Calypso was born out of Salmon and Griffin on September 8th 2007 along with her brothers Boreas, Hermes, Chronos and Thanatos.

When Calypso was born it wasn't clear she would be the smallest, but as her brothers grew her growth slowed and it wasn't long before they were nearly twice her size. It is plain to see where she inherited this from when I see her and Salmon work side by side. These two are nearly identical with only the patterns of their coat color showing contrast between the two.

She did gain a superior coat from her fathers side and the thick muscle tone of the dogs in that line. What she lacks in size she makes up in surprising speed and a HUGE desire to pull down the trail. She is very calm in harness (another trait from her father) and may have lead potential, though we haven't tested her extensively in that area just yet.

Since our team does quite a bit of work breaking trail Calypso is at a disadvantage working in lead struggling through the deep snow. To solve this I work her further back in the team so the others can break the way for her and she can continue to work comfortably.

Being the only female in her litter we had high hopes she would help continue our line but her size was the deciding factor and the ultimate reason why we had her spayed. This is only a minor let down, having Calypso as a friend and companion has been absolutely wonderful and her size has suited her very well in that department.

She loves to be cuddled and even though I can no longer heft the boys up in my lap I can handle Calypso just fine. She loves every moment of it and settles easy into couch life... too easy actually!

Most of the pups in her litter have what I call 'monkey hands' in that they will gently pull what ever they want close to them for inspection. Calypso showed this trait first and uses it quite often. When she wants more attention or pets she will pull my arm to her and if my arm isn't available she will gladly paw at anything she can reach even if its the top of my head.

Shes so gentle when she does this, but very persistent. At times I don't think she knows her own strength but she is learning the limits of my sensitive skin.

I am often guilty of encouraging bad or cute behavior in my dogs when they do something that is generally harmless but clearly outside the laws of what is 'acceptable' for a furry companion. I cant help but laugh out loud when Calypso wants some of what I'm eating, pulls my arm away, with food still on the fork and gently eats off the end as if she were human.

Shes so delightful and sweet that I have a hard time talking her out of such behaviors. Its far more enjoyable to allow her to be herself within the limits that she doesn't become dominant or hurt other dogs. I cant imagine ever becoming the uptight stern obedience trainer that Ive read about in books. Life is too short not to enjoy these simple pleasures.

Calypso has also shown a very curious trait of getting on the weirdest things. If I don't watch her she will be on top of my desk checking things out (and knocking them down), on top of the tables, on kitchen counters or, her favorite perch, right on Ajax's cushion that sits on top of our little kennel in the Jeep.

That has to be her favorite place and she loves to ride up there while I'm driving. The other dogs have tried this same trick but they are much too large and the low ceiling of the Jeep provides another obstacle that Calypso handles with ease, mostly likely with help from her 'monkey hands'.

Calypso has a very intense sensitive side and when its her turn to play in the office while I work I cant sneeze or cough without her coming to investigate and see if I'm okay. Even at a dead sleep she will wake up and pad gently over to give kisses and make sure I'm alright.

Ive tried fooling her with fake sneezes to see if she will have the same reaction but shes no dummy. James was there the night I tried, I wanted him to see how instantly she reacted, but when I put on my best fake sneeze she picked her head up from the couch, looked at me with a very bored expression and went back to sleeping!

I am very curious to see how her intelligence and our strong connection will play out over time. Its still so early in her life that I know the best is yet to come.