the front yard, so he took Lakota out with him. Now Lakota is one happy camper when he gets to go to the front yard. Lakota told me that he likes to run at Mike then darts a way at the last moment. Lakota barked to me that sometimes Mike chases him, running one-way and then the other way when he plays with Lakota.

I told Lakota that he is acting like a young dog and not the 13-year-old dog he is. Lakota replied, “Well you know, Rivers, I had that cancerous kidney removed and it made me think. I do not know when I will be crossing the Rainbow Bridge. I decided to live every day as if I will cross that bridge tomorrow.”

I had to think about what he was saying. The more I thought about it, the more I realize how right Lakota was. I am very happy that Lakota is feeling well and having so much fun playing with Mike. As you can tell, Lakota is doing great.

Mike is trying to put together a schedule of guest appearances, teacher conferences, and presentations for the winter months and through Iditarod time 2007. If you are interested, please contact Mike as soon as you can. When Mike and I visit, we enjoy showing our sled, telling stories, and talking about some of our mushing equipment. Make plays the “Blind Dog” game with the some of the students and of course enjoys autographing the books we at these events. Mike still works his day job and therefore needs to take vacation time to do this if you want us to visit during the week.

If you are store that sells all books, thank you very much, we really appreciate it. We are more than than happy to visit your store and promote our books. Again, if you are interested, please e-mail us privately. Of course, these visits can only be in Anchorage or the Mat-Su area.

Last year we had to refuse visits to several facilities due to scheduling conflicts because people waiting to last minute to see if we could make it. As I barked above, Mike, needs to plan out vacation time to do this and it is only fair that he gives his supervisor as much notice as possible for time off

Stormy has become very proficient on the computer and she found something that may interest you. It is clone of the Acrobat Reader program. If you use the Reader, you know it only allows you to read documents saved in the Acrobat format. What happens if this document is a form you have to fill it out and designer did not design it so you could just fill in the blocks? You have to download it, print it, and enter the information by paw. Stormy found this great software that is free and allows you to, not only opened and read Acrobat files, but also type into them if you need to fill them out.

The software is Foxit Reader and you can find it at http://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf/rd_intro.php. When you get a chance, please check it out. The freebie version allows you to type on to the document but not save the document with your typed changes. To do that, you have to buy the Pro version, which may be a good idea if you fill out many of these forms...

Now Mike did hear from Lt., excuse me, Captain Tony. He told Mike they are doing OK. They are doing their job and waiting to come home from Bagdad. Captain Tony told Mike that several of the people from his unit were already home or on airplanes to come home when the decision was made to extend their tour in Iraq. Some people had orders to go to other places in the United States. That meant they sold homes and started to get ready to move but those plans had to be changed because of the extension. Mike told me those kind decisions, while devastating to military families, is par for the course if you are in the military. Please do not forget out troops.

I forgot to bark that while Mary and Judy were at the fair, Mike was doing a book signing at the Saturday Market in Anchorage. Mike told me that he met Dr. Jim and Dr. Jane at the market. With them was a beautiful golden retriever dog. Dr. Jim told Mike that the dog (whose name Mike did not hear), takes Dr. Jim skiing, which is something like us taking Mike mushing. Mike told me that Dr. Jim and Dr. Jane are doing well. They just did a clinic in Fairbanks and did some work at the Alaska Zoo. They do some amazing stuff.

Well it is starting to rain again so I guess I might as well go back to one of my favorite pastimes, napping. Oh, I almost forgot. Many of you asked about the flooding that we had in the Valley. While it was devastating in many places, we are okay. Mike told me of some pictures he saw that some of his associates took of their damaged properties. It was unbelievable how much power those normally tranquil streams and rivers can generate once there is too much rain or snow melting in the mountains.

Here is a picture of Tundra (Tunny)

I had better go. I understand our buddy Keith is coming by.

Take care, Rivers

Rivers News 6/25/2006

2006-06-28T20:28:00.000-08:00

Hi gang, Rivers here.

We were all camped out in the garage with Mike and Mary enjoying lazy Sunday afternoon. We were watching “Due South”. Well, I was not watching, but I was listening when all of a sudden there was a loud boom of thunder and I heard Tundra bark. She told me that she was barking at a flash of lightning that hit very close to the house. I heard the rain and then hail fall from the sky.

I heard Mike put some rain gear on and then went outside to check. He took Lakota with him. When they returned, Lakota told us that they checked the property but there was no damage. There were no trees down or damage to Mary’s flowers. Even the corn in our garden survived the rain, hail and wind. Mike was making comment about watering the lawn this week. Guess he does not have to do that now after that cloudburst I heard we just had.

The girls never experienced anything like that before and they were sure yapping about it. That made it really hard for me to get my PM nap!

Since the Iditarod picnic was last Saturday, yesterday, many of our friends from outside Alaska were visiting. Our good friend Pat brought two of her friends, George and Mary with her and they, with our Mary, have been doing some sightseeing the last few days. While Pat has been to Alaska several times, George and Mary have not and our Mary has been playing tour guide.

