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name;; Ruthy
age;; adult
gender;; female
owner;; KathrynKat
kennel;; Moon Forest Kennel
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art

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Personality;
Ruthy is a gentle and rather quiet dog. She doesn't like to
get in the way of any being or of another dog. Her favorite toy is
a stuffed lion. She carries the toy everywhere inside. When she's about
to eat or go outside, she always hides her toy. Her favorite places to
sleep are inside of any kind of box for almost closed area she can fit.
If there isn't already 1 or 2 blankets in the places she sleeps, she'll
steal one from another dog's bed, owner's bed, couch... pretty much
anywhere there is a blanket in her site.

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First Pulling a Sled
There was a larger training event, that happens every month. Any owner
of a puppy or puppies, are allowed to enter this training class event.
It's a class that requires an entire day. The training started out with some
basic warm ups. Basic warm ups range from playing fetch,
or owner & dog jogging side by side.
It was time... Time to do the training race.

Ruthy has never exactly pulled a sled before unless you
want to count a kids plastic sled. Ruthy was teamed up with Nana for a
2 dog sled race against other 2 dog teams. All dogs had around 50 or less
stat points, and haven't done many comps them selves. Ruthy and Nana
anxiously pounced around as they sat in the harnesses hooked to the sled,
at the starting point. Ruthy's focus was suddenly drawn when she saw
something on the track moving at a far distance. She squirmed and yelped.

She wanted to chase the thing and figure out what it was in her path.
Nana just looked back then back at Ruthy and just groans. The horns
and speakers go off, then the gates slam open. The dogs jump but ran,
soon as they heard the Que and saw other dogs on the run.

After the race, there was a swimming pool for the dogs. This was to cool them,
and training their muscles at the same time. There were tons of
toys for the dogs to play with, and all sorts of dogs pools. Ruthy bounced through,
all the pools, even splashing other dogs. At the end of the day Ruthy was so
tired she had passed out on the way back home in the car.
She even had to be carried in she was so tired. While Nana followed along side.


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(No other name but Ruthy comes to mind...
My Grandma has had so many cats, and one she used to have,
name was Ruthy and her coat was like this.
So... pretty much what fits *shrugs*.)

name;; Laika
age;; adult
gender;; female
owner;; wolfpack12
kennel;; Northern Lights Kennel
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art/story:

Exhaustion. That was all she could feel, as Laika ran behind her teammate. Her tongue slightly hanging out of her mouth, as her breathing started to become heavy from the strain of pulling her team's sled. What had first started off as a seemingly small race. Turned into one that felt as if they had ran halfway across the world. While Laika had been trained to be prepared for such a long run, she wasn't quite as experienced as the rest of her team. Especially Takita and Dingo. Now, that inexperience was starting to become her downfall, as she tried to keep an even pace with her teammate. The once gentle grip of her harness, that had made her feel secure and safe. Now became slightly painful as she forced her body to move faster. Beginning to dig into her chest and shoulders.

The only thing that seemed to keep her going, was her musher's encouraging words. Giving the young female spirit, as she tried to ignore her body's aches and pains. However, there was no doubt in Laika's mind, that she was going to gain bruises the very next day. The pulling on her chest, making it slightly difficult for her to breathe. Surprisingly, only three teams had managed to make it this far. Hers, and two others. One of which was now gaining on them. If the quickly approaching sound of paw steps had anything to say about it. It wasn't until one of the rival team's dogs was running beside her, that she felt her blood go cold. She knew that scent, and she knew that face.

" Well, if it isn't the little 'wolfdog', surprised to see you all the way out here", the black and white male mocked. Not nearly as tired out, as the female he was running beside. Laika didn't need to glance at him, to know that he had that little smirk on his face.

Grimacing, the female kept her attention focused on what was in front of her. She had met this dog once before. Roscoe, she believed his name was. While she wasn't surprised to see him struggling. She was surprised to see him in a two dog sled team race. Considering that will all the boasting he had done back in their youth, she had at least expected him to be in one of the larger team races. Although, on the other hand, she did find it amusing to see her childhood bully running in such a small race.

