Basalt Tamaskan

16/07/2024

Happy 13th Birthday to the Flower Litter especially my boy and best friend Zephyr. We made it another year buddy and here is to living like the adventures won’t end anytime soon.

06/07/2024

Just relaxing in the yard and taking care of their dental health with some bully sticks.

01/07/2024

The Six Pack Summer 2024

11/06/2024

My 6 are definitely costing me more than 3,500 each this year 😅... So basically I have the equivalent of one human child without the tax write offs.

Who else uses dog math?!

#

17/05/2024

It has been the year of dental nightmares and never ending vet bills. Which is kinda pushing breeding plans off further.

Fahren broke her upper jaw back in January and had to be wired up and live in a cone, on soft food for the first 3 months of the year. Her jaw healed she got her wires out in mid March and it looks excellent to the untrained eye. Unfortunately I think her top left canine sustained to much damage and is likely dying and will need to be pulled. She has a appointment for a dental X-ray.

A year off of running and racing did nothing good for the girls or my wallet either. Both Graph and Pyrite picked up a new and bad habit with the lack of stimuli this last year and started pulling on crate doors despite their love of the crates as their space (issue has since been corrected). Both have damaged their top right canine. They have been seen by one of their vets and I was referred to a dental specialist in Wisconsin to try and see if their teeth can be saved and be fixed.

My old boy Zephyr has a appointment to have a tooth pulled too. I am telling you the year of dental here. Thankfully Noque and Vespers teeth are excellent.

What does this mean for us you ask? Well to race this fall and winter sponsorships will be a must. I have started to make some connections but also I know the economy is rough. Would Tshirts/sweatshirts be a interest? It’s been a while since I made team logo apparel. We are not a big team doing huge things just trying to raise the bar of care, educating and proving this breed has a place.

17/05/2024

Mushers and outdoor enthusiasts that have been on a hunt for a good winter parka. These are made by mushers and tested by mushers in some of the most extreme temperatures and weather in the world (like Iditarod). They are also a U.P. based business… So if your looking to support a local business and want some top quality gear I highly recommend them. This is a outstanding deal to jump on but also they do custom color combos at full price.

The Economy sucks and grocery prices are getting every one down! So let's Spring into Summer with our biggest and most crazy sale ever! $275 for all in-stock parkas! Message for what we have. Now to the 1st of June.

12/05/2024

Happy Mother’s Day to all two and four legged momma’s out there. Here is a throw back to Fahren’s first Mother’s Day in 2019.

10/05/2024

Happy 5th Birthday to my Great Lakes Litter (Fahren x Rocket)!

Basalt Lake Superior (Graphite)
Basalt Great Lakes Basin (Odin)
Basalt Lake Michigan (Drogon)
Basalt Lake Huron (Pyrite)
Basalt Lake Erie (Ayka)
Basalt Straits of Mackinac (Matías)
Basalt Lake Ontario (Andraste) 🌈

09/05/2024

Well I guess Vesper was the last puppy I ever import. This will do great harm to many of breed bloodlines especially of the rarer smaller population breeds. It would of been better to just prevent rescues from importing like Canada did instead of across the board rules like this.

This is brought to you by the ”adopt don’t shop” movement. This will not hinder retail rescues that gets donations to import dogs but it will hurt individuals for breed preservation which is a very expensive hobby to do right. This will make it so we can not race in Canada this makes it almost impossible for us to ever be able to go to Alaska as a team.

Starting on August 1, all dogs entering the U.S. (including those that left the U.S. and are returning, and regardless of the country they are coming from) must be:
• healthy upon arrival
• at least 6 months of age
• microchipped
• accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form receipt and required vaccination and veterinary documents.

Additional requirements may apply depending on where the dog has been in the last 6 months and whether or not the dog was vaccinated in the United States.

Use CDC’s Q&A tool (the CDC “DogBot”) to determine what rules apply to your dog: https://bit.ly/2rww2bq

05/05/2024

If your not sick of our posts about the entrance into the 4 Dog Rig class. There were some very talented photographers that captured our team on the trail. Go take a look at Emily Ferran’s and Timmersion Media’s captures.

(Our photos in this album are in the six dog class tab not the four dog):
https://emilyferransphotography.pixieset.com/suckerrivermudbathracesaturday/

This Album is just my team:
https://shop.timmersionmedia.com/gallery/SuckerRiver04272024/album/17460003

I want to buy them all 😭.

