The End of the Rivers' Newsletter

Hi gang, Mike here,

Icy (Christmas in the Rivers Books)

Mary walked Icy (Christmas in our books) across the Rainbow Bridge today. Icy was a good natured, loving and gentle dog. We were very blessed to be her human companions for over 10 years.

In light of Icy's passing, I have decided to shut down the Rivers' Newsletter. Our three remaining dogs, Sky, Tundra and Stormy are “Garage Dogs”, who have decided that napping in the garage is more appealing than running the trails. I really don't blame them. At my age, napping is much more appealing than running!

We continue to work on the new Rivers' book, titled “Rivers Book 4, Destiny”. We hope to have in published by September 2012. Once published and available for sale, we will post notice on Rivers' Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rivers-Books/138344872867257, as well as on our web site at www.riversbooks.com.

Rivers 4 will be the end of the series.

Rivers' Facebook page as well as the Book tour web site, http://www.booktour.com will always be updated to reflect the events that Mary and I will be vendors at. We hope to see you at those.

Thank you for all the years of your friendship.

See ya!

Mike

Rivers News March 10, 2011

Hi,

Sorry that I have not barked at you for a while, but I have been a bit under the weather, and Mike was in the hospital having his left knee replaced. After he came home, we had nothing but windy, very windy weather. While the sun was out, the winds did not make sunbathing enjoyable. Hopefully, with the Iditarod off, Spring will come, and the snow will melt, replaced by sweet tasting grass!

Mike has not received any names of military folks in the war zones that we can pass on to you for you to send cards and notes to them. Mike thinks all of his contacts are out of the loop now and the media's focus is not on the wars as it use to be. However, Mike's Church, St. Michael's has as “Project Soldier” going on right now. They are planning to send boxes of cards, notes, and goodies to our troops. If you want to send a card or note to a military person, just send it to

Solider Project

%Rivers Books

PO Box 876308

Wasilla, Alaska 899687-6308.

Mike will deliver them to the Church to be included in the packages going out. If you want to participate, please send your card(s) before March 23. The Church plans to send the boxes out by the end of March.

Well our good buddy Patty did it again. She presented us with a beautiful painting of Tundra. Really good and such detail!. You can actually see the “hook” in her ear as the result of a “cat fight” with one of her sisters many years ago.

As you can see, Patty is a very accomplished artist. She loves painting dogs. She did our paintings from our pictures of the dogs. Patty also sent us a picture of the painting of her daughter's Horse Dolly. Believe me, while Patty may love doing dog portraits, she is excellent at horses as well. Mike told me that he saw Patty's portfolio of other things she has painted, landscapes, flowers, etc and they are just great. Patty may be reached at pattyh@mtaonline.net.

Well, that is about it for now.

Take care,

Icy

Rivers News 2-09-2011

"Stormy" by P.Hally

Hi,
 
 Our good friend Patty has done it again. She completed paintings of Stormy and me. Wow, she is good.

The painting of Stormy is very detailed, especially since Stormy is mostly black in color. While I know she did not say anything to Sky (remember Sky got a big head after Patty did her painting), I bet she is very happy of the way that Patty captured her good looks.

"Icy" by P. Hally

I am very happy with my painting also. You may wonder why I look so said. That is my gimmick for getting more treats. If I look sad, I get more treats and people make a big fuss over me because people want to make make happy. Now Mike sees through this, but sometimes Mary doesn't. You see, I am the first dog she ever raised from puppy-hood so she considers me special. Nope, I am not going to argue with that or say no to any of the extra TLC, I get from her. Would you? 

Mike told me that my painting in the back room, on a chair waiting is to be framed., The other day, he walked quickly passed the room and stopped short. The painting is so lifelike that Mike  really thought I was in the room.

Well Valentine's Day is next Monday. So don't forget to get your Valentine something special.

We have a moose in the area so when Mike took me down the driveway to get the morning paper, I noticed it and hustled Mike back up to the house. I was not sure where it was since it was still dark. Usually the moose don't bother us, but if you can't see them then you don't know if you are between them and their offspring. Being between them could be dangerous. So, it is best to just leave the area the way you came in.

Don't forget that Fur Rondy starts in Anchorage on Feb 25th and the Iditarod take off from Anchorage on March 5th. With Mike in the hospital during that time for his knee replacement, I don't think he will be getting involved in any of the festivities. But I know Mary will be at the Iditarod taking pictures. So, if you see her laying in a snowbank pointing her camera at a dog team, stop and chat for a while. Don't forget that if you are in Anchorage during the Fur Rondy festivities, wear your Rondy pin or else the "Rondy Keystone Cops" will put you in "Jail"

Time to go.
See ya,
Icy

Rivers News 01-09-2011

Hi
We all hope you had a Merry Christmas and wish you a great New Year.

Well, our good fiend Patty H. displayed her artistic talents  when she painted this stunning picture of Sky from a photo that our buddy Kelly M. took several years ago. Mary liked it so much that she offered to buy it from Patty.  I hear that Patty may do a painting of me next. Of course, once Sky saw the painting, which Mike calls "Sky in Pastels", she got a big fat head over it and teased her twin sister Tunny and Stormy that she was better looking. The twins did not take too kindly to Sky's remark and well, Sky maybe cute, but she needs to back off saying things to her twin sisters who tend to stand up for each other. Know what I mean?