However, this time, she wasn't backing down. After all, she wasn't afraid of him, as much as she once was." I'm surprised.... you can.... still talk.... Roscoe", she replied, in between breaths. Feeling reassured, in knowing that Takita was running right beside her. The red and white female lending her strength. Roscoe simply frowned in her direction. Clearly confused at what was said." What do you mean?", he asked. Slowing down only briefly, before his musher urged him to move faster. Laika could only smile innocently, as she glanced over at him for the first time since his appearance." Well.... with all of.... that.... ego.... you have..... floating inside.... that small.... head of.... yours.... I'm surprised.... you haven't.... yet popped", she explained.

While she couldn't exactly see it, she could of sworn she saw Takita smile out of the corner of her eye. Roscoe on the other hand, seemed less than amused. In fact, he looked as if he were about to explode. Only for that anger to quickly vanish within the blink of an eye. As if nothing had happened. Instead the male gave her a sickeningly sweet smile, as a hollow laugh escaped his throat." Very funny, Laika, quite comedic, I'll admit, I'm impressed with that one, but I'm afraid we both know that's all you'll ever be.... a joke", he replied. This, of course earned the female's attention, as she glanced in his direction. No longer looking as confident as she did before.

" I mean, your just a replacement after all, someone to take Dingo's spot while he recovers from his recent injury, after that, you won't be needed anymore and placed to the side, like the unwanted runt you are, after all, no one wants a dog who resembles a wolf on their team", he added. Watching as the female fell silent, her ears slowly moving flat against her head. His signature smirk returning. He was right. They both knew it. Even if Laika would never admit it out loud. He was inside her head, and he was winning." Face it, your not a true sled dog, your just a burden, that your musher happened to come across and took pity on, nothing else", he finished.

Laika didn't respond. Instead, she kept her focus on the path in front of her. Her eyes were emotionless. Preventing anyone from being able to tell what was going on within her head. She even ignored Takita's occasional concerned glance. It was a good thing she did. She could already feel the tears beginning to form in the corners of her eyes. For a moment the silence just hung there. Neither team spoke. Until Laika took a deep breath." A true sled dog wouldn't be throwing their weight around, Roscoe, they would be trying to inspire others, to encourage them, so that they could follow their dreams without doubt, no matter what breed they may be, while you may be a sled dog now, you will never be half the dog your father was", she finally replied. For once, she didn't feel breathless. As if something within, had given her the strength to form a full sentence. However, her tone was dark and empty. Her stone cold eyes now locking onto his equally cold gaze. Nothing else needed to be said. For her words had struck deep. Just as Roscoe knew what her insecurities were. She knew his.

For a moment, the two teams ran in silence. Both sides stunned from what was said. Takita especially. For all her years knowing Laika, she never thought that such a sweet dog could suddenly turn. Proving that there was something more to her than meets the eye. Suddenly the silence was broken, by Roscoe's sudden snarl." Why you little.....", the male snarled. Laika didn't have enough time to move out the way, as the male lunged at her. His jaws clamping down on her back leg. A pained yelp escaped her mouth, as she tried to pull her leg free. Only to then fall forwards, as the brute released his grip. The male's muzzle slightly stained with blood. As he ran past her, he cast her a quick glance. A smirk quickly forming on his bloodstained face." What's the matter, Laika? Can't run? What a shame..... well, I guess I'll see you girls, at the finish line", he added.

