Dogs

ID: Returned Dog Update

March 5, 2018 by

I have Ginger with me here in Anchorage. Allen left her in Finger Lake due to a sore shoulder. She tweaked it in the deep snow and in order to keep it from turning into a major injury, Allen left her with the vet crew there.

She is just fine and it is nothing that a bit of massage and time won’t fix.

As soon as we saw that Allen had left a dog I phoned up the Dropped Dog Coordinator to let them know I was coming down. We got to the Iditarod HQ at the Lakeside Hotel to find her being cuddled by Dropped Dog Volunteer Joan, who has been volunteering for ten years, having arrived a little earlier via small airplane.

As we waited, the veterniarian thoroughly examined all the dogs that had arrived then the volunteers put out some straw and blankets for the dogs. Once a dog is released the straw is raked up and disposed of and fresh straw used for the next dog.

The dogs cannot be released until they have been fed – the vet needs to see the dog is eating. Ginger was served with her kibble in warm water while laying in her bed. She ate every last scrap of it so once all the official paperwork had been completed they released her into my care.

Thanks to Tracey and her team for caring for our returned dogs.

We are now at Barbara’s house with Scruggs and Molly. Ginger is laying on the couch with me, asleep, as I write this post! She will be just fine, thanks for your concern.

Dogs

ID: Returned Dogs

March 5, 2018 by

We are aware that Allen has left a dog in Finger Lake. Please be patient as we figure out who and why – it can take quite some time for us to know what dog it is and why they have been left because we are not at the checkpoints to see them.

There are a number of reasons why a dog can be returned: they might have pulled up sore due to stepping in a hole or over-exerting in the deep snow, they might have picked up an illness along the trail – much like we would when we travel with hundreds of strangers – or they might not be eating or resting well.

When a dog is left at a checkpoint they are well taken care of; they receive any necessary veterinarian treatment then hang out with the vet team and volunteers until they can be transported back to Anchorage (or fowards to Nome towards the end of the race), by airplane. There is a small army of dropped dog volunteers at race HQ to take care of the dogs until the handler crew can pick them up.

Kennel Mom, Mickey, has written a few fantastic posts about returned dogs in previous years and you can read them here, here and here.

As soon as we see one of our mushers has returned a dog we make contact with the dropped dog coordinator at Iditarod HQ who keeps us informed of where the dog is and when we can expect them back in Anchorage. After we have contacted the dog’s sponsor we will let you all know. Until then we do not like to even speculate so please have some patience with us as we figure it out.

Thanks!

Races

ID: Start Videos from Willow Lake

March 5, 2018 by

Here are the videos from the start chute at Willow Lake yesterday. Black and Red Teams are on the trail!

First up was the Black Team of Chena and Daisy in lead, Amber and QT in swing followed by Sanka and Tinder, Schmoe and Perky, Ginger and Jefe, McCaw and Barista, Decaf and Willie with Bruno and M in wheel.

Then we got the Red Team onto the trail: Dutch and Spark in lead, Commando and Cayenne in swing, Kodiak and Chipper, Clyde and Champ, Five and Rodney, Diver and Nomex, Scooby and Junior with Felix and Violet in wheel.

GO TEAMS!

Races

ID: The Steps

March 5, 2018 by

RED TEAM

Since leaving Willow Lake Aliy rested her team for a quick regroup after about four hours then continued on to Skwentna checkpoint where they rested for 3.5 hours. The quick stop was on her schedule and she took straw with her for that purpose. After the excitement of the day this was intended to let the dogs just calm down a little, have a few snacks and rest.

At Skwentna they came off the Yentna River, hop onto the Skwentna River for a time then took a mostly uphill trail, over a few other lakes to Finger Lake. Finger Lake isn’t a resupply checkpoint so Aliy would have taken all her supplies for the trip from Skwentna checkpoint.