Anyway, No harm done. As you can see Patty is an exceptional artist. Rusty's restaurant in Palmer is displaying many of her works in their dining room. Please contact me privately if you wish to contact Patty regarding her works or if you wish the location of Rusty's restaurant.

Finally it is here, a training Video humans on selecting dogs form the animal shelter. This is a must see even if you are not considering adopting. I have embedded the video in this posting. Just click on the picture that is below my picture Enjoy.

Oops the girls are back at it. I wonder if they will ever grow up!

Gotta to run.
See ya,
Icy

Rivers News October 14, 2010

Hi,

While it has been brilliantly sunny here, the temperatures are in the mid 20s and there is plenty of frost on the ground. Yesterday I was napping in the yard and the girls were keeping an eye on Mike who was at the bottom of the driveway cleaning up the debris from a tree that was blown down in the last wind storm we had. This tree had blocked the street, but the borough crew cut it up and moved it to the side of the street. Mike was moving the salvageable wood to our yard and cutting up the branches for kindling.

All of a sudden Stormy started to bark. She was facing the sliding door which leads to the dinning room. I thought Stormy was barking at Mary or maybe that nasty Raven I told you all about who killed that little finch a while back.. When I looked up, I saw a beautiful Willow Ptarmigan on the roof. The bird was pretty and regal looking down on Stormy, Sky, and Tundra as they were barking at it. I tried to get the girls to simmer down and just enjoy the beautiful day and this gorgeous bird. To me it was a real treat, to the girls the bird was an intruder in their yard.

After chow, Mike came outside with us. He let Tundra run in the front, but Tundra found the bird hiding under one of the vehicles in the front yard. The bird flew to the roof top again and assumed her looking at us at below. I overheard Mary tell Mike that she thinks there is a nest of them in our lower lot.

I hope it comes back. It sure was pretty to watch it strut back and forth on the roof. Mary took the pictures of the bird that I have included in this newsletter.

  

Mike's recovery from hip surgery is coming alone very well. We are walking down the driveway to get the morning paper. We actually go a bit further down the street each day. Sometimes we take a second walk around the yard at night, and he lets me munch on the wild grass that is still green and sweet.

Well, I have to go. The way the temperature is falling,we may have a snowy Halloween.!!

See ya,

Icy

Rivers News August 25, 2010

Hi, Mike here, I gave Icy the night off since she was napping.

I just wanted to thank all of you who sent cards, prayers and e-mail to us while I was in the hospital last week. There were some complications that required a longer stay than envisioned. But all is well. Thank you.

My friend Jerry of Wiggy's will be at the Anchorage Wiggy's store (north of Dimond, south side of Old Seward just before the Pink Elephant Car wash) from 11 AM to probably closing on Saturday September 4th. If you are in the area and into outdoor adventures, you may want to chat with Jerry. Jerry personally tests all of the items his company manufactures such as sleeping bags, parkas, bibs and his famous Joe Redington boots. I may be there depending how much I can travel after the surgery. Why not take a look at Wiggy's web site at http://wiggys.com/index.cfm?aff=35739

The cover for Rivers' Book 2 was changed. Here is what the new cover looks like. Please do not mistake it for Book 4, which will not be released until 2011/12. We changed the cover due to the many comments we received that the covers for Book 1 and 2 were too similar. Our many thanks to Donna of Husky Production for the wonderful picture of Rivers that she allowed us to use.

Well the surgeon told me to take it easy so I better go.

See Ya

Mike Dillingham

Author/Owner

Rivers Books

www.riversbooks.com

Rivers News July 10, 2010

Hi,

 Hope you all had a nice 4th of July. Ours was nice and cool, but noisy with a lot of fireworks. We got to meet Claire, Mike and Mary's new granddaughter. We all gave her kisses but I think Sky was particularity fond of keeping her nose clean!

Oh, by the way, here is a picture of our new logo.  Let us know what you think. 

The great strawberry eating caper has be solved. It was Stormy. Mike caught her stashing one in her dog crate in the garage. That plus her "Strawberry Breath", was a dead give-a-way.

Mike will be signing books at Pandemonium Books and Cafe on July 24th from 11 to 4. If you are in the area, stop in, visit and enjoy a great coffee drink or super desert at the Cafe. 
Well I better keep this short so you can get back to you summer activities.

See ya
Icy

Rivers News April 13, 2010

Hi,

I gave Icy the night off since she wanted to stay out in the rain. I guess it is her bath time!

Last Saturday, April 10, I did a book signing at the BX on Elemndorf. While there, I met an extraordinary young 10 year old name Sam Allred who wrote an illustrated children's book titled “Open Hearts”. His 13 year old sister, Emily, did the illustrations for him.

The book is Sam's own adventure of dealing with chronic illness that really prevents him from living the normal active life of a 10 year old. Sam writes about how others, including his peers, treat him, which in some cases is not too nice. The message of this short book is HOPE. The hope to find a cure, the hope to get well. Sam told me he wrote the book to share his hope with other kids who are facing disabling chronic illnesses.

