Ryno Kennel Human Crew
/We have a stellar human crew this year at the kennel. I often highlight the canine athletes during blogs and social media posts, but WOW do we have some fantastic human coaches.
And here’s the thing. I’m not sure if you’re aware, but handlers are basically working long hours, every single day for free. That’s right. Gratis. I try to make myself feel a little better and say, well, they get room and board. But our room and board isn’t exactly five star accommodations. Unless of course, a little cabin without electricity and running water is your definition of five stars. Then yep! 5 Stars! All I can say is that without the wonderful human help, Ryno Kennel couldn’t do what we do.
Kalyn
Kalyn has returned for her second season at the kennel. She has YEARS of mushing experience prior to joining us where she handled down in Minnesota at Manitou Crossing Kennels. Last year she raced the Copper Basin 300 and Solstice 50, and this year she’ll most likely be racing the same races again. She handled on the Yukon Quest and was the primary dog care person during our 36-hour layover in Dawson. Kalyn is my main training buddy, and we almost always head out on runs together. It takes a really, really good attitude to smile on a 50-mile ATV training run at negative temperatures, and Kalyn does just that. She takes amazing care of the canine athletes, giving each one individual attention. We’re so glad to have her back for another season!
Tom
We’re VERY excited to welcome my little brother, Tom, to the handling team! Tom has helped a few other times over the years but never for an entire winter! Tom’s responsibilities include helping with all the kennel chores, running the yearlings, and being a primary guide at the Last Frontier Mushing Co-op. While Kalyn was working earlier in the fall, Tom helped me train the main team. He was very good at it, but we’ve realized long training runs aren’t Tom’s passion, which is just fine. It’s not for everybody! Most important is the care and attention Tom gives to all the dogs and all the manual labor projects he works on around the kennel. Tom has essentially filled Tyler’s role at the kennel. Tyler is now living and working in Anchorage with his girlfriend, Kelsey and Belle!
Saeward
This will be Saeward’s second season helping at the kennel. And while they’re not technically a handler, Saeward spends time with the dogs, walks puppies, and watches the kennel whenever we leave for training runs or races. Saeward was at the kennel all summer as well, which allowed me to leave for a family vacation, a friend’s wedding, and a hunting trip. Leaving three times—-that’s unheard of for a dog musher! I was lucky enough to have Saeward around to care for the canine family.
So a big THANK YOU to the Ryno human crew. We couldn’t do it without you!
