Pack #1

I thought you might like to meet some of my furry colleagues. So here is Part #1 of the series 'The Pack'.

Image 1: Let me introduce Leina, Flocke, Umiak, Bente, Nuuk; aptly named 'The Roncallis' due to their artistic features. These ladies are really adorable, sweet, playful, and only a little bit sassy at times. They shower their favorite trainer Eric with licks and feminine charm, and in return, he showers them with cuddles and treats... yes, these girls know how to work their charm ;) Bente (bottom left) is the undisputed alpha female and an excellent pack leader!

Image 2: This stuffed animal is Bams, called 'Teddy Bear' in Norwegian - fitting, right? Despite his cuddly appearance (his head feels like my bathrobe!!!), Bams is a fast runner and quite serious, he only semi-cool when it comes to cuddling.

Images 3 & 4: This is Bams' brother Törkel, called 'Cotton Ball' in Norwegian. Haha no, not really, but that would be equally fitting! Törkel is still very playful and keeps the kennel lively with his squeaky noises. And even though he pulls well - you just can't take him seriously. Believe me, there's barely anything cuter than seeing Törkel's short legs hop forward under his white, fur-covered butt. By the way, he and his siblings, who were all equally fluffy as puppies, were aptly named 'The Shearing Sheep' :D

Images 5 & 6: Meet our giant, Vaiban. Vaiban is the only half-Malamute here (father is Greenland Dog, mother is Malamute - she must have been a powerhouse! :D) and somehow, I still haven't figured out how he ended up here. Apparently, Björn was talked into taking him in, and of course, he couldn't say no ;) Malamutes are the sturdiest, most enduring, but also the slowest kind of sled dogs. That's why Vaiban only runs in the elderly team or goes on smaller trips with children. This giant is also super cuddly - and sometimes, he even throws you off :D

Images 7 & 8: Blue. Oh, my Blue. The other dogs must never find out, but - I'm a little bit in love with this dog ;) Blue also ended up here through many detours because, similar to Vaiban, he doesn't really fit in here. His previous owners gave him to a young Norwegian as a pack dog to accompany him on his hike from one end of Norway to the other. However, this role didn't suit him at all, so the hiker gave him away here on the way. Weird, what some people do - nobody can understand why you would just send away such a great dog. Despite all the differences, he has earned a solid place here, is fully integrated, and feels very comfortable. Blue is a true Alaskan Husky, super fast, super diligent, and super sweet. A very calm fellow who avoids trouble and loves to relax in the kennel with his buddy Pete or me :)