A Day in the Life of the Hansen Huskies

Well, we slept in yesterday. Which is a MIRACLE. Because Abner, Niko and Zailey like to wake me up at 7:15 sharp.

But we slept in til 8.

And I was grateful for the extra 45 minutes of sleep I got.

But can I really tell you what I'm grateful for?

I'm grateful that my grandmother sent me a HUGE bag of Starbuck's Blonde Roast (which is my FAVORITE roast). Because it is really the only reason I get out of bed at 7:15 to let the dogs outside for their morning play time in the 20-degree weather. To brew that delicious cup o' Joe!

Breakfast yesterday morning was hard-boiled eggs and rice. Sadly, I had just ran out of ham and turkey from our Christmas feast, so they had to go one meal without meat.

Here's what's great about a home-cooked diet: you really can feed them whatever is on hand. We are big on protein because they are Snow Dogs. They need lots of protein. So our outside fridge is stocked with 5 dozen eggs just in case we run out of meat. But I also want to fill their bellies with warmth. So, we have rice, potatoes, yams, beans and other winter foods that are designed to keep them full.

Waiting impatiently for breakfast.

Niko.
He always looks at me like I'm an idiot when I say,
"Niko, are you ready for breakfast?"

Yesterday morning, the pinto beans were defrosting and the yams were not cooked. So, they had a light breakfast and dined big on dinner.

But we'll get to dinner later...

The dogs spend the majority of their day playing, chasing cats along the fence line, teasing the lonely neighbor dog (who whines ALL DAY because they refuse to run the fence line with him) and napping. They usually do each for 15 minutes at a time.

Please excuse the dirty windows.
But here are the boys outside.
No, they do not want in.
They just like to watch me from the window while I work. 

Then begin again.

They have a great time begging me to let them in every 5 minutes as well. And then right back out again.

Afternoon snooze session.

Niko unhappy that the weather has been cold.
Yes, those are muddy pawprints on the tile.
Yes, I sweep and mop almost daily.
Three dogs means that my floors take a beating. Every. Day.

When evening comes around, its DINNERTIME. Since Kelly had the day off from work, they didn't run to the door when they heard his car like they normally do every day at 5:20. Instead, they stand in the kitchen and watch me while I cook.

Niko talking.
"Mom, I'm HUNGRY. Feed me NOW!"

Abner yawning.
He's over Niko's howling.

Yes, I make their food FRESH every day. Yes, it is time consuming. But I want to make sure that the food they are eating doesn't go bad and that it's good quality.

After dinner, it's back outside again until 11:30. Zailey usually comes in at 9:30 to go to bed. She curls up on the couch until I tell her to "go to bed", which means "Mom's going to bed so follow her and snuggle til Daddy comes to bed."

Evening cuddle session with Daddy while he works.
Yes, his room is a mess.
No, I don't care.
I just keep that door closed.

Then, she either sleeps on my legs or on the carpet right next to my side of the bed.

Right before I go to bed, I have to clean Abner's ruptured anal gland. Yes, it's gross. Yes, I refuse to talk too much about it. Let's just say he's a great sport and I do my best not to gag.

And that is a day in the life of the Hansen Huskies.

Or should I say the SPOILED life of the Hansen Huskies?

--Jessica