UKTOUSA ALASKAN HUSKIES

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Mike Tierney Memorial Race

Milan NH

1st Place

At the last minute and with much support from a few close friends, we decided to head north to this race which was in memory of one of my best friends who took his own life. Feeling devastated by the news and mourning the loss, I didn't anticipate racing but when the race was re-named in his honor, it felt like the right thing to do. My team comprised Pretty Pear, Gunsmoke, Bonnie, Driggs, Chimbey and Jackson. The trail was fast, hilly and turny not to mention super fun. Pear and Gunsmoke lead from the start and Bonnie teamed up with Gunsmoke to bring us back across the finish line. At 10 years of age, Pretty Pear is in outstanding physical shape and set a blistering pace. Bonnie stepped up and lead the second half of the race with Gunsmoke, getting her chance to lead. She and Gunsmoke brought us over the finish line in 1st place. I was very proud of the dogs and myself for letting go of grieving and to turn sadness into joy in memory of my good friend Mike.

Saturday, December 26, 2020

Small Team Training and Kraken Proves Herself As a Leader

KRAKEN aka Neena

So that little peanut who is driving hard, well.. don't let her size fool you ! She is an absolute beast in harness, all business. No messing around, totally reliable and trustworthy and has now become a main leader. She is highly intelligent and soaks up the miles, the commands and the connection. What incredible little dog. Related to Gunsmoke and Bonnie all three from Brenda Mackey in Alaska. Outstanding work ethics, beautiful temperaments, fit and healthy dogs with huge hearts. Kraken is now officially a Main Leader and not yet 2 years old.

Kraken 'The Mighty Sea Monster'

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

November Training Run

The Tide Of Change

Despite the problems of the world at this time, I decided to remain positive and focus on the dogs and their training. With no tours happening at this time, it is all about fun and training, banking the miles and working closely with each dog and developing some new leaders. It has been one of the best training seasons in years for me. More like the old days and I have been loving it, it has been soul food during this difficult time and of course with having to keep my tour business closed. It was pivot but one that is bringing many different rewards and I'm enjoying it immensely. With an aging kennel, I am seeing retirement for more than I thought would be retiring but I'm hoping for a while, the will still enjoy some short runs as they transition. As a forever home, all my dogs stay with me for the duration of their lives. Their senior years are my golden years with them, I wouldn't miss it for anything. While retiring from my team is sad on many levels, their lives won't change too much, it's more about how it affects me no longer bringing them on adventures and sharing many miles and memories together. It is much harder on me I think.