Photo collection by Emily Ferrans Photography

03/05/2024

I am sure I will have photos from the the photographers on the trail down the line but here is the break down from the Sucker River Mud Bath Dryland Race that took place in Grand Marais Michigan on April 27th and 28th.

I was not intending to race this past weekend but we got a very generous offer to sponsor us and I couldn’t turn it down when I know racing this fall may fincially be out or reach. So we registered for 4- Dog Rig. My dogs have not done any training or racing for well over a year and Vesper had only been in harness 2 times prior to this race so we went into this race without expectations. I wanted it to be a positive experience for Vespers first race and I wanted to get comfortable on this super light weight racing rig.

It was a success! Vesper understood the assignment and had a blast and I was far more comfortable on the rig than I have been on my bike the last 8 years of bikejoring. My answer is subject to change if I run the girls after they put some muscle back on and depending on the trail.
Day 1: Mushometer pinged my top speed at 20MPH and the race stats said I averaged 10.8MPH. The trail was wet and it almost didn’t stop raining all day. I thought this kept this pretty sandy trail a bit more packed down and I didn’t feel like I was pulled in the ruts around corners. The big mistake was to not wear safety glasses and I had lots of sand kicked up into my eyes. I defiently used my brakes a bit too much.

We were graciously allowed to stay with the Michigan Tech Mush Club at their VRBO for the night and it was nice to see the next generation of young adults so enthusiastic about the sport and dedicated to the job of timing for all the weekend races. They worked through their dinner and until the wee hours of the morning getting time sheets done and in fasion that were fool proof to read. So dedicated!

Day 2: Mushometer pinged my top speed at 22.5MPH and the race stats said I averaged 11.6MPH The trail was a lot drier and I thought looser. I had to help them up the big sand hill by running behind the rig and I was choosing lines a bit more carefully so we didn’t bog down and loose momentum. Ultimately our time was 40 seconds faster so maybe the trail was better and I was more confident and in the moment to actually realize some of the nuances of the trail compared to my first run on Saturday.

We took 2nd in the Sportman class when I went into it expecting 4th out of 4 knowing how fast the other that were registered were. I was pleasantly surprised. My GPS mapped the course at 1.8 miles. So our course total for the 3.6 miles over the two days was 19 minutes, 16 seconds.

If we can swing it finically I would like to run the 4- Dog Rig Race circuit this fall in hopes of getting on the sled to race. The Madmax truck is long past her life expectancy and her reliability wanes day by day so unsure how much of a gamble I want to put in having her to take me to races outside of my tow range. We have all summer to figure out if I want to put more money into keeping her going and if a dryland and sled dog racing season is feasible.

Thank you Brian Juckette of Juckette Racing for putting on such a great race, we hope to be back next year.

02/05/2024

We are now a 4-Dog Rig Team for Dryland Season. We took 2nd place in the 4-Dog Sportmans Class. We may be completely untrained for this but my main goal was to have a safe run for my first rig race and to make it a positive experience for Vespers first race and only 3rd and 4th time in harness. Another post and photos to come.

09/04/2024

Larry Molloy’s Photography was shared so I thought I would share the last photo’s of Zephyr competing in weightpull and give a update on the dog that started it all here at Basalt. It’s a bit bitter sweet and a bummer his WPA title was out of reach but at just shy of 13 he told me he hurts and it’s not meant to be.

Yesterday he had his yearly vet appointment and his bloodwork was great. He didn’t complain about getting vaccines per usual. He will need to have a dental scheduled as he has a fractured tooth that will need to be extracted. His prostate was not enlarged on the ultrasound so that also provided peace of mind as he is still intact. He does have a UTI based on his urineanalysis that is now being treated. For his comfort though pricy I opted to give librela a try, if there is a improvement with no side effects we will continue to do those shots monthly. He will also get to start water treadmill therapy to prevent continued atrophy. I will do everything to keep him feeling good and comfortable so I am always looking to hear what is working for others to keep their older dogs in the best shape and as pain free as possible. The journey and story continues it’s just entering into a different season♥️.

31/03/2024

For almost 13 years all my dogs wins have been put in a tote with very little organization. Now that we own a house it was time to take them out organize them and display them. No more hiding away the dogs trophies, medals, rosettes, and flats they now have a wall and I am pretty happy how it turned out with the exception I think I need a bigger shelf for the sled dog racing and dryland racing trophies since many are just stacked against/overlapping each other. Next some team and win photos and maybe hang some race bibs?

How does everyone else display your dogs wins?

