Dogs

Dog Fan Club Draw – Catchup #2

March 28, 2021 by

We had planned to do a bunch of Dog Fan Club draws during the Iditarod. Obviously, we didn’t get to that so to catch up we have randomly drawn another SIX names today.

Congratulations to Angela & Bob Pressley who are fans of Nomex, Perky fans Bill & Sue Wyman, Chipper fan Juleen Payne, David W Anderson who is a fan of Dutch, Rodney fan Mary Parmenter and Marie Howard who is a fan of QT. Everyone wins a packet of SP Kennel M&Ms plus a glam shot of their dog and some other kennel goodies.

Nomex is a humble guy who loves to smooch and to run, in equal measure. Perky was well named from the moment he was born – a perky lad who revs things up!

Chipper THINKS she rules the roost. She is small, feisty and has a lot to say to everyone and anyone, including all the local wildlife. Dutch ACTUALLY rules the roost. He is the bomb and is a hugely successful sled dog. He’s the main leader who has done it all.

We wish we could bottle Rodney’s energy and enthusiasm, it might make us rich! He is happy, funny and delightful to have around. QT is just one of those girls you’d envy. You know the ones – smart, talented, confident and gorgeous. C’mon QT, give the rest of us a chance!

Find out more about our athletes at the “Dogs” page. To join the Dog Fan Club you can hit the “Become a Dog Fan” tab at the top of the page or click here.

Dogs

Springtime Mushing

March 21, 2021 by

Allen has been taking teams out to make the most of the springtime weather and fast receding trails. In this video he’s taken the Iditarod team – everyone looked great and they were excited to be running.

 

The Kennel

Message from Aliy

March 15, 2021 by

This is Aliy.

It’s been one week since I crashed my dog sled about 5 miles out of the Rohn checkpoint on the Tatina River. My crash, and subsequent injuries, happened on an icy section of trail just past Dalzell Gorge. My sled flipped and I remember a very hard impact to my head, seeing black and then severe pain on my right arm and shoulder. Anna Berington was just behind me. I don’t know if she saw my fall. All I remember thinking was I had to get to Rohn. I couldn’t use my arm and I began vomiting.

I arrived at the Checkpoint and the Iditarod volunteers were a godsend. They took over the care of my dogs and me. That time is a bit hazy in my mind but I think I curled up on a bunk. I do remember there being a dog inside the cabin with me that veterinarians were caring for. I heard them talking about various medications, treatments and that they thought the dog might need to be medivaced. At some point, they told me a helicopter was coming to get me and then I thought maybe there hadn’t been a dog. But I think there was.

I was flown to Providence Hospital in Anchorage. Allen got there soon after. Honestly, I was drugged and dazed for about 48 hours, so it’s not all clear to me. I had scans, x-rays, an MRI. To my surprise, my head injury was more concerning than my shoulder/arm injury. I do not need any surgeries.

I’ve been home in Two Rivers since leaving the hospital. My head injury doesn’t react well to light or sound so I don’t do much. Allen has recited the Iditarod play by play to me. I haven’t looked at a computer or phone (that’s a lie…I couldn’t help but watch the live feed of Dallas and Aaron in Skwentna last night.) But on the plus side, I can walk and talk and I started eating better yesterday. I’d say I’m on the mend. I haven’t been outside yet. Hopefully soon.

Thank you all for your messages of love and support.

Photo taken at the start of Iditarod 49

Dogs

Dog Fan Club Draw – Catchup

March 15, 2021 by

We had planned to do a bunch of Dog Fan Club draws during the Iditarod. Obviously, we didn’t get to that so to catch up we have randomly drawn SIX names today.

Congratulations to Marti Guarin who is a fan of Nacho, Wu fan Lyn Medley, Amber fan Amy Miller, Lezlee Pardo who is a fan of Decaf, Ziptie fan Debi Riley and Barbara Tharp who is a fan of Commando. Everyone wins a packet of SP Kennel M&Ms plus a glam shot of their dog and some other kennel goodies.

Nacho and Wu represent the oldest and youngest sled dogs at the kennel. Nacho is enjoying his retirement and wanders around the yard visiting the ladies while the crew is feeding and scooping. He lives in his own pen – he’s never been that comfortable inside so he has a double insulated house and space to enjoy. Nacho will be 15 in three months and is showing us all a great example of happy retirement.