Sam and his family did not stop with just a book, but also started a nonprofit called Kindness for Kids whose purpose is to bring some measure of comfort and hope to children with chronic illnesses. They have a web site: www.kindnessforkids.org. For more information about Sam's book and guest appearances, contact his mom at Angie@kindnessforkids.org.

During the book signing, a military K-9 unit did a routine patrol of the BX. The handler, with his dog, and I talked dogs. His dog was under constant hand command and was on alert while we talked. After we were done chatting, the handler visited with Sam. While talking across the table we used for book signing, the dog gentle put both front paws on the table as he faced Sam. The dog stared to whimper, indicating the dog knew Sam was not well and the dog was there for Sam. This was very apparent from the look on the dog's face. The handler knew exactly what the dog was doing.

The dog's display of concern is very indicative of the main purpose of our military; to defend and to protect the weak. Weak, not only in stature, but also those who need assistance in times of crisis. Protecting the weak through compassion, kindness and helping. Our military, both now and past, is a national treasure. Without which, there would be no personal freedom, our greatest nationality treasure.

Speaking of service and working dogs, I must remind you not to try to pet or touch a working service or military dog unless you have the owner's permission.

Yes, I am enjoying retirement and our dogs are getting spoiled with me being home.

Enough gabbing for now. I will be at Pandemonium Books in Wasilla this Saturday April 17 from 11 to 3. If you like hot chocolate, have one at Pandemonium. Take my word, you will find none finer.

Take care

Mike

Rivers News April 1, 2010

Mike was thinking of doing an April fool gig on you, but I convinced him not to. Sometimes practical jokes don't go over well.

We had a Momma Moose and her babies visit the other day. Momma and I discussed how these kids today are really a bit different than when she and I were kids. Mary was a bit shocked to see Momma Moose and I were nose to nose through the chain link fence chatting.

Guess what, we got new wood floors in the house and it is a bit scary walking on it. But it is sure beautiful. Goes very nice with the paint job that was done. Of course Sky was the first one to explore the floors and the first to belly flop across them when she lost her pawing. Stormy and Tunny watch Sky's display of grace and decided to walk on the throw rugs to be safe. Sky, how many times were you told not to race in the house????

Mike told us that he sold a bunch of vacation time and he is using the cash to fix up the house. Next comes a new roof and seal-coating the driveway. Oh, and the gravel area next to the garage side entrance where we come in will be paved also. That will cut down on the dirt  our muddy paws bring into the garage.

If you are up for a movie then check out "Blind Side" excellent. We all enjoyed it as well as the new Celtic Woman concert "Songs from the Heart". Pass the popcorn please!!

Well, the girls are acting up again so I have to go. You know, a Momma's work is never done especially when it comes to her pups.

Happy Easter, and remember not to give your pup any of those chocolate Easter eggs. Not good for them, and you too if you eat too many.

See ya
Icy

Rivers News February 21, 2010

Hi,

It has been great having Mike home. He spends a lot of time with us in the back yard, especially when it is sunny, and lately, warm. We are having our February freeze-thaw cycle. Temps during the day have been as high as 40. The snow is melting and would you believe, we had rain last week!

The small birds have been visiting the feeder Mary has in the back yard. I really enjoy watching them and don't scare them off. In fact, I bet I could nap by the feeder and the little birds would not mind. But my girls scare the little birds and it is annoying to the birds and to me. I think the girls want the bird food. You think those dogs were hungry or something. I can assure you they never miss a meal, a treat, or an ear rub either.

The other day while I was watching he birds, one fell out of a tree and before I could get to it to see if it was OK, a big raven swooped down and got it. I started to bark and chase after it , but I cannot jump as high as a raven can fly. He laughed at me and called me a fat old lady. Well Mr. Raven, don't make the mistake of perching in my yard. While it may be illegal for a human to eat  raven, it is isn't for a dog. Your time will come for snatching that little bird. The sea gulls are coming back soon as well as the geese and both don't like ravens. Eagles just tolerate ravens and will chase them off.

I guess Mary heard me bark and let the other dogs out from the garage. Sky asked me what I was barking at and I told her and her sisters about the raven and the little bird. Stormy told me that she noticed a raven hanging around the yard near the feeder. Now Mr. Raven better be very careful around our yard cause Stormy can jump, she is very fast, and not fat like her Mama.

By the way, do you know what I am doing in this picture? No? Well I am “Husky Snow Bathing”. Yep, I lay on the cool snow and the warm, suns lays om me. It sure feels good.

Remember Bugle Girl? Well she is in the Navy and doing very well. Her Mom says she is on the fast track for promotion. So if you wish to drop Niki a line here is her new address.

FN NICHELLE CUSHING

301 Surfside DR

TH A2

Goose Creek, SC 29445

If you do write to her, please put a return address on the letter. The military does not think too highly of mail without a return address on the envelope. It may not be delivered and could jeopardize Niki's military career. Her Mom told Mike she is getting unsigned letters with no return addresses.

Niki's Mom also told Mike that her husband, Tom, is deployed back to Iraq. Here is his address if you wish to write. Tom played Santa Claus for us one year during a previous deployment when the Rivers Group (that is you guys) sent goody boxes to the troops in his unit.

Here is Tom's address.