They all went to the picnic but Mike did not. He had to work the Anchorage Saturday Market with his publisher. Mike told me he had a fun time in Anchorage and met a lot of nice people. Several that he meet had purchased our first book and were unaware of the second, or this newsletter, or the web site, or Blog. So they were very happy to find out all of that good info.

Our good friend Sky Queen from GA came a visiting and brought us some treats and Mike some Vidalia onions. I am not too high on onions but these smell super. Mary scrambled some of them into some eggs this morning and they sure smelled great. Nope, we had our pig ears and left the eggs to Mary and Mike.

Several of our friends dropped by our home on Friday PM and Mary fried up some halibut in the garage. Our good friend BEA came by with her friend and co-ITC comms volunteer, Andi. Keith dropped by to give us an update on his quest to run the 2008 Iditarod. Pat, Mary and George also came by. So did June P. and Donna Q.

Donna was very happy because she just closed a deal on some property up north. She gave Mike a book about grilling steak made me drool as Mike read some of the recipes to us. Unfortunately, Mike is not permitted to cook until he retires! I guess that is a deal he has with Mary. I think I heard them talking about Mike brings the bacon home and Mary cooks it! All of our friends spent some time in the garage with us and we had fun partying with them. Even Stormy, who is normally very shy, was letting Donna pet her and took some treats from her.

Speaking of Stormy, she had her own adventure last week. Mike and Mary made their annual trip to Seward and took Stormy with them. This was first time that Storm ever traveled so far with Mike and Mary. She had a big travel crate and pillow in the back of the truck so she could move around a bit and look out the windows.

Stormy told us that the weather was colder when they stopped for a potty break in Turnagain pass and it was rainy in Seward. Mike walked her up and down the harbor trail by the beach several times and she said there were all kinds of new and interesting smells there. Mike took her to the Japanese friendship pagoda where some of Aunt Sandy’s ashes are spread. Stormy said she felt the peacefulness of the spot. Even the birds sounded different, she said. She told us that there were seagulls screeching all over the place. Seagulls do not come by our home since we are not near the water.

On the way home they all stopped at a place called Portage and got some chow. Mike walked Stormy just around the lodge and ran into some steaming bear scat. That means there was a bear near by. Stormy told us she was a scared, but stayed on alert to warn Mike if she heard or smelled the bear close by. Good girl, doing what a Husky is suppose to do, take care of her musher. While she had a great time, she was glad to get home.

Mike got a chance to check out his new presentation at the Iditarod Teachers Conference last Friday. He has one that he does called “Young Writers Workshop” and another he does about sleds, dogs, mushing and how it is for me to be blind. He normally does that for the schools. Some times I go with him.

The new one is called, “Life with a Blind Dog”. Too bad I cannot see it, but BEA has and she told me that Mike did a good job talking to the teachers about how his life with me has changed not only his life but the lives of a lot of other people also. BEA said that the teachers really enjoyed it. I did not know Mike likes to talk about me. BEA told me that the presentation has a lot of great pictures of me. Hmm, maybe they will invite him back to next year to do the Spring and Summer Iditarod Teacher’s conferences.

Mike and I had a chance to talk about this and I was dumfounded that my story has helped so many people. I guess many people have told Mike that and he decided my story would make a great presentation that could help others. Gee, kind of humbling for a simple tail waggin’ country dog. Mike also mentioned that he was going to use one of the photos on the cover of Book 2 once we do a reprint. It seems that the covers of Book 1 and 2 are too similar and people don’t realize there are two different books. Another photo of me will be used on Book 3, which Mike hopes to finish and have out by August 2008. Yes, he realizes that it will be nearly 5 years between Book 2 and 3 but his work scheduled changed and he does not travel as much anymore, so he has little free time to write. Mike told me a little bit about what he has in mind for Book 3 and, well I guess you are going to have to wait for it just like me.

Wow did I bark a lot in this one! All of this barking makes me tired so once I eat some chow, it is naptime. Yes, the life of a retired racing sled dog, Eat, sleep bark and collect ear rubs!

Take care

Rivers

PS. Lakota says hi and is doing very well. He thanks all of your for the prayers and good wishes you sent his was after his operation and his bout with kidney cancer!

Rivers News 3-14-2006

2006-03-15T19:22:00.000-09:00

Hi Gang, Rivers Here,

We want to thank all of our friends that came by and gave us or sent us treats. A special thank to some of our Indianan friends, Jet, Roshi and Brew. Thanks gang!

Well as many of you know, Abraham the blind senior Husky in Indiana actually was an Abbey and Northern Lights Sled Dog Rescue took her for fostering into a home after her medical checkup. It looks like she may need to have the same operation I had to become Pain free. However, let us hope that Abbey is her way to a happy ending. Abbey’s picture is up at http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=5906765

Mike has contacted Northern Lights to obtain information about donations specifically for Abbey by other than PayPal. If you are interested in this information, please e-mail us privately.

The open house was super. I lost count of how many people stopped by. I had “ERO” (Ear Rub Overload) which probably accounts for why I lost track of who showed up.

Pennsylvania Pat and her crew stopped by with some Pet Angel tags for our collars. I hope the picture Mike took shows up well. Stormy says the dog image on the tag look a bit her Aunt Sandy.