Wu had a wonderful season training and has shown that his superior genetics have transferred into practice. Some springtime mushing on local trails is in his near future!

Amber, Decaf and Commando are now back at the kennel having had an unexpected adventure involving a couple of airplanes, camping in McGrath for a few days and meeting a bunch of new people. All would have taken it in their stride but we’re sure they are pleased to be home.

Before the Iditarod, Aliy took Ziptie out to show us all the different ways she help around the kennel.

Find out more about our athletes at the “Dogs” page. To join the Dog Fan Club you can hit the “Become a Dog Fan” tab at the top of the page or click here.

Dogs | The Kennel

Everyone is Home

March 13, 2021 by

Today the dogs arrived back at the kennel in Two Rivers. They are all pleased to be home.

Chipper is happy her neighbors Commando and Driver are home and she can yell at them all she wants
Gravy is happy to see Peach
Lots of sniffs to catch up on
Sparkie
Rodney reunited with his bone he had to leave behind
QT
Perky
Perky still talking
Perky has a lot to say
Pretty as a Peach
Mismo deciding if he will sleep in the yard or inside on the couch…
Jefe
Dutch and QT waiting for extra treats
Driver is happy to be home
Decaf is ready for bed
Commando tippy-taps
Commando surveys his lands
Smiling Bruno
Amber has the zoomies

 

Thanks Karolyn for the pictures.

Dogs

Team Update – Anchorage

March 12, 2021 by

The team is off the trail! Karolyn, Mark and Linda met the cargo plane from McGrath today and picked up the team ready to drive them home to Two Rivers tomorrow.

The team was transported in specially made dog crates so had a safe and secure flight. They were delighted to see familiar faces, as you can tell from the pictures.

Thanks again to everyone out on the trail in Rohn and McGrath who cared for them.

Violet, Peach and Driver
Violet and Karolyn
QT and Amber
Perky, Sparkie and Rodney
Perky, Sparkie and Rodney
Mismo and Jefe
from back: Mismo, Jefe, Bruno, Commando, Decaf, QT and Amber
L-R: Violet, Peach, Driver, Dutch, Perky, Spark and Rodney
Dutch, Perky and Spark
Dutch, Perky, Spark and Rodney
Commando and Bruno
Commando and Karolyn
Commando and Decaf (photobomb Amber)
Commando, Decaf and QT (photobomb Mark)
Commando and Bruno
Amber
Jefe and Decaf
Mismo
Commando
Commando
Travel crates
Dogs | Races

Update from the Team in McGrath

March 11, 2021 by

We have been sent some update pictures and video from the Iditarod Return Dog officials of our team in McGrath, knowing you are all anxious to find out how they are doing.

As you can see, they are great! They are being pampered by everyone and have been basking in the sunshine. They will catch a jet out to Anchorage and arrive (weather permitting) Friday night and then will be trucked home. Wonder crew Mark and Karolyn will be picking up our precious cargo.

Dutch, Decaf and Sparkie
Perky’s perky ears, Dutch, Decaf and Spark
Perky! How you doing buddy?

Thank you to the teams in Rohn and McGrath for caring for our friends.

Races

Thursday update

March 11, 2021 by

Aliy wanted to let you all know she’s doing alright. She saw a doctor on Wednesday for her shoulder injury and had multiple scans done. Luckily it does not require surgery. It may take some time to heal but she should recover pretty well in time.

She does have a sore head though. Head injuries like these do take time so she is taking things very slowly for the next few weeks. Of course that is frustrating but she’s taking time out to focus on getting well. She’s pleased to be home and is looking forward to having her team back at the kennel.

She appreciates all your messages, and the love and good vibes being sent her way.

The dogs are still in McGrath enjoying the hospitality of all the vets and volunteers at the checkpoint. We likely won’t see them until the end of the week but we’re confident they are being well cared for. Aliy had sent plenty of dog food and snacks to the checkpoint in drop bags. We’ll update you once they are on the ground.

Photo: Julia Reddington. Did Mismo see a squirrel?

 

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