 SFC THOMAS CUSHING

HQ USF-I BMO

III CORPS

APO AE 09342

Tom says there is a little coffee express called Green Beans Coffee. He has signed up to receive free cups of coffee that have been donated. According to the Green Beans site, Green Beans is a coffee shop chain with many outlets in the Western USA and also Africa, Iraq and Afghanistan, “In our travels to see the Troops, many share with us their sense of loneliness, isolation and feelings of being forgotten. Their commanders tell us that some Soldiers never receive mail from home. In response, Green Beans Coffee has launched “Cup of Joe For A Joe” to let anyone, anywhere in the world, say thanks to our troops through the simple act of buying a cup of coffee and having it delivered along with their own personal note of encouragement into the hands of a deployed Soldier.”

Here is the web site. http://www.greenbeanscoffee.com/coj/index.php  Check it out and see how it works.

Mike told me that this is a cool idea since most of the time, the GI coffee is, well I cannot bark what Mike said about it, but take my bark, it leaves much to be desired. Now Tunny is a coffee drinker, better yet a coffee hog. She will drink anything Mike has in his coffee cup. But according to Mike, even Tunny would turn her snout up at this stuff. So if the military folks serving in the war zone can get a decent cup of free coffee (Joe), lets help them do that.

For you youngin's, a cup of Joe is an old term for a cup of coffee and at one time all GI s (soldiers especially) were called GI Joes. GI refers to “Government Issue”. I never knew Mike was tri-lingual. He can speak human, military and techspeak.

Iditarod time is coming up and that means many of our friends will be visiting Alaska for the big race. That is alway a fun time for us. While Mary will be busy with her visiting friends and helping Donna at Husky Productions, Mike has  book signings at Borders and Books Saturday (2/27) 1 to 4 and at the ITC HQ at the Millennium Hotel (3^rd floor) Friday (3/5) 11:30 to 1.

Mike's last working day is Friday Feb. 26 and he is officially retired on March 1. He already celebrated by buying both Mary and himself new laptops!

Well it is TLC time.

Take care and keep in touch.

See ya, Icy

Rivers News January 10, 2010

Hi
My name is Icy, Christmas in our books. Many of you have asked if the Rivers Newsletters would continue. We girls (Sky, Stormy, Tundra and I) felt it would be nice to do so since we know many of you from the stories our Uncle Rivers told us about you.

Speaking of Uncle Rivers, we want to thank all of you who sent your condolences. Just like us, many of you know he was a special dog. He many not of crossed the finish line first but he was a true champion in his spirit, his kindness, and his devotion to Mike. Many of you have told us stories of how Uncle Rivers helped you. Thank you. Your stories just made us more proud of him and of you for overcoming whatever challenge you faced.

For those that have asked, Mike and Mary are doing OK. They miss Uncle Rivers, but both know, especially Mike, that Uncle Rivers is in a place where he can see and be a young health dog. He is with our Uncle Lakota and Aunt Sandy. I think Mike summed it up best when he said that while his dogs are no longer with him, they are with him spiritually. He knows they are in a better place and free from what physical limitations they had here with us. He also told me it is very important to strive to do our best so we can all be in a better place when our time on earth is done.

In canine-ees that means take the good memories with you as you make the most of today as if it was your last day.

Some asked about a Rivers memorial or foundation. Mike said no to both of those ideas. Times are tough and many of our friends are having a hard time making ends meet. However, our good friend, Dr. Jim made Mike aware of ACVO, Vision for Animals Foundation. The foundation sole purpose is supporting animal eye disease research. Their web site is www.visionforanimales.org. If you wish to make a donation in the name of Uncle Rivers or another sight challenged animal, I am sure that ACVO would greatly appreciated that.

We are in the process of contracting to rebuild the web site. Our web master will be CA Wetovich Design and we will be using a new web address at www.Riversbooks.com. We do not have a time line as to when it will be completed. My daughter, Stormy, our techno-canine-geek is preparing the files to be use. This may take some time because her sisters, Sky and Tundra are undecided as to what pictures of them we should use. The new site will have an e-shop so you can buy our books on-line if you wish and a link to our blog so that you can keep up with what is happening in our neck of the woods.

Sky and Tunny asked me to remind you that one of their favorite TV shows, “Chuck”, is returning to TV on Sunday night Jan 10 on NBC.

We understand if you do not want to receive our news any longer. All we ask is that you let us know so Stormy can remove you from our newsletter.

Well I have to go and take care of my youngin's. You know how kids are when they are left unattended too long. A mother's work is never done!

Uncle Rivers ended his e-mails with “See Ya” his joke because he could not see. He told me that deep in side, he knew he would “See Ya” sometime. So, if you do not mind, 

See Ya

Icy 
 

Rivers News 3-08-2009

Hi Gang, Rivers here,
This newsletter is posted on our Blog at www.riversbooks.blogspot.com because of the pictures and web sites included in this newsletter. As a practice, we do not send attachments or embedded items in the newsletter because some e-mail providers will not deliver it.

Yep, it has been a long time since I bark to you, but short of the last week or so, there really has been nothing really to bark about. We have received about a foot of snow and Mike has been out there 4 or 5 times snow blowing the driveway. He did a really good job from what I can tell. His knee was OK enough for Mike to walk me so that I could resume my trail marking of the driveway and the street in front of our homestead. Yes, a trail marker's job is never done!