Another friend has a great gizmo that Mike took a picture of. It is an eyeglass holder. Mike said it was pretty cool. Here is a picture of that plus some words from Karen. “Each Pin "LOCKS" the reading glasses or sunglasses in place when not in use so one never has to ask, "Now WHAT did I do with my glasses???". They all are guaranteed against breakage; which means, if the circle or portion that pins to the garment breaks or if any portion of the Pin itself breaks, the customer returns the main portion of the design to the company for a free replacement. It is inexpensive and has multiple uses, besides keeping track of glasses.” Contact Karen at salchlorhi@juno.com .

Here are some pictures of the cake that Mary purchased for the Open House. Lakota told me all about it and it made me drool.

At the get together, our friend Keith announced that he was considering running the 2008 Iditarod. He said that He would be working with Lynda Plettner. Way to go Keith.

Barking of running the Iditarod, I hope Keith reads Paul Ellering’s “Wrestling the Iditarod.” Mike told me that it is excellent book of one man’s insight as to how to make it to Nome behind a 16-dog team. Mike said he highly recommends the book for anyone looking for a good fast informative and entertaining read about what it takes to run this race. Mike does not read any other books except computer technical stuff while working on our books (yes he is working on Rivers Book 3). Therefore, for Mike to break his routine means that Paul’s book is something special. Check out Paul’s site at http://www.paulellering.com/ .

Sky Queen from GA came up for a full week and spent time with us. She always brings us treats and stuffed toys for Tundra and tennis balls for the rest of us. Icy (Christmas in our books) told me that Sky Queen gave Mary a nice a gardener’s bag and Mike the first 3 season of “Due South.” We started to what the show in the garage and they are cool. Well I did not watch but Stormy was doing great job of telling me what was on the TV.

There were so many visitors that I really lost count. I know they really enjoyed themselves as we did. Well, Lakota and I did, the girls stayed outside and barked at everyone. Too bad they have not learned not to bark at our friends. They sure missed a lot of great treats and ear rubs.

Take care

Rivers

Rivers News 2-18-06

2006-02-18T19:35:00.000-09:00

Hi Gang, Rivers here,

Well yesterday, Friday, had a cool adventure for me. One of my eye sockets was tearing a lot lately and Mike decided that I should go see Dr. Jim. So, Mike took what he calls a “Comfort Day” off from work and made an appointment for me to go yesterday. However, Mike was called for job interview yesterday so what should have been a fast run into town to see Dr. Jim, turned out to be an all-day event. Now, I really did not mind because I get to ride in the back of the truck in a nice comfortable travel crate, with a padded floor. Now, that is a lot better than riding in a dog truck to mushing sites.

Moreover, I am going to visit Dr. Jim. Since no one told the rest of the dogs what was happening, Lakota and girls were curious as to where I was going when we left.

It was a nice day to be outside, so I did not feel bad that my buddies were going to be in the kennel all day. Now, Sky and Stormy are having a bit of a problem. I am not too sure what is causing the problem, but Sky has been picking on Stormy. Stormy is smaller than Sky so she does not fare too well. Stormy may be causing some of it because she likes to play jump at us and sometimes that does not go over well. Therefore, since I was going to be gone all day, Mike put Stormy into my kennel, which I share with her anyway. The other dogs were in the bigger kennel

Well it turns out that I have a small ulcer in my eye cavity that was causing all of the tearing. So, Dr. Jim gave me a local anesthetic and cleaned up the eye cavity. He also gave Mike and Mary some medication for them to put onto the artificial eye to help heal. Now, if you have been keeping track of my adventures, you will know that after I had my eye surgery I gave Mike and Mary a lot of trouble when they try to get my eye medication in. Well, at that time I was in a strange place which people I did not know. I really was not sure what they were doing. But now, after living with them for nearly 5 years, I know that they are only trying to help me heal. When Mike told me to sit, I sat so he could open my eyelids very gently so Mary could squirt the medication in it. I did not fight with them. In fact, the medicine felt pretty darn good. You know, sometimes these humans are really good at taking great care of us pooches.

I hope you like the pictures. Mike told me there are pictures of us in the clinic and others taken outside by the trees. Well the tree shows had to wait until after the trees and I became “good friends.” Dr. Jane joined us and I believe that there is a picture of her with Dr. Jim and me.

After the picture session and when Dr. Jim finished with my eye cavity, Mike might put me back into the truck and I head him and Mary talk about going to McDonald's for lunch. That made me very excited because I know that when they go to McDonald's I get freedom fries (Mike refuses to call them French fries!). There is only one thing I like better than McDonald's fries. Do you know what that is? Hamburgers! Now I would bet you thought frankfurters or hot dogs. Well at one-time you would be right, but my tastes have “grown up” and I love hamburgers. So, when Mary said she was going to throw in a hamburger with my fries because I was really good at Dr. Jim's clinic, I got really excited.

Unfortunately, it was not in the cards for me to have fries and a hamburger. It seems that the McDonald's that Mike and Mary always went to when they lived in Anchorage was closed for remodeling. Bummer!!

