There are some milestones you wish you could bottle up — not just to remember, but to share across oceans. This year, my dad turned 80 in New Zealand.
My Dad's 80th, Seven Malamutes, and the Ties That Bind
Family Ties: When "Home" Spans Two Hemispheres
Distance is a peculiar thing. On one hand, it's just miles and time zones. On the other, it's the ache of missing faces at the dinner table — even when you know your own is crowded with furry companions and the bustle of kennel life.
The lead-up to Dad's birthday was a mix of excitement and nostalgia. The Malamutes kept daily life here lively... and a little chaotic. They don't care about calendars, only about dinner time and playtime — plenty of both, thanks to their excellent timekeeping (and noses).
Though I couldn't physically be in New Zealand, in that moment, surrounded by devout canine helpers, I laughed at how celebration really isn't about place at all, but presence.
Behind the Scenes at Snovind Malamutes: Life in Motion
Running a kennel when life's pulling you in two directions is a bit like managing a sled team — if your sled is also your living room, and your sled dogs occasionally decide to redecorate.
"Routine is key. The dogs expect their world to run on time, from breakfast at sunrise to their evening snowbound romps. They're blissfully unaware of time differences, but they always know when a video call needs to feature a surprise 'woof!' in the background."
I received videos of the birthday, and photos. Thank you to my sister and the effort she made to make it a special day for dad.
Lessons From the Pack: Wisdom from Malamutes and Fathers
- Adventure is Everyday: Whether you're trekking snowy forests or calling in as your family slices cake a world away, life's best memories happen in the in-between moments.
- You Don't Have to Be There to Belong: Our Malamutes show their love through loyalty, presence, and the occasional nuzzle against your leg. Proximity means little; heart means everything.
- Lean on Your Pack: The kennel flourishes because of an extended human and canine family. Community doesn't stop at the fence line or border.