The Legacy Continues

Who knew the Rainbow Bridge had internet access?  I’d rather play with the children and my toys than blog, so this will be my last one.

I’m excited to watch the Kolchak, King of the Wolfhounds, tradition continue. I’ll pass the torch, aptly, on Veteran’s Day, 11-11-11. One month exactly from when I said good-bye to earth and hello to Heaven, my successor arrives in Hawai’i.

Continuing the Wolfhound tradition as Kolchak XVI will be an amazing young fellow who has shown the tenacity of a Wolfhound already in his 17 weeks of life. He was one of twelve pups born on 6 July 2011, small, with an in-utero tail injury resulting in the loss of half his tail. At first he struggled a bit with getting enough nourishment, but his human mom, Natasha, kept a watchful eye on him (even in the wee hours) until he was strong enough to keep his spot at the milk bar. Then, at 11 days old, he was the first of all his siblings to open his eyes. Following up on that first, he was first to drink from a plate and first to eat solids like a big boy. Natasha said “small of body and large of brain is Argus.” However, the former didn’t hold true as he soon got a monster appetite and out-grew some of his siblings. His human mom said he has the heart of a lion... she must have meant Wolfhound, but just didn’t know it yet. Mom, Dad, Madeline, Matthew and I think he’s perfect for the job.  

All of you made a place in your heart for me so I know you also will for my successor,  Kolchak XVI, Alyosha Argus, King of the Wolfhounds.  For such a young boy, he is adventurous so he’s going to try his paw at blogging as well.  His blog is at http://kolchakxvi.blogspot.com/  .

It was my honor and pleasure to serve with the 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds”.

NO FEAR ON EARTH!

Much aloha from the Rainbow Bridge,

Kolchak XV, Hoakoa Korsakov’s Travelin’ Man, King of the Wolfhounds (Ret.)

Sunrise: 2 November 2009
Sunset: 10 October 2011

Not quite 2

Today was a great day two years ago when Kolchak XV was born in Virginia.  We only celebrated one birthday, his only birthday, with him. Now we mourn his loss and wait for the days when memories of him only make us laugh instead of cry. We were blessed to know him, only wishing it was for longer. Thank you Jane and Wolfhounds for letting us be his family. 

Hoakoa (friend to soldiers)

Again, Hoakoa, with brotherly love shared between Wolfhounds.

Loved Wolfpups and they loved him.
He was so patient and tolerant with the keiki.

Was good with even the smallest Wolfpups
even when one would play with his toy.

Pillow and furry, four-legged brother.
Great for movie night on the floor.

Loved and asked for cuddles like this.

Guard dog against stray cats, door-to-door folks,
the mailman, neighbors he'd met a loads times,
and even a branch. Good boy.

Napping on his bed by his chew toy (dad's chest of drawers).

Best big, black nose that we will miss kissing.
We miss this face.
We will always love Kolchak XV, King of the Wolfhounds, part of our family.

RIP Kolchak XV

November 2, 2009 -- October 11, 2011

There aren't enough words, but I can always try. I never imagined our time with him would be so short.

Kolchak had torsion and bloat on Sunday afternoon that was operated on from 4pm to 9pm that night, but ultimately he died of a pulmonary blood clot this morning around 11am.

Kolchak XV was first a blessing to our family. He came to us from a wonderful mom and he reflected his upbringing. Many said he was the best behaved Kolchak. We agree. To us, he was a goofy teenager growing into his body while embedding himself in our hearts. Of course, he was our "very, very bad dog" when he chewed things he shouldn't or stole food off a plate or counter, but he was just being the teenage borzoi he was meant to be.

Kolchak XV only came to us through his job and he did it well. He blessed our current Wolhounds, wolfpups (the kids), Gold Star families (KIA’s - Killed in Action’s family members), and Wolfhound Veterans of various wars by being gentle, non-judgmental, fuzzy, funny, and regal (if only you could see him in his dirt pile!). He was the physical representation of Wolfhound compassion. He only lived long enough to become a Corporal in the army, but he will always be one of a line of King of the Wolfhounds.

Finally, know that due to his Military Working Dog status, he was provided unlimited around-the-clock care that most owners/handlers/families dream of. This resource was exceptional in the heart of the vets and techs on their holiday weekend to come in quickly and frequently, some volunteering to pull a watch or overnight shift. They pulled for him with everything they had, knowledge, experience, resources, and desire. One tech said, "This is why I do this job. I take care of animals that serve." There was always at least one vet, often two, and a tech or two with Kolchak. He was the only animal in the emergency area so it was all about him. I do not doubt his care and only dream of that level in a civilian environment. 