Mike and Mary had one more stop to make before we headed back to our home. They made that and before long, we were back on the road. Unless there are other dogs traveling with me, I tend is take naps when I travel in the back of trucks. I mean I cannot look out the window, can I? Therefore, there is really nothing to interest me. If Lakota was with me, we would talk and trade trails stories. However, he was back in the kennel, loafing in his is big doghouse, watching the world go by.

When we got home, the girls were all questions about where I went, what I did and what I ate. I smiled and told them nothing! It was my day with Mike and Mary. I visited my good friend Dr. Jim and met his associate Dr. Jane. For your information, Dr. Jim, is the doctor that made be pain-free, the same Dr. Jim that makes cameo appearances in our books and Christmas stories.

Well, that is about it for my adventure yesterday. As for Mike's interview, he said he felt he did well. He gave it his best shot so only time will tell. He told me it is a job that he would really like to and felt he could do well. He also would be able to help many people. All that is good for all those people who would benefit from them hire Mike. What interested me was that he told me he would be 6 miles and 20 minutes closer to home. You know what that means? We would get 20 extra minutes of the ear rubs each day!

Outside of yesterday's adventure, it has been somewhat quiet around here at the Howlin’ Rivers Home. The temperatures are in the high 30s which means that there is no more snow or very little of it. It is still a bit icy on the trails. If there is no ice then there is mud, rocks and dirt, which means poor trail conditions. As of right now, nobody knows where the Iditarod will restart. From what Lakota told me, Wasilla looks like “break up.” If that is true and we do not get a lot of snow shortly, the restart may be in Willow.

We have not heard much from Lt. Tony and his team in Iraq. I know he is very busy and I do hope that you will continue to send all those in the war zone your prayers and best wishes. Please do not forget the cards and notes. They do wonders for our military personnel who are a way from home.

Something smells very good. Wait a minute, it is time for chow. Smells like Mary is cooking up something special for us tonight. Now I know you would not what me to miss my chow time, would ya?

Take care
Rivers

Rivers News 1-29-06

2006-01-29T15:46:00.000-09:00

Hi gang, Rivers here,

Well it has been bitter cold here at the Howlin’ Rivers home for the last week is so. Friday, we had another dusting of snow. However, it was that very fine stuff which blows away quickly.

Lakota is doing fine. Mike says he looks like he is gaining weight. He is actually getting some tummy fur back from what I understand. Mike and Mary do not keep him out too long because the bitter cold temperatures can give Lakota frostbite very quickly. He does not have enough tummy fur to protect him.

We received new collars this week and I here is a picture of Icy and one of me wearing them. The collars are blue with reflective material on them. Very classy from what I am told and very high quality. Mike ordered the collars from Howling Dog Alaska (Howling Dog Enterprises LLC). They web site is located at www.howlingdogalaska.com. Their e-mail address is jinolke@gci.net Jim and Ivana will be more than happy to answer your questions regarding their very nice merchandise.

The first thing I wish to “bark” at you about is an outstanding DVD about Karen Ramstead. As many of you know, Karen is a very seasoned musher and Iditarod veteran, who runs beautiful but very race competitive Siberian Huskies. I think Mike is including a picture of one of the Huskies named Grover who is featured on the DVD jacket. The DVD was produced by our good friend Donna Q who is a three-time Emmy winner for her camera work on various primetime TV shows. Of course, being blind, I do not get a chance to watch much TV. However, Lakota and the girls do and they tell me what is going on. From what Icy says, and she is our resident movie critic, this is one good DVD and if you are a collector of Iditarod goodies, you really need to add this to your collection. Please contact Donna at www.huskyproductions.net for more information about this great DVD. And while you are at it, how about checking out Karen’s web site at www.northwapiti.com.

A while back, I mentioned that Mike gave Mary a unique Christmas gift and that it is in the garage. Unfortunately, none of you who submitted guesses guessed correctly. It was brought to my attention that I never told you what the gift was. Mary spends a lot of time in the garage working on how various projects. She asked Mike for a TV for the garage so she could listen to the news and favorite shows while she works on her projects.

So Mike brought her a TV set, complete with a DVD player and VHS tape player. Now this is very cool because we spend time in the garage keeping Lakota’s company while he gets better from his surgery and run-in with cancer. And, since Mary likes our company, we get to watch TV with her! Well, I get to listen and the girls and Lakota get to watch, but they tell me everything.

You may all think that all of this TV watching and loafing in the garage is making us couch potato dogs and you are probably right. Lakota and I are retired, Icy does not mush at all, and her girls do not know what they want to be, even though they are inclined to be rabbit chasers for some reason. Well, Sky and Stormy are the rabbit chasers, Tundra prefers chasing tennis balls. However, to make sure that we will stay on track with our good husky heritage, Mary plays “Snow Dogs” quite often.

Needless to say, we are having a lot of fun with this and I am sure that once the warm weather comes and we go outside, our TV days will be suspended until next winter. Icy told me she has found a new calling in life. She wants to be a film critic. Icy asked me if she could do a move review about a movie she just watched with Mary. Sounds good to me but I must warn you that you will probably read reviews on "chick flicks

Okay Icy, it is all yours.

