Zoya's Kennel Journal

fireside chat

2012-01-21T12:30:00.001-08:00

AKC Eukanuba Dog - Zoya DeNure

January 18th, 2012 by Kathleen Riley-Daniels

Zoya DeNure is racing to make a difference in the sport of mushing. She is concentrating on improved dog care on the trail as well as in the dog yards and encourages using positive race training that works for every sled dog, young or old.

While at the AKC Eukanuba National ChampionshipI had an opportunity to meet Zoya, her husband, John, and their daughter, and I really enjoyed the time spent with them. In my past life, I worked and/or consulted for pet food manufacturers and some sponsored sled dog racers – or mushers in their vernacular. One thing that really struck me about DeNure and her kennel partner, best friend and spouse, John Schandelmeier, was their comfort being around huge crowds of people. That is a highly prized skill for people running dogs and living in the wilds of Alaska.

Traveling to Orlando from Minneapolis, I felt right at home with the Madison, Wisconsin native from the moment I met her. Ms. DeNure told me that she “fell in love with sled dogs while watching a sledding demonstration at my local feed mill in Stoughton, Wisconsin.” From there, she knew she had to head north to Alaska – which she did taking a position as a handler in a professional sled dog kennel.

DeNure, like many of us, has a past life too. Before becoming a musher, she was an international fashion runway model & record label representative traveling and living all around the world. Not the typical path that most mushers take.

Before meeting with Ms. DeNure, I asked on Facebookand Twitterwhat people would like to know about a high-fashion model turned musher. The top questions follow.

KARD: How are mushing and modeling similar?
Zoya: Both arenas are mentally challenging in ways that force you to step out of your comfort zone and into another world where you are under a lot of pressure holding a great deal of responsibility.

KARD: Are there fitness regimens that you use in both mushing and modeling?
Zoya: I love to run and hike and have always done a little of both. Caring for 50 sled dogs full time, training for mid-distance races and now having a three year old daughter, I'm staying in the best shape of my life!”

KARD: Which is more grueling?
Zoya: Mushing. It's physically more grueling, the dogs needs always come first, no matter how tired, hungry or cold you are. The dogs needs always come first, the golden rule!

KARD: Has being a woman affected how people view you in mushing? Did your modeling career make people think you were more or less qualified to run dogs?
Zoya: I get a lot of publicity within the sport because of my background which allows me to be a spokesperson for the sled dogs and humane training and treatment of these animals. Other mushers can be resentful of this. I used to be a model, what do I know -- that's the attitude I get from some and it's frustrating, but I know I can't change it overnight.

Crazy Dog Kennelshas about 50 sled dogs and about 25 of these dogs are rescued and running on their teams. This is unusual and makes DeNure stand out from other mushers.

KARD: What helped you determine that rescue dogs would be a good part of your team?
Zoya: Dogs are dogs. They don’t know if they are a rescued dog or not. I saw a great need in this state for rescue and rehab work back in 2004 and at the same time wanted to form a little sled dog team but couldn't afford the asking price of a typical "sled dog" from most kennels. A team dog can sell for $300.00 - $2,000.00. If that dog doesn't care for his new owner/musher or the way he's being handled, he may not run as well as expected because of that asking price and then ends up in the pound a year later. We see this kind of thing often. Very good dogs end up in tough situations, what they need is more time, positive training and love.

KARD: What challenges does that bring to team development?
Zoya: We train the rescues the same as we would our own. We may design a slightly different training regimen for that dog until we can properly evaluate him or her in the team. Some of the rescued dogs have been neglected or mistreated and the biggest challenge is gaining their trust -- it comes with time and patience.

KARD: How do mushing and your tourism business tie-in with each other?
Zoya: Lots of mushing interest in general, and over the years we discovered that if we could offer custom dogsled trips, we could supplement our income with something we already do and enjoy. (Crazy Dog Mushing Kennel and Alaskan Adventures)

This is one of my favorite questions to ask people in an interview.
KARD: If you could leave a note on the kitchen table for future generations what would it say? Zoya: Follow your heart, have patience and enjoy the journey.

To learn more about Zoya DeNure, visit her on the web at dogsleddenali.com

Email me anytime, follow me on Twitter, tell me your story, and please subscribe to my Examiner - Dogscolumn!

