so don't try and treat them as such!

Sparked by a recent discussion  with  my cousin and rescued husky Djoobie.

Pack and prey drives are high. This includes in my case with Dysis, pure pred Siberian husky and Nanuq, husky lab cross, companionship of their people and other canines,wandering through out the neigborhood if a gate left open and  chasing any small thing that moves from squirrels, rabbits, birds, mice, sik-siks

The following article elaborates abit more......http://www.canismajor.com/dog/drives.html

The concept is simple--dogs have different personalities and therefore different learning styles, and techniques that work with one may not work with another. Thus some dogs obey with almost whispered commands, and others need firm words and stern expressions. Some dogs panic at quick movements and others stand their ground. Some dogs need wide space and others are not happy unless leaning against the master's leg.

Drives defined

The four drives outlined by Volhard include prey, pack, fight, and flight reactions.

The prey drive includes those behaviors that highlight hunting and foraging behaviors. Dogs that hunt and kill their toys (or objects of clothing, pillows, etc.), chase anything that moves, steal food, stalk the cat, and pounce on toys or other animals are probably high in prey drive.

The Pack drive involves a dog's affinity for humans or other dogs. A dog with a high pack drive cannot get enough of people; he barks or cries when left alone, solicits play and petting, likes to touch, enjoys grooming, and loves the sound of his master's voice.

The Fight drive is defensive and indicates a dog's self-confidence in stressful situations. A dog with a strong fight-defense drive stands his ground, walks high on his toes, guards his territory and his family, may guard his toys and food, tolerates petting and grooming but does not really enjoy these activities, enjoys tug-of-war, and seems ready to fight.

The Flight drive is also a defense drive and indicates a dog's lack of self-confidence. A dog with high flight drive is unsure in new situations and may hide behind his person, is stressed when separated from his person, crawls on his belly or urinates when reprimanded, and may bite when cornered.

Where does your dog fit? Take some time to read an offer any comments!

For those of you who want something different you might want to try the Daily Photo Challenge....link back to http://dailyphotos.xanga.com

The idea is to post a photo every day. It's an exercise. If possible, in January the theme shall be New Year, changes, everyday life seen differently or under a different "light", so there are room for experimentation.

Although I will not post daily here is my photo on this theme....taken in my front yard fire pit when I tried to get an outdoor winter fire going and enjoy an Alley Kat beer as well...thus the silver colored beer stein....like the contrasts of textures here.

Sunday afternoon with warmer weather and time with dogs I took off for a few hours to an outdoor winter festival called Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival, along 118th Avenue. Byzantine is part of Edmonton's citywide winter festival known as Winter Light. http://www.winterlight.ca

Both outdoor and indoor activities with a traditional French Canadian theme today. Cabane a Sucre, a springtime treat... Maple syrup boiled and poured on ice Wait 30 seconds and roll up your syrup on a stick. Note the voyager caps and sashes Log sawing contest Ice sculptures and Jam pot curling..pre cursors to modern Canadian sport Outdoor rink with skaters and preschooler who slips with a curler's broom

Dogs were petted often but tied up when I went for hot chocolat

and then watch the Mummers.. This  outdoor play was written in less than 5 days and had theme of a young man who wanted to be admitted to the knightly order. Use of simple props to create the television newscast

Inside there were French Canadian traditional folk dancers Tapshoes and catchy steps and Artisans market Wall art display included this foursome of violas..love the brightness and blues and purples.

Back outside to find dogs Roasting sausages and marshmellows over an open fire pit Sitting next to the firepit at the end of the afternoon.

Arctic Bay, a hamlet of just over 400, which is on the NW corner of Baffin Island and about 30 KMs from the old mine site of Nanasivik is one of my favorite places in the high Arctic. I had the privilege of two work stints there in 2006 and 2007 ( you can check out archived blog entries ) Many fond memories and friendships formed personally from my time there. 

The following news item was forwarded to me and as much as it means will not be able come on a casual basis, I am very, very pleased of this move....

Monday, January 04, 2010 – 6:30

CBC North Iqaluit Regional Radio English News

Newly hired social workers expected in the High Arctic early this year

Two newly hired social workers are expected in the High Arctic early this year. Quttiktuq MLA Ron Elliott raised the issue in the legislature back in March. He was concerned that Grise Fiord and Resolute Bay had no social workers. Then in the fall, the lone social worker in Arctic Bay transferred out of the community. That left the three High Arctic communities with no one – a situation Elliott says only makes problems worse.

“Without social workers in the community, it puts an extra stress on the social workers in other communities to try and work with, you know, families. They are working from a distance.”

The two new hires are expected to settle in Resolute Bay and Arctic Bay and also provide service to Grise Fiord. Elliott says both the social workers are from outside Nunavut. But he says they’ve been in contact with the communities to help understand some of the issues before they arrive.

First of all I am not  a birder, but do enjoy the outdoors & last year this time in Gjoa Haven counted about 5 ravens in the Christmas Backyard Bird Count http://www.audubon.org/cbc which runs from Dec 14 to Jan 5. 

Well weather prospects for Saturday were: Cloudy with 30 percent chance of flurries early in the morning. Clearing late in the morning. Wind becoming northwest 20 km/h gusting to 40 in the morning then light early in the afternoon. High minus 17. Wind chill minus 28 BRRR.

