The Valley “Funale” is truly the end of the racing season for SP Kennel. It’s a local race hosted by the Two Rivers Dog Mushing Association (TRDMA); and run along some of our favorite neighborhood trails. This year, SP Kennel entered two teams. Wes ran the 20 mile/10 dog class, while Jeff ran the 10 mile/6 dog class. It was a bright sunny morning, and about 15 degrees above zero. The dogs were excited, mushers enthusiastic, and the crowd excited.
Wes’ team was an energetic mix led by Spark, Dasiy, Perky, QT, Driver, Champ, Rodney, Five, Cayenne, and Scooby. They ran the race in 1 hour 37 minutes, and came in 1 minute ahead of the Red Lantern team. We are proud that Wes won the Sportsmanship Award for the race; possibly for taking drastic measures and tipping his sled to avoid colliding with another team. Don’t worry, no one was hurt in the incident—neither dogs nor humans. Congratulations to Will Rhodes who won in 1 hour 15 minutes.
Photo: Scott Chensey
Jeff’s team was a powerhouse with some of the smallest dogs in the kennel in harness. He was led by Chevie and Lydia, Sanka, Bean, Barista and Decaf. With hard fast trails, the 10 mile race was finishing before we knew it! The dogs were ready for another run around the course, I’m sure. The dogs were fed and put into the truck for a nap in the sun.
Wendy worked with the Junior Mushers’ class-4 dog teams, following them down the trail for an 8 mile round trip. It was great having the Ft. Wainwright military volunteers ensuring all the juniors and their teams were safe as they crossed huge snow banks and navigated icy driveways. There is really some young talent in the neighborhood.
Potluck lunch is always a highlight, along with the Easter egg hunt and prizes for the kids. But the most enjoyable event of the day is watching the kids’ races. Allen’s grandchildren, Jacob and Khloe Smith, Timber and River Watkins all turned out to race around the track pulled by one or two dogs. Ernie, Willie, Daisy and Commando were privileged to take the kids on their rides. With the crowd cheering and welcoming the dogs to the finish line, it was like a repeat of the Yukon Quest win all over again!
Photos: Jennifer Smith
The season is officially over, though there is still a significant amount of snow on the trails and it looks like we’ll be mushing into mid-April. The dogs spend their days going on short runs during the cool morning hours, and lazing in the sun during the long afternoons. Everyone is enjoying the last few weeks before the dreaded “break up” season happens and the neighborhood is mired in mud.
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Great to see the Kids and SP Dogs having fun! Great Job Kids! Congrats Wes
for your award-rubs off huh! Hope Allen & Aliy are enjoying some well
deserved time off with family!
Well now, the future mushers get their place in the sun!!!
Thank you Wes and Jeff for leading the pack showing how it is done!!!
WOOF WOOF WOOF!!!
I’m glad everyone had a fun time at the Valley Funale! An exciting race to end the fantastic mushing season. I hope Aliy and Allen are having a good time visiting family in the Lower 48!
Enjoyed visiting SP Kennel with my granddaughter-in law, Rebecca Stovall, who works for Verizon. SP Kennel is so amazing! I had to hold back my tears of joy when I read your last post . I know Commando loved the children. Prayers are for Junior and her healing. Thanks for continuing the updates.
What a great way to finish off a great racing season. Go SPK! Thanks again for including all of us in your lives. We’re having a blizzard here in NE MN but the (very spoiled – oh yeah) huskies are resting comfortably indoors while the storm rages outside. This is after their walks and lots of hours chasing the red squirrels under the bird feeders in the blinding snow. Life is good. Thanks, SPK.