Photos: Zoya DeNure

a few recent random pics:)

2012-01-21T00:17:00.000-08:00

It's North.!
great photo collage by Ania, inspired by her favorite dog while working at our kennel. Ania is from Poland.

our drive to Delta Junction for Jona's class

goodnight Bridle, goodnight Jona.

hmm, I love wise words.
to live by...

In Florida at Busch Garden (Dec. 2011)

Christmas time was nice, peaceful and as always..wonderful and plentiful.

The AKC National Championship dog show in Orlando...

My handsome man.

home in Paxson

-45 Paxson Lake

we've gone to the dogs!

Life Happens

2012-01-20T23:49:00.000-08:00

What a crazy busy season we have had..some of the things we had planned panned out and some did not..

But that's why they say, everything happens for a reason. True enough.

We're all doing good at the kennel, well, except for our dog truck. It's broke down in Chisto right now--actually, since the start of the CB300. One hour before the start, the truck decided it had had enough. Bad timing cause it was -35 and there were me, Sera, Anna and Jona..without truck. Thanks to my pal, Cain, we were in good shape as far as wheels go for the duration of race. It's the water pump that failed & something else -- but we have a new one ready to go and all the parts, we're just waiting for a warmish day to head down and fix it up. It's been -45 and -50 in that area. We're looking at Sunday with promise.

The weather has been insane this winter for us in Paxson, making trails impossible to keep, maintaining trails a full time job, training and everything outside related a little tougher and more challenging than usual with wind and wind and more wind...and....more WIND....and SNOW... so much snow we're not sure where to put it all. If it snows anymore, I'm not sure where we're going to push it in the driveway.

The trail on Paxson Lk is finally in and set--hard like a rock and fast. I about killed myself running the other day toward Paxson with 12 dogs --we came up to one mile rd and it had been plowed since the last time we came through--the berm was as high as a wall and as hard as a rock. We climbed up and over and then slammed down on the road and then climbed up and over the next wall to get back onto the trail. Yeesh! That was close! Coming back I was more cautious yet--stopped first and undid 4 tugs..that eased the pain a little coming back over it.

We are very busy in preparations for the Tustumena 200 sled dog race which happens on the 28th jan. and then to follow...Iditarod 2012. Iditarod food drops are in the works right now. Lots of packing, cutting, sorting and more packing...dog kibble, meats, fish, fat, dog booties, dog blankets, batteries, mitten liners, socks, etc.

On Thursday we'll take off for the long trip south. I'll travel to the Kenai with 14 of my best dogs for this race in hopes to improve my time on last years race. Traveling with me will be my trusted handlers Anna, Casey and my daughter, Jona.

Jona has been attending Montessori class on a regular basis once a week in Delta Junction and sometimes twice a week if I can squeeze it in. It's 80 miles to class, a 3 hr time slot each time and she's loving it. Normally she goes in the afternoon but today we made it by 8am and she seemed to do better with the early morning class--so we may keep up with it. That means waking up and getting ready at 5am and leaving by 6:00am. She's made some nice friends, she's learning new things and developing important social skills with other small children her age. Nothing makes me happier than seeing her hug her favorite friends good bye before we head home.

John is writing an article for the ADN Iditarod coverage....they asked him to write a memoir type of article/ lead dog story around the Iditarod time....he has a collumn there in case you weren't aware..it'll be about my lead dog, Sadie. She's 10 years old and is still going strong. I thought I would have to drop her from the team the year before last due to her age and again last year and again this year but she never fails to amaze me with her natural drive, talent and ability. Mid winter approches and the team has 800-1000 miles on them and she is still pulling tight, trotting fast and barking to go when we check into checkpoints.
She's tough and driven and seems to be happy in almost any given situation on trail..plus she eats like a horse on the trail. brings tears to my eyes. I love this dog so very much and am grateful for having her all these years. Dogs like her are a rare gem.
Sadie will run once again--loyally, faithfully and enthusiastically----with me and our race team for this years 2012 Iditarod. Nome or Bust.

zsd

Copper Basin 300

2012-01-15T15:32:00.001-08:00

report coming tonight,

John schandelmeier

Knik 200 Sled Dog Race

2012-01-05T19:41:00.001-08:00

You can tag along this year tracking our race! The Knik will have SPOT trackers for the first time! We are hand delivering the trackers from the Gin Gin 200 race and are pleased to let everyone know you can follow along this weekend! The trackers are definitely the thing of now and seem to be growing in popularity among other races.

