It’s late and I’m really tired, but it just didn’t seem right not to share “The Happy Smooch” with you right away…

That’s right, as unbelievable as it may be, Happy made it to Nome! What is perhaps even more unbelievable is the number of people who were at the finish line, in the freezing cold at midnight, asking “Which one is Happy? Where’s Happy? Where’s the guy who’s gonna smooch her bottom?” There were even a few chanting “Happy! Happy! Happy!” As Bridgett’s husband Scotty put it, “Happy’s a rock star!”

I was so thrilled — and proud — to see Happy running down Front Street and charging up the chute that I can hardly describe it. So, it was with great honor that I posed with the crazy girl then smooched her bottom, right there on Front Street, right there in front of everybody. What a moment!

I don’t know what’s ahead for Happy, but I do know that she has already accomplished more than anyone could have ever predicted she would. On top of her astonishing Iditarod performance, Happy has touched the hearts of many people and I don’t know if it gets any better than that.

So, stay tuned for Happy updates… Somehow I’m just sure there will be more to “The Happy Story!”

21 Responses

  • MacG, speaking of Happy Moments!!! Whew! Happy, Allen and you have clearly won hearts and the story within the Story! Hooray all ’round!!! j

  • First Congratulations to Allen, Aliy, and both the teams.

    I think Happy’s first race being the Iditarod is pretty impressive.

    When the video of Happy’s Butt Kissing hits YouTube it will go viral. Who knows, it might make Jay Leno.

    Bill

  • Who-hoo!!Happy, Happy, Happy!!! (and ALlen & the rest of the kooks & kids, too)Thanks , Mac for sharing Happy's inspiring story w/ all of us. She sure did strike a chord w/ so many…Mac, you're a trooper, too!!Now everyone get some rest…

    Fans in Rhode Island

  • How about “Happy made it” t- shirts?… I bet a lot of us would buy them- help raise some money for SP!!!

  • Happy, Allen, Aliy and the whole staff deserve a hearty congratulations!! Happy has overcome so much and has become a great symbol to dog lovers all over the world. She could be a great sled dog but all of you will always be great ambassadors for the love and care of dogs.

    Thank you so much for sharing this adventure. We aren’t going anywhere. Can’t wait to see what the future holds!!

  • HAAAAPPPPPYYYYY!!!!

    Congrats on finishing the Iditarod!!!!
    You are so awesome!!!!

    Tons of cuddle :o)))
    MaikaGermany

  • To have such an uplifting story to read and re-read is wonderful!
    Happy – You are an inspiration to not only mankind but for all of the animals of the world.
    The 2009 race will always be remembered as the one the where the smooch stole the show!
    I’m sure that you will continue to live your life HAPPY!

    A dog lover in Washington State

  • You are a star Happy. The only dog ever to get their butt kissed at the finish line. All in front of the excited croud. What an honor.

  • You guys should make Happy t-shirts for cafe press or something. She’s big time when you are big time you need a t-shirt after you! I’d buy one.

    Great job Allen and Aliy!

  • HI!!
    I just recently began reading your blog entries (what is your first name, I see your last is MacGellan?) and I am so very much enjoying your stories and the way you write. Thank you so much for taking the time to write such interesting, informative and fun entries. I’m really impressed with content of the website for SP Kennel’s.
    Thanks again and keep up the great work!!
    Best Wishes,
    Barbara
    Columbus, OH

  • Hey you guys – LOVE this site. Just wanted you to know that there were at least 20 maybe 30 Iditabuddies from the bssd forum on the live feed last night. We were all up waiting for Allen and Happy and the crew to arrive. Many from east coast, Norway, Texas, etc. were up because they set their alarms for the middle of the night so they could watch the Happy Smooch and cheer in the young awesome team. We wish you could have seen us and the outrageous number of people supporting your Nomecoming. Thanks for the fun, keep up the good blogging – it makes us all HHAAAPPPPYYYYYY! – sugarriver

  • I am giggling at the photo of you kissing Happy. This girl has made us happy. She has won the hearts of the Idita-Support group and those associated with the members.
    We are proud with you that Happy made it to Nome. I suggest she look up Larry. Don’t you think they would make a nice couple?
    I hope Happy runs again. I’ll watch for any updates on her.
    Maureen Morgan – Meadow Lakes, AK

  • Macgellan,
    Thank you for all of your hard work over the past months. You have brought your own special insight into the little things that make SP Kennels what it is.

    I bet “Happy” was pulling extra hard that last hundred miles. She knew she was gonna get the “Pooch Smooch”!

    I only met Aliy for one short night, the night the girls graduated from nursing school, and our passion for dogs made us feel like we had known each other a lifetime.

    Allen is from “back home” and has always been top notch. When he left for Alaska I dreamed that someday I could do that too. I wouldn’t trade my life or family for anything, but I still long to be in Alaska, as an outdoor specialties photographer, you know why I still want to be there.

    I am so proud of this whole crew. Bridgette, you are a trooper girl! No doubt about it! I can’t forget the rest of the crew, they also made this all possible.

    I hope to see you all again,hopefully sooner than later, and know that our hearts were always with the whole crew on the trail! What a great year!

    YOU ARE ALL CHAMPIONS IN MY BOOK!

    The very best,
    Larry Towell
    AKA “Mad Dawg”
    ESPNOutdoors.com

  • Way to go Happy and Rhino! I’m not sure which of you have a bigger smile on your face!

  • Mac- Thanks for the wonderful story, Aliy thanks for pickin’ that pup up, and Allen thanks for running her! What an fun and inspirational tale of the little dog that could- So nice to see that even if a dog isn’t a “race champion” they STILL have a home and lots of love at SP Kennel. Reminds us all that the dogs really ARE first.

  • I have thoroughly enjoyed following the Happy story and learning more about the SP Kennel! I LOVE everything about the website and the genuine love for the dogs is evident! Mac- you are a very talented writer! All of your posts leave me smiling! Thanks!

  • This is a sweet “tale.” My Iditarod/dog driving obsession has sucked my whole family in and every one here was rooting for Allen, Happy and the who “B-Team.” These are some real Lucky pups, and lucky peeps – all so blessed to have each other! What a great life. Be well, and keep doing what you’re doing, looks like its working!

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