It’s here! The 2011 Iditarod Edition of “Howler” — the SP Kennel newsletter! Click the image below to open the PDF file in your web browser, then read it online and/or print it for later reference!
Congratulations Olivia!
Olivia, or “the Big O” as Allen calls her has been sponsored by Tonia Freeman and Herb Hughes of Green Valley, California. They enjoy the SPKDog Log with their two granddaughters, Amelia and Sascha.
All dog lovers unite at SP K! Maybe even the girl’s dog, “Frida”, will someday come visit us (and try on a harness???)
Thank you Tonia and Herb for sponsoring Olivia racing season!
SP Kennel dog sponsorship is one of our most popular programs. Our dog sponsors are a big part of the SP K team. If you’d like more information about the program, check out How to be a Dog Sponsor.
The “Car Litter” plus Tug and Cutter 3 years ago. “The Big O” is front and center.
(From L to R: Rambler, Tug, Hummer, Honda, Viper Olivia, Ranger, Malibu, Cutter {somewhat buried}, Scout. Beemer is under the pile somewhere.)
SP Kennel dog sponsorship is one of our most popular programs. Our dog sponsors are a big part of the SP K team. If you’d like more information about the program, check out How to be a Dog Sponsor.
From the Quest to the Iditarod
This year, Allen is tackling two 1000-mile races in one season. After his successful completion of the Yukon Quest, he only has one more to go: the Iditarod!
With the Quest under his belt, he’s trail-hardened and ready… with only one hiccup. When crossing over Eagle Summit, Allen frostbit the tip of his pointer finger. Luckily, it’s healing well. The only trouble is he can no longer use the key pad on the laptop with that finger!
Keeping it FUN!
Kaz dropped 3 year old Sam off at the kennel for an afternoon of “babysitting”. Aliy and Ryne took advantage of this time to get Sam on the sled runners.
His mushing outfit was a combination of Aliy’s long underwear, Ryne’s hat and a pair of dog booties on his hands. This added to the difficulty of Sam holding onto the handler bar. But, I think you’ll all agree he does pretty well!
Congratulations Teddy!
Lil Deb, Tatfish and Teddy “chilling out”
Macgellan fell in love with this good looking dog years ago! In all of his travels around the globe, he still can’t seem to find a grey furry “joyful to be alive” pooch like Ted. She is a rock star and will make her way down the Iditarod Trail at 9 1/2 years old in March. That’s one solid dog.
Someday Teddy…. the couch awaits.
SP Kennel dog sponsorship is one of our most popular programs. Our dog sponsors are a big part of the SP K team. If you’d like more information about the program, check out How to be a Dog Sponsor.
Congratulations Kipper!
Books, toys, or jewelry are common holiday presents, but this year, Ann and Arch Beasley received a unique gift: Kipper! As a gift from their family, Ann and Arch get to be part of the SPK racing team and follow Kipper through all her competitions. Although Kipper is only 35 lbs, she has the big responsibility of introducing Ann and Arch to the world of dog sledding. For years, Ann and Arch have been involved with hunting and field trial competition with Retrievers, as well as, supported dogs for the physically challenged through Canine Companions for Independence. By competing in both the Sheep Mountain 150 and Copper Basin 300, feisty Kipper is showing Ann and Arch a whole new avenue for working dogs! Look out Iditarod here she comes!
Thank you Ann and Arch for supporting Kipper’s racing season.
SP Kennel dog sponsorship is one of our most popular programs. Our dog sponsors are a big part of the SP K team. If you’d like more information about the program, check out How to be a Dog Sponsor.
Congratulations Roy!
Anyone who visits the kennel knows that Roy is a schmoozer. No one can turn down his floppy ears and lovable expression, and Karin Gobbel is no exception. When Karin came to the kennel in September, Roy really put on the charm and sweet-talked her into sponsoring his racing season. And what a season it’s been! Knowing that he has Karin cheering for him, Roy has been exceptional in both the Sheep Mountain 150, the Copper Basin 300 and the Yukon Quest 300.
Thank you Karin! See you in Anchorage!
SP Kennel dog sponsorship is one of our most popular programs. Our dog sponsors are a big part of the SP K team. If you’d like more information about the program, check out How to be a Dog Sponsor.
The Sportsmanship Award
The Sportsmanship Award is given to a musher who exemplifies sportsmanship along the trail as selected by the other mushers. With all the challenges of this year’s Yukon Quest, everyone deserves a Sportsmanship Award. From Brent Sass helping Hans Gatt over American Summit to Ken Andersen trying to encourage Hugh Neff’s dogs over Eagle Summit, to Sebastian Schnuelle building a fire for Hans after crossing the waist-deep overflow, the toughest of competitors had to assist each other just to reach the finish line. But in the end, a recipient has to be chosen, and this year there was a three-way tie: Mike Ellis, Brent Sass, and Allen were nominated by the other mushers to receive the Sportsmanship Award.
When receiving their awards, Mike, Brent, and Allen insisted that this year, the award could have gone to every musher. Each musher has his or her own story of teamwork during the Quest, and Allen is no exception. As many Quest fans heard, there was a deep patch of overflow before Central soaking every musher, sometimes chest deep! Allen crossed the overflow right in front of Kelley Griffin. Allen reasoned that there was no sense in both of them getting wet, so he tied a rope to Kelley’s leaders and helped them across with Kelley safe and dry on her sled! A short way down the trail, Allen once again helped Kelley’s team cross overflow. Finally in Central, Allen had a chance to dry out all is gear.
Way to go Allen!!!
Sebastian’s boots after reaching Central.