Once through Skwentna the team climbed up a ridge and ravine then drop down via the Happy River Steps, before climbing back up to the Rainy Pass checkpoint. The Iditarod website has some very detailed trail notes from Don Bowers Jnr for each section of the trail. This is what he says about the Happy River Steps:

About nine miles from Finger Lake, it’s time to slow down and get things under control. The trail will start dropping down the benches toward the Happy River gorge. Watch for some abrupt downhills with sharp turns in this descending section. The trail will be narrow and very twisting through some big timber. You may see a couple of the Iditarod’s now-famous yellow diamond highway warning signs that say either “Dangerous Trail Conditions Ahead” or “Watch your Ass!” When you see one of these signs, your first move should be to stomp on the brake and see what you’re about to get into, and then move forward very cautiously.

 

After a mile or so of dropping down toward the valley and zigzagging through the forest, you’ll plunge down a short but very steep hill; directly in front of you will be one of the warning signs and the trail will vanish over the edge of what looks like a cliff. It is a cliff. This is the entrance to the Happy River Steps. Stop the dogs at the top, say your prayers, revise your will, and then see how gently you can get the dogs to creep down the hill. Of course, you will be standing on your brake for all you’re worth.

You can check out more of these trail notes from the trail map – click on the leg in blue for more details.

Right now they have completed The Steps and are starting their climb up to Rainy Pass.

It is always a relief to see the team get to the Happy River!

Here is a video from 2011 Aliy took as they rode through the Steps:

 

BLACK TEAM

Allen and the Black Team are on a quite different schedule from the Red Team, as you would expect. They stopped for one hour at Yentna, after about four hours of running.  They then ran to Skwentna and rested four hours at the checkpoint. They have been resting in Finger Lake since around 8am this morning.

With an inexperienced team you will see Allen resting more frequently and for longer periods, especially in the early part of the race, to get the crazy kids into a routine. The first few stops we expect some of the youngsters wouldn’t have rested well but it won’t take them long to figure out what they are supposed to do!

 

Races

ID: They’re On The Trail!

March 4, 2018 by

We were excited and relieved to get both teams on the trail this afternoon at Willow Lake. It was a beautiful, crisp and sunny early spring day as 67 teams set off on their adventures.

The logistics/start marshall had conveniently parked both our trucks next to each other which made it so much easier to set up and for us to figure the logistics of getting both teams to the chute so close together!

Both teams were more than ready to get going, humans included. Poor Decaf was about losing his mind in excitement.

First out was the Black Team lead by Chena and Daisy, Amber and QT in swing followed by Sanka and Tinder, Schmoe and Perky, Ginger and Jefe, McCaw and Barista, Decaf and Willie with Bruno and M in wheel.

Ten minutes later we had the Red Team out! Aliy had Dutch and Spark in lead, Commando and Cayenne in swing, Kodiak and Chipper, Clyde and Champ, Five and Rodney, Diver and Nomes, Scooby and Junior with Felix and Violet in wheel.

It’s a complicated tracker picture at the moment with all the teams so close together. The first checkpoint of Skwentna is at race mile 83 and as of now (9:40pm Alaska Time) the Red Team is at 74 and the Black at 69. Obviously that means Aliy passed Allen. Aliy often says the worst passes in a race are between our teams because the dogs know each other so well and they know the voices of the mushers so well. If Aliy says “on by”, ALL the dogs think she is talking to them, and vice versa.

Below is a screen shot from the Iditarod Insider GPS Tracker. An Insider package really is the best way to watch the race so I would recommend, if you can, to treat yourself. The analytics on the tracker can show you run/rest times, speed charts and comparisons between mushers, and tell a story in much more detail than simply a leaderboard. The videos show us behind the scenes of the race and the teams.

I have lots of pictures and some video from the Restart to work through and share with you tomorrow and over the next few days. Stay tuned…

Dogs | Races

ID: Race Team Rosters

March 4, 2018 by

The Red Team consists of 13 of the 14 Yukon Quest champions. Commando, Dutch, Spark, Kodiak, Clyde, Champ, Five, Rodney, Nomex, Driver, Junior, Violet and Felix.