Our bags are packed, truck ready, me and the team are ready to hit new trails for a few days. We're staying with good friends in Big Lake, always fun to catch up with friends in other places.

The pup team has never raced before-- this will be a great test & training run for them prior to other races, including Iditarod.
The line up goes like this :

Salty- Nellie
Rainy Pass- Ruby
Sparkle-Charlie
Sadie- Bumper
Sparkplug-Dude
Demon-Djembe

Lots of girls and three wonderful boys.

I'm really looking forward to having a fun race with my future racers. Its a nice group of dogs.

Thank you to "my everyone" who make up Team Zoya! The list grows each year and I can't say thanks enough for all your support. I feel extremely grateful to my loving family, friends, sponsors and fans. Thanks Again! We are going to have fun, train the pups and have a healthy race.

We'll see you down the trail and will post after the Knik with a team and race report.

Till then, let the good times roll!

Zoya

Back on track

2011-12-22T15:28:00.000-08:00

Home from Orlando, Fla. The trip was a wonderful whirlwind ... from the city to the quiet beaches of Indian Rocks in Clearwater to Busch Gardens in Tampa & then back to the city for the AKC Eukanuba Championship conformation dog show. All of it was wonderful. But I'm glad to be back, there is much to do in the weeks to come.

I've been back on the runners with my teams and John is busy breaking and maintaing area trails. A full time job right now with all this snow. It snowed feet while we were away and the wind hasn't helped. The young dogs are learning how to run through overflow well this year, seems like a normal daily event. It would be different to actually be on a trail that wasn't punchy, soft, wet or icy. Welcome to my world. The temp dropped lastnight from 15f to -5, should help set up a few of our trails a little better. John is headed out this morning for a 200 mile trek on the snowmachine with his trail crew to open and stake the GG 200 race trail. I'm headed to Delta today for my daughters Montessori class. Jona is bringing her big stuffed sled dog ( a gift from friend Jon Cooper, Kipmik booties) to school today for show and tell.

Lots to do before the Gin Gin 200 but all is coming along as it should.
We are so incredibly busy it's incredibly insane-- training, organizing the Gin Gin race (someone want to take over next season???)--- some very late nights up around here for the next few weeks and then Jan. is stacked. I'm pretty much prepared to live out of the dog truck for the next few months with what's in store.

I've been training two strings for all the races planned, some of these dogs will race their first race at the Knik 200 on Jan. 7th. Scary but exciting. These young dogs look good on home trails but are definitly unproven and certainly inexperienced. This is how they get it. New leaders in the making..so if you see me running out in front of my team, you will know it's me just helping out Kate and Rainy and Nellie.

I was hoping early in this fall that I would be able to run both the Yukon Quest and Iditarod races but the young dogs aren't going to be ready for that and I don't want to split my Iditarod team picks in half to try to put together two mediocre teams rather than one strong team. So..... we have been making other plans for the end of Jan and mid Feb.

After the Gin Gin 200 race, I'll be back with more details on our plans.

In the meantime, I'm off to work in the kennel, Iditarod drops have begun... trails to blaze and Santa is on his way...we have cookies to make you know.
FYI: we have posted to our facebook athlete page several pics from our FLA trip. I don't have the time or access to do it from the home kennel at this time. Enjoy! Happy Holidays! Happy Trails to all.

cheers,
Zoya, family & Kennel

Orlando, Fla

2011-12-16T15:51:00.001-08:00

We're here.. and baby, it's warm.

The AKC Eukanuba National Championship Dog Show is on.
The largest in the world-- 5000 dogs, 180 breeds represented. Zoya's first dog show event.

To see lots of pics of her trip south, visit Zoya's Facebook athlete page and friends page.

Cdk

a few Nov. pic's

2011-12-09T13:31:00.000-08:00

the brilliant sunset over Paxson lake and dog yard

Sera, slaying fish on the table saw

thank you to my sponsors.....

