Alaskan mornig fill the air with a warm scent of pine trees, and the fresh smell of the ocean. Kodi, Dusty, Anatoe,Bolkan, and Alai, all snug together by the warm fire.

Kodi and Dusty awake by a very disturbing sound. They can here Dipsy on the speaker. The signal has been modified. Kodi and Dusty quikly run to see what has happend. On the way Dusty still cant get fully awake, so she and Kodi wait for a minute."What do you think happend Kodi?" She asked."I dont know, but for wakin up at 5 in the morning it better be good". They both enjoyed a quick yawn then started to run again.

Ariving in the boiler room, the two could see the whole team there."Hey Kodi were are your little wild things" ?Ralph joked"Their probably still asleep". "You know they are growing pretty big for only 4 months old", Ralph said."They are ofcourse taking after their grandfather and dad". Dusty said.

Soon the big mayor like St.Bernard stepped into the room." Hello and good morning everyone, I am terribly sorry for awaking you soooo early, but what i am about to tell you it is worth it".Balto and Jenna then stepped in the room." We couldnt help but come, I hope you dont mind"."Oh Balto, it is just fine you are welcome any metting",the St.Bernard said." As I was saying"he began,"We have just received some terrible news from our Musher and Doc.

"It seems that we have lost one of our very dear and important friends. Everybody It seems that Kirby has been killed by a glacier accident. We all know that Kirby and his owner went on a vacation to Canada a couple weeks ago. Well today was supposed to be his return, one of our sailors went to gather shrimp for our schools. And on the way he spotted a Titanic like boat, sinking just like the Titanic. He then looked at the surrounding glaicers broken into many peices and suspected it to be the cause. The boat read S.S Alaskas Victory. And overhearing I found that to be Kirby's boat. Im sorry team but there was no chance on survival".

The St.Bernard looked around the room. Everyone teary eyed and jaws dropped. Jenna and Dusty crying on their mates for there wasnt a dry eye in that room. Dusty started crying and Kodi said" Sweatheart, I know he was like a brother to you but these things happen". He too was crying. Balto couldnt help it either.

"And so to my concern we have voted you Kodi", the mayor dog said." Who me?"Kodi asked."Yes you, you and Dusty are the only dogs who have born three beautiful pups this year. So you two have taunting task to make, you may choose only one of your pups to replace Kodis place, and Kodi will be moved uo to lead dog". Kodi was proud but very heartbroken at the same time, he loved all his pups, he nust only choose one.

Dusty had stopped crying enough to say a few words about her dear friend. As she was doung this Kodi stepped over to his parents."Mom, Dad this is way too much for me. But It is my job, I cant refuse"."Kodi you will do just fine, But you need to take them out to the beach and ask them what they want to do with their life jobs. There will probably two that will want to run. Every mornig you need to take the one or two and train them as much you can. Then take them to musher and he will choose the strongest, the one that can go fast and long without getting too tired.

After the meeting Kodi and Dusty went to their home to rest and talk about what they should do."Kodi I am so happy for your new place, but I will miss that funny and loveable husky". "Me too babe". He said.

One day Kodi decided it was time to take the pups out to the beach. He went over too the 2nd oldest, Bolkan and asked him, Bolkan said"Dad, I know you will be dissapointed in me fot not being a mail dog, but I want to be a fishermans dog, i love the fresh and salty smell of the sea". "Son I will never be dissapointed in what you choose, you can go now".

He walked over to Anatoe and asked the same question. Anatoe said" Pa I want to be a huntin' dog, i want to go to the forest and find rabbits and moose, caribou and deer. Sorry but I like to be in the wilderness with a nice owner to be with me". "Okay son you can go now"."By Pa".

He turned to his wolflike daughter, who reminded him soooo much of Balto and himself. She looked liek a clone of Kodi but acted like a wolf, chasing squirells in spring, running in the forest. he asked her the same questions he asked her brothers."Papa you should know that I want to be just like you, on the mail team, I want to run my full speed everyday, and feel the free wind blowing in my face, and if I am good enough maybe I could save thetown like grandad or be a lead dog like you.

Finally his one and only daighter, so tomboy, so ahletic wanted to follow in her daddys footsteps, or paw prints. Alai resimbled her dad and grandad so much kodi got confused. She looked like a copy of him but acted like Balto, howling sometimes, and chasing squirells in the spring. He was sooooo lucky to have such a wonderful daughter. He has a fisherdog, a hunting dog, and finally a sled dog.

"Okay Alai, first things first, I am going to show you the tecquinics of running. On your mark get set go. He took of thinking she was far behind, she was right next to him."Its in her blood" He thought.

Kodi and Alai did many different lessons almosy everyday. She enjoyed it alot. He tought her to run and never give uo even in-10 degrees,he tought her all the harnesses, and all the rules. Dusty taught her daught how to act and how to get along with all the boys.

Alai always went to her grandad for comfort and some fun too. Balto loved to watch his little grandbaby grow to be just like a second chance at a daughter.

Musher started seeing the faith and agility in her that oneday he came and gave her the harness, which means she was on the team.The whole family threw a big congrats party for her. Kodi and Dusty were so proud of her.

The big day came, Alais first run. She was third dog in line, next to Dusty and behind Kodi. She loved being with Kodi. "HIKE",musher said. And they took off. Alai was very proud of her place, she did not even get a drop of sweat in her fur. She was blazing, and in just 1 hour that had made it to White mountain.

The trip back Alai had slowed down a bit, but so had everyone else. When the trip was over musher was very happy and proud at their new member.

Kodi,Dusty, Balto,Jenna,Bolkan,and Anatoe congradulated Alai for her brave and courages effort for her first run.

 

Thank You for reading this story, I made this story in wonderful memory of our favorite Steve Irwin who died not long ago.

I made the bond between Kodi and Alai like the bond between Steve and his daughter Bindi.

I hope you keep Steve and his family in your prayers

STEVE IRWIN

1962-Semptember,04,2006

We will miss you Steve

Thank You.