Yes Glenda, all race dogs are required to wear booties during the Iditarod (and other major races as well). The mushers carry between 1,500 and 2,500 booties for the race and at a cost of about $1 each, that really adds up. The booties are held in place with velcro and are meant to keep the snow and ice from cutting into the paws. They're also used to keep the medicated and soothing ointments the mushers put on the paws each day, stay on and work better. Booties are easily lost on the trail and in fact a much coveted "souvenir" at the race is a thrown booty. The one I have was lost about 200 feet after the start of the race. I brought back booties for everyone in my graphics team. Fortunately for them they were all brand new, given to me by a musher I know. Used ones really stink! LOL Jodi-

I am so jealous of those lilacs. I have a lilac tree (the only variety that will grow where I live), but they are nothing compared to yours. I can almost smell them. Yours are beautiful and so many blooms.

Remembering Music, a wonderful dog. My DH adopted him when he was on death row at the shelter, and Music never stopped being grateful. Blind in one eye, he was all heart. He disappeared one day, and we were told years later that our rotten neighbor shot him for drinking out of his dog's water dish. Couldn't prove it, of course.

Kittywhiskers,that looks like a streptocarpella,aka,as dancing violets. I've had ne for years and i cut it back drastically this last time,so hoping it comes back. All the pictures today are gorgeous as usual. Kathi