We thought he was doing better so the kids and I got to pet and hug him for a half-hour. He was alert and responsive, lifting his head when he heard and saw us and even trying to move toward us. When he started to crash, we had to go to another room. We know he knew we were there and that we loved him dearly. This is our only comfort. Our house is filled with his things, specific to borzoi and/or him. Now our palm trees will grow with the scars of his teeth, our China cabinet and house trim will bear his mark, and the hole in our heart the size of his schnoz will remain.

Godspeed, Corporal Kolchak XV Hoakoa Korsakov's Travelin' Man, to travel over the rainbow bridge, much too early for us, to rest at the feet of the Lord with a squeaky stuffy in your grip. Someday, we will meet you there.

Please pray for me

This is Kolchak's mom here. I've been accused of writing his blog, but those are just nasty rumors. 

I'm blogging tonight FOR Kolchak. He has just come out of surgery. He stomach flipped (torsion I think it's called) sometime between 9am and 1:30pm when we were gone to Sunday school, church, and Target. When we came home, he was just not the same. So, long story short, his surgery started at 4pm and ended just before 9pm. I met with the vet to discuss the "findings" which, I have deduced, mean crummy things. SGT Bates (nee SPC Hayden - see blog entry on 1st trip to the vet) saved him initially by simply inserting a needle into the swollen area of his abdomen. The sound was like pushing the release on a basketball. sssshhhhh This was to prevent more damage and his stomach actually corrected itself at this point. He did vomit during the initial anesthesia and they tipped the table, cleared what they could, and continued on. There is some fluid in his lungs for which they have put him on antibiotics. His spleen survived and not all spleens do so that was good news. However, he has a 2" x 2" patch of necrotic (dead) tissue on his stomach confirming that his stomach did twist. The vet did a double stitch job to isolate the dead tissue. She then told me that there is a 40% survival rate when this damage has been done. Something to do with platelets clotting in the stomach once the stomach corrects and the blood flow is restored. I think the platelets stops blood flow to the stomach again. He is on blood thinners now. 

When I left the Veterinary Treatment Facility (VTF), he was still intubated and on the OR table. She said it would be 1 1/2 hours until I could see him so I reluctantly decided to come home. He will have his vitals checked every 5 minutes for the next 24 hours. Fortunately, he is at a military facility so he has vets and vet techs on “watch” for him in three hour shifts. He won’t be alone. The vet will let me know if there is any indication of a slowing of his pulse. I came home to rest in case I am not able to on Monday and so I can bring the children and Isabella to post if Kolchak isn’t going to make it. No matter what, we’ll be up there tomorrow morning. 

I’m feeling rather helpless now. There is nothing I can do, but I know God knows he is at the VTF and we love him. His earthly dad knows what is going on so soon the deployed Wolfhounds will know. Kolchak is loved by many. Please, please pray for his healing. Only God can help him now. We need him to be OK. He’s only been with us for just under a year, but he is an integral part of our family. The house is empty tonight. My heart, our hearts, will have an empty space if he crosses the rainbow bridge. Please pray he doesn’t do that now and we can have many more goofy years with him. 

I don’t know what else to say as I have so many concerns, what-ifs, questions, and such as you do. 

Mahalo nui loa for your prayers for our boy.

First Time at Camp

Sorry it's been a while.  Summer with Dad being gone made life hectic.  We started school last week so things are slowly returning to normal - including the return of couch time for me while I pretend to listen to history or something (that is not nearly as interesting as the inside of my eyelids). Eventually Mom will download all of my photos so I can use them to blog. Until then, I've got some video clips from my time at camp.


Mom and my two-legged siblings went to Maui to race in the state paddling regatta. I couldn't go along so Isabella and I went to camp instead. Tradewinds Pet Suites is a fun camp right up the road from where I live. They let us stay together in a huge kennel for two. There were horses nearby that reminded me of Korsacov and my first mom, Jane. To help this Borzoi that is made for Siberian winters, Isabella and I got a bathtub in which to cool down.  I also used it as a big water bowl. I stuck my entire schnoz in there and sucked up some cool hose water. It was the perfect refreshment for a Hawaiian afternoon in the Wai'anae valley. 


