Flatbed Construction

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Check out what Derek and I have been up to! And by that I mean mostly Derek, the Mr. Fix-it, Build-it, Weld-it, Sew-it, all around Renaissance Man of Ryno Kennel!

Done!

One of the major projects at Ryno Kennel has been the construction of a flatbed for the dog truck. Once completed, the flatbed will be equipped with a double-decker dog box, allowing us to transport more Ryno athletes.

To complete this project, Derek's skills were put to the test. Without taking off the old bed, Derek took measurements and began welding the flatbed. He completed the basic construction last summer, but we didn't have enough time before the season to switch out the beds and construct a new dog box for the flatbed.

Jezzy modeling the bed prior to painting

This summer, the project recommenced. Derek took off the old truck bed and hoisted the flatbed between two trees using a pulley system. With the help of the four wheeler, we slowly lowered the flatbed onto the frame of the truck. It was a moment of truth- did the measurements taken freehand match the frame?

You bet they did! A few minor adjustments and welding additions, and the flatbed was secured to the frame of the truck. With a coat of rough paint and minor electrical work--Ryno Kennel has a new flatbed!

Ted Walks with the Amys

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Tyler and his unruly flock. 

This weekend, Ted had a fun walk with the Roberts family, Coot, Amy, Katy, Earl, Jezzy, and Stormy.

After finishing the Yukon Quest at the Meet the Mushers event, I met a young girl named Amy (not to be confused with Amy canine) who followed the Ryno Team throughout the entire Yukon Quest. Each student in her class followed one musher during the race, and she had selected the Ryno Team. 

Since she was a fan of the Ryno athletes, Amy and her family came to visit the kennel during the winter and meet the Team. The Ryno athletes loved the extra attention, so the Roberts family came back to visit this summer, and this time Ted joined in on the fun. Once again, Ted was a trooper as four kids and six dogs frolicked around him. I can't say Amy Canine and Katy Canine were as well behaved as they eagerly jumped up on everyone, looking for attention. Granted, who says sled dogs need house dog manners?

 

 

Happy Birthday Rucu, Kindi, and Supai!

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Supai


I still can't believe it, but today Rucu, Kindi, and Supai turn three years old!

Why is this such a milestone?

The Ecuadorians were the very first litter born at Ryno Kennel. And not only that, but with the exception of Stormy, these three hellions are the original Ryno athletes. They were here before the dog yard, before the sleds, before everything.

Born while I was visiting my older brother Nick in Ecuador, they were given Quechua names: Supai (spirit/devil), Kindi (butterfly), and Rucu (wise old one). Or as Derek used to affectionately call them, Soupy, Candy, and Rico.

All three have entered every single race that Ryno Kennel has ever participated in, with Supai and Rucu finishing every one. As two-year-olds, all three finished the Yukon Quest with wagging tails. While they're not necessarily leaders, Rucu, Kindi, and Supai are core members of the Ryno Kennel team. Like their momma Scooter at SP Kennel, these three are always happy, eat everything in sight, and have unmatched enthusiasm for mushing.

To many more adventures, Happy Birthday Supai, Kindi, and Rucu.

Rucu
 

kindi