Musher momma was a panel judge for Miss AK USA

Jona walks her mother to the event in Anchorage

..."See you after work honey"

Guess who turned 3 on Nov. 14th?

Jona!

Dad made her a Bunny Rabbit cake!

Presents!

and more presents...thank you to a lot of our friends and fans who sent Jona really fun and amazing gifts this year

and the one thing she talked about for a month....

her own Bunny rabbit

his name....Dude. She named him after her mothers favorite team dog, Dude.

Well, it's been a whirlwind, like always. Where does the time go? It's a crazy but wonderful balancinng act between dog yard, trails, home and business..

We're in the thick of training now, breaking trails and sorting out my teams for the GG200, Knik 200, CB300, Tustumena 200 & Iditarod.

I've been taking a little more time organizing the Gin Gin 200 this year in hopes of raising the bar to make our sled dog race event better for our racers and our community. We will be on the web live with the spot trackers this year and with a $12,500 cash purse, more sponsors than you can shake a stick at and some of the best help we've ever had for our annual sled dog race event----we're pleased as punch.

visit us on the web at http://www.denalihighwaytours.com/ for more Gin Gin race info and musher listing. Gin Gin 200 is also on FB.

We're getting ready to leave for FLA for 6 days.
Never in a million years would i have suspected I could actually tear myself away from my dogs in the winter, in the thick of training to head south..ah, unbelievable really but I feel like the dog training is where it needs to be but still, you know, leaving them isn't easy, even if it's just for a week.

We are flying south for the
EUKANUBA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP CONFORMATION show from the 13th-18th in Orlando, Fla. where I've been asked to represent our brand during the three day event. We're going in two days early to visit the oceans sandy shores and Bush Gardens, too. I'm trying NOT to bite off all my fingernails as we get closer to our leaving date but to be honest, this is a stressful week getting things ready so we can leave.

back later with more...ciao happy trails, team zoya

Frosty the Snowman

2011-12-05T20:29:00.001-08:00

Scams on Facebook

2011-12-05T19:41:00.001-08:00

Hi friends, fans and all,

FYI:

Careful if you get a Facebook invite from "Zoya" .. chances are it's not from Zoya Denure. There's a phony person trying to set up a Zoya page that isn't her.

Very busy here at the kennel, will try to update soon in the next few days.

CDK

ManMat dog sledding equipment

2011-12-01T12:25:00.001-08:00

Teaming up with the very best for all my dog/racing/mushing needs.

Www.ManMat-usa.com

The best harnesses and quality equipment for dogs if you are in the market! Bronze snaps, collars, harnesses, snow hooks, sled bags, dog jackets, etc.

Check us out on their website under Team ManMat and Sled Dog Races. Looks like we have another stop to make on our European tour in April!

Happy trails!
Zoya

Beautiful life collage

2011-11-30T22:11:00.001-08:00

created by German friends, Alex and Sandra.
They will be designing our Gin Gin 200, 2011 Sled Dog Race poster.

The Nutcracker Ballet

2011-11-30T21:53:00.001-08:00

A family date in Anchorage for the Nutcracker, an event not to be missed! Jona's first ballet. John's first Nutcracker. Its been several years for me-- we had a great time, loved the music, costumes and story. Jona made it through the show with great curiosity and patience, fell asleep at the very end.

Still on hold

2011-11-27T23:15:00.000-08:00

Still no internet at home except for I phone and little access to post on my
journal.. Soon I hope! I miss journaling on here, so much happens on a daily basis and it's great fun to track, share and record. I'll try to update soon. Training is going strong, the dogs are looking awesome. My main racing leaders this year will be Salty, Spicy, Ruby, Fender, Sadie and Sebe. I'm in the best shape this year than ever before and can hardly wait to hit the race trails but there's much to do between now and then! Training around here has been extremely tough with poor snow conditions in most areas and glare ice on lake--no training on the ice until there's a skiff of snow...

We have a great handling crew this year, I'm over the top about it. Anna, Sera and Casey are awesome, I'm thankful for their hard work, dedication, professionalism and enthusiasm.

I signed up for the CB 300 and a real favorite--- the Tustumena 200.

