Dog Sledding :: Meet the Dogs

Mr. Biggs

Age: 8 Position: Wheel Bio: Mr. Biggs lives with friends Brutus, Bobby Sue, Kumera, Charlie and Blizzard in the back pen. He enjoys sharing a fence with Tracy and Blaze the draft horses. We've clocked Mr. Biggs running at over 34 mph. He's a fast, lean Alaskan husky and is a cheerleader when the team's not moving. Biggs likes to run with the puppies, who are learning how to run with the team--he's a fantastic teacher. To sponsor Biggs, please contact Steph or Blake.

Bobby Sue

Age: 8 Position: Point or Lead Bio: Bobby Sue is the queen of the kennel, and a great lead dog.  She lives in the back pen with her brother Brutus, Mr. Biggs and yearlings Kumera, Charlie and Blizzard.  When Bobby Sue went with Blake to the Hudson Bay in April, 2004, she was the first to claim Blake's sleeping bag as her own in the tent.  Now she and Kumera lead the team and can't wait for the harnesses to come out!  To sponsor Bobby Sue, please contact Steph or Blake.

Brutus
	Age: 7 Position: Wheel Bio: Brutus is a dog who loves to give hugs. He is incredibly affectionate, and a hard worker. He lives in the back pen with his sister Bobby Sue, Mr. Biggs, Junior and Calvin. To sponsor Brutus, please contact Steph or Blake.

Buddy

Age: 12 Position: Retired Leader and Reading (ed)Ventures Partner Bio: Buddy is an exceptional lead dog, a true "gee haw" leader who can take the team across a lake with no trail, or stop the team in an instant with a whoa from the driver. Kids from youth programs request the Buddy Song, which has been performed at various local events by Steph--"Buddy, Buddy, give us a paw or two. We go crazy over the likes of you. You're such an amazing lead dog, through lake or trail or the bog. And you look sweet when you put your feet in front of a dogsled that's built for two." Can anyone guess the song the Buddy Song was based on? This year, Buddy heads up our new Reading (ed)Ventures with Sled Dogs program, a program where kids read to dogs, and enjoys spending his retirement on our couch. To sponsor Buddy or a Reading (ed)Ventures program for children or seniors, please contact Steph or Blake.

Caroline

Age: 15 Position: Retired Leader and Reading (ed)Ventures Partner Bio: Caroline is the grandmother of the kennel.  In her youth, she ran the Iditarod, the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, and a number of other distance races.  She currently resides in the house on her yellow dog bed, where she enjoys long naps, good food and sleeping in late.  To sponsor Caroline or a Reading (ed)Ventures program for children or seniors, please contact Steph or Blake.

Deja
	Age: 12 Position: Team and Reading (ed)Ventures Partner Bio: Deja came to us from a sprint racing kennel, and even at 12 is still pulling. She loves to come to the house and spend time by the stove, and is a talkative gal who loves being petted. To sponsor Deja or a Reading (ed)Ventures program for children or seniors, please contact Blake or Steph.

Hawkin

Age: 7 Position: Team Dog Bio: Hawkin is Steph's favorite lead dog, and he's a great harnessing demonstration dog because of his gentle disposition. Last winter, we found out that Hawkin is going blind...but even with his limited vision, he still runs with the team. He'll be a working team member for many years to come, even without his sight. The dogs never cease to amaze us with their ability to compensate for challenges and love of running! Hawkin is proudly sponsored by Sasha Manssen of Touching Hearts at Home.

Jammas

Age: 12 Position: Leader and Reading (ed)Ventures Partner Bio: Jammas is the favorite dog of our neice Sophie (age 6).  Jammas, who is half Canadian Inuit Dog and half Alaskan husky, is our link to the history and tradition of mushing.  Jammas is semi-retired, and has a special chair in the house he shares with Quamba.  He, along with Buddy, is a reading partner for kids in our Reading (ed)Ventures with Sled Dogs program.  He also helps us train new leaders by running ahead for the dogs to "chase" during leash training.  This fall, he was the top dog on training runs, where he helped train new leaders.  Jammas is proudly sponsored by Harold and Janice Cazier.

Orek
	Age: 11 Position: Lead Bio: Orek is one of our main leaders, and often leads with Sig. He has a distinctive voice in the kennel and has lead the team on a trek to the Hudson Bay with Blake in 2004. This year, Orek is helping train a new generation of leaders. Even at age 11, he's still running with the "fast" team. To sponsor Orek, please contact Steph or Blake.

Quamba
	Age: 12 Position: Team Bio: Quamba's name means "dirty nose" or "mud" in Ojibwe.  She came from a sprint racing kennel and even at 12 loves to run.  Quamba takes every opportunity she finds to escape from the kennel and join Jammas and Caroline in the house.  To sponsor Quamba, please contact Steph or Blake.

