Retirements – On To Life: Part Two

A number of dogs will be leaving SP Kennel over the coming months to start their Life: Part Two. We will bring you the stories as they come. Today, we’ll tell you about six dogs who have retired from SP Kennel – Spark, Driver, Amber, Perky, Decaf and Cloud.

It is always hard to say farewell to our friends who leave the kennel but we do smile at the same time, knowing the dogs are going to great homes and will be the centre of the universe for someone else. To find out more about our retirement philosophy you can read this post or our About The Dogs page (click links), or type ‘retire’ in the search box on the top right and see all our retirement stories.

Essentially we have always felt that the dogs should have the right home at the right time. For some, that will mean never leaving the kennel, for others they might go on to a recreational kennel and for many others, a couch.

Spark

Spark has gone to live with Mary-Beth and auntie Malibu (plus a couple of cats) in Anchorage.

Spark is an extraordinarily talented lead dog. He’s a Yukon Quest Champion and has started in six Iditarods and four Yukon Quests plus a bunch of mid-distance races including Copper Basin 300, YQ300 and local Two Rivers races. He’s also an extraordinarily friendly chap and loves everyone. He really fulfilled his destiny as a sled dog and now is fulfilling his destiny to be a couch dog. It’s possible to have two paths in life and he has succeeded in both.

Mary-Beth has sent through this message: “Spark loves to follow Malibu around and see what she is up to. He of course loves to interact with any human, but I’ve learned he wants to say hi and play with every dog, too! At home he enjoys gathering toys to claim as his own and keep them on the couch with him (which he has also claimed as his own). He quickly settled in with my cats Kimba and Kunik and seems particularly intrigued with Kunik. I suspect their bond will only strengthen in time. He is certainly a happy, silly boy!”

We are sorry to see him go but we know Sparkie-doo-dah will be very happy and contented in his new life with Mary-Beth, Malibu and his new cat cousins.

A sincere thank you to Spark’s sponsors Deb and Hunter Davis who have been avid Sparkie supporters since day one. Thanks also to his multitude of fans around the world.

Amber and Driver

Amber and Driver will live together forever with Sherri in Idaho. Sherri is an experienced ski-jourer so they will remain active and have lots of fun around their new local trails. Sherri had been Driver’s sponsor since puppyhood and visited him for the start of Iditarod a few times so they’ve met before, but when Amber met Sherri it was love at first sight for both and they have bonded quickly. They also have a new little terrier mate and some farm animals to meet.

Sherri sent through this message: “Amber and Driver amaze me every day at how well they have adjusted to a new environment, home life and a new person. They also love having each other and do everything together. They have been enamored with the farm animals they now share the ranch with (Driver may be too enamored 🙂). They will be learning to skijor with me next winter and be carting, running and hiking in the warm months until then. They are an absolute joy to be with and I am so grateful to Aliy and Allen for entrusting me with their happy retirement.”

Amber made the team for six Iditarods and three Yukon Quests plus a bunch of mid-distance races. Driver started six Iditarods and is a Yukon Quest champ. He’s also had an interesting race history of mid-distance races. Both are phenomenally talented dogs with quite different skills – Amber near the front or cheerleading from further back, Driver as a mid-team powerhouse.

We are delighted that both Amber and Driver will be very happy and enjoy their retirement.

Many many thanks to Amber’s keen sponsor Candy Kroupa who has been with her from the beginning and to all her fans over the years.

Perky

Talented and handsome Perky got to see Nome in the end! He is now living with an active family of mushers/ski-jourers on the Western Coast of Alaska. Perky has a couple of new young people and many canine buddies to enjoy and get to know. Perky is still VERY perky so this active life will suit him best. He looks pretty happy don’t you think?

Perky started two Iditarods and one Quest with a myriad of mid-distance races under his harness. Superior genetics and a great attitude, Perky is an excellent sled dog. We’ll miss this silly, fun-loving boy but know he’ll enjoy being a big fish in Nome.

Suzanne and Brown Clodfelter have been Perky’s sponsor since puppyhood and we thank them from the bottom of our heart for their love and support of him. Thanks to all his fans too!

Decaf

Strong, happy and silly boy Decaf has gone to live in the Adirondacks with Chemo, Outlaw and Chena plus two German Shepherds (and Mary Beth and Elizabeth). He has settled in well and part of the gang.

Mary Beth writes: “Decaf is adjusting to life here on our Adirondack Homestead just fine!  It was interesting to see Chemo, Outlaw and Chena greet him for the first time….they sniffed and inspected him from head to toe….Decaf was as still as could be…..and then it was like “nice to see you again….let us show you around….you are going to love it here!”  When we brought the 2 German Shepherds over they looked at Decaf and hardly paid him any attention…..which was awesome…..no tense moments at all. I think living with 3 sled dogs over the years has really made them more social with all dogs….so one more sled dog to the pack was fine by them!

Decaf is a quick learner….he was scared of the stairs at first and now uses them like a pro….he was a bit apprehensive of the scooter, but now is pulling like the powerhouse I know he is…and he doesn’t even chase the cat….good boy! Outlaw and him like to come inside when we are inside…unlike Chena and Chemo who prefer to spend part of their days outside exploring the fenced in woods.  Believe it or not, Decaf turns into that mellow “decaffeinated” coffee litter pup when he is cuddled up on the couch with you…..in fact he is very calm and relaxed inside!   When outside he snifffs, and sniffs and sniffs everything and is in constant motion…..recently he feels its his responsibility to hide all the dog toys in holes…..many new smells to take in and toys to bury out there! Outlaw, Whiskey and Decaf often team up for a game of chase….and I caught Chena play bowing to her younger brother when she thought no one was looking.  Chemo loves having Decaf around because Decaf sometimes walks away from his food, and Chemo has gotten a few extra meals out of the deal.  Yesterday was the first day I hooked all 4 up to the Fat Max Scooter….we ran our woods trails and everyone did great!

I got to thank Aliy for once again picking a PERFECT addition to our little pack….he adds energy, youth, power and a fun loving “goofiness” that makes us all laugh!”

Decaf started four Iditarods and one Yukon Quest plus a bunch of mid-distance races. His endless energy was an asset and his happy demeanour was so important to the team. We’re very happy for him and know he’ll enjoy his new life.

Special thank to Decaf’s sponsors Dawn Engler and Amy Baird – they were incredibly dedicated and loving fans of his. Thanks also to his many Dog Fan club fans.

Cloud

Little Cloudy has gone to live with her sponsor Barb in New York state. Barb made the trip north last season to cheer her girl on in the Yukon Quest 300. Barb writes: “Cloud seems happy and is adjusting to the routine around here. It has been rainy since we got to NY, so lots of indoor play and cuddling. In
between showers we have been on a couple of short hikes.  Cloud loves to show off her speed but sticks with the pack and comes when called. Early two cool mornings (even some fresh snow) we were able to hook up for a five mile run. Cloud wasn’t too sure about our frequent stops at water holes.”

Cloud came into her own in the last couple of seasons. This young gal made the Iditarod team at 2 and impressed us all! She is a tough sled dog, has a sassy streak and is friendly with a lovely smile. She will enjoy her new life. Thank you to all her Dog Fan Club fans.

Please note: thanks for all the interest in adopting a retired SPK dog. As of now, all the dogs have new homes and families to go to or are staying at SP Kennel, so we are not looking for any more homes.

We will bring you more retirement stories soon.