20/03/2024

There is a new dryland race in Upper Michigan for those looking for fun sports to try out with your dog(s)

Exciting times coming in April!

https://events.bytepro.net/suckerrivermudbath2024

16/03/2024

That’s a wrap on Iditarod #52

Ladies and Gentleman, the last musher has made it through the Finish Line for 52nd Running of The Last Great Race on Earth®! Congratulations to Rookie Iditarod musher, Jeff Reid, for crossing under the Burled Arch at 2:22 a.m. today, March 16, 2024, earning him the Lynden Inc. "Committed Through the Last Mile" Red Lantern Award! Your perseverance has paid off, Jeff!

Read Full Release ➡️ iditarod.com/jeff-reid-receives-the-lynden-red-lantern-award

13/03/2024

Well I have been glued to the stats for the last 9 days pretty much like every year, as mushers and teams race the 1000 miles across Alaska in the “Last Great Race”. I have a immense amount of respect and admiration for those that reach this level in this sport. To even get to the start line of this race, it takes dedication, sacrifice and a unbreakable bond with your team. The drive and mental fortitude to care and lead a team through a race like this while experiencing mental and physical exhaustion in some of the most extreme terrain and temperatures earth has to offer is a type of grit most people don’t have.

I was never so bold to say it was a goal I wanted as I am a bit to calculated to make a commitment without adequate experience to succeed. I would like to think in my younger years had I been given the opportunity I could of gotten to the start chute of this race and maybe even finished it. Being realistic I did not pick the breed of dog for this, the team of people to support this dream has never been there for me, and the sheer amount of wealth needed is way out of my ball park. So it’s just a fantasy/ fever dream I entertain for a few weeks after my own race season on the runners every year. That is certainly good enough and I am content with that.

A huge congratulations to Dallas Seavy Winning the Iditarod for the 6th time. He is the first musher in history to win it 6 times. Matt Hall took a impressive 2nd followed but Jessie Homes taking 3rd.

There are so many more amazing teams of dogs still running their race. We will continue to follow them all to the burl arch finish.

Ladies and Gentleman, your 2024 Iditarod Champion Dallas Seavey! Dallas crossed the Finish Line at 5:16 p.m. AKST with 10 dogs in harness, making history as the only person to win SIX Iditarods! Congratulations, Dallas, the Champion of the 52nd Running of The Last Great Race®!

Official Press Release ➡ iditarod.com/dallas-seavey-wins-the-52nd-running-of-the-last-great-race-on-earth

03/03/2024

It’s been an extremely trying season, but Copperdog did a excellent job making a lemon of a season into lemonade.  Graph and Pyrite competed in the Copper Drag Race with 23 other teams. We knew we would be out in the first round being paired against a sprint musher but the girls were extremely happy to run and we had a lot of fun. This weekend was much more of a vacation than any race and I enjoyed seeing and visiting with many faces I haven’t seen in a whole year. The dogs thoroughly enjoyed being in the race atmosphere again with so many other dogs and a almost never ending stream of hands to pet and love on them. I do hope next year Mother Nature is a little more cooperative and we can get back to racing.

Zephyr competed in two weight pulls on Saturday. I had hoped he could get two more Qs to finish up his WPA title but it was not meant to be. He was extremely amped to go for the first pull and easily pulled the 140lb but enthusiasm ran thin when asked to pull the 195lb. To get a Q he needed to pull at least 231lbs which is 3x his body weight. We tried again at the evening trial but again the 195lbs was more than he was willing to do. With his more than clear refusal and no chance left to complete his WPA title I decided in his best interest not to enter him for the Sunday Trial. I was a little slow to see or at least accept it, but in a few short months he will be 13 years old and though his mind is no less sharp, sassy or willing his body hurts and he has started to listen and slow down and I will follow his lead. We will not pursue weight pull together anymore.

Now to unpack, relax and then start to figure out and plan for next season.

27/02/2024

I will be drag racing Graph and Pyrite on Friday against 15 other teams up in Calumet and then we will take some more stabs at weightpull on Saturday and Sunday at CopperPull W3PO Trial.

If your in the area and want to meet the breed come find us at the CopperDog events.

Yesterday we posted about what would be going on Friday March 1st at the 2024 CopperDog. And so today we are posting about the happenings of SATURDAY March 2nd...