My camp counselors took some video of me playing so I'm posting the web address. If these links don't work, you'll have to copy and paste it into your browser. I'm not totally tech savvy yet. It's worth the hassle because, although a blogging dog is phenomenal, watching me running and playing is even better.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5c5WsQe7D_Q&feature=related
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGfsqoF_0Qk&feature=related
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9u_EQhzE7IU&NR=1


Thanks for stopping by!
Kolchak
King of the Wolfhounds, enjoyer of camp

Tropical Dog Toy

Aloha!  Just love the islands and my new favorite chew toy.

Crispy palm fronds make a super crackly noise.

Grr... grrrr..... {shake, shake} grrrrr....

Munchy, crunch. I love these treats. If there are none on the ground,
I stand up with my front paws on the tree, bite a fresh frond, and YANK!

Mom says that this seems cute and innocent until you see the
claw dents in the tree trunk or where I chew the branches of the baby trees.
She's not so happy with my style of gardening.

A guy can smile while chewing his tropical treat.

I can't wait until we replace the weeds with grass
and I can lay in the cool grass with a crispy frond...
unless I can dig the grass up. That sounds more fun.

Much aloha,
Kolchak
Killer of palm fronds and stuffies
KING of the Wolfhounds!

My 1-27 Brothers!

I know it's been a while since I've blogged. I've just not been to work in ages. 2-27 deployed while 1-27 was still deployed.


I did get to meet the family of a fallen hero Wolfhound this June, but that was too sad to blog about and I don't have photos. I will remember them in my heart. I really liked his sister and cuddled her by laying my head in her lap. We all need a cuddle sometimes.


On the flip side.... YEAH!!  I've been waiting since I got here to meet my 1-27 Wolfhounds and I finally met them yesterday.  Woooo hoooo!


I'm going to a redeployment ceremony on Thursday so I needed to meet and train my new handler.  

 SSG Fennell mutters, "Good Kolchak. Good boy." 

I telepathically message him, "Good SSG. Good boy."

 Historically, I am one rank higher than the person who is handling me. 

Right now, call me Major Kolchak while I hang out on Captain Jura's couch.

Well, he's out of his office, but a guy can dream, can't he?

SSG Fennell and I enjoy some quality time on the love seat.
I love my new staff... er.... um... handler. He's nice and trainable.
The feeling is mutual, I'm sure.

This is me with Cheeseburger Guy.
I'm sure he has a name, but that's how I remember him.
Mom made sure I sat for my cheeseburger. Sheesh. Picky ol' broad.

OK, Cheeseburger Guy. I'm still here. I'm still sitting. Can you take a hint?

It worked. Cheeseburger Guy is a bright spark.

It's a stand off at the Cheeseburger Coral....
We stare each other down.
Who will give up first?

I gave up.
Sitting on my bony haunches for a morsel of cheeseburger quit being worth it. 

Me and one of the many 1-27 Wolfhounds that pet me yesterday. It's great to be back at work again.

I came, I trained, I smelled, sniffed, licked,and
observed everything and person I could find. I'm exhausted.

Mahalo nui loa to my 1-27 Wolfhound brothers for letting me hang out with you yesterday. It was super fun to get to meet some of you, check out my new work place, and get pet. Next time, more cheeseburger please.  :-)

KIAs

I can see from my blog stats that some folks stumble upon my blog through googling about my fallen heros.  Here's a link and a photo.

https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=227497627262460&set=a.227497623929127.69966.181966571815566&type=1&theater

Wolfhound Compassion

Even during war, Wolfhounds haven't forgotten their committment to Holy Family Home in Osaka, Japan. Here's a link to read about it. 

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/70185/wolfhound-soldiers-continue-world-war-ii-tradition-help-japanese-orphans

Life on the homefront

Life just isn't the same with most of my Wolfhounds gone to Iraq or Afghanistan. Home is OK, but it's just not my job!

We're in the process of adopting some soldiers from Dad's company while they are deployed. My brother, sister, and mom will each have one and we all have Dad. Four soldiers equals a lot of baking and post office runs. Here's today's project... banana bread.

 
Something about me counter cruising while they cooled so mom secured them in a banana bread prison. Rats. 

I'm not the best cook so I'm learning to stay out of the kitchen... sort of. Here's what I do while my staff bake for my dad and my guys.

That's it for me. I play, eat, and sleep. I hope I can go see my injured Wolfhounds on post soon. Mom is going to see if I can visit Tripler Army Medical Center to visit my guys there, but she says that's a long shot. Between a dozen spools of red tape, a pile beaucracy, and military "intelligence", they probably won't let a soldier in that has fur and four-legs.

Keep praying for my fellow Wolfhounds!