Takita skidded to a stop, the moment Laika collapsed to the ground. Anger flooding through her, as she snarled after the retreating form of Roscoe." Coward!", she yelled. Her ears pinned flat against her head. Her fur bristling, before she turned her attention back towards her teammate. Their musher was already at the female's side, trying to distract Laika from the pain. Without hesitation, the red and white female was at her injured teammate's side. Head gently nudging the side of her neck." Laika, are you alright?", she asked. The female winced, as she tried to stand back up. Her injured leg shaking underneath her weight. Mustering up the courage to give a fake nod in reply. The truth was, she wasn't. she could barely put her weight on it. Let alone stand. But that doesn't mean she wasn't going to try. Releasing a pained whimper, she slowly lifted herself upwards. Nearly collapsing back to the ground, if it wasn't for her human supporting her.

" Easy, Laika, you got bit pretty badly", Karia, their musher said. Wincing, the injured female glanced at her back leg. Grimacing at the sight of the blood, that was beginning to stain the snow red. A small part of her wanted to listen. To just get away, and recover. But something within her, wouldn't let her. Her heterochromia coloured eyes, glanced in the direction Roscoe had gone. Her gaze becoming clouded, as she silently fell into thought." Laika?", Takita asked. Feeling uncertain, as she gazed into those once familiar eyes. It felt as if she was looking at a completely different dog. Even their musher seemed uncertain, as she tried to gently get Laika to move back towards the sled. So that Takita, could carry them both to the finish line, and get the help Laika needed.

However, before they could even try to do anything else, Laika snapped. Shaking out of her owner's grip, and limped back to her original position. Her blood leaving a small trail along the ground, as she went. She wasn't going to give up. Not now. She no longer cared about winning. All she cared about, was proving Roscoe wrong. To prove that she wasn't a burden." We can still do this, Takita, I can still run", she murmured. She then glared at both her musher and teammate. Her determination burning deep within her oddly coloured eyes. She wasn't going to lose. Not without a fight. Takita looked doubtful, and looked as if she was about to say something. Only to quickly fall silent, under Laika's glare." I don't care about winning, I don't even care if we either lore or end up in second place, Takita, all I do care about, is proving to that brute, that you don't need to be a pureblood to win", she added.

Takita fell silent as she stared at her injured teammate. Every instinct within her, was screaming at her to refuse. To prevent Laika from injuring herself further. But it had become clear, that the injured female had already made her mind up. Releasing a small sigh, the lead dog then gave a reluctant nod." Fine, but the moment your leg becomes too much for you, we stop, understand?", she asked. Her stern eyes leaving no room for argument. That was all Laika needed to her. A small smile forming on the young dogs face, as she nodded in understanding." Good", the lead dog murmured. With that settled, both female glanced simultaneously at their musher. Waiting for her to take the hint. They didn't need to wait long, for one look at the fire in their eyes, was all it took for their musher to understand. Without needing further instruction, both females simultaneously took off, once their musher was back on their sled. Running side by side. Well, in Laika's case, half limping, half running.

Laika didn't know what it was exactly, that gave her the strength to run. It could have been the adrenaline coursing through her veins, or maybe it had been her own inner spirit, encouraging her to keep moving. Maybe it was both. Whatever it was, it had allowed her to catch up to Roscoe, and his team. Every step was pure agony, but she pushed this to the back of her mind. She needed to stay focused. To push any thought of collapsing out of her head. Despite her body telling her otherwise. Even though the feeling of warm blood running down her leg was discouraging. She felt extremely comforted, by the fact that both Takita and their human had supported her with her choice. In fact, she felt as if Takitas own strength was flooding through her. Giving her the courage to pull up alongside her most hated enemy.

Laika couldn't help but feel smug, as she ran beside Roscoe. Finding enjoyment in the male's surprised expression. Even Takita seemed amused, as both females glanced at the rival team." What's the matter, Roscoe? Cat caught your tongue?", Laika mocked. Despite managing to catch up, she did find it slightly difficult to run on only three legs. So she was more surprised than anyone, to find herself keeping up with her childhood bully. This time however, she made sure to keep a considerable distance from the male. Not wishing to suffer from another attack." Maybe next time, think twice before running your mouth!", Takita growled. Causing Laika to smile, at hearing her friend defend her. A smile that only grew, once she spotted the finish line up ahead." Takita! Look!", she cried out. Her eyes lighting up, as she forced her injured and tired body to move even faster. Taking her teammate by surprise, before she realised what had gotten Laika so excited.

