We’ve been a bit busy the past two weeks with this new bundle of absolute joy and energy. This is Nika (Neeka) who is named after the Teklanika River and campground in Denali National Park, our favorite place on earth.

After sadly losing our Giant Malamute, Xena at the end of August while at Denali, we originally weren’t even going to think about another dog for at least 6 months to a year, but the universe had other plans for us. The house felt so empty without our dog. On the same day, my wife and I both saw the posting for this female Malamute and we showed each other her picture. One phone call later and she was ours. We drove the 7 hours up to North Pole and picked her up two weeks ago Saturday. Since then she has been filling our hearts, chewing anything and everything, and making us long for the day when she will sleep through the night. Now if she can just figure out how stairs work ;)

We feel blessed—for the second time in a row.