Group Howl

One of my favorite parts about working with the dogs is the phenomenon known as "Group Howl". Most sled dogs consider this an important part of life; a part of the daily routine. After working for a month with the dogs, I've started noticing that they're howling more. It'll start with one lone dog, howling to the skies. Quickly, another dog will join in, harmonizing and inflecting with the original howl. Eventually, all 37 dogs join in, creating a song that echoes through the mountains. I have started to acknowledge the individual howls; the way Colfax begins his high-pitched yipping is very different from Luma's long souful call. The puppies, especially, stand out with their quick excited barks. It all comes together to form a perfect melody, rising and dipping with the excitement and life of the kennel.
I asked Bill and Jodi why the dogs seemed to be howling more; I was worried that there was stress in the kennel. Quite the opposite, they told me. For the past few weeks, the dogs have started howling every time I leave in the morning and especially when I leave at night. Jodi informed me that they're doing this because they're happy. Apparently, they do not howl for everyone....don't I feel privileged! Jodi said that this is their way of communally saying goodbye to me and to converse with one another in the process. It brings the pack together, puts them all on the same ground. It's also really fascinating to listen to the dogs howl to the coyotes in the valley. At night, they coyotes will start up, inevitably getting the dogs all excited. They'll go back and forth, back and forth, telling their stories.
For the first time last night, they did a group howl while I was still with them. I was playing with the puppies when little Pismo started it up. Everyone quickly joined in; standing on barrels, wagging tails, and throwing their heads back to the sky. It was amazing to be surrounded by that energy, that happiness. I might even have to admit that I kinda sorta howled along myself....

Along with enjoying the group howl, I have finally decided on a name for the female puppy. She is now called Niva. It is the Latin word for 'snow' and seems to work for her just fine. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for another litter so I can come up with more fun names!