The restart happened today and Mary is with her “Idita-Pals” in Willow, “Iditaroding”. I get a bit moody this time of year with the race and all going on. Mike tells me I am in the advances stages of a “Blue Funk” . Maybe he is correct. You can take the sled dogs out of the race, but you can never take the race out of sled dog!

Next Saturday, March 14, 2009, Mike will be at Barnes and Nobel in Anchorage from 1 to 4. Last Friday he was at the Millennium doing the book signing for ITC. He told me that he met many nice people and several teachers who use our books in their classes. He told me that he has never been so busy at an ITC books signing as he was last Friday.

Terri the “Weather Girl” is back in Alaska. I don't know if I barked that to you or not. She told us that she lost her computer with the e-mail addresses of those of you who kept in contact with her. So, if you and Terri were “e-pals”, let me know and I will pass on your address to her. She is very busy going to school.

Mike was home Thursday due to a bad head cold. I mean very bad. We heard him snoring and wheezing while we napped in the garage, and he was way in the back of the house in one of the bedrooms. Lucky of us in was a short term gig and Mike was feeling much better on Friday. We are keeping our paws cross that he has successful knee surgery on March 25. Yes, he told Icy and me that once that knee get better, we are going to start some serious trail marking.

I mentioned to you in a prevision e-mail about the Bark paintings that our friend, Susan did for us. Here are some pictures of the ones she did of Lakota and me. Hope you enjoy them. You can contact Susan at HTTP://www.northwindcrafts.com/

While at ITC book signing, Mike sat next to his good friend and fellow author, Marianne Schlegemilch. Marianne is the author of two Husky books. One called “Solo Flight” and the soon to be released “Coho Waterboy”. Both are nicely illustrated. But Marianne, ventured into a different ball park with a book she wrote called “Raven's Light.” We have not read “Raven Light” yet, but Marianne told Mike about it. Mike told me that Marianne is very proud of it because ti is geared at helping people, mainly adults. If you would like to read more about Marianne and her beautiful books, go to HTTP://www.publicationconsultants.com then click on Author's List and then Meet the Authors. Then scroll down to you find Marianne Schlegemilch on the list.

Mary and her camera have been very busy for the last few weeks take photos at Fur Rondy, the Junior Iditarod, and of course, this past week “Idita-happenings”. She has been gone so often that Mike refers to us as “Idita-Orphans” and himself as an "Idita-Widower". He is only kidding. It is good that she gets out of the dog yard and has some fun, with other than us, her “Idita-couch potatoes”! Mary has posted her pictures on line using Picasa. If you wish the link, just e-mail us privately.

While Mary has been gone, Mike has been in the back yard with us tossing the ball and making us “snow cones”. Whenever Mike sits down in the yard to drink a coffee or Vitamin Water, he has 5 dogs in his face wanting to lick some of the stuff out of his cup or bottle. So Mike solved the problem by drizzling some of the Vitiation Water on the fresh snow so we can lick it up. It became a win-win situation. We got a treat and Mike finished his drink in peace.

Got to go.
See Ya
Rivers

A DVD Review: "See You In Nome"

"See You In Nome" A Husky Productions DVD.

A review by Mike Dillingham, Author/Owner Rivers Books 

Donna Quante has done it again with her latest video, "See You In Nome!" Like her first video, "Pretty Sled Dogs", Donna gets you up front and personal with a class act musher and his beloved dogs. Donna's mastering of video brings out the humbleness, yet dedication and motivation of Sven and the happy, contented nature of his dogs.

You will also meet Sven's wife, Andrea, a veterinarian and enjoy viewing her performing a pre-Iditarod "vet check" on one of Sven's dogs. While highly entertaining, watching a veterinarian do this pre-race examination is also very educational; an eye opener as to the pre-race medical evaluation these dogs must undergo before being allowed to race the Iditarod.

This excellent video starts by introducing you to Sven and his dogs and, you would think, ends with the crossing under the Burl Arch inNome. It does all that with outstanding style and clarity. However, Donna adds an extra bonus for you; an in-sled interview with Sven. Yes, Donna focused her trusty camera on the dog team as they raced down the trail. While you, the viewer, are watching these magnificent dogs enjoy their run on the snow pack, Sven is talking to you, through Donna, answering Donna's questions. This piece of video is in itself amazing, and worth the price of this video.

When you "get out" of the sled, take time and read the credits and ending comments that scroll by on the screen. Sven makes a very important statement attesting to what I wrote above about his,"humbleness, yet dedication and motivation". I had the honor of meeting Sven, and I can tell you his words are not just lip service to sell to an exceptional video, they are true of the man, the musher, the dog lover.

Sven expressed concerned that you, the video viewer, would experience difficulty understanding him due to his accent. I experienced no such problem, either in person or watching the video. My hearing leaves much to be desired, even with state of the art hearing aides.

Besides being extremely entertaining, this video makes a very clear statement regarding a man's dedication to his dogs and the dogs' dedication and unconditional love for the man. You can not go wrong adding this video to your collection. We, at the "Howlin' Rivers Home"
gave it a 4 paw+ tail wag rating.

