Yes, now we really have spring here as well. No more minus-degrees, only very small bits of snow can be found in the forests in shady places. Day-temperatures are now often over 15 degrees C and with actually close to 19 h between sunrise and sunset, we are very close to summer already. The lake is not yet for swimming, but paddling in the beautiful evening light is already on the program. Also a special hike to the watchtower of Pankajärvi with guest Christine was done this week. Great to see the landscape for once from a different perspective.
In the kennels we were cleaning the wooden floors with high-pressure, first repairs are done and of course brushing dogs is one of the main things as well. Soon we can open the dog pools in the lakes. A lot of work - and a lot of joy - is the daily care of our first 3 litters this summer. The 4 from Tosca, 5 from Mulan and 9 from Talvi are not yet crawling around a lot, but eyes are open - or close to it - and they start slowly to explore their small world and get a bit more active and brave. All 3 mothers are well and they take relaxed, wonderful care of their puppies with patience and pride. During coming week we now expect the litters from Happy x Levi and the not planned litter of Susi x Finn. Well... the accident-date was not marked down and then forgotten, by now her belly is round and pregnancy good visible and we look forward to also that litter of course!
The team is now slowly getting smaller for summer. Basit is leaving tomorrow, he was helping us as a volunteer since February. And coming Friday Moritz will travel back home, but he will return for next winter-season. Thanks to both for a great help during the last months! The summer-volunteers Hanna and Julia are already well trained and take care of the kennels by themselves.