Hi. Mary received a great flick called "Must Love Dogs" as a Christmas present. It is a cute story about two middle-aged divorcees who are looking for new companions in life. There are several very good dog charactes that really make this flick a winner. Now I do not know anything about the dating game, you know we dogs do not date, but this film was very funny. There are a lot of ups and downs in it so it does not get boring. A good family story because it shows how family stick together. I give it a three paw rating. Take care to next time, Icy.

Rivers here again. Well there you go, you have Icy’s review of that movie. I guess I better warn you that when Caitlyn comes over Caitlyn selects movies for her and the dogs to watch in the garage also. So do not be surprised if Icy does a review of "Steward Little”

Please do not forget that if you are going to be in the area for the Iditarod, which starts in Anchorage on March 4, we are having an open house on Sunday, March 5 from 11 to 6 p.m. We asked that if you are going to visit us to please let us know so that we can send you directions and get an idea how many biscuits we need to get for our visitors and guests.

There has not been much news from Lt. Tony and his team in Iraq. As soon as we hear something, we will pass it on to you. Please keep your cards and notes going to those military personnel serving in the war zones. Your kindness means a lot to them.

Take care
Rivers

Rivers News 01-01-2006

2006-01-01T11:00:00.000-09:00

Hi Gang, Rivers here,

First of all, the gang and I want to wish you a very Happy New Year and sincerely hope that 2006 brings you all of the joy, love, prosperity, and happiness you truly deserve.

We celebrated a very quite New Year’s Eve watching “Northern Exposure” episodes with Mike and Mary, while begging for some of the pop corn they ate.

Mike and I traveled to ITC HQ to meet Tammy and her daughter Ally yesterday afternoon. We signed copies of our books for them and I “walked” Ally all over the parking lot. I heard her giggle so I guess she did not mind playing “lead dog”.

The Lakota update. Lakota asked me to thank you for all of the cards and e-mail he received wishing him a speedy recovery.

Mike told us that the lab result came back last Friday and the tumor was malignant. However, Lakota’s vet said that the lab result indicated it to be a very low grade cancer. He also said that the position of the tumor, as it was attached to the kidney, might have reduced the chance of it spreading. The chest x-ray was clear and the vet said he did not notice any other tumors in Lakota when they did the surgery. The vet wants Lakota to regain some of the weight he lost, then take a wait, and see attitude. He did mention that this type of cancer does not respond well to chemotherapy. Lakota weighted 87 pounds last March and was 72 when Mike took him in for surgery the Wednesday before Christmas. The tumor was 3 to 4 pounds. So Lakota probable weighed 68 pounds after surgery. Our goal is to get him to 75 -80 pounds.

Now Mike and Lakota talked about this, but I was not privilege to their conversation. What I do know is that Lakota has a great attitude, eating very well and is very active for a dog that just underwent kidney surgery 11 days ago. He is very playful and dances around the garage waiting for chow when he knows Mary is getting ready to feed us.

Lakota and I have not talked about this. I do know that those of you who have met him consider him a shy dog. However, I know he is a fighter and he told me he would overcome this challenge. I believe him. From what Lakota told me, he will have his stitches removed Tuesday Jan 3 and get a weight check. His normal yearly check up is in March so he will get another weight check then. Hopefully, there will be a weight gain. His fur should all be grown back in by August.

Moving on. Mike received an e-mail from Lt. Tony in Iraq. He asked Mike to pass on his heartfelt thanks to all of you. Lt Tony told Mike he received a package from the Comms Company that was filled with calling cards. There were so many that Lt Tony was able to give some to other needy soldiers that he knows but are not in his group. Lt Tony thinks that one of you, in the Rivers Group, arranged this. Well, who ever you are, you made a lot of soldiers’ tour of duty a bit easier. Thank you.

Time to go.

Take care

Rivers News 12-26-2005

2005-12-26T11:25:00.000-09:00

Hi Gang, Rivers here,

We sincerely hope that all of you had a nice Christmas. Ours was pretty much uneventful. Icy, her girls and I spend the better part of the day in the kennel loafing, while Lakota rested in the garage. The picture you see to the right was taken last year. The temperature was near 30 from what Stormy told me the thermometer in the kennel read. We had no snow.

Several of our friends stopped over for the Christmas gathering. Caitlyn and her mom, Karen, came Christmas Eve. Caitlyn was full of Christmas cheer or youthful energy by the way she bursting into the garage to give us all her “Christmas Kisses”.

June P, lead dog of the Idita-support group and our buddy Keith came by as well as Margie and her son Dan. Margie broke her ankle last week. Margie has her own dog lot and I am sure it will be a challenge for her to care for her dogs with a cast on her ankle.

Everyone left kind of early since Monday was a work day for many of our friends who visited us. Once the last car pulled out of the driveway, Mike came to the kennel and turned us free to run to the garage. Yes, I run to the garage also, then double back to get Mike. He lags behind cleaning up or walking with Lakota if he is out with Mike. Mike tells me he is just amazed how well I can find my way in the back yard.