They are strong, fit, a bit cocky, and rearing to get going again. Aliy has added into the mix Chipper, who has such an attitude that she will fit into the “cocky boys club” beautifully; Scooby, who is one of the cocky boys; and Cayenne who will gel in with Junior and Violet well.

Cayenne is an Iditarod rookie and is Aliy’s “emotional choice” – the dog that perhaps doesn’t make sense on paper but in her heart she knew she was ready and she wanted to take her.

Chena is one of the best leaders in the kennel but Aliy felt she’s might not use her in lead so much and that her talent would be somewhat wasted in the back of the team. As such, she will be a main leader and “big fish” for Allen’s team. She will be happier and more animated at the front end.

The Black Team, as is always the intention, is full of inexperience with some experience to keep them headed in the right direction and to show the youngsters the ropes.

Quest Champion Chena will be a main leader and will work well with Amber, Daisy, Tinder and Schmoe at the front end of the team.

His main other experience comes in the happy, smiling form of Wille who will race in his EIGHTH Iditarod as an understated team dog.

Allen then has a long list of rookie three and two year olds: Barista, Decaf, McCaw, Ginger, Jefe, Sanka, QT and Bruno. He also has one four year old rookie in “M”.

His intention is to get as many of these dogs to the finish line so will run the race to the pace of his slowest dog.

There are always dogs that miss out on making the team. We know sponsors and fans of those dogs are disappointed but we hope you trust us enough to know we have their best interests at heart and will not put them in a race they are not fit or ready for. Many were very close and on the list right up until we loaded the truck for Anchorage.

Bean was dog #17 for the Black Team and was brought to Anchorage in case something happened. We wanted to give her a run so she enjoyed the Ceremonial Start and will drive back to the kennel with Jeff and Mark.

The other two year olds and all the yearlings were just not ready yet to run 1000 miles so look for their names next year: Chevie, Dancer, Creamer, Gold, Prata and Bronze.

You will see some names missing that you might have expected to run. Most of them are out due to niggling injuries that have put them behind in miles this season.

Izzy has been battling a minor but annoying injury all season. She will take time off over the summer and come back next season ready to run! She has been much missed in racing teams all season as she is one of the best in the kennel.

Mismo, another of the superstars of the kennel, developed a sore leg earlier in the season, just before the Copper Basin, and it persisted longer than we had hoped. He got to the point where he is very behind in miles and so will also take the rest of the season and summer off to be back for next season. We all miss the big fellah on the squad but it is best for his long term if he sits this one out, we don’t want to put him in a race he is not fit for.

Outlaw is overcoming a leg injury so has the rest of the season off. He’ll be watching the tracker from the kennel and cheering his brother, nephews and niece and all his mates.

Iron has also fallen into the “overcoming niggling injury” category. He finished third in the Copper Basin 300 with the Black Team but then has trained on and off due to some soreness he developed soon after the race. He’s an excellent dog who is bummed not to be racing and we’re sure he barked for hours after the dog truck left.

Sandy has unfortunately been out of training for much of the season, again with niggling injuries. She’s a super sweet and talented little thing and we are sorry she is not on the team. While the crew is away she has been moved to the front of the yard next to Scout so will have fun playing with the grumpy old man!

Lydia is the unluckiest of all, she was on the list to lead Allen’s team for weeks and weeks but coming up to race time she pulled up with a sore wrist and didn’t have time to heal properly. We are all sad for her as she was really ready to go!

None of the other “mature” dogs put their paws up early in the season to run this race. They are enjoying their five miles to the bridge and back and we are more than happy to let them do just that.

During this time we move the dogs around so they have someone new to play with. Currently Prata is in a playpen with Biscuit and they are having a ball! Iron and Dancer are enjoying each others company. Chevie, Ernie and Izzy are all sharing a big beef bone – one minute Chevie has it, next minute Izzy has taken it then before you know it, Ernie is gnawing at it. All the while Lydia will bark at them.

