Welcome to the World Perm Puppies!

Perm

I'm very excited to announce we have new additions to Ryno Kennel! Perm gave birth to a healthy litter of puppies today! More photos and information soon to come.

Who are the proud parents?

Perm- Perm was a young rockstar this season, finishing every race with an exceptionally positive attitude. Add to that her ravenous appetite and leadership qualities, and Perm was the perfect dog to help grow Ryno Kennel. 

Reef- Reef is one of Dallas Seavey's main leaders, already earning two Golden Harnesses at only three-years-old. His impressive race resume combined with his smaller, agile build made Reef a first choice. 

Happy Birthday Cartel!

Happy Birthday to Cartel who turns four years old today!

In 2012 Cartel joined Ryno Kennel as a yearling from Dallas Seavey to be the maturity and experience for training the eight puppies born that summer (Kindi, Rucu, Supai, Katy, Amy, Sally, Fez, and Derby). Even though Cartel didn't have any experience herself, she confidently jumped into the leadership role. Since then, she's grown to be one of Ryno Kennel's main speedy leaders. Add to that her affectionate but sassy attitude, and she's easily a favorite for many people who visit.

To many more adventures, Happy Birthday Cartel!

Cartel at start of Yukon Quest- Photo taken by Scott Chesney

Advanced Swimming Lessons

The dogs have progressed to advanced swimming lessons! After swimming in ponds then walking in rivers (as seen in the video), they've now graduated to swimming across the Chena River. While they don't take to swimming as naturally as a Labrador or Wirehaired Griffon, the Ryno huskies do enjoy the refreshing sensation, especially on a scorching 80-90F day. More importantly, the Ryno huskies are stepping out of their comfort zone, overcoming new challenges, and learning that they can do anything!

Found this little chick on the river bank. Not to worry, I kept it out of curious dog jaws.

In this video is Fenton, Earl, CJ, Sally, Derby, Amy, Cartel, Fen, Frosty, and Jezzy.

The crew swimming across the Chena River.

Ted Walks in Tall Grass

While Ted ate his dinner, Fen, Chagga, Supai, Cartel, Jezzy, Stormy, and I enjoyed a romp in the cool, wet grass.
 

Flatbed Construction

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

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!


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