The house was filled with the good smells of great chow and I will freely admit that I was drooling. We all checked on Lakota who told us he is feeling better and he did eat some food. Icy told me he is looking good and he came out to the kennel several times during the day to go to the bathroom. Since he has no fur on his tummy, he can only stay out for a few minutes. Icy told me that he is moving well.

Before we could settle down in the garage, Mary came out with our bowls full of good food. All I heard was the jiggling of our dog tags on the metal bowls as we shined the bowls clean. After a few tummy and ear rubs, we head back to the kennel for our after meal break. Lakota joined us for a few minutes but then headed back to the garage with Mike.

When we came back into garage, Mary gave us the presents that several of you send to us. Yummy!! Thank you. Mike was working on a few projects in the garage so we kept him company, getting in his way, and pestering him for ear and tummy rubs. Guess he does not mind since he stops what he is doing to give us the TLC we ask for.

To kind of shift runners here, our good friend Stan S, Iditarod 93 and 94 passed on this web site for the Alaska Blood Bank. They are holding a screening for Susan Butcher. There is a lot of good info on the site for you. It also provides links to Susan’s website and other sites related to bone marrow donation.
http://www.bloodbankofalaska.org/

Oh, before I forget, Thank you for your nice words about our Christmas Stories. We are very happy that you enjoyed them.

Mike is ready to take me for our walk so I must go.

Take care
Rivers
Http://home.gci.net/~sleddog

Rivers News 11-21-2005

2005-11-21T19:47:00.000-09:00

Hi Gang, Rivers here

Yes, we got some snow, not a lot, but enough for Caitlyn and Mary to make a snow person. We all watched them built it, well Stormy gave me the details. But the funny thing is that when we came out from eating chow, Sky would not stop barking at it. She thought it was a stranger in the yard. We all got a good chuckle out of that.

Mike told us that he had to go to a potluck at his office today. He said he had to bring something to eat for the office staff. Of course, we offered some biscuits and left over chews we had, but he decide to play a joke on them and bring something in called a Kennel Cake. He laughed a lot when he told us that no one would touch it until he had the first piece.

It has become a tradition at the Howlin' Rivers Home to give our friends a Christmas story. The 2000 story appeared in our first book, "Rivers, the Diary of a Blind Alaska Racing Sled Dog.” Before publishing the story, we sent the story to our friends.

The 2001 and 2002 Christmas Stories were sent to our friends before they were published in our second book, "Rivers, Through the Eyes of a Blind Dog”.

Unfortunately, once the books are published, Mike does not freely release the stories via e-mail.

The 2003 Christmas Story was sent out after Book 2 was published. The 2004 Christmas Story is a bit different. And the 2005 Christmas Story is ready for anyone who e-mails us for it. The stories are placed or embedded into the text of the e-mail so you do not need any special programs to open them. Sorry, we can not mail them to you. So if you would like the new 2005 Christmas Story or the 2003 or 2004, just e-mail us.

If you are in Anchorage this Friday, Saturday, or Sunday (Nov 25, 26 and 27), consider visiting the Anchorage Museum for their annual Read Alaska affair. There will be many authors and crafts tables there for to browse. Yep, Mike will be there.

He will also be at Fireside Books in Palmer on Saturday Dec 3 for 11:30 to 1:30. I am not sure if I am going with him.

We hope you all have a great Thanksgiving. We are all thankful that we have friends like you. Our prayers and best wishes go out to the families who are not together during this holiday season. And of course, we keep the men and women in the military in our thoughts.

Take care

Rivers

Rivers News 11-02-05

2005-11-02T19:05:00.000-09:00

Hi Gang, Rivers here,

Well we got a new dog truck. A custom 12 hole model! It is a Fetrow and I have included a picture of it at the end of this e-mail.

Yesterday morning, Mary had some visitors just after day break. We heard them come up from the lower lot. Lakota told me it was a mama moose and her 2 babies. This mama moose has been here before. Sky told me that she noticed that the last of the cabbage that was not harvested and some carrots were missing from the veggie patch. Lakota told me that he saw some very big hove prints in the dirt when Mike and Lakota went walking over there last weekend. Icy told me that when Mike walked her in the lower lot, she saw a press down area where the moose may have rested.

I guess our barking alerted Mary who had time to get these great pictures of the mama moose and her babies. How do know they are great pictures, since I am blind? Well Tunny and Stormy told me so.
Since we know this mama moose, we stopped barking. She is like family and she most likely will stay in the area since she knows it is safe here on our lot. I notice the rabbits have not been around lately. I wonder if Mike made a deal with the Moose to scare them off!.

Fool you!! This is our new dog truck. Yep it is a toy truck and was made by our good buddy Les Fetrow. Les does the craft shows that Mike and Mary do. So he made Mike this dog truck last year. Les told Mike that these dog trucks really sell very well. Mary gave Les a small toy dog sled to mount to one of the trucks.

Notice the sign on the side doors of the truck? It says Rivers Books. Well Natalie’s Grandmother, Lynette, hand painted the sign on the truck. Lynette also made some beautiful wooded stocking tree ornaments with our names on them for our Christmas tree. She does these nifty craft things and I think sells them at the craft shows.