Mismo and Outlaw are larking about in next-door play pens, barking and playing. The puppies play with Nutmeg and Quito while Gold and Bronze run around in circles, playing constantly. Nacho and long-time girlfriend Olivia live together and enjoy each other.

Everyone that is left behind will be spoilt with bones and treats and extra pats and, for those that are up for it, some shorter runs around the local trails. A tag-team of Wendy, Jeff and Liz will take care of them while everyone else is away. Thanks team!

Dogs | The Kennel

Nomex Wins Dog Fan Club Draw #2

November 12, 2017 by

 

Thank you all, again, for joining the Dog Fan Club. Congratulations to Jennifer Smith who has won today’s draw. Jennifer is a fan of a number of our dogs and Nomex’s name came out of the virtual hat!

We will send Jennifer a winter neck gaiter with the SP Kennel logo in celebration of the Winter Storm Warning as well as a Dog Fan Club winner certificate with Nomex’s Glamour shot.

Nomex heads into this season as an experienced veteran. He is a happy soul and a GREAT sled dog. Nomex has just been bumped up to novice lead dog – so WATCH OUT! He was thrilled to win the 2nd Fan Club Draw. He loves dog biscuits but apparently this variety wasn’t “the cat’s meow”.

Congrats Nomex – we love you.

Join the Dog Fan Club

Our next random draw will be on November 24th.

You can find out about each dog here (click red link) and Join the Dog Fan Club here.

Puppies

PUPPIES!

November 10, 2017 by

Because, in life, best laid plans don’t always come to fruition. The truth is we did a calculated breeding this summer… but it didn’t produce any offspring. Then the summer months got the best of us and zoomed on by. In the Fall, as we realized that our of overall SPK dog population was shrinking simply due to retirement decisions and no additions. So, we looked elsewhere to find some exciting new additions to the kennel. Obviously this was challenging. ANYONE who has looked for the perfect puppy to add to their family has shared the same dilemma. But we are very, very, very happy with our three additions.

Introducing… Razz, Cloud and Peach.

Momma Sierra at Seavey Kennel

Razz and Cloud are both from the “Berry” litter named by Salmonberry Tours Company. They were born August 12th out of a breeding of Dallas Seavey’s two-time Golden Harness winner, Reef, and a talented and sweet Dallas Seavey dog, named Sierra. Obviously their sled dog talent potential is enormous.

When we think about bringing new dogs into SP Kennel we look for genetics that have the potential for as much, or more, talent as we have currently here at SP Kennel. This is often hard to come by because we still believe that we have some of the very best Alaskan Huskys in the world. But, Dallas’ dogs have accomplished incredible feats in the last few years – we have witnessed much of their abilities from behind! We are very excited to have his genetics here at SPK!

Thanks Ryne!

We are also thrilled to have very different genetics and potential with Peach. Peach was born September 1st. Her father, Goblin lives at Ryne Olson’s kennel but was originally bred by Sebastian Schnuelle. As many of you know, Ryne has had tremendous success in the last few years and she was incredibly generous to let Peach come live with us. Peach’s mother, Ace, is part of Matt Hall’s Kennel and was on his 2017 Yukon Quest Championship team.

With these three pups, we believe we have acquired some of the best genetics in the competitive long distance sled dog world. Now we need to raise them and train them to be the best they can!

They are very cute and we are really enjoying having them at this age during this time of year. They are spending time in an indoor pen in the dog room, in an outdoor play pen, or in the “big” house.

All the puppies have sponsors and we will update the Dog page soon!

Dogs | Retired

Waylon and Torch’s Excellent Adventure

November 8, 2017 by

Waylon and Torch have retired from SP Kennel!

It is always a big decision for us to retire someone and especially someone as iconic as Waylon or with as much potential as Torch. Check out this story (click on red link) for some more information about dogs that have been retired recently from the kennel and our philosophy of “the right home for the right dog at the right time”.