Enjoy

Rivers News 10-12-08

Hi Gang, Rivers here

Wow, where did the summer go? Did I nap through it? There is frost on the decks when Mike puts us outside in the morning and the lawns are full of wet leaves. We had a touch of snow the other day, but it is gone now. I know the winter is coming because Mike and Mary started watching their favorite show, Northern Exposure, in the garage with us . As soon as we hear the music, we know tummy rubs are coming our way and maybe even some popcorn! Icy stretches out next to Mary along with Sky and the rest of us hunker down around Mike because he normally has the bigger bowl of popcorn!

Now we all know that one of our favorite humans who lives in the Midwest always sends us popcorn from her special place. Yummy, her Carmel popcorn is just out of sight. When Mike fills his bowl, we all gather around. Poor guy gets one piece for every 5 he passes out to us.

Our good buddy Erin will receiver her service dog next August. The fund raisers were very successful. I know Erin’s folks’ were very happy for this pup to become a part of Erin's life. On their behalf, let me thank all of you for your prayers and the best wishes you sent Erin's way.

Stormy, who acts as my eyes, told me that Mike shaved off part of his beard. His fur is gone?? No, she told me, he just trimmed it down a bit. She giggled that when she nuzzles with Mike, his bead does not tickle her nose now.

Mike took Tunny down the driveway with him the other night. Tunny became very interested in some kids across the street who were playing with a soccer ball. I don't think Tunny ever saw a ball that big and she was figuring how she could play ball with those kids.

I overhead Mike and Mary talking and it sounded like they have some sort of event scheduled almost every weekend until Christmas. Here is the schedule.
Elmendorf AFB, Saturday 18 October, 11-3
Raven Hall at the State Fair Grounds, Saturday & Sunday October 25 & 26, 10-5 (Huge craft show with over 120 vendors)
Annabel's Books in Wasilla Saturday November 1, 11-3
Pandemonium Books and Cafe Saturday November 8 and again December 20, 11-4
Willow Craft Show at the Community Center, Saturday November 15 10 to 4
Read Alaska at the Anchorage Museum on 7th and C, 11-4 Friday November 28 and again Sunday November 30
Colony High School Saturday November 29 10-5 (The students put this show on and the money raised pays for their traveling expenses for school activities!)
Ravenswood Elementary in Eagle River, Saturday December 6, 10 to 5. (This event is put on by the schools PTA)

Wow, it makes me tried just barking about that schedule. Sky who checks out the computer room often for stashed treats told me that she saw more event dates on the calendar but they were marked tentative.

I know I have been a bit tardy with the newsletter. Well things have been busy around here at the Howlin' Rivers Home. Mike is still working full time in Anchorage and I heard him say that his two bosses are no longer working in his department. I guess where Mike works is like in a dog team. So when two the dogs stop pulling, the rest of the dogs have to pick up the slack. I gather from listening to Mike and Mary that Mike is in a 4 human team. Two of which are no longer working and the 3rd is out due to some personal reasons. Does that really mean that Mike is pulling the “sled” by himself. If so, no wonder he is so tired when he gets home.

Well I better get back to work. We have a load of book orders that I have to autograph. I really enjoy that!

See ya
Rivers

Rivers News 7-24-2008

Hi Gang, Rivers here,

The weather here has been nothing but wet and cool. I just started to shed my winter coat, but it feels as if I may still need it. I heard Mary tell Mike that she saw “termination dust”on Pioneer Peek! Termination dust is an early dusting of snow on the mountain peaks and is a warning to tourist that winter is coming! Sky told me that the fire weed is well up its stalk. According to native lore, once the fire weed flowers reach the top of the stalk, winter will soon be here. Where has the warmth of summer gone to?

We have a new addition to our family. Her name is Iris, she has brown hair and brown eyes. Iris is 2 years old. Tundra told me Iris does not look like your normal Husky. Tunny told me she is a lot bigger. Well that is nice, I thought, so when are we going to meet Iris? It appears we are not. Iris stays at the farm since she is a Musk ox!! I guess this what they call a “gotcha!” Mike and Mary, actually our company, Rivers Books adopted Iris. We have a picture of her on our Blog.

Moving on, according to her dad, Lt. Amber and her team are now home. Welcome back and thanks for fighting the bad guys over there so we do not have to fight them here.
Sandy Q from Texas asks that we keep her Mom in our thoughts and prayers. Sandy's Mom is experiencing some health issues.

Book 3 is at the printer. I have included a picture of the cover of Book 3 on our Blog. We are taking advance orders for delivery in late August or early September. There is an order form at: http://home.gci.net/~sleddog/order.htm

Did you know that my good buddy Wiggy's has been working with a children's outerwear manufacturer who is making Lamilite insulated outerwear? The company is Molehill Mountain Equipment Inc. the phone number is 208-263-8422; proprietor is Doug Faude. The web site is http://www.molehillmtn.com/outerwear.html According to Wiggy, Doug Faude;s products come with the same guarantee of quality that Wiggy's offers!

Another good friend, Ms. Tails brought this to our attention about a chance to send free care package items to our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq in honor of the marines depicted in the HBO miniseries “Generation Kill.” Here is the web site. http://www.hbo.com/generationkill/ then select the TROOP DRIVE tab.