Nope I cannot go to the craft shows because they have hot dogs and you know how I am with hot dogs

You ask who Natalie is. Well she is the young lady who waited 2years to receive a copy of our books and she finally received them last Saturday!

It sure has become cold here lately. Mike told me that the weather forecaster on the TV said that we are getting January temps in November. Hmm, kind of cold to snow also and the nights have been very clear. At this rate, I wonder if we will get March’s temperatures in Janurary and then May’s temperatures in March!

Time for this puppy to take a nap.

Take care,

Rivers

Rivers News 10-18-2005

2005-10-18T11:06:00.000-08:00

Hi Gang, Rivers here,

According to my “eyes” Stormy and Lakota the snow has come pretty far down the mountain sides. We had frost on our doghouses over the weekend and a thin layer of ice was in our water bowls. The wind has been howling, (but not as pretty as Lakota howls), for the past few days.

Sunday Mike got us up early and herded us to the garage. I was wondering why but then heard a big truck pull up into the drive way and a buzzing sound started right after that. A few hours later, Mike let us out of the garage and told us to go to the kennel.

When we got there, Sky told me that the huge dead trees that were threaten to come down in our kennel were gone! She was telling me that the view down to the lower lot is really nice now that those monster trees were gone.

Since Sunday was a very nice day, Mike and Mary worked in the yard. Mike was cutting up the trees into smaller pieces to be used in a friend’s wood burning stove. The friend uses wood to heat her home. Mary was fussing with our doghouses putting more fresh straw into them.

Mike received an e-mail from our friend Tony F and his troops from Alaska that are in Iraq. This is what he had to say. Mike wanted to share it with you.

"Thanks for all of the support from you guys and from the letter writers. Everyone that has sent something to my troops and me WILL receive a thank you letter from me and from the other soldiers as well, I will write them myself! Thank you so much for what you and they are doing, it really makes a soldier's day to see someone that cares about them in such a great way! Thanks!”

But Tony also told Mike that 3 of his troops receive no mail at all. Here are their names and address. I know you will take a bit out of this problem and send a card or two.

SGT Evan Morrow
SFC Christopher Gomez
1LT Anthony Towne

The address to use is
HHC 4-23 IN REGT
172 SBCT
APO AE 09319

My good friend Julia P mentioned that the post office has a special rate for mailing packages to the troops. I have not checked that out yet. Mike suggests that before you send anything to our military personnel overseas ask them what they really need. While the following web address go to the US War Dog Association, who also send s “care packages” to the war dogs and their handlers, they have a great list of items that the troops have requested. http://uswardogs.org/id40.html

Mike’s long time buddy Frankie (I think they served together in the USAF.) has a nephew going to Iraq later this year. While Frankie does not have a firm address for his nephew, Frank did send Mike this web address as another source to write to the troops overseas. http://anysoldier.com/

To change the subject a bit, the following Web address comes from Microsoft and contains some good info on taking a bite out of spam and using the BCC address line. http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA012309041033.aspx

Mark you calendars! There will be a huge holiday bazaar at Raven Hall on the State Fairgrounds in Palmer on 29 and 30 October from 10 to 5. While there is a $1 admission charge, they have some great door prizes. Come visit Mike and Mary there and see the “Husky Pillows”. Also, Mike and Mary will be at the Elmendorf Main Exchange from Noon to 2Pm on Saturday November 12 and again on Saturday December 17, 2005.

BTW, today October 18, 2005 is Alaska Day!!

Well time for me to get some chores done. Gee, even in retirement there are chores to be done.

Take care

Rivers

Rivers News 08-28-05

2005-08-28T18:31:00.000-08:00

Hi gang, Rivers here,

Well Mike has been home for the last few days and he has been very busy. He built 3 new doghouses for Sky, Tundra, and Stormy. Mike has to finish some trim work on them and Mary will stain or paint them later this week. Here is a picture of the one Mike built me last year. The girls got to sleep in their new houses last night after Mike put straw in them. They told me that they are much bigger than their old homes and super comfortable.

Mike also changed around the sleeping arrangements. For those that have visited the Howlin’ Rivers Home, you knew that we have 3 small kennels inside the bigger main kennel. These were the original kennels before Mike enclosed the back yard to make a bigger kennel for us.

Lakota normally has the smallest of the 3 kennels to himself. However, Stormy, Sky, and Tundra started picking on each other, with Stormy, the smallest of the 3, but probably the instigator, receiving the short end of the stick from her sisters. So, Mike put Stormy into Lakota’s kennel. Lakota really did not mind even though the kennel was too small for two good size dogs.

The new arrangement puts Stormy in with me and moves Icy (Christmas in our books) in with Tundra and Sky. Sky is very close to her Momma Icy and Tundra is a real laid back dog unless she sees a tennis ball. Stormy acts as my “eyes”. And Lakota is happy since he gets to prowl the big kennel at night (shrew alert!), and does not have to worry about Stormy following him.