Sig
	Age: 8 Position: Lead Bio: Sig is another of our main leaders. Sig was named after the famous northwoods writer Sigurd Olson, and is truly an incredible "gee haw" leader. After a relaxing summer in the house, he is happily readjusting to life in the front pen. Sig helps us train young leaders and is proudly sponsored by Andy Weyrauch of Shiprock Management.

Suka
	Age: 8 Position: Wheel or Team Bio: Suka (Seeking Unknown Adventure) is Sig's brother. Suka loves to pull so much that when he sees the harnesses, he spins in circles! He is thrilled to have new team members to pull with this year and isn't slowing down one bit. To sponsor Suka, please contact Steph or Blake.

Vesper

Age: 11 Position: Lead or Point and Reading (ed)Ventures Partner Bio: Vesper is Sig and Suka's mom, and loves to visit schools, nursing homes and other community places. She has one brown eye and one blue eye, a true husky trait. Vesper is a former sprint racer from Chuck Gould's kennel near Isabella, MN, and is part of our team of reading partners in our Reading (ed)Ventures with Sled Dogs program. She is the favorite of many children who visit the kennel. To sponsor Vesper or a Reading (ed)Ventures program for children or seniors, please contact Blake or Steph.

Yala
	Age: 12 Position: Lead or Team Bio: Yala's name means "home" in the Kuna Indian language. Yala came from Kathleen Anderson's kennel, and is a super sweet girl. Unlike her name, Yala loves to roam when given the opportunity! Her favorite pastime is barking at Tracy and Blaze, the draft horses. To sponsor Yala, please contact Blake or Steph.

Millacs

Age: 3 Position: Wheel or Team Bio: Millacs came to us with pals Nugget and Spidey from Matt and Sarah Weik's kennel.  Millacs loves to give hugs, and like all of our dogs from Matt and Sarah, is a super athlete, very friendly and loves to run.  He gets so excited to run that we let him run loose before hookups so he can get some of his extra energy out--he knows just when to jump up and say hello during harnessing--his enthusiasm is contagious!  To sponsor Millacs, please contact Steph or Blake.

Nugget

Age: 3 Position: Wheel or Team Bio: Nugget's learning the ropes, and working hard on the dog team here at the Positive Energy kennel. He has a great personality, and is a strong youngster. This summer, his brother McKinley joined our kennel. Nugget is a friendly dog who loves attention--when you visit him in the front pen, he'll be waiting for you! To sponsor Nugget, please contact Blake or Steph.

Panda

Age: 5 Position: Lead or Point Bio: Deb and Steve from Windigo introduced us to Panda, Brooks and Peter in 2005.  We've been super happy with their performance on the team, and their training as sprint racers shows!  Panda loves to pull on the right, and has become one of our main leaders.  She's another favorite of many children who see her at events or the kennel and is enjoying her new doghouse.  To sponsor Panda, please contact Blake or Steph.

Brooks
	Age: 8 Position: Team or Point Bio: Brooks has intense blue eyes and is the father of Panda and Peter. He lived in Alaska before moving to the lower 48. Brooks loves to give hugs, and may have the most energy of any dog in the kennel. To sponsor Brooks, please contact Blake or Steph.

Peter

Age: 5 Position: Wheel, Team or Lead Bio: Peter is an excellent example of a sprint racer--lean, fast and hard working. He loves to carry around his bowl and is so excited to run that he can be a challenge to harness. Peter has proven himself as an able leader, and along with Turbo and Panda, has become one of our main leaders. It's been fun to see him do so well up front--we're looking forward to a bright future for Peter the lead dog! This fall, he has continued to dig refrigerator-size holes. To sponsor Peter, please contact Blake or Steph.

Scout
	Age: 2 Position: Wheel Bio: Scout knows what it means to pull. He's our most distinctive greyhound-husky cross, and he's fast and strong. He's a healthy 68 pounds and as sweet and gentle as they come. To sponsor Scout, please contact Blake or Steph.

Turbo
	Age: 2 Position: Lead or Team Bio: I can't help it, I love this puppy picture of Turbo too much to change it! Turbo is an accomplished lead dog who runs with Peter. He is happily enjoying his chair in the house, and looking forward to a snowy winter. Turbo is proudly sponsored by Jen Beers, a long time Positive Energy volunteer!

Spidey

Age: 3 Position: Wheel or Team Bio: Spidey came to us from Matt and Sarah Weik's kennel in March, 2006, toward the end of our mushing season. He is constantly on the move, and gets his name from his puppyhood, when he climbed fences and jumped over the top. Spidey runs with Peter, and reminds Steph of Teddy Roosevelt because of his "spectacles." Spidey is proudly sponsored by Jim Suttie and Peg Apka of Black Goose Chimney and Duct.

Boojo
	Age: 2 Position: Team Bio: Boojo joined the team last fall--he's 1/4 pointer, and loves to run. In fact, he wags his tail while he's running with the team. Yes, he's still considered an Alaskan husky! This year, Boojo is learning to lead the team. He's another favorite of children, and sits when you pet him! To sponsor Boojo, please contact Blake or Steph.