Well, it is time for a good tummy rub, so where is my Mike??

So what are you doing for the summer? Anything interesting?

Got to go.

See ya
Rivers

Rivers News 6-29-08

Hi Gang Rivers here,

This year is sure going fast. I cannot believe it is the end of June already. I was wondering why I felt a bit older and then realize that I turned 13 in June. Wow, that makes me a senior citizen, 91 in human years . I wonder if I can get a senior’s discount at the dog food store!

We have a dog for adoption. Nope, not one of my kennel mates living at the “Howling’ Rivers Home”. One of Mike’s long time co-workers and dear friends must give up her dog and she asked us to help her find a home for Serena. Yep, that is the young girl’s name. Serena is 8 years old, very sweet, loves to chase a ball, and is great with kids. Serena is house broken and use to city life in Anchorage. Serena would be a great companion dog for a single person or an empty nest couple. Of course, since Serena is great with kids, a nice family will work also. Serena is not a big dog, more of a lap dog. If you are interested or know someone who could give this pup a great home, please e-mail me privately. We only have to August to get Serena adopted. Thanks.

Our good friend Donna Q of Husky Productions just returned from someplace called Maryland. She did some camera work for an upcoming PBS show about veterans. The show is scheduled to start airing on Veteran's Day and is called “America's Veterans, A Musical Celebration”. The show was taped at the Music Center at Strathmore, produced by the United States Air Force and Maryland Public TV. Guests are Clint Black, Patti LaBelle, Jake Shimabukuro, along with the US Air Force Symphony Orchestra and The Singing Sergeants. Cliff Robertson is the host. Mark you calendars and check you local television listings for the time in your neck of woods. Here is a picture of the concert

A fellow "near famous author" like Mike, Dr. Ken Jones, will be releasing his book about veterans on July 4, 2008. Ken’s book is called “When Our Troops Come Home”. The book and the web site for supporting our troops and their families are up now, Please visit Ken’s web site att http://www.whenourtroopscomehome.com/


My good buddy Wiggy knows a thing or two about keeping warm. That is why he manufactures the best sleeping bags and cold weather gear. Now, Wiggy has turned his attention to helping you save money when you heat your house. As you know, no matter how well your windows are sealed, they will loss heat. Wiggy has devised an insulation material that can be cut to the size of your windows. Just like the insulation Wiggy’s uses in his gear that keeps your body heat from escaping, the same idea works for his material preventing heat from escaping from your home. Wiggy told me he will have the product information on his web site next week, here is the web site of Wiggy site. http://wiggys.com/index.cfm?aff=35739. You may have to look for the stuff, but take some time and browse. Check out Wiggy's newsletters. Great products from a “Made in America” company!

Our publisher send us a .pdf file of the new cover for “Rivers Book 3, Unknown Trails”. Fantastic!! It is a 2 MB file so I am hesitant to send it to you . It might choke up your e-mail. The publisher is supposed to send me a .jpg copy so I can post to the web. I will let you know when both the picture and book become available. We are taking advance orders.

Got to go. Wait, what is is the sound I hear? Why, it is the girls barking “Happy Birthday” too me. How sweet of them. What is that I smell, Cake also! One of Mary’s cakes. Yumm. They can sure make me blush!

See ya
Rivers

Pretty Sled Dogs Video - A review

Pretty Sled Dogs
A video By Donna Quante, Husky Productions

Reviewed by Mike Dillingham, Author/Owner Rivers Books

If you think this video is a “chick flick”, forget that idea. And it surely is no parody of “Pretty Woman” either. It is a video about dogs and their hard working owners who love them dearly. That love comes across very clearly in the video as Karen Ramstead talks about her dogs; their training, showing and racing.

Donna captured all of the power and beauty of these “Pretty Sled Dogs”. You will walk through the kennel area with Donna as Karen cares for the dogs. You will ride with Donna as she piggybacks on a 4-wheeler as Karen runs a dogs team during a training run. You cannot help but being awed by the sheer beauty of these pure bred Siberian Huskies. Donna’s video takes you so close to the dogs that you will think that you could reach out and give these beauties ear rubs!

Donna’s video gives you a great inside view of a real working, championship racing kennel. You will see the amount of work and dedication it takes to get these magnificent dogs from puppyhood to the finish line or to the show floor.

This video is a must have for anyone who wants to be a musher, own a dog team or breed working dogs. If you ever wanted to visit a world class sled dog racing kennel, but resources prevented you, adding this video to your collection is the way to go.

Donna has won 3 Emmys for her TV camera work. Her mastery of video comes through in "Pretty Sled Dogs". Please visit Donna's web site at http://www.huskyproductions.net/

This video earned our highest rating, 4 paws and a tail wag!

Enjoy

Mike Dillingham and Rivers

Rivers News 3-31-08

Hi Gang, Rivers here,

My good buddy, Bob N. spends much of his time helping veterans. His nephew, Kurt is in the war zone and I bet Kurt would appreciate hearing some hometown news. When you are away from home, anybody’s home town news is welcomed. So here is Bob’s nephews’ address:

SPC Kurt Sprengel
169th MP CO
Unit 73301
APO-AE 09371-3301

When you write, tell Kurt you got his address from his Uncle Bob’s buddy, Rivers, a blind Alaskan retired racing sled dog. I bet that will get Kurt wondering abut what is happening back in Alaska!

