Okay Puppies, I am sorry I have not been around blog land as much lately. I have been very busy plotting an exciting event – Hike N Howl 2007!

MaPaw has teamed up with Delaware Valley Siberian Husky Rescue and Harnessed to Hope Northern Breed Rescue to plan a hike as well as a slew of other activities that will support northern breed rescue. You may have already read about this event from other blogging dogs who are participating. You can help all of us by sponsoring any one of us. Since I am going to hike for all my homeless Husky friends, I began training last weekend. Here we are approaching the start line from the parking area. It is horribly hot here, so we all wore icy bandanas to keep us cool. Next to the parking area there is a big field with plenty of space for vendors of cool dog products, lots of other dog rescues, and awesome demonstrations like sled pulling and fur spinning.

Can you imagine yarn made of spun Magnum fur? Maybe I could crochet a sweater for Maximus until his fur returns. Anyway, the trail had a lot of interesting things to sniff. Mama and Papa seemed to enjoy looking at all the old buildings. I sniffed under the doors of some of them. Also, we saw squirrels, rabbits, birds, and deer, none of which we could chase for some reason. Here I am marking the trail so the hikers will be able to find their way.

I am so helpful. So, if you check the sidebar under MaPaw’s profile, you will see a button you can use to support me. Just below that button is a logo link to the hike’s website where you can find more information all about the activities planned for September 1st. As we approach the big day, that website will keep you all updated on the events schedule, the cool gear, and the companies supporting our efforts. By the way, there are some really awesome designs for shirts and other gear, so you should definitely check out the store. Even if you cannot make it to the hike, you can be there in spirit with your cool t-shirt. If you can make it that day, here is a sample of the cool sights you will see while helping homeless dogs.

Well, if walking here is this exciting on a regular day, imagine how fun it will be when the park is filled with Siberians and other rescued puppies. The park even has a water fountain just for us puppies!

So come join me in Norristown Farm Park on September 1st and do not forget to sponsor me in my effort to help Siberians in need.

Hi Puppies! Dawkin here! I am still hanging out at my recovery home even though I feel great. My foster parents here are super nice and they’ve been taking good care of me. They set up a temporary dog run for me so I couldn’t go bounding across the yard. I miss running, but at least I have enough space to enjoy the fresh air, sniff the grass, and lie down in the shade.

I also have my own entrance into my private clubhouse. They have other dogs living here that I can hear and smell, but I am not supposed to play with them while I’m recovering, so I have my own space.

Puppies, you would never believe who I spotted from my run. Jasper! Look at him running around the yard while I’m stuck in this pen. Clearly he’s recovered from his heartworm treatment. I suppose he’s out there having a good time with his brothers. I can’t wait to be done with all this recovering.I’ll let you know when I’m finally done and can return to Magnum’s house to run and play again. I bet I can really pounce on everyone there now that I will be able to see them.

Hi Puppies, Magnum here. Dawkin has developed a new pain – a pain in the butt of the foster parents trying to limit his activity! He is being a bouncy, energetic, noisy puppy who refuses to rest like he should. So, maybe you have been wondering which fosters are staying here now that Dawkin is in another foster home. Of course another foster dog jumped into the space Dawkin left behind. So let me introduce you all to Princess, my first all white foster dog.

Princess is a playful little girl who just wants to be with Mama and Papa all the time. Her previous people allowed Princess to travel the streets of Allentown alone. Clearly that was not very safe for her so MaPaw has promised her a family who will play with her and make sure she does not wander.Our camera has quit, but Papa managed to get these photos before Princess joined us here. She is a little confused about how to play with other puppies, but we are all being patient with her while she learns. Mama and Papa cannot take Princess anywhere without needing to stop for strangers who want to fawn over her, so we think she will find a loving family soon.

As you all know by now, MaPaw is a network of foster homes caring for dogs who are without families, but there are many dogs waiting in shelters who do not get the benefits of foster siblings, comfy couches, and weekend hiking adventures. In celebration of their 10,000th visitor, Gomer and Opie are donating money to some needy shelter animals to help them find loving families who can provide the comforts they are missing. They are donating 10 cents for every visitor to their blog through Friday. Once you are there, read about the other ways you can encourage Gomer and Opie’s mom to donate to some worthy no kill shelters. Way to go Gomer and Opie! What a wonderful way to celebrate!

Dawkin’s surgery was uncomplicated and he is resting comfortably. I have told him of all your good wishes and he sends big Siberian kisses to everyone.

Hi Puppies! Dawkin here to say goodbye for a while. I am off to have the surgery to fix my eyes. The University of Pennsylvania offered MaPaw a discount for my double cataract surgery with lens replacement.

They can rebuild my eyes. They have the technology. After surgery I will have bionic eyes that can see ultraviolet and infrared light. I will be able to see clearly for miles but still focus on something as small as a single cell. Of course like most Siberians, I will be able to look directly into your soul. Woooo. Okay, just kidding, but I have an excellent chance of having normal doggie vision, which will be a big improvement.For two weeks I will be staying with another foster family who is better able to restrict my activity during my recovery. They plan to restrict the activity of a one-year-old Siberian puppy! Wish them luck. Oh, wish me luck too.

I was very excited to see what Echo sent me. I had to guard my card from Magnum who was trying to eat it of course.

There was a big bag of Echo fur! I tried it on immediately. At first it wasn’t fitting right.

Then Magnum came to help me arrange it.

Here I am after we found the proper fit. I think it turned out pretty well, don’t you?