2/27 Soldier Training

Since I don't have work to do while 1/27 hasn't redeployed and 2/27 just deployed... I don't have much to blog about. My mom did get a link to A Co. Wolfhounds training. You may know some of them.  http://www.flickr.com/photos/29131009@N00/   I don't know them all well, but I do know I love them all. 

If you have photos of other companies in 1 or 2 / 27, you will you send me a link please? Mahalo.

Kolchak
a.k.a. Lucifur

a.k.a. Lucifur

How do I begin? So, my dad left on Sunday. Since then, I've been trying to express my feelings about his absence. I'm comfortable enough here to choose a wild variety of methods to pour out my sadness. The normal things to chew like wooden clothes pins, pencils, plastic water bottles, and the occasional stuffed animal pilfered from my brother's room just would not suffice. I'm so sad that I'm not even interested in my stuffies.

My first inclination was to chew the China cabinet. That worked... for a little while. My mom was most distressed at my choice. I don't know why. It was quite cathartic, really. First I nibbled the corner. Then, I found its taste and texture quite interesting so I sampled more. I managed to scrape off a few decorations and get a good chunk of edge off. The problem was I left evidence. This means my Kolchak's Kozy Korner (my kennel) has since been renamed Kolchak's Korrectional Facility. hmmm... Someone thinks they're funny, right Madeline? It doesn't make staying there any nicer, but it's where I stay when the family leaves. Thank goodness I have a new ginormous sized kennel.

Once, I chewed the China cabinet when they were home. Now they gate me into the half of the house they are in - just like when I first got here. I'm slowly losing my freedom. I may need to go on strike.

Next, while my family was home, I found a new treat on the kitchen table. I took it to one of my special places - the landing on the stairs - where I protect my chew toys from theft by my sister. Only one of us fits on the landing. Rumor has it that mom heard me crunching plastic and thought nothing of it. I frequently raid the recycle bin for empty water bottles. Then she realized the plastic didn't sound quite right and immediately checked on what I was chewing... as I was smacking my lips. I really enjoyed those children's vitamins. Mom sure freaked out. She checked the amount I'd eaten (not too many, but one was too many in her opinion), called the vet, and got fairly mad at me. I guess just because a bottle is on the kitchen table doesn't mean it is mine. Who knew? The family, minus Dad, went through the whole house double checking that there wasn't a bottle, container, or anything plastic left within nose reach that might harm me. Now that Mom is sick, she's a bit irritated that her pile of medicines has to be stashed away where she forgets it. Is her senility my problem??? My search for sadness outlets continued...

... until I found that when one cannot find a pencil, a pen is just as satisfying. The first pen I located was on the floor. Must be OK to chew if it's on the floor, but NOOOOOO.... Mom gave me stink eye and took it away while mumbling something about how she'd tan my borzoi hide if I got ink on the rug the children got me (or her) for Christmas. When I found my next pen on the kitchen counter, you know... the one left out to take messages.... or snack on... I was wiser this time. I took it to Kolchak's Kozy Korner to chew. No rug in there. She's so OCD that she took that one away too. Sheeesh... what's a guy to do??

My family could tell I had "ants in my borzoi pants" (as they say), so they keep letting me outside to play with my sister. That works. I like all the dirt from when we laid pavers and there are so many toys there while we had the house painted. I found I enjoy paint stir sticks - nice wood - and no metal clip like a clothes pin. Then there's the empty tubes of caulking left by the painters that are nice and squishy. I'm a plastics kind of guy. The door trim and edging on the house are tasty too. Mom was irked that I was chewing trash and making a mess for her to clean up, but when she saw I nibbled the house, she was irate. I think the door jamb looks more personalized this way. And the painters just had to be more careful to collect each tube they used. Once, I almost got their little paint pot for touch up. This led Ralph (my favorite painter) to use his empty water bottles as toys. In the end, I got his attention and toys and I helped personalize the house. A most productive week. Still, no one could really tell that I missed my dad.

Mom has tried all sorts to distract me per Melissa's blog. Isabella and I got new Kongs the other day. They were filled with peanut butter so I'd be busy in my Korrectional Facility. That worked... for a while. We have a new tug-of-war toy that we got today. That worked for today. Mom got out old toys, tried to help me play with the new ones even though she's sick as a cat (you know she can't be sick as a dog because we are good).