Waylon has done it all! His race history is as long as your arm and everyone loves him. He has never looked like a typical sled dog – Aliy described him as “a crazy faced, brilliant blue-eyed, opinionated, loud, talented fellah. But, what often strikes people is the fact that he has literally ZERO husky fur, enormous rabbit ears and long thin legs. And… he weighs in at just over a sack of dog food = 40 pounds.”

Waylon is as tough and competitive as they come. In the Iditarod 2014 when the team battled through the ground blizzard at Safety, Aliy promised him he could sleep in the bed if he made it all the way to Nome. And he did!

Waylon has a unique “frog bark” and was always so enthusiastic, especially at the start line!

Around this time last year Waylon overcame another challenge when he lost a toe! Check out this story (click on red link) for more information about that. It didn’t slow him down too much and he finished the 2017 Iditarod on the Black Team with Allen.

Torch had enormous potential but was never able to fulfil his sled dog destiny due to an internal thermostat/overheating issue that showed up periodically. When he did run he was strong, focused and talented but we realised he was going to be better suited as a pet and recreational sled dog.

Torch raced in the Solstice 100 and Copper Basin 300 in 2015 with Spencer who said “A yearling who had an exceptional attitude. He always wanted to go and even in the middle of the race was barking while charging up the hills and keeping everyone excited and in good spirits. He ate everything that I put in front of him, and was always the first to rise from the straw and show he’s readiness to hit the trail.”

Torch is on the softer side of the continuum of sled dog personalities and spent a few months living with his much smaller but far more boisterous half-sister, Cayenne, when they were puppies after we separated her from her brother Champ because she would pick on him.

Waylon and Torch travelled together to New Zealand to go live with Sheryll. Sheryll has been Torch’s sponsor since his puppy year and has visited the kennel a couple of times to bond with him. She even travelled to Nome to see the teams cross the finish line of the 2017 Iditarod. Yes, New Zealand is a long distance from Two Rivers, but with a coordinated effort between us, North Pole Veterinary Hospital, an export agent, the quarantine facility in Auckland and Sheryll, they arrived safely and have embraced their new lives.

We’ll let Sheryll take it from here…

Photo: Auckland Quarantine Ltd

“I actually feel like I have won the lottery! Torch and Waylon have been with me for three days and it has been pure magic! They have settled in really well and are extremely cute to watch when they are all snuggled up in their baskets at bedtime.

There are certainly challenges ahead for them – they have moved to a coastal town on the east coast of New Zealand, in the beginning of summer! Everything probably sounds and smells different to them, but they have a remarkable outlook on life and take everything in their stride. 

I have been completely touched by the amount of gifts that have come flooding in in anticipation for the boys arrival; expensive dog food, blankets, high end treats and copious amounts of TOYS! My family, workmates and extended dog family (new and old) are also very excited to have them here in Napier.

They have a new ‘brother’ Rogue who thinks they are pretty cool, and Waylon is enjoying the company of a very pretty Siberian Husky ‘cousin’ called Kaia. Salem, their Border Collie ‘cousin’, will enjoy herding them for years to come! We have taken them out on a few walks and already look forward to winter so we can pop their harnesses on them and take them for a run!

Waylon and Maia
Torch and Rogue
Torch and Rogue
I can’t thank Aliy and Allen enough for this wonderful opportunity! Everyone knows SPK breeds great sled dogs – but how many people know they breed great pets as well?”

Thank you to Joy and Nick Weis and Dow who sponsored Waylon throughout his career and to everyone who ever joined Waylon or Torch’s Fan Club. We know you will miss seeing them at the kennel as much as we will but hope you are excited to hear about their interesting new lives.

Dogs | The Kennel

Training at Night

November 6, 2017 by

Now that the sun is taking a vacation from the Northern Hemisphere, we find that we are often training dogs in the darkness. Of course we use headlights and other artificial lightings.

