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