Sydney Lilley

A few days before the ICKC Big Hair Classic, we were still practicing trots down our dirt road, trying to convince two young dogs that stacking meant standing still, and wondering exactly what we had gotten ourselves into. This would be our first dog show, our first time handling in the ring, and the first time either of our boys had been shown. There were plenty of nerves going into it, but mostly, we were excited to finally take that first step. By the time midnight rolled around, there...

Packing starts tonight, the dogs get groomed tomorrow, and we leave at midnight on Friday for New Jersey. Somehow, our first dog show has gone from something we were planning for to something I actually need to pack a bag for. Nike and Panda will be joining me at the ICKC Big Hair show, and between preparing two young dogs and figuring out an 80s themed outfit, there has been plenty to keep me occupied. I am excited. I am also nervous. The dogs, meanwhile, seem perfectly comfortable leaving...

There are moments with our Yakutian Laika when we wish we could share more than a photograph. A picture might capture their beauty or a stretch of trail beneath their feet, but it rarely tells the whole story. It cannot quite show the strength you feel on the other end of a harness, the familiar glance back to check where you are, or the affection that has made these dogs such a meaningful part of our family. We can describe their intelligence, their loyalty, and their impressive athletic...