It is Time

Fall training has begun! While we sporadically went for runs in August, September 1st signals that it’s time to train for real. Running the dogs takes priority over other tasks. It’s the time of the sled dog.

We're going to have a great crew this season. I’ll do a post with more in-depth introductions of the human crew once the entire crew is at the kennel. In the meantime, Simon and Mandy have both arrived at the kennel. Mandy helped train the dogs last year, while Simon trained with our next door neighbors- Smokin’ Ace Kennels. This winter, Simon will be helping train the RK athletes. Mandy had to get a real job (well, mushing is real but doesn’t have the best paycheck), but when she’s free, she’ll be helping entertain the RK pups. And other fun news- Simon and Mandy are engaged so congrats to them!

Simon and I have been the primary coaches. At the moment, there are 37 athletes in training comprised of 12 yearlings, 4 two-year-olds, 3 three-year-olds, 6 four-year-olds, 5 five-year-olds, 4 six-year-olds, and 3 eight-year-olds. Supai is fully retired. After being diagnosed with Addison’s disease, Bull is taking a break from pulling, instead going on walks and building back up his strength. And Cooke still has a lingering weirdness from last season when his brother Smoky pulled his tail just a little too hard. Hopefully we’ll have some results back from tests to determine what is bothering Cooke!

As I type, the dogs are all sprawled out in the sun, taking a nap after a fun morning run. There’s no better feeling than a relaxed, recently exercised dog yard! Happy dogs, happy life!