The major count in Edmonton was done on Dec. 20,  but this one was for Wabanum and Lake Isle. So with dogs, binoculars, packed lunch, X-C skis, extra mitts and boots ( but NO shovel, a mistake later realized ) headed west of the city about 60 kms to meet at noon at the Fallis General Store.

Given a map of the area which is acerages, small towns and cottage type country and the huge Wabanum coal and electrical plant, I headed off.

Two parks areas were suggested the first being . The trees were bending over in fresh snow on the roads It is a just a small summer camp site with spruce trees and  shore front access to Lake Isle marked by skidoo tracks. The dogs were very antzy to get out of the car and  firstly, chose a trail through the trees ...Snowy quiet, stopped every once in a while to listen for bird calls perhaps chickadees but nothing, Got out the camera and a few shots including this lovely snow covered hanging moss.

Headed back to the car and down onto the lake...the wind was up so much colder. With free open spaces, the dogs loved running romping and listening for mice and pouncing..  probably spent about an hour and a half here and these are my shots. Reeds and bull rushes along the shore. The sun came out and  just love these bull rushes, snow covered and bursting. Even took a few back to add to my  dried flower bouquets. Well lots of skidoos  and one couple looking at ice fishing who said had tons of chickadees at their bird feeder...my bird count: I did hear and see three ravens, who called and soared over the spruce tops, no doubt not pleased with the dogs.

The next stop after a brief lunch in the car was over to Seba Beach,,,had the map, looked from Sundance Road, When I was almost giving up saw my one magpie...so had to back track a few times but finally found Range Road 53. In this process did a turn around in a spot thought was well packed due to skiddo tracks. Well Bonnie I should have known better...how many times in Nunavut have I made the same mistake!!!! front wheels dug in and no shovel so ski pole and window scraper had to do ! What te'ed me off abit was one Trans Alta truck with 2 guys in it did stop but said no shovel or time to help push out. Oh well I did eventually rock it out.

One last ski and guess what flocks of  birds! Knew and could identify some chickadees but the others about 8 - 10 were too far away and call was whit wee. The camera battery was low but got this one shot...can you distinguish between dried leaves and birds?

Back to meet at the local hotel Wild Rose Cafe by 4:30 PM.

This group has been doing the count in this area for over 20 years & have this list of  A frequent or expected birds ( mallard, pine grosbeak, ruffled grouse ) B difficult birds to find ( Northern pin tail, Bohemian wax wing, sharp tailed grouse )  to C  ( snow goose, northern flicker, tundra swan) rarer sightings. ... Decided my birds might have been pine siskins, but did NOT count as not positive identification BUT among others saw 2 pileated woodpeckers, flock of snow buntings, northern strike, an owl and bald eagle....probably about 15-20 people participated.

Just a fun review of last year...

• Planted herbs basil, sage, rosemary and thyme as well as tomatoes
• Shared my cherries with others and exchanges for veggies or fruit
• Tried to make cherry liqueur
• Bought and used food dehydrator with fruit and veggies
• Made pie and cheese cake from fresh pumpkin
  
• Joint cooking and new recipes with salads, desserts, salmon, dinner guests and suppers on front porch
• Joined a new group Traditional Skills which morphed into OFRE, helped in picking apples and raspberries and preserving
• Picked pears in Edmonton
  
• Composted for most of the year
• Used cloth bags more often
• Used outdoor line to dry clothes
• Trimmed trees, cut grass, cleaned up holes and dog droppings, planted marigolds, tulips along front fence despite some one stealing the sunflower,
• Good live music: Attended Blues, Folk fest, Blue chair, the Haven both on own and with friends
• Sampling beer at Alley Kat with dogs
• Enjoyed our fires in front yard pit, with a beer and cooked on open grill
• Came back from north in early August still time to enjoy and work in yard
• Sold extra dog kennel
• Repainted trim and steps on decks, and front gate
• Cleaned and organized basement rooms before renters
• Worked with and paid for plumbers on back up value in basement, painted grey floor panels & sink
• Made my Christmas gifts of photo cards and plant clippings
• Upgraded my blog theme with new photos and theme and active in facebook
• Trip to Vancouver for daughter’s grad and triathlon, helped clean apartment stove fridge etc. drive things to bus depot and shared expenses
• Persisted with some of my counseling clients to help them to growth when I wondered

• Got my competency credits done with California conference and in on time

• In my work north the ability to quickly come up to speed into a new situation
• Swam in lake above the arctic circle with 70 lb lab named Koda
  

• Some other volunteer work at church, helped in church garden and at fringe shows
•  Actually caught  and cooked a codfish  and ate raw seal meat
• Learned to make a wall hanging and hosted a weekly sewing class
  
• Bought a new 10X canon camera and gave away my old one
• Bought a paper shredder, ipod, still in boxes
  
• For 3 months when no car so biked and  used ETS
• Swam in Mill Creek outdoor pool and biked there
• Got in better shape with consistent swimming,  dog walking, and biking
• Cross-country skied in minus 30oC
• Learned to do Inuit drum dancing  
• Tried yin yoga  despite my initial resistance
• Learned how to stem and crush Syrah grapes
• Organized Xmas luncheon for swimming group and lead writers group
• Made an acrylic blue and white painting at Raw Canvas with girls in Vancouver
• 
  
• Did my to do lists, journaling, and wall collages to keep myself on track and actually bought my new journal before March!