> 9:00am - 9:30am

CopperDog Weekend Opening Ceremony

Presenting the Colors - Houghton High School Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Colorguard

National Anthem - Nathan Jones, Calumet Theatre Director

Event Blessing - Larry Malloy, Bethany Lutheran Church of Keweenaw - Mohawk Pastor

2024 CopperDog Featured Artist - Jailyn Poshak, Washington Middle School Student

> 9:00am - 1:00pm

CopperPull Morning Match

> 9:00am - 6:00pm

CopperPull Street Vendors

Sundae in the park - Hot Cocoa / Breakfast Pasties (courtesy of Pasty Central) / French Toast Sticks / Bakery / Pizza Slices / Other Goods

Girl Scouts of the USA - Cookie Sales

> 10:00am - 2:00pm

Crafty Dog Vendor Fair - Copper Country #404 Elks Lodge

> 11:00am - 1:00pm

2024 Featured Artist Poster Signing - Copper World

> 2:00pm - 4:00pm

CopperDash Kids Race

> 5:00pm - 8:00pm

CopperPull Night Match

> 7:30pm - 9:30pm

“Iron Will” Movie - [PG] 1994 - FREE, Donations Appreciated - Calumet Theatre - “In the film, a teenager is thrust into adulthood when desperate family circumstances compel him to enter a lucrative yet dangerous cross-country sled dog race. It is based on the true story of the 1917 Red River to St. Paul Derby - a 522-mile-long event from Winnipeg, Manitoba to Saint Paul, Minnesota, as part of the St. Paul Winter Carnivale."

You can find the entire weekend schedule here; .

Main Street Calumet / Visit Keweenaw / Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce / Keweenaw National Historical Park / Michigan's Upper Peninsula / Pure Michigan / CD Kennels Malamutes & Rescues / Twin Cities Dog Powered Sports / World Wide Weight Pull Organization

22/02/2024

Monday I hooked the whole team up before the whole trail melted. It was Vesper’s first time hooked up. It was great to be back on the runners even for a short jaunt to accommodate my old boys and to take it easy for Vesper’s introduction.

Pyrite (4)- Graph (4)
Fahren (7) - Vesper (1.5)
Noque (11) - Zephyr (12)

03/01/2024

This was not a bad year to need to take the season off with the low to no snow where many of the race in the Midwest take place. I am really sorry to those mushers that have been putting a tremendous amount of time and training in for these races only for them to cancel.

**Updated list:**
-Gunflint Canceled
-Tahquamenon Canceled
-Beargrease Canceled
-Minnetonka Klondike Dog Derby Canceled
-Deer Park Derby Canceled
-Wolftracks Classic Canceled
-UP200/Midnight Run/Jackpine Canceled
-CopperDog Canceled
-CanAm Canceled

Best be doing Heikki Lunta Snow Dance to get more of a snow pack. We hope to see everyone in the Keweenaw for the CopperDog Races and weight Pull March 1-3, 2024.

23/12/2023

Look what arrived today! I got to kick it around the parking lot when I picked it up and it is crazy light weight and smooth. I don’t feel like I am reaching too far forward and am keeping my weight on my feet and center of gravity low. It feels good and once the snow and ice melts come spring the girls and I will take it out for a spin.

23/12/2023

Happy 11th Birthday to my boy Noque. My stoic observer taking my breath away since the beginning. My favorite canicross partner and the biggest lap dog. I know there are more years behind than ahead but definitely hard to wrap my head around that when he hasn’t shown the slightest inkling to slowing down.  I hope him and I are graced with many more years.

13/12/2023

Happy 7th Birthday to Fahren and her brothers from the horses litter. My first b*tch and the most challenging dog I have owned. The start to to my legacy of bred by working dogs in this breed, I hope to have many more years of being humbled and loved by this loyal, affectionate yet stubborn girl.

13/12/2023

Second dog team hit in less than a month and another three dogs lost their lives. Mushing friends be careful out there. RIP John Lennon, Buttercup and Solo.

“This snowmachine was in a group of riders that had passed us going both ways many, many times over the weekend prior to the incident,” Mike Parker wrote in a social media post.

07/12/2023

If you came in contact with Dixie the pet skunk it is wise to contact your doctor or your local health department asap.

Health Pet skunk may have exposed UP residents to rabies Public Radio 90, WNMU | By Nicole Walton Published December 7, 2023 at 11:13 AM EST Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email MARQUETTE, MI— A pet skunk who died of rabies may have exposed Upper Peninsula residents to the fatal disease.Marquette vete....

27/11/2023

If any of my dog friends use Myos and don’t get their texts or emails already. They are having 20% off (without the need to do subscriptions) until midnight. If you get the jumbo canister which you already basically get a 12.7oz contain free with the bulk deal you get a further 60$ off. Still expensive but a big savings over time.

This is one of my favorites supplements and one not to forget for those old dogs in your life.