Artificial lights shine across the rear of the team while we take a snack break.

But, even more special than that, the moon is our friend. The moon was full just a few nights ago. It is glorious to be with a dog team in any conditions but under a full moon is the best!

Patiently waiting under the moon…
No longer patient!
The Kennel

Photoshoot Out takes

November 2, 2017 by

Portrait Day at the kennel is always very amusing. Each dog, of course, smiles and poses somewhat differently. And in order to get that ‘perfect smile’ or that side angle appearance those of us “grunts” work very hard: We run in circles, squeak toys, toss gloves in the air, open and close the door, do pull ups (okay… maybe that’s a fib), toss kibble in the air, tease biscuits in front of noses… and on.

“TREAT!” Dancer is dancin’
Spark “I’m really a LOVER!”

The other problem is often the glove that is being tossed in order to get that “be in love with the camera” feeling from each canine, is tossed right in front of the lens. No… I mean… RIGHT in front. Those are of course the best shots.

Chevie – “What the…”
Junior “Come on Aliy. Can’t you throw?”

Much of the time patience is really what works in the long run. Is this a lecture? Yes… patience. Give each pooch a chance to assume a position that they are comfortable in and have them focus on Jeanne and her camera lens. But, sometimes the focus isn’t quite on Jeanne. Sometimes a dog is just is happy being themselves and NOT posing.

Outlaw “HOWL!” for me Baby.
Perky FEELING the moment!

Two people generally stand on either side of the dog. Two leashes are sometimes needed, but not always. The “grunts” have to remember that THEY are not the object of the photo shoot. That can be tricky at times. Because as magical as Jeanne can be with photoshop and removing leashes… she can not remove an entry human leg or head from the frame.

Nomex: 2 Big Heads/ one frame!
Five legs might be TOO many,

And of course we have to end with our annual shot of the ONE the ONLY… Tig. Also known as.: The black floppy eared dog that fetches sticks and doesn’t pull.

For those of you who might feel that we are a bit ‘unkind’ to Tig during the Halloween season, take note: she ripped the ghost costume to shreds when she jumped out of the log dog house. Apparently there will be no more ghosts at SPK on Halloween! Party pooper.

Uncategorized

Barista Wins Fan Club Draw

October 28, 2017 by

Sincere thanks to everyone that has become a member of our Dog Fan Club. It is just so neat to us that you love our dogs like we do and you are willing to join their fan club to show your support.

Congratulations to Carol Griffiths who is a fan of Barista! In celebration of the entire ‘Coffee Litter’ (Barista, Bean, Sanka, Creamer, Perky and Decaf) Carol wins a SP Kennel ‘to go’ hot beverage cup and a small sample of North Pole Coffee Musher’s Blend Roast. Perhaps we will toss in a few a Sipping Streams Tea sampler in case Carol is not coffee inclined.

Barista is one of the two-year old class that has amazing potential and drive this season. She has a bit of a ‘look at me’ attitude more than her siblings. Apparently Carol thinks she is special. Funny thing… we do too!

Our next random draw will be on November 12th.

You can find out about each dog here (click red link) and Join the Dog Fan Club here.

Join the Dog Fan Club

Races | The Kennel

Iditarod / Dallas Seavey SP Kennel Statement

October 26, 2017 by
Understandably, SP Kennel family, friends and fans want to know what Aliy and Allen think about the Iditarod / Dallas Seavey controversy.  Aliy released a written statement to the media on October 23, 2017. The statement is here:

I will tell you that I have always known Dallas Seavey as an honest and upstanding Iditarod competitor. I do not believe that he is a competitor that would break the rules. Any rules. I have raced against him for 10 years. I have beat him and he has beat me. He beat me to the Iditarod Championship by 2 minutes and 22 seconds. I do not begrudge him. He beat me – fair and square.

I do not think that he gave those drugs to his dogs. Obviously his dogs were given drugs – but by whom or why? – I don’t know.

