Over the past few years, many fans have asked me “Where’s Happy?”
Of course, all of of you long-time SP Kennel fans remember the Happy Story. To you newcomers: Happy was a dog that I found years ago in an Alaskan village when she was just a puppy. She wasn’t the most talented sled dog (come to think of it, we weren’t convinced that she was a sled dog in the beginning!) But, through sheer determination and an amazing heart that little dog finished the Iditarod with Allen in the year 2009. One of her biggest fans was SP Kennel’s Macgellan. He was so pleased with that little dog that at the Iditarod start he promised everyone that if Happy made it to the finish line he would kiss her sweet little tush. Well, guess what? He did!
L-R: The Traveling Duo: Macgellan and Happy; Happy’s 2012 SP Kennel Team Photo
Happy the Sled Dog retired from SP Kennel a year and a half ago and went to live with Macgellan. This traveling duo live in a luxurious motorhome and travel throughout North America. Allen and Aliy were visiting family in northeast Arkansas at the same time Macgellan and Happy were camped 50 miles down the road. So yesterday, there was an emotional reunion just off of Interstate 55 near Memphis.
SP Kennel is located in Two Rivers, Alaska but the lifelong connection that exists between SP K dogs and mushers makes us a Global Family.
So good to see you two!
That made me cry! Tears of joy of course! I never met Happy, but followed her through the SP Kennel website. Thank you for sharing!
What an awesome reunion! Happy was so happy to see you, Aliy and Allen, AND, you guys were so happy to see her!!!
The bond between animals and people is, in my humble opinion, one of the purest, stronger, in the world.
Yes, you guys have created 'global' family thru your love of dogs and of people who love them!!!!
I feel very lucky to know you and to be your fan, and the fan of your adorable dog family!!!
Love it! So nice that you got to not only see Arkansas family but also got to catch up with Macgellan and Happy too. I think my favorite part is near the end where it sounds like Aliy says she is glad that Happy is rubbing all over her because "she hasn't smelled like dog in a couple of days". Safe travels to everyone!
Beautiful!!!
Ditto on all above comments.
Thanks so much for sharing, and we love you, too, Macgellan, for making Happy…happy!!!
–Margaret
Sweet!
"Happy" is still happy. So glad she has a great home and living the life.
Wonderful to see you in the South. Glad "Happy" is still happy, and has a great home, living the life.
I LOVE Happy the Sled Dog Story…ranks right up there with the story of Skunks Thanksgiving turkey thieving escapade! Wow….Happy is so jazzed about seeing her Alaskan Family….brought "Happy" tears to my eyes to watch the reunion!! That was awesome!! Glad to hear Macgellan and Happy are still touring around!! I totally agree with the above comments…the bond between animals and humans is strong, especially when you have shared experiences with them like l,000 miles+ of trails! Wonder how many miles Mac and Happy have traveled together…..what a life that Happy is having….such a fortunate dog with such a humble beginning!! Thanks so much for sharing the video!!
What a "happy" reunion! Glad you are getting to enjoy some nice Arkansas weather (I hope you did miss the tornado the 27th). Enjoy your time down here.
How cool is that! Just another reason I am a SP Kennel fan to the end!
They never forget you.
A wonderful video to be sure .. Mac treats her like royalty and it shows
My favorite part – Aliy saying, "Now I can smell like a dog. I haven't smelled like a dog for a couple of days; it makes me feel better!"
Now some would argue that not smelling like a dog for a few days is what's called a vacation.
What a "Happy" reunion! Yeah Aliy, it is great to smell like dog. Life is not complete without dogs in our lives. Enjoy your vacation time. Come on over to New Mexico–I will show you what an "enchanting" state we have!! Thanks for the post & video. Happy trail Mac & Happy.
Happy clearly has a wonderful life with Macgellan, she is looking so amazing, her name might need a change to ecstatic.
Obviously she still remembers all the love excellent times with Aliy and Allen.
I hope the foul weather has and continues to dodge Manila and where ever Mac and happy find themselves.