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
 

Ted Walks

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Ted

Meet Ted.

Normally Ted lives with Jessica Hendricks at Iron Pearl Kennel, but this summer, Ted will be joining Ryno Kennel to help keep the lawn mowed, dogs exercised, and Ryne entertained. He's quickly becoming a neighborhood sensation, giving rides to the neighborhood kids and earning respect everywhere he goes. Sure, mules are normally considered less noble than a horse, but his sure-footedness and incredible calm around barking dogs, running children, and flying airplanes is impressive. Not to mention he can weave miraculously through the dense thicket of birch forest and black spruce, making him a perfect riding companion. Throughout the summer, we'll post "Ted Walks" providing a glimpse of the green and lush Two Rivers in the Land of the Midnight Sun. 

Perm meets Ted

Ted helping to mow the dog yard

Ted helping to mow the dog yard

Rose bushes (Lesson learned- don't ride in shorts)

Summer birch forest

Ted and Noah Jane

The Assistant Coaches

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In the summer, I often have to call on the assistant coaches to make sure that the athletes stay exercised and fit. Who are the assistant Ryno Kennel Coaches?

Assistant Coach Stormy

Assistant Coach Stormy

Wise and experienced, Stormy knows just the right exercises to give the athletes a good workout. While everyone respects her, the athletes know she's a pushover and sometimes ignore her barks. 

Experience: Multiple Iditarods, mid-distance races, trainer of puppies, and yearling coach

Favorite exercises: Follow the Leader, Catch the Butterfly, and Yoga Stretches 

Assistant Coach Jezzy

Assistant Coach Jezzy

Enthusiastic and agile, Jezzy organizes high pace workouts for the athletes. However, Jezzy is known for being a bit of a hot head, so the athletes occasionally just ignore her when she gets wound too tight. 

Experience: Adventurist, hunter of birds, trapline

Favorite Exercises: Swimming, Fetch, Chase, Red Light Green Light

Swim Lessons

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What better way to survive the hot summer temperatures than taking a swim? Many of the Ryno dogs are experienced athletes, but not necessarily natural swimmers. I have to admit, water sports are not my strength either. After a few tries, everyone was cruising around through the water almost like labradors! Earl, Katy, and Cartel were the first to take to the water. Fenton, Lefty and Frosty were slightly more reserved but thoroughly enjoyed it once they jumped in. Derby, Fez and Stormy took the most coaxing and were only inclined to swim if everyone else was swimming. Jezzy, of course, was a natural. 

Earl the Fish

Fez

Jezzy

Fez

Stormy

Derby

Katy and Fenton

Derby, Cartel, and Jezzy

Fez

Fenton

Fez

Happy Birthday Fez and Derby

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Happy 3rd birthday to Fez and Derby!

Puppy Derby
 

Fez and Derby joined Ryno Kennel at about 10 months old after spending their early months getting extra attention from tourists at Jeff King’s Husky Homestead. As you can guess, Fez and Derby are from the Hat Litter, born to Hooch (Judy Currier) and Suspect (Jeff King).  From their early days of puppy romps, these two have travelled farther across Alaska than most people do in a lifetime. Over the past two years, Fez and Derby went on to race in the Quest 300, Two Rivers 100, Alpine Excursion 50, Copper Basin 300, Old Mail Trail 200, and Yukon Quest. To many more adventures- Happy Birthday.

 

Alaska Adventure Scouting

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Glacier

This weekend, Derek, Jezzy, and I did some more trail scouting for the Alaska Range Adventures now that the snow is mostly gone. Wow. Sure wish I could live there year round! Flying overhead, we saw three small herds of caribou, ptarmigan, and lots of moose! On two separate occasions, a cow and calf were swimming in deep sections of the Tanana River through ice chunks. I think they must have been so excited by break up that they had to go for a swim! Three spots are already reserved for the Alaska Range Adventures. Only six spots left. Bucket list?