There are people in the world who truly believe that dog mushing is cruel and should be banned. Of course, this is far from the truth but lies can be told about any subject and some people believe them. I guess the question is: Are there really people radical enough to actually give drugs to his dogs in order to undermine an honest, hard working, good man? Crazy speculation… I know! But speculation seems to be all we are left with now.

To be honest, in Alaska we are a trusting and open armed community. We invite spectators to pet our dogs, we share intimate stories about mushing and we hope that people celebrate dog mushing and our huskies like we do. It is for this reason, it would not be difficult to have walked up to any one of Dallas’ dogs after the race or even during the event and given them a “drugged” biscuit or treat. His dogs, like mine, are incredibly friendly and are used to kind gestures and treats. There is no strict security around Iditarod dogs. There are volunteers who watch the dogs because they love dogs but they are not police. No one ever would have thought that true security teams would be necessary in wilderness Alaska? But… who knows with what people are doing these days. I do not know who drugged Dallas’ dogs, but it was not him.

After speaking with Dallas, the ITC Board and the ITC Staff, an additional statement is included here on our SP Kennel website:

Allen and Aliy believe that there are not ulterior motives among the ITC staff or Board of Directors. Aliy is in the unique position of having served as a Director on the Board alongside this dedicated and thoughtful group of individuals who volunteer a tremendous amount of time and effort to serve in an often thankless position. The ITC staff is passionate and truly cares about the race and the Iditarod mushers. They try to do what is best for both. This… of course, is the challenge.

We do not believe that Dallas intentionally gave drugs to his dogs. We understand that he is feeling cornered and vulnerable. He doesn’t know who to trust. He knows he did not drug his dogs, but he cannot determine who did. This is an awful, unfamiliar position for a man who has dedicated his life to being an upstanding Iditarod Musher. He is in a no win situation.

The ITC Board and staff are also in a no win situation. The facts say that one of their most talented, well-liked Champions, had four dogs test positive for banned substances. But, the ITC Board and staff do not know who administered the Tramadol to Dallas’ dogs. Dallas Seavey has not been penalized or banned from the Iditarod.

Race sponsors and individuals who care deeply about ‘The Last Great Race’ are being asked to “take sides”. In truth, there are no sides. There is no “us and them”. Without the ITC there are no Iditarod Mushers – without Iditarod Mushers there is no ITC. We need unity in our sport. We need sponsors and fans to again have faith is the ITC Board, Staff and Mushers or there will be no race.

We, as a united group, should continue to seek the truth. Yes… there were mistakes made by all parties during the 6 months timeline for this incident. But, if for no other reason than the fact that four Iditarod dogs were illegally drugged, we need to work together to make sure this cannot happen again.

Allen and Aliy are willing to work together with any and all parties concerned to resolve this issue for the benefit of the Iditarod, Dallas Seavey, Race Sponsors, Volunteers, all the concerned fans, sled dog lovers around the world and every one of us at SP Kennel.

The Kennel

What’s on the Horizon?

October 23, 2017 by

Of course, like everyone else in the world, those of us at SPK have a lot going on right now. Some of it gets us down, some is terribly exciting and some is just daily trudge. We plan to keep our heads up, keep living the honest and true lives that we have always lived and keep doing our best to enjoy every moment that we have with each other, our awesome dogs and the community that supports us and celebrates with us.

This photo was taking this morning at the kennel. ‘What’s on your Horizon?‘ You never really know … but it’s amazing to look out there, think about it and try to reach it by simply doing the best you can – all the time.

Dogs | Training

We have snow!

October 20, 2017 by

Winter has recently settled in at the kennel with several inches of snow covering the ground. There are still some deep unfrozen puddles hiding under the white. Some team members do their best to tippy-toe around the water: Prata and Spark. And some team members don’t have a care in the world if they get their feet or entire body wet: Outlaw and Sandy. To each their own!

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