Mike Dillingham was born in a blinding snowstorm in New York City. Mike's mom went into labor while Mike's dad, a New York City police officer, was on duty. The fire that night, in the first floor restaurant of the 6-story building where they lived, only added ambiance to the event of Mike's birth, and served as an omen of Mike's adventures to come. So how did a New York City kid, born in a blizzard, end up in Alaska? The dogs, the beauty, tranquility and privacy of Alaska were a natural magnet for Mike after he retiring from a 23 year career in the Air Force that took him to many places in the world. Mike's current job allowed him to travel all over Alaska. He wrote portions of this book, as well as his other books, in Juneau, Ketchikan, Bethel, Naknek, Fairbanks, Palmer, Wasilla, King Salmon, Nome and Anchorage. When asked why he wrote these books, Mike replied, For Rivers, who continues to inspire me. For the dogs, who are my companions and gave me their unconditional love. And especially for the kids, who hold the future in their hands.""