The Iditarod is over and Lance Mackey did the impossible by wining back to back Iditarods and Yukon Quests 2 years in a row. Unfortunately, Zorro, a member of Lance’s canine family was hit by a snow machine outside of Nome during the All Alaska Sweepstakes.

Zorro was resting in the sled basket and a snow machine rear-ended the sled at high speed. Lance is okay, but the sled is probably totaled. Zorro was severely injured and had to be med-evaced to Seattle with possible spinal cord damages, internal injuries and 3 broken ribs.

Here is a link to Lance’s web site that will provide you with more information.
http://www.mackeyscomebackkennel.com/

Lance is a cancer survivor and literally the “Comeback Kid”. His story is very motivational and inspires others to do their best. Please keep Lance, his family, his dogs and, especially Zorro, in your prayers. I know they would appreciate them, as well as any cards or notes you wish to send to them.

Well, that is about all I have for you right now. Kind of slow. We are all waiting for the grass to grow tall for munching and the sun to warm up things so we can sunbathe. Mike and Mary have been cleaning up the yards and getting ready for our ‘warm season”

Take care,
Rivers

Rivers News 3-16-08

Hi Gang, Rivers here,

Okay, I know it has been a long time since our last newsletter, but believe me; it has been very hectic around the Howlin’ Rivers Home. First we had many of our friends from “Outside” visit us. Besides Mike’s day job routine, he had several book signings to attend. Mary was busy with her friends, visiting musher’s kennels, attending the Vet check at the ITC headquarters, helping Donna at Husky Productions gather Iditarod media tidbits, attending banquets, and trying to catch up on some quality time with us during these busy Iditarod times.

Congratulations to Lance Mackey for winning the 2008 Iditarod. What an interesting race this one was! Besides the suspense of the cat and mouse chase between Lance and Jeff King, there were many other interesting things happening. We are also very happy that our good friend Karen Ramstead http://www.northwapiti.com/ made it too Nome safely. Karen is one of our favorite mushers and all around good people. Way to go mushers!!

Speaking of Lance Mackey, our good friends at Northern Light Media, in cahoots (wow, I like that word. It sounds like something good to eat!!) with Husky Productions, produced a great video of a conversation with Lance called “Appetite and Attitude, a conversation with Lance Mackey”.

We had the privilege of watching it with Mike; well, I listened to it since I cannot see. Mike wrote a review on the video, which I hope you enjoy reading. Since it is a bit long, I have posted it to our blog at www.riversbooks.blogspot.com. I hope the video inspires you to add it to your collection. If so, please contact Northern Light Media at www.northernlightmedia.com

I want you to know that if you could not make our open house, you were missed. I posted a picture of the cake on our blog. Mike told me that the picture on the cake will be the cover our Book 3.

At this time, we do not have any new military folks in the war zones to write to outside of Lt. Amber’s team. So if you know of any military folks in the war zones who would like to receive some mail, please privately send their addresses to me and I will make sure they get posted to the Rivers Group.

Caitlyn came by the house yesterday with a great move that she watched with us. It was called “Firehouse Dog” and it was great. We all gave it a 4 paw rating!

Mike was a guest speaker for the Alaska Society of Professional Engineers last night. He gave his presentation “Life with a Blind Dog” at the banquet. I know he was rehearsing this and I had to remind him that this presentation was originally written to motivate teachers and young people. He told me when he came home last night that he had modified it for the Engineers. He told me that he received two standing ovations from the group when he was done. He told me that he made it very clear to the group that he was only the messenger of the story; I was the star of the show. Holy Moly Mike, you are making me blush!

Spring is almost here, Yippee.

Take care

Rivers

Appetite and Attitude, a Conversation with Lance Mackey

Appetite and Attitude, a Conversation with Lance Mackey
A video by Northern Light Media

Reviewed by Mike Dillingham, Author/Owner Rivers Books.


I met Lance Mackey at a public function soon after Lance won the 2007 Quest and Iditarod. I had Rivers, my blind retired racing sled dog, with me and we had the chance to talk to Lance. Now Lance, being a celebrity, a super hero of the mushing world, winning both races back to back, I figured he would be a pompous arrogant individual who really had no time to discuss anything with someone who he does not know. However, I was very wrong. I found Lance to be friendly, down to earth, humorous, and honest. He is not disillusioned about himself. Believe me; his outstanding achievements have not given him a fat head.

So, when I this video showed up at my house, I was very interested in enjoying it. Frankly, I was not disappointed. The same Lance I met in 2007 was the man talking on the video. He was open, honest, and talks to you, not at you. While the questions he was asked were probably scripted, Lance remarks were not. They were extremely candid, at times emotional, and sincere. Lance does not talk to the camera. Lance talks to the interviewer and focuses his energies on the conversation.

This is an extremely professional video. The camera work captures a relaxed, but at times excited Lance Mackey.

If you buy this video to learn Lance’s secrets of being a dog team driver, you are wasting your time. However, if you want to listen and in some cases feel a part of a one-on-one dialogue with a true champion, this video is a must have.

Enjoy

Mike Dillingham