I have been working non stop between training my dogs, raising the bar for the Gin Gin 200.. An update will come out Monday, one week from tomorrow on this..., my little girls birthday was a real treat:) She's 3!! And preparing for the Holidays, a trip outside for a sponsor event and preparing for the Gin Gin 200!
As an organizer and a participating musher.
and wait there's more!

Later, check back soon. Check my Facebook fan page, Gin Gin 200 and friend page for updates.
Good night from the happiest momma and musher on the block!

TeamZoya

Busy bee

2011-11-12T21:35:00.000-08:00

We hope to update our journal soon!
Stay tuned!

Cdk

quick update...

2011-10-28T11:37:00.000-07:00

A load going out...

So much is happening in our ever busy lives and so little time to keep all caught up! I'm only on internet from my iphone from Paxson right now until we set up another dish, next week which means I'm limited for posting. We've moved to Paxson from Maclaren, a few trips with the truck..driving my car out was fun. I only got stuck once! We always travel with chains and shovels for our annual move. This year, we stayed longer on the Denali to wrap up the Maclaren house (John plans to make a post on this soon), the layout of other cabin rentals we're planning to build in the spring and the ATV training is a little better...

Stuck

Driving out during the day was tough, flat light and new snow made it interesting. This was about a week ago.

Breaking out the sleds for first sled run

Back on the runners!! There's nothing quite like the first time, each season. Like the first snow, it's special.

hauling logs to Paxson after a few runs

Setting up to run a few teams toward Alpine Cr. Lodge

We were able to run a few 30's. The dogs ran like the wind. Night running was good, snow flurries and a few stars peeking out from behind the clouds. We ran day and night, wrapping up at 2am some nights.

My house on the trail

Many more mushing adventures to come....

made tough

good hooks are essential

Me 'n Djembe

So grateful for my loyal canine friends...

headed up Maclaren Summit, 4, 083 ft

We chased a few Ptarmigan up the highway, Demon and Robin thought they had lunch made.

back at the truck feeding dogs and switching out teams, basing camp at mp 26

brushy trails back in Paxson

RUN, RUN, RUN......
Long days, little sleep and motivation drives, drives, drives

Anna, happy and frosted up after her first sled run at Maclaren

Elwood

Sparkplug

Salty

Back in the truck after a good run

back at dog camp @ Maclaren Cabins..Spicy, my leader hangs out with me and Jona between dog runs.

Back at camp, after running, I let loose many dogs for time in the cabin with me. Sadie, Sebe and Spicy were the lucky girls to pile in last weekend.

Jona playing in new snow in front of the River Cabin.

Back in Paxson, handlers cabin on the Lake

A different world just 50 miles away. our handlers went canoeing after our move back to Paxson.

Back at the kennel, dogs are happy to get back to their winter digs.

Headed back from Valdez, AK with a load of Salmon

We haul fish for the dogs every season, about this time in October. A great daily source of protein.

6000lbs of Salmon = lucky dogs.

We make these long road trips fun for our family, stopping for little breaks & walks along the way.
Jona was laughing saying "Mommy, look at the Salmon tails and Salmon juice"...it was oozing off the back of the trailer all the way home. We pay about a penny a lb.

and back at the house, Sera and Jona practice Yoga together.

We work pretty hard at balancing it all out-----running dogs, managing kennel, raising our family and running a business; all the several facets to our business keep us extremely busy yet satisfied and comfortable.

Yoga is an important part of our day for better health an well being. And it's fun!

We love YOGA so much, we may take a trip to ITALY next summer for a YOGA IN ITALY vacation.

Jona re connects with her friend, Anna at Meier's Lake.

It's always nice to get back to Paxson. So great to see friends at Paxson Lodge and Meier's Lake Roadhouse. Good people, busy with their own lives and business. Fun to catch up and visit.

And Jona plays a game of pool with Paxson Grandpa, Jim.

Meier's Lake has a small pool table in the back dining area for the kids. And Jona knows all about it..


Caribou on the Richardson Highway nearing Delta Junc.

We have Caribou swimming the Lk in front of our home daily as they migrate through. I was lucky enough here to have new batteries in my camera that worked! Look at all the bulls--gorgeous.

a single antler left on this guys head, must feel a little awkward?

jona and daddy....