Chester

Age: 3 Position: Team Bio: Chester joined the kennel last fall with friends Boojo and Homer. Chester is an Alaskan husky who loves to pull, and really loves to eat! When he returns to the dog yard after pulling with the team, Chester runs back to his house and waits patiently for his dinner! Chester greets visitors to the kennel with his gentle nature. Chester is proudly sponsored by Jim Suttie and Peg Apka of Black Goose Chimney and Duct.

Homer
	Age: 7 Position: Lead or Point Bio: Homer is a sprint racing dog who joined our kennel last fall. He loves to lead the team, and is a strong presence in the kennel. Homer often stands half in and half out of his doghouse--what a funny sight! To sponsor Homer, please contact Blake or Steph.

Kumera
	Age: 1 Position: Leader in Training Bio: Kumera's name comes from a sweet potato in New Zealand. This fall, Kumera began training with the team. Steph got to run with her at first until she gained some confidence. Now she's leading the team with Sig, Bobby Sue or Morgan, and at 37 pounds, can't wait to go, go, go! To sponsor Kumera, please contact Steph or Blake.

Blizzard

Age: 1 Position: Team Dog Bio: Blizzard gets his name from one of Blake's original dogs--a fantastic leader in his time. Young Blizzard enjoys spending quality time with his brother Charlie and sister Cailie. This fall, they joined the team with the big dogs. Blizzard is the biggest of his siblings, and has the loudest, most excited bark. He is always ready to go and pulls so hard we needed two of us when we worked on leash training this fall. Pulling is no problem for this dog! To sponsor Blizzard, please contact Steph or Blake.

Cailie
	Age: 1 Position: Team or Wheel Bio: Cailie is a little fireball--she's cute, athletic, curious and loves to chase her brothers Blizzard and Charlie. She's still a little girl, but she's learned to pull with the team, and is cute as ever. Cailie is a team dog and likes to run with pals Brutus or Mr. Biggs. To sponsor Cailie, please contact Steph or Blake.

Charlie
	Age: 1 Position: Team or Wheel Bio: You can see it in his eyes--Charlie loves attention! From the beginning, Charlie has adored attention--from his siblings, Kumera, Blake and Steph and visitors. He also loves spending time with new friend Scout. This year, he's a full fledged team member and loves to run with brother Blizzard. To sponsor Charlie, please contact Steph or Blake.

Arthur
	Age: 1 Position: Team Bio: Arthur comes to us from Sara and Matt Weik--his brothers and sisters represent the Knights of the Round Table. Arthur is a friendly, hard working dog. You may find him perched happily on his dog house. To sponsor Arthur, please contact Steph or Blake.

Gawain
	Age: 1 Position: Team Bio: Gawain is Arthur, Lancelot, Morgan and Guenevere's brother. He's high energy, friendly and fun. To sponsor Gawain, please contact Steph or Blake.

Lancelot
	Age: 1 Position: Team and Future Leader Bio: Lancelot is smart and hard working. He became friends with Scout, who lives next to him in the dog yard, and they love to play. We think Lancelot will make an excellent leader. He's very sweet, and he is so excited to have visitors that we call him "Dancealot." To sponsor Lancelot, please contact Steph or Blake.

Massey
	Age: 5 Position: Lead or Team Bio: Massey came to us from Sara and Matt Weik, and she ran on Matt's 2004 Iditarod team. Massey is sweet and gentle, but all business when the harnesses come out. She enjoys running with teammate Morgan. To sponsor Massey, please contact Blake or Steph.

McKinley
	Age: 3 Position: Lead or Team Bio: McKinley is Nugget's brother, and a promising leader. He loves to give hugs, and is a gentle, hard worker. To sponsor McKinley, please contact Blake or Steph.

Morgan
	Age: 1 Position: Lead or Team Bio: Morgan is happy, happy, happy and loves to show it. She's agile and fast, and learning to be a leader. When you come and say hello, expect an enthusiastic welcome. To sponsor Morgan, please contact Blake or Steph.

Guenevere
	Age: 1 Position: Team Bio: Guenevere (the spelling Steph remembers from reading The Once and Future King in 11th grade English class--one of her favorite books) also know as  Gwen, is a wonderful addition to the kennel.  She is sweet, hard working, and keeps her brothers in line when running!  To sponsor Gwen, please contact Steph or Blake.

Snow White
	Age: Puppy Position: Puppy in Training Bio: Snow White and her sister Cinderella joined the kennel at the end of September. They are enjoying puppy walks and getting bigger each day! They will start to follow the big teams as they learn their role as sled dogs. To sponsor Snow White, please contact Steph or Blake.

Cinderella
	Age: Puppy Position: Puppy in Training Bio: Cinderella and sister Snow White are very playful puppies. Cinderella is the bolder of the two. She loves to perch on logs during walks, and always chews on my coat. Cinderella is proudly sponsored by Jon and Lisa Heyesen.