Close Call in Balkan Township!

The citizens of Balkan Township don't know how lucky they are to have Dora Flea in residence!  The Wicked *itch of Balkan, thought to have been vanquished 13 July 2012, was seen late yesterday afternoon in the company of the Wicked Witch of Chisholm. 

Intrepid photographer Scott Dahlquist snapped a couple of photos.  In the first, the two can be seen relaxing on the edge of the Superior National Forest:

The Wicked Witch of Chisholm Contemplates Mischief and the Wicked *itch of Balkan Evaluates Potential Danger

The second was taken hastily, with our photographer barely escaping a horrible curse:

The Wicked Witch of Chisholm Preparing a Spell while the Wicked *itch of Balkan Prepares for Battle

The battle between Dora Flea and the Wicked Witch and Wicked *itch was fierce.  It lasted several hours.  In the end, though, Dora Flea was successful in her defense of home and township.  She was last seen digging a hole large enough for her war spoils. 

Dora Flea and Her New Shoes

Cast: 
Wicked *itch of Balkan -- Ch. Caniscaeli Sally Goodin, JH
Wicked Witch of Chisholm -- Herself
Dora Flea -- Fiddlin Off She Goes

Early Season Run

I started with Dora and Tucker in lead, because Dora is usually very good there and Tucker has been.  Unfortunately, Tucker was much more into investigating the trees than staying on the road, reminding me that these guys run better in the dark, with fewer distractions.  

I put Tucker in wheel and moved Wylie up by Dora.  I am not very smart.  I KNEW Wylie liked to run all over the place and would probably bump into Dora and she doesn't have the temperament to deal with it.  

 

Wylie dragged Dora off the road, where they somehow ended up going around a tree and back under the gangline behind Lichen and Shady:

 

l - r:  Lichen & Shady (team dogs), Wylie & Dora (lead), Tucker & Declan (wheel)

I finally had the sense to put Lichen up with Dora.  By then, she was mentally worn out.  Scott was still with us and stayed a few feet in front of us with the van and trailer, giving the dogs something to chase home.  

 

It took half an hour to travel less than four miles, but it was a very educational run.  Now I just need to retain what I have learned. 

Happy trails!

Susan