A lot happening in our world--training dogs daily, company coming and going, sponsor meetings and events, media/film things in development around our everyday life. We will try to make it back on here in a week or so when we have that dish set up.
Coming up.. at the end of the month, we have a musher coming from Germany to fly back a few sled dogs after spending a week at the kennel. Next, I'll be heading to Anchorage for the Miss AK USA..I've been invited to be a panel judge for this event. It will be a nice change to be on the other end and I will also understand how the girls must be feeling; excited, so nervous, anxious, etc. That was my world many moons ago and still there's a thread of it in our lives today..

Then Jona's 3rd Birthday! It's all about the cake this year. She's been talking about the CAKE for weeks!

At the end of the month, Mikel, friend from Germany returns for a few more dogs.

We will be heading to FLA for a sponsored event mid month for a week..this is such an amazing opportunity for our kennel and family. Disney World & beach time is on the list of fun things to do with family when I'm not working the event. Will write more about this come Dec.

We have been contacted recently by prospective adopters from the East Coast and hope to place a few retired sled dogs, soon. We'll post dog updates in a week or two; who's been adopted where and who's making my racing team and the pup team, training pics, new rescue stories, etc.

Thanks for tuning in:) and thanks for ALL of your Support! Back later, happy trails

Zoya & Kennel

snow dogs

2011-10-21T17:31:00.000-07:00

Maclaren morning Sunrise

heading down the highway, 14 beautiful huskies working together.

breaking trails

shake, rattle and roll

happily covered in snow, Elwood and Fender in team.

Sadie & Spicy in lead, Kate and Pushy in swing --and Anna on the brake!!

endless trails with room to roam, room to dream and waggin happy tails.

pinch me.

team zoya

shine

2011-10-19T00:11:00.000-07:00

the full moon casts a tunnel of light across the river ..

dark eyes in the moonlight shine back at me. I see your breath.

my feet like rocks stand planted on the cold and frozen ground.

you've been waiting for me for awhile now.

your loyal heart beats faster as I move closer..

I can see shadows dancing-- legs moving, tails wagging.

the others begin to howl a song like one I've not heard before.

A tear rolls down my eye. And another..

This unconditional love within you has been my teacher, my guide.

My canine friend, you've changed my life.

My heart has risen. We've been to great depths, far reaches across the soul plains.

With you I travel to distant far places one can only imagine.

with you, I share a loving bond and understanding.

We see much land together often.

Dreams become reality. Simplicity becomes the way.

Always on my mind and in my heart--you are planted there, naturally, like rocks on earth.

life with you, my canine friends is the best life for me---there's nowhere else on earth I'd rather be.

xo
zoya

...You know those kind of nights where it's late, you can't sleep, feeling somewhat restless and thinking about your work, your business, etc. and sometimes you have to get up and do something. Often times in the winter months, I'm called to make tea and sit with the moon in one of our picture windows and reflect on times in our life gone by and other times I'm thinking about late dogs whom I miss greatly & sometimes I'm called to go outside and visit with my dogs who are with me now. It still amazes after all these years with dogs that they always get excited to see me..any hour of the day, 5 times a day, 50 times a day. They are great--making us laugh & cry often!

Got Booties?

2011-10-16T23:01:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU LOUISE RUSSELL for your 2011-2012 Race SUPPORT !

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Our dogs will have healthy, happy hot pink feet this season, we're grateful beyond words!

Team Zoya

CAPS! CAPS FOR SALE!

2011-10-16T21:17:00.000-07:00

These beautiful cozy caps are 70 % wool and 30% acrylic. Polar fleece lined. So nice they are, you'll be hard pressed to take them off your head. Made in Canada by Kootenay Knitting Co.

Show your support in style.

Crazy Dog Kennel caps are $25.00 plus $4.00 s&h in States. $ 10.00 everywhere else out of country.
Gin Gin 200 Beanies are $ 22.00 with same on shipping. Order your cap by going to our paypal link off home page or email teamzoya@yahoo.com for more details. Thank you for your support! Enjoy!

CDK

Bye Bongo!

