FROM FLORIDA SUN TO MONTANA SNOW Dr. Ball’s First Winter in Kalispell W hen I told my friends in Florida that I was taking a job in Montana, they all thought I was going to freeze once winter came. Being stuck in the ice and cold is the very worst fate for a Floridian. But to be honest, I really enjoyed my first Montana winter. Yes, driving in the snow was a bit scary — I definitely had some learning experiences — but otherwise, I loved the winter.
and Dr. Corum
Police Work Dog Association (NAPWDA). We should start going out on tracking calls this spring. This has been time-
consuming, expensive, and exciting all at the same time. A lot of this certification called for traveling across the country to train with an instructor for a few days. It’s been a demanding process, but it’s worth it.
It’s been really cool to learn how to read my dog, know when he’s on the trail, and know when he’s lost it. Plus, there are very few hounds beyond bloodhounds that do tracking training. Johnnie is the only walker hound in our area who’s doing tracking. He’s a good working boy, and he loves it. I put his harness on, and he’s ready to go. I’m really looking forward to completing Johnnie’s training and being able to really help North Valley Rescue look after our community. - Dr. China Corum
A lot of people have told me that this winter was pretty mild. I suppose that’s lucky for me because I really get to ease into the
cold. I love being outside, so I was a bit worried that the cold, short days would keep me inside all winter. It was great to learn that even
in the cold months, there is so much to do outside. This is very unlike Florida, where it’s so hot for 11 months of the year that you have to stay inside or you risk getting heatstroke.
This first winter was filled with so much fun. I got to ski a lot, which is something I’ve been doing since I was 3 years old and first learned in Big Sky. So skiing in Montana has always felt natural to me. I never got a chance to try cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, so those are on the top of the list for next winter. But as much as I enjoyed the winter, I’m glad spring is here again. I’m excited to get back to hiking and enjoying a little more sunshine.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together oat
flour, eggs, applesauce, and blueberries. If dough is too crumbly,
add 2 tbsp water and mix. If dough is still too crumbly, add more water 1 tbsp at a time until dough can be formed into a ball. 4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a small cookie scoop, form dough into small balls (about 1 1/2 inches in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet. Spray the flat side of a spatula with nonstick cooking spray and gently flatten the dough balls into discs. 5. Bake biscuits for 15 minutes until golden brown around the edges. Let treats cool completely on a wire rack before serving to your favorite pup.
It’s almost my one-year anniversary in Montana. This last year has truly felt like realizing a lifelong dream because I’ve wanted to live here since I was a little girl. When you have a dream for that long, you start to wonder if it’s going to be everything you hoped for. I can say without a doubt that living in Montana has far exceeded my expectations. Even on the coldest days, I am so happy to be here. Thank you to everyone who made my first Montana winter so wonderful. I look forward to many more! – Dr. Zoe Ball
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