We did not build this snow man, but think it is a somewhat modernistic design
Kodiak considers himself quite the refined art critic. Let's see what he thinks.
Enough said.
The Thundering Herd
Category Archives: Kodiak
Class and Clowns
Kiska with her long flowing fur in the snow and wind.
Close up showing that wooly fur.
Always important to look good.
Hey, no pictures. A girl has to shake the snow off.
She is just thankful she is not hanging out with these clowns. How often is Rusty the normal one in this crew?
Telling Jokes
Did you hear the one about six Siberian Huskies in a Jeep Wrangler?
Oh, apparently Kodiak has heard this one before.
Thirsty Thursday
Water after a hike tastes so good.
Mine sharing some of that?
Get your own, Cheesewhiz!
The Hu-Dad always provides.
Sheesh! Pups!
Sweet Pictures
No real theme today except for some random pictures taken this past week – and all cute in their own way. Hope you enjoy!
Ruby of the Annex waiting in the back of her "ride" - Love the paw tuck
Sisters and #1 and #2 in the pack, Natasha and Kiska. Kiska is clearly the right "paw" of Queen Natasha the Evil. Princess Kiska the Not So Bad?
A second later - I like their head placement better, but Natasha's tongue is doing weird things.
We might have run Qannik and Cheoah to exhaustion.
We used to refer to Kodiak and Kiska as Boyfriend and Girlfriend they were so close, but it has been a long time since we have snapped a picture like this.
Cheoah Snow Slide Demonstration
We had a gorgeous day with a high of 48 F (9 C). That was a tremendous break from our weather of the past few weeks and even The Herd seemed to enjoy the weather. We took several walks during the day, but this particular walk was near sunset Saturday evening along the Blue Ridge Parkway. After walking a good ways, Cheoah decided she needed to savor snow in her own special way – the Cheoah Slide:
Cheoah spots the perfect spot for a slide
Sniffing to make sure that it is perfect.
You start with a chin slide to crush the snow into your collar.
Then you slide the side of your face to make sure the ears are filled with snow.
Then, of course, you go for the alternate side of the face. Equal treatment is important.
Ahhhhhhhh!
Kodiak inspecting the form very carefully (he is a novice snow slider).
No flash is being used. Those are just crazy eyes.
After a really good slide, it is important to savor the moment.
We have achieved Cheoah Zen.
Ok - about done.
Time to stroll off into the sunset.
Scanning the Horizon
Got a question for you.
Can you see the weekend from here?
Max’s World Tour Comes to Maggie Valley
Most of you already know our friend, Max of South Africa. Max has taken many of us dog bloggers on educational tours of his beautiful country. Knowing Max is ailing, we have invited him to share some of The Herd’s adventures today.
Max and Kiska enjoying a snowy walk
Max waiting with Cheoah for her rescue from the babygate trap.
Max spending time with Ruby at The Thundering Herd Annex
Max, Tartok and Ruby hanging out on the picket line in front of the Jeep
Max waiting on the picket line to go sled training with Rusty, Qannik and Natasha
Max and Rusty playing with balloons
Most of all, Max, we wanted you and your family to know that The Herd is thinking of you every day and wishing you the best. We would like to invite you to be an honorary member of The Herd:
Want to see where all Max has been in the last 24 hours? Here is the list (as we know it). If we left you out, please leave a comment and we will add your blog (we are updating as find them):
Clive – Assistance Dog for Autism
Romping and Rolling in the Rockies
P.S. – Happy Valentines, everyone!
Friday Evening Snow Walk
Pups, we have to tell you how hard things have been this week. Can you believe that we went 30 hours STRAIGHT without any winter weather warnings? Whatever is a Siberian supposed to do? But at least some more snow moved in Friday afternoon and we had a great walk Friday night. All was right with the world because it was snowing and, very importantly, we beat the snow plow. Here are some pictures from the walk:
Red Team - in a blur
Black and White Team
Kiska covered in the falling snow
Kiska telling everyone to hurry it up.
Qannik practicing his winter camouflage
Queen Natasha setting the pace
Kodiak and Cheoah waiting on Rusty to catch up
Rusty - Why does everyone want me to stay in step?
Because I like to march to my own drummer
Slushy Snow Day
We seem to be having a lot of this in the past couple of weeks, but it was another slushy, icy, snowy, rainy day here. We had a couple of inches of snow, mixed with some ice and sleet, and finally about 2 inches of rain during the course of the day – with a high temp of 35 F (1 C).
We were curious what those 2 inches of rain would have meant if it had been just a little colder. A “rule of thumb” (now why isn’t that called a “rule of paw”?) is that an inch of rain equals 10 inches of snow. But the reality is that that depends on the density of the snow (are we getting scientific or what?). According to the National Weather Service, an inch of rain could equal as little as 3 inches of wet, heavy snow or as much as 100 inches of dry powder. We think we lost out on 15 feet of snow today. Ok, probably not, but we sure wish we had had more snow than this steady cold rain.
But you know The Herd. We never miss our walk. That is the deal with the humans. Walk us everyday and we will not destroy the house. Maybe The Herd is good at the extortion racket, what do you think? Anyway, hope you enjoy our soggy, cold walk.
Red Team starting out on our walk. Do you think Rusty is happy?
Kiska fluffing her tail against the wind and rain.
Queen Natasha - Ever alert for critters underneath the snow's surface.
Coming back down our drive at the end of the walk, Kodiak executes a perfect "Cheoah slide" to maximize snow coverage.
Today’s forecast is for a few inches of fluffy snow. Let’s hope.
UPDATE – 7:34 a.m. – We just read Max’s of South Africa update. We know most of you are already checking in, but please go there right now and wish Max and his family the best. They have just received the news that none of us ever want to hear.
