We had the pleasure of meeting Alison and her son a few months ago at an organic Summer Fest. We began discussing the sled dogs, and White Feather happened to be with us to help promote Points Unknown. Turns out that “White Feather” is her great-grandmother’s traditional name. Alison is from the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. Well, we made an instant connection. Alison is a Medium by trade or birthright, and I have always been intrigued by those with such abilities. So when it came time to find a new name for” Niwot”, I enlisted her help. She and her son spent several hours with us and the dogs. We had a wonderful time learning more about what she does for a living. Niwot seemed to love the company and jumped up on the bench between the two of us and sat for quite some time. Otherwise, he was nearby, enjoying being cuddled and scratched. Niwot is a boy with some fear/defensive aggression. He is also extremely attentive and truly wants to be a good boy, so it doesn't take but a sharp” ah!” to get his attention redirected when someone (another dog) visits him at the fence that he is concerned about. Because of his tendencies, I wanted him to have a fresh start; a new name that was regal and strong and honorable. Alison came back to me with the name ”Ari”. It means Fast Flying “Eagle” in the Norse language, and it fits. Eagles also have great significance to me as they frequent Oak Lake as a great fishing spot and provide hours of” ooh” and “aah” time. Ari, it is. (Pronounced like the letters “R” and “E”) Thank you to Alison for sharing her precious gift with us. We are anxious to begin fall training to see where he will fit on the team.  Dog-Based adventures