I mentioned in my last post that I would outline our goals for 2016.  In a continuous effort to better the lives of our Huskies, and also to make our lives easier, we are often brainstorming on different projects to accomplish.  In 2015 we were finally able to begin phase 1 of the new barn stalls.  We changed out the large corner stall with a dirt floor to 2 smaller (yet still quite large) stalls with a concrete floor.  We wanted test out the concrete floor before moving forward to learn the benefits and also the pitfalls.  We also implemented the “potty box”, which they have adjusted to for the most part.  It enables them to have an area to potty, without having to do it on the hard floor.  It makes cleaning much easier, as well as gives them a specific area to do their business separate from the rest of the stall.  They do have their “accidents”, as well as some are learning faster than others, but for the most part it’s working quite well.  The biggest benefit is that there is no more digging.  We also added a large rubber horse mat to the floor to give them a place to lie down.

Our goals list for 2016 is fairly large and while we hope to achieve all of the goals, we know a few of them may have to be delayed into 2017.  They include:

  • Add 3 more stalls down the west barn wall, utilizing the same concrete type stalls, plus adding or subtracting based on what we’ve learned.
  • Remove the stalls on the North wall (all the remaining “dirt” stalls)
  • Purchase and add new “Tool Barn” and move all tools and equipment to that location
  • Add 5-7 new concrete stalls along the East wall.
  • Add loft over all stalls.
  • Add and expand the fenced area for the dogs.  Includes a “kennel run” that is attached to the barn to allow the dogs to go in and out of the barn at will, yet remain in a specific area; expand the current play area; connect the current fenced area to the fence of the horse pasture, creating a special permanent area for “retired” dogs.  (several of our dogs will be retiring over the next 2 years or so)
  • Replace and improve horse fence.  Eventually there will be no horse at the farm.  He is likely to be re-located in the not-to-distant future.  The pasture will then become a much larger play area for the dogs.  Steps have to be taken to make this area is escape proof.
  • Purchase a used trampoline for the dog play area.  The trampoline was something they really enjoyed until it went out-of-commission.  We hope to replace it.
  • We need to remove 4-5 dead or dying trees, and hope to plant a number of others.
  • Purchase a new “swimming pool” that is large and durable.  Likely a large farm tub.  No more kiddie pools that are destroyed annually.

 

Our list is quite extensive, and as pointed out earlier, may take longer than one year to accomplish. 

Now if Winter would just get out of my way……