I've also tried not eating my meals, instead counter cruising for snacks. I chewed a slipper (you mainlanders call them flip-flops), but Crocs are durable enough that I didn't do any damage. Mom moved it and then I cuddled it. She doesn't even trust me to hug her Croc slippers so now I can't get near any slippers. Rats. Madeline says I've been doing a lot of "sniff it, lick it, chew it" activities. The last straw was when I licked Mom's phone. She mumbled a death threat if I decided to chew that!

Finally, my latest expression is to be very pushy to get attention. No matter how much I am pet, tummy rubbed, given treats for learning something, or just talked to, I still need more love to make up for not having Dad home. I lean on people, block the hall, stick my nose where it doesn't belong (I guess humans don't sniff each other's hinnies), follow people around, and, my favorite, I hop onto Mom's bed and she doesn't even have to ask. I figure I'm doing her a favor because she won't miss Dad if I take up his spot. Apparently, I take up more than his spot and my constant cleaning - gotta get the burrs out of my fur - drives her nuts by jiggling the bed. A bit oversensitive, aren't we? Just because she's sick means I have to sleep on my own bed.

During this time I heard words like "bad" or "rotten" when I was just trying to express how I feel. I can tell my family has unconditional love for me and, knowing that, I feel more comfortable sharing my feelings. I guess I have to find other ways, so I'm going to see if blogging helps. Until I change my behavior, they've renamed me Lucifur. Normally, I'm Angel. Mom hopes this is just a phase and I'll adjust, like my staff will, to Dad's absence.

We'll see. I sure miss him. I miss all my Wolfhounds.

Until then, keep sending up prayers for the Wolfhounds,
Kolchak (a.k.a. Lucifur)

My name history

I am often asked how such a cute puppy, such as myself, got a name like Kolchak. It is common for a Borzoi (as we are known now) to have a Russian name reflecting our heritage from Russia.  Here's how I got Kolchak XV.

Mom and I collected the all photos and the rest is attributed as best we could.

==========================

(Cut and pasted from: http://www.kolchak.org/history/general/history_pg1.htm)

The first mascot, a pure bred Russian Wolfhound [as they were known until 1936], was presented to the regiment in 1929. He was named after Admiral Alksandr Vassilyevich Kolchak, a White Russian Army commander who fought the Bolsheviks alongside the regiment in Siberia.  [It is said that Adm. Kolchak, after witnessing the regiment march over 1,000 miles over difficult ground in frigid Siberian temperatures in pursuit of the retreating Bolsheviks in the Siberia Campaign, alluded to the regiment having the endurance and tenacity of Wolfhounds.]

Admiral Alksandr Vassilyevich Kolchak
[Thankfully we bear no likeness to each other!]

Kolchak, and his successors, are more than a mere mascot. They personify both the name, Wolfhounds, by which the 27th Infantry is known throughout the Army, and the tenacious and ferocious fighting nature of the regiment.

The Regiment has a reputation of utter ferocity in combat and gentle compassion in peace. Our enemies have felt the ruthlessness of the Wolfhound's bite, our friends have found us to be loyal and steadfast, and the innocent have found the Wolfhounds are second to none in compassion. [See PeaceBridge, among other references, for more information on Wolfhound compassion.]

==========================

A Kolchak with two children from Holy Family Home in Osaka, Japan
visiting the regiment at Schofield Barracks, Hawai'i, USA.

Wolfhound compassion:
Hugh O'Reilly with a child at the Holy Family Home in Osaka, Japan.

==========================

Pasted from http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-vetscor/861975/posts (dated March 2003)

Where does a four footed Wolfhound march in a Parade? You won't find the answer in FM 22-5, Drill and Ceremonies or the old Infantry Drill Regulations, but the famous Wolfhound Regiment has it's present mascot, Kolchak XI lead the procession.

The first mascot, a pure bred Russian Wolfhound, was presented to the regiment in 1929. He was named after Admiral Aleksandr Vassilyevich Kolchak, who fought the Bolsheviks during the regiments stay in Siberia. Sergeant John Martin -- who served with the regiment in both the Philippines and Siberia -- took charge and promised to have "Kolchak" at all gatherings of the regiment.

 

Wolfhounds were used in ancient times as hunting dogs in Russia. The Russian aristocracy later used them for coursing wolves and other game. They were imported into the United States in the late 1880's and given the name "Borzoi" in 1936. Kolchak, and his 10 successors are more than a mere mascot. They personify both the name, Wolfhounds, by which the 27th Infantry is known throughout the Army, and the tenacious and ferocious fighting nature of the regiment.