Smiling encouragingly at each other, both females pushed themselves forward. Earning a little bit of a gap, between themselves and their rival team. Laika felt as if her heart had jumped into her mouth. Not quite believing her eyes, as they made last ditch effort to reach their final destination. By now, Laika had placed her injured leg on the ground. Due to the fact that she couldn't keep in a straight line, while running on only three legs. Each time her back leg touched the ground, she felt as if a knife was being slowly driven into it." Nearly there, Laika! Just a little further!", Takita said. The red and white female, doing her best to try and encourage her teammate. Noticing how the injured female would wince, each time her bad leg made contact with the ground. If it hadn't of been for Takita's words, Laika would of collapsed from the pain. That much was certain. Her tongue once more hanging out of her mouth, as the two desperately ran towards the finish line.

Both females could sense that Roscoe was slowly gaining on them. They could practically feel his breath on their tails. They knew, that at any minute he would pass them and take the win. Summoning the last of her strength, Laika pushed her body to move faster. Despite it screaming at her to stop. This action of course had its consequences. For her fatigue was starting to return. Her breathing now becoming ragged as she ran. Her chest making it hard to breath, as the harness once more dug into her skin. Nearly strangling her. To make matters worse, she was growing dizzy from blood loss. Her head feeling as if it were high in the clouds. Her legs began to stagger. Nearly sending her tumbling into Takita, and tripping her up. Just as she began to feel like she couldn't go any further, she heard the sound of cheering. They had done it. They had managed to cross the finish line in time. With Roscoe's team coming in second.

Tired, and in severe pain, Laika finally allowed herself to sink to the ground. Doing her best to catch her breath, as she took in her surroundings. The sound coming from the crowd was nearly overwhelming. Washing over her like a giant wave. If it weren't for Takita stepping into her line of sight, she would of tried to run. Not that she could of anyway." We did it, Laika! We won!", she said. The smile that graced her lead dog's face, was something Laika made sure to never forget. It was like how mother would smile at her pup, when they did something incredible. So for Takita to look at her with such pride, it meant the entire world to Laika. If it weren't for her injured leg, she would of been jumping around with excitement. Instead she remained where she was, laughing quietly along with her teammate.

Laika then glanced upwards, upon feel two gentle gloved hands cup the sides of her head. Her head being lifted up carefully, until it rested against someone's forehead. She didn't need to catch the person's scent, to know who it was. Her tired, but happy gaze locked onto the gaze belonging to her human. A gaze that showed nothing but kindness and pride. All Laika could do, was smile as she relaxed into the embrace." You did good, Laika, you did good", her human whispered gently. Softly running her gloved hands along the dogs soft fur. Causing the injured female to slowly wag her tail in appreciation." I must admit, you both surprised and worried me, I was so worried that you would collapse, that you would be in too much pain to even move, but you proved me wrong", the female added softly. Pride evident in her voice, as she gently pulled the injured female into a hug. Laika simply rested her head on the humans shoulder. Feeling both relieved and safe. Before feeling herself being carefully lifted upwards, and placed carefully on the main part of the sled." We're going to get that leg checked, but for now, rest, you've done enough already", her human finished.

The next thing she knew, she felt the sled slowly being pulled along. Taking her further into the small town they arrived in. As she watched the different buildings go by, she felt relief flood through her entire body. Glad to finally rest, and allow her body a chance to recover. She had no doubt that she will be getting an earful from Takita later. But for now, both dogs were content with what they had done. Especially Laika. For she had done it. She had proving Roscoe wrong, and in turn proved that she wasn't a burden. That she can run just as well as any dog. But more importantly, she had finally won her first race.

Who said you needed to be a full blooded pedigree, to win a race?

Oh my gosh they are so gorgeous. ;o;;