For many years I swore I would never have a small dog, especially not a miniature version of one! But when Ajax came into our lives it was very hard to turn him away. I had my doubts and so many worries of the dogs literally eating him alive.

Many huskies have a VERY strong prey drive and see anything small and fast as a potential food source. If they squeak, run or scurry away it is more than enough reason for them to consider it as food. My guys are different from the typical husky in so many ways but we do have many 'regulars' passing through the kennel or adopted as our own through the Fairbanks Animal Shelter.

Many of these dogs come to us as adults, some with strong prey drive some without, but all having lost the critical puppy stage that is so important for training and adapting to the life we have here. Many adapt very well, some take time, others fit in from day one but my radar is aways open for a potential danger to Ajax's life.

Since he is a cuddler, he is literally like a stuffed animal that I sleep with at night, my protective instinct has heightened to a point I've never known before. I am constantly watching out for cars, making sure he is at my feet or at least within eye sight at all times. He doesn't seem to mind this over protective behavior, only venturing off beyond my protection on a rare occasion and always coming when called.

Ajax goes everywhere with me, and when I say everywhere I mean that in every sense of the word! I cant use the bathroom without him (he scratches at the door if I shut him out), while I'm relaxing at night he is curled up at my side and any time I drive into town for errands or work he is in the car. He has gone with James and I deep within the heart of Denali National Park to the Kantishna Road House and way down south to Seward and Valdez while we fish for salmon. He loves taking walks in these far away places but even though he is willing to stand down the biggest dogs in our yard he is terrified of live salmon! : )

The only time I leave him at home is when we are out mushing on the trail or the weather is too hot for any dog to travel in the car. He pouts fiercely when I have to leave but over the years he has come to except it and mobs me with his little legs when I get home. If I have been gone for a full day I expect to be smothered in kisses and uncontrollable bites to my lips and nose. He gets so excited!

Ajax was very fortunate to be here in time to welcome our new pups into the world. He LOVES babies, human or animal, and was completely fascinated with their little lives when they came into the world. He and I lay in front of Salmon's kennel the night of their birth waiting to see if she or the pups would need assistance. We both watched for hours as the miracle of life was produced right before our eyes. He wanted so badly to sniff them up close, even before they had started nursing, but I cautioned him to patience.

Many hours later, after all the pups had been delivered, washed, fed and Salmon was ready for her quick outside relief. Ajax took full advantage of this and gently looked them over one by one. This later became a ritual when Salmon left the room to eat or go to the bathroom. I feared she would take offense to his visits but she seemed to welcome them knowing that his intentions were only for the greatest good.

As the babies grew and waddled around Ajax was right there seeing them through every step in their little lives. He would play with them for hours on end and discipline when they grew too rough. Throughout their interaction these giants learned a gentle touch from Ajax that has carried through to their adult lives. They still love to rough house with their brothers and sisters thundering around the dog yard like a herd of buffalo but when Ajax is in the area they pay him the utmost respect and if they slip up he is still more than willing to put them in their place!

Many times I have caught him hanging off the cheek of an unruly pup while the giant backs away whining and groveling like the tiny babies they once were. But even though their baby days are gone Ajax still loves to play! He will entice Juno to chase him round and around the kitchen, his little legs a blur, stopping only long enough for her to catch up.

His low center of gravity serves him well as he dodges and weaves throughout the house and around corners. The bigger dogs do their best to keep up but inevitably slide on the linoleum and often crash into the house walls with their excitement. Its a very comical display and I owe so many good hearted laughs to Ajax's antics.

He has brightened my life in so many ways and seems to be in tune to any grief or pain. When James fractured his wrist he sat with him and cleaned his arm and when he was sick with a terrible fever I often would catch him laying in James' bed helping with the healing.

Ajax has also helped me through many painful times... I believe he was sent to us for so many special reasons but the one very important path he has helped me get through was when Ursa passed from this world and I was rocked with grief. Ajax could sense this and even though I cried as quietly as possible (I didn't want to disturb him) he would wake from his naps and insist to be held. This was a comfort beyond belief...

Like Juno, many have met and know Ajax. They are drawn to his adorable small size and brave bold bark. He remains stand offish to some but does warm up in time. You can be sure that once you are a friend of his you will never be forgotten. Every time you see him you are sure to be subject to those little jumping feet and excited greetings.