Kolchak II entered service in 1939. He was often found rooting on Wolfhound athletic teams and marched with the regiment in all ceremonies. The Cossack hat or Shaktoes, belt and boots worn by the color guard may have been designed to please Kolchak II as well as the spectators at ceremonies who approved of the colorful trappings of a colorful regiment.

Kolchak II circa
Downloaded from Facebook page of:
 US 27th Infantry Regimental Historical Society (The Wolfhound Pack)

 

Same photo as above, uncropped version.
Kolchak leading the procession, as it should be.

The current mascot is Kolchak XI. Kolchak X retired to the care of his handler, Staff Sergeant White of the 1st Battalion Scouts.

2 posted on Tuesday, March 11, 2003 3:34:44 AM by SAMWolf

==========================


I am the 14th Kolchak - there was no 13 as some think that number to be unlucky. Usually a Kolchak is donated by a Borzoi breeder. Some of us serve longer than others. We come in a variety of colors, sizes, and temperaments, but all of us have the same job - representing and supporting the 27th Infantry Regiment.

A photo of a Kolchak photo hanging in D Quad.

Thank you for checking in on me.  I think it's cool that folks from around world, many countries and every continent (well, except Antarctica), check out my blog and, therefore, my soldiers. Remember them in your prayers, especially for the few months that both 1/27 and 2/27 are deployed.  I'll miss every one of them!

Mahalo nui loa for stopping by,
Korporal Kolchak XV

Promotion!

Aloha from CPL (Corporal) Kolchak!  I got promoted today!!!

Here's the whole thing...

Grandpa Royce telling us all why we're here.
Dad's comforting me since my mom is a whole ten feet away.

Grandpa Royce (now as CSM Manis) telling why I'm getting promoted -
I'm a good dog, he loves me, I have a great disposition,
he loves me....

Grandpa says, "Publish the orders."
Then the tall guy (forgot his name) says, "Attention the orders."
All the army guys stand at attention.
Then he reads this from my Uncle Dan (LTC Wilson).

It says:

The United States Army has reposed special trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, fidelity, and professional excellence of Kolchak XV. In view of these qualities and dedicated service to the 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment (The Wolfhounds) and the US Army, he is, therefore promoted from Private to Corporal. With an effective date of rank of 31 March 2011.

                                                [something scribbley]
                                                DANIEL B. WILSON
                                                LTC, IN
                                                Commanding

The reading of the orders.
I think Grandpa is really proud of me and happy that I'm being promoted.
I'm glad Grandpa is happy and I just want to go play.

Off with the old mosquito wings.

Thank you to Carol for the velcro on my Kolchak Kollar
 so they can change my rank easily.
If not for that, we'd have been here for hours.
Can you believe these same men
are allowed to carry weapons?!  ;-)

See how great my Kolchak Kape looks?
I'm a handsome dude in uniform too.
And I'm behaving really well for all this standing around.
(Army = hurry up and wait)

Seriously? How long can this take?

The ceremony finished and then these guys talked about work stuff.
I don't suppose it was top-secret, but my sister and I listened in anyway.

My grandpa Royce is animated like Uncle Dan.
And how 'bout this new uniform pattern?
Just when a guy gets used to the digital patten, this comes out.

Mom and I rub noses so you can see my new rank.
Double mosquito wings!!!

A close up of my bling, bling!



Madeline helps me show off my bling while comforting me.
This is what older sisters are for.

After the ceremony, Isabella and I got treated to some play time at the baseball field.  Mom finally remembered the camera that takes video.  Most of my guys haven't seen the real speed of a Borzoi.  Now some of the Wolfhounds that read this can see the speed at which I run.  Betcha I could max out the run in a PT test! Check out these two videos:

As soon as I'm done playing, I let my staff know it's time to go home
by sitting next to the gates. Fairly obvious, even for humans.

My human sister and I cool down.

While Dad, Mom, and Madeline went to the mess hall,
Isabella and I hung out in my army home.
My fellow Wolfhounds are sooo busy today preparing
to deploy. There are already some in country.

Isabella and I are ready to go home.
It's been a full day.

I help Mom drive.

O.K. So I am really up here for some loving.
It worked.

I like to watch the view go by once we get out in the country.



It took me about 2 seconds to find my favorite
patch of tile and start doing what I do best. Sleeping.

As I said, the other half of the Wolfhounds are leaving. Now my heart is in Iraq with 1-27 and in Afghanistan with 2-27.  If you're the praying type, as I am, please include all the Wolfhounds in your prayers.

Mahalo nui loa for stopping by...

Korporal Kolchak XV