Apparently Mike has some other projects going on while he is on vacation. He has kept us out of the garage most of the day. Usually we go in there sometime before chow time to check out the tennis balls that are in there.

When he did let us in, Lakota told me that part of the garage was painted and a lot of things were moved around. Lakota told met that the garage was so bright with only part of it painted that I would need sun glasses!! You have to wonder about Lakota’s sense of humor sometimes. Icy told me that it looks a lot better, that was after she got use to where Mike had moved things.
Today, Mike let us in again and he had the garage rearranged differently than yesterday. It seems that he has to paint the garage in sections since there is so much stuff in there (most of it is ours, naw, only kidding!). What a way to spend you time off.

There is a bit of chill in the air as the fireweed turns white, a true sign of a change of season. Icy told me that there is no “Termination Dust” yet in the mountains. But it is only a matter of time till snow season, which means the holidays!

Speaking of the holidays, we have a special friend who probably will not be home for the holidays this year. Stan Smith is a great friend of Mike and me for that matter. Stan’s son Paul is deployed to Iraq. He just returned from Afghanistan last year and I think he recently spend some time in Korea. Stan asked me to post Paul’s address in Iraq. Stan asked me to post Paul’s address in Iraq.
Paul Smith
UNIT # 931003/TFTA
APO AE 09391

While Paul has a great family support unit, many of his buddies do not. If you would like to write to one of our heroes who may not make it home for the holidays, drop a note to Paul and he will pass it on.

Mike told me that several of our friends are being deployed to the war zone and once Mike gets their addresses, we will pass them on to you.

I have been very bad at writing this summer and missed telling you that our good friend Wiggy’s, opened a store in Anchorage, Alaska. Wiggy’s makes some of the best outdoor gear in the world. Their dog beds are super also! Mike replaced the inserts of his Pac boots with Wiggy’s Sun Walkers and said his toes were never so toasty no matter how cold it got. Mike likes Wiggy’s products because the gear is designed and tested by the people who use it, in the conditions it was designed for.

The store is located at 8225 old Seward HWY, suite A. Marc Taylor, a renowned author on hunting is the on site Wiggy’s representative. I believe his number is 677-1365. Tell him that Rivers sent you. Who knows, I may get invited to do a guest appearance!

Now for you that do not live in the Anchorage area, you can check out Wiggy’s using the link from my web site or http://www.wiggys.com/index.cfm?aff=35739.

It is getting close to chow time, which has become an adventure since Mike is preparing our supper.

Take care

Rivers

Rivers Updates 8-8-05

2005-08-08T19:18:00.000-08:00

Well if you are going to mess up, then mess up good I say, and I did just that this weekend. I guess the success of the Blog went to my head and I got a bit careless.

First I sent you an E-mail for the Military tribute and forgot the dot before the com. Okay, that was not too bad. Then in my wild canine enthusiasm, I got my Rosemary's really mixed up. The tribute came from Rosemary D. who lives in Anchorage and has two beautiful show dogs that she showed at the big dog show at Raven Hall . I seldom get mail from her, she normally routes her stuff to Mary. I gave the credit to Rosemary P. who lives in NYC and is a real live teacher. Rosemary P. emails me often. So Mea Culpa on that mess up. (Sure dogs speak Latin). Bark is the foundation of Latin which is the foundation of most Western languages!! That is why dogs can communicate with each other no matter where they live. Bark has no boundaries!

The biggie came when I answered Edna's E-mail and instead of cc: Rivers Mom, I cc: Rivers Newsletter. Guess the BRS (Bark Recognition Software got a bit confused. And from the feedback, so did a lot of you. Probably added some adventure to your Monday morning!

I know, I owe you a big long newsletter about the new driveway and all of the visitors we had since the Iditarod picnic. Hopefully this weekend. OOOPs maybe not. Mike and Mary along with Caitlyn are doing the Summer Market at Raven Hall, located on the State Fair grounds. Gee, I guess they must need a lot of help since they asked Caitlyn to help out. She helped out at the Young Writers' Workshop and did a very good job. Not bad for a 6 year old.

Me, I am going to loaf. Remember I am retired and have learned to exchange ear rubs and tummy rubs for good chow, a nice doghouse and plenty of TLC.

See ya

Rivers
Http://home.gci.net/~sleddog

Rivers News 8-5-05 Blogging

2005-08-05T19:30:00.000-08:00

Hi Gang, Rivers here,

Many of you have asked for a picture of us, so I figured that I would try out this Blog thingy and see if it will work to put our newsletters out. Apparently, you click on the web site from the e-mail I send you and then your Internet Browser opens up the Blog with the picture.

So here is a picture of Mike, Mary, Icy (Christmas in our books) and yours truly taken at Iditarod 2005 time by June P and Donna Q.

You may get this twice since I am sending it out by G-Mail. It seems that a while back, our internet provider was accused of spamming and some of the e-mail addresses on our list blocked us. I don't blame them, but if someone does not want the newsletter and they let us know, Mike removes them immediately from the list.

So let us know what you think of Rivers' first Blog!!

A big thanks to BEA for the technical assist.

See ya

Rivers

E-Mail. rivers@rogershsa.com