2011-10-14T15:59:00.000-07:00

Galen, Bongo & Zoya

see you down the trail boys!

xo

Sold

2011-10-14T15:30:00.000-07:00

ROHN- SOLD

MAMBO- SOLD

GALEN- SOLD

BONGO, LEADER- SOLD

LIBBY- SOLD

NORTH, Leader- SOLD

LUGNUT- SOLD

It's not easy parting with dogs and we always hope to send one or two together when we can. We've have some very good dogs that have been running and racing together for years and this year I decided to let some go. They are very good but just not able to make that next step up for the main team. After having an ad up for about a week, I had a few inquiries. The first mushing family to come out and meet us and the dogs decided to buy all 7. All the dogs lead, except for Lugnut. The family spent a day and a half running dogs with us before loading em up. I will certainly miss Bongo the most, we've been through many races together including my first Iditarod in 2008. He's been my main leader on many races including the Copper Basin 300 last year, the Gin Gin 200 and many other races. I got Bongo (and Mambo) from musher, Catherine Pinard when she got out of dogs for a new life in India. North, he came from Gerald Riley and has been with me since he was a pup. The gentle giant. He's one amazing leader, strong and stubborn--you can always count on North to get you home. The team is a good mix, ranging in age from 1-8. Lucky family in Willow and lucky dogs to go together in same team!

Miller & Bomber fly to Germany in less than 30 days...and Demon and Pilot will join them --same mushing family in December. I think we're down to 50 dogs now...feels a little lonesome. Maybe we will have a winter litter with Storey & Sparkle. I will leave it there and keep you guessing!

Zoya

Denali Highway Tours & Cabins on Facebook

2011-10-12T19:57:00.000-07:00

If you have been here, you know what it's like and how wonderful a place it is. If you haven't, next time you're on the Denali, it's a must-do! Check us out & LIKE! on Facbook now! Denali Highway Tours & Cabins!

Lots of great pictures! Enjoy!

let the good times roll

2011-10-09T15:14:00.000-07:00

snowing in our faces and we love it! Bring it on!

Djembe, Sebe, Charlie and Sparkle in team

just us on the road- cold and crisp running in the mornings on the Denali Hwy

Dude sticking his tongue out at the camera!

Storey is the heart of the team

the trail is home to me


waiting back at the kennel with hubby and handlers, our little girl and kennel boss!

the Filming of "Love of Life" behind the scene pic's and info

2011-10-06T15:11:00.000-07:00

arriving on the set near Donnelly Dome

We left the kennel about 6am on day #1 ..made good coffee for the trip, food packed, dogs loaded up and ready to go. The weather was nice, clear skies, amazing hot burning sunrise and saw 6 moose, 1 coyote and a cross fox on the way. Life is good! Jona was so excited, all she kept saying was "I'm going to put my dogs in a movie!" We had no idea what to expect except we knew we were in for two long days on location and we were excited about it.

We got the dog extra's out for some free running to settled them in before the filming took place. Peak, Polar and JJ!

After we arrived near Donnelly Dome, we were introduced to all. Everyone was great--really fun, intelligent, creative people, very refreshing! From Alaska, L.A. and the Midwest- there was no shortage of amazing stories from their experience with Arctic expeditions, real wolf encounters, filming with A listers and the normal everyday life with their family back home.


JJ having a ball free running and playing "wolf"

Kevin Swigert, film Director, applying make up to Hunter

Hunter was incredible, so patient and well behaved.

A very good and patient Hunter impressed all

You would have thought he had been a model dog or something ..he was so good about the application process. The first batch of fur dye (intended for poodles) turned Hunter purple...we had to start over and after much looking around at their options--soot is what did it. We had soot in the back of our truck from hauling wood. Simple works.

"....and a little more under the chin."

Sounds guy wiring up Pete, the actor.

Are we having fun yet?

......YES! We most certainly are!!

Take 3! Action!

Pete in character and our little up and coming director in the making!

on the set with the crew; they come from L.A, the Midwest and Alaska.

The actor is on the ground, tired and hungry.

this scene is prior to Hunter (the wolf) finding him in the woods...

on Jarvis Cr. (near Delta Junction)

John, Hunter and film writer, Bob Gregg.

playing dead

I was not able to take many pictures or the fight scene or death scene because my hands were full but when Hunter needed to lay down and play dead, he did a pretty good job of it.

the scene where the starving wold find the weak and starving man

The last takes were certainly the most intense...can hardly wait to see the movie now. We will let everyone know when it's complete! We will have credit in the movie and copies available for re sale when finished and available.

what a ham and a natural....(between scenes and take, he had our attention) How could he NOT?

Our Hunter dog--we're really proud of him and won't ever look at him quite the same. He was such a good boy--there were several times where he would have to "come back and do it again" shot after shot for many several hours. There were times when Hunter was obviously feeling a bit burnt but he would always come back and try again. We would give him breaks and go for walks to rejuvinate him and let him stretch and be a dog.

crawling, starving and desperate.

We were so impressed with Pete (the actor from Madison, WI) and thought he made the movie!

Good boy Hunter!

Happy family dog:) He is such a versatile dog. Leads the yearlings on training runs, can be in house or out, loves the dog yard and can ...make movies. He certainly has a presence about him--very arrogant but lovable at the same time.

While the more filming takes place on day 2, Jona and I had other things going on...skipping rocks, fishing with sticks and drawing in the sand.

Always something to do!

Peak and JJ

Happy dogs cruising through the tundra.

Lunch (day 1) *thanks Mikel and Ranier for the yummy S&F.

Day 2, we had lunch with a friend from South Dakota who was in State. He came to the set on day 2 with us and headed north that evening. Great to hang out for the day Brad!

lots of walking on the beach

We're a busy family on the go. We never stop. Always moving forward, always learning, growing, building, creating, enjoying these opportunities and having fun on our journey.

our crew as we moved up the highway in a convoy


Ask and he shall give...

Watching Hunter "act" amazed me and had me thinking along this line of "what we think, we ultimately create." I have always believed that we create our life-the success, the failures, the friends we have or don't have, our home, how we feel about ourselves --is all a reflection (outside) of what is in our head and hearts. Kind of like, you are what you eat kind of thing.

He's a sled dog, not an actor. We worked closely with him just for a few day prior to filming, asking things of him that he has never seen or done before and expecting him to perform. He did. He certainly went above and beyond anyone's hope for this film. We were all very patient with him and gave him strong support and guidance. We really believed he could do it, he could pull it off. We had the most confidence in him.

I just thought about this concept a little more and thought how this applies to so many other areas in life..

Dogs can teach us so much and us....them.

And what is even better to me is how dogs bring so many of us from all walks of life--together.

When we were initially contacted to provide a wolf to appear in a movie shoot, I was skeptical. “Sled dogs don’t look like wolves!” But then I thought of Hunter. He was tall and gray and moves in a deceptively easy trot. We sent a picture of Hunter to the movie director; “perfect” was the verdict. I guess they couldn’t afford the trained bear? We had a couple weeks to teach Hunter how to play dead on command, how to trot slowly when asked, and how to master the intent look.

Little did we realize that he was also going to need to know how to work alone off leash or collar, at some distance away from us. I think Hunters biggest challenge came in learning how to wrestle with the actor, show teeth and bite down without applying pressure. A measure of his success came during the fight scene, when everyone jumped and screamed when he growled and snapped at the actors face without closing his mouth.

It sure looked real---the dog version of Clint Eastwood.

Enter Hunter; the Direwolf.

Our family had a great time on the movie set and working with everyone was such a wonderful experience! We feel so grateful for this awesome opportunity. Thanks again to the very talented two; Bob Gregg and Kevin Swigert. Always so great to make new friends from here and afar. cheers,

zoya, family and Hunter.

heaven's door

2011-10-03T21:17:00.000-07:00

I cannot express in words, properly--what it's like to love living here..

the raw and rugged beauty, the one million shades of light and darkness, the vastness and abundance of wildlife.. everyday outside my busy office inside, is this wild and natural land.

happy trails, endless sunsets, the most radiant of sunrises and happily ever afters!

ciao xo
zoya

learning French and German..how am I doing?

2011-10-01T22:01:00.000-07:00

In French I make a little quote and it's the same quote below in German.

I traveled a lot in my early twenties.... never could sit still for very long, very content back then to be on the go. It's been a long time since those traveling days and back then it was mostly connected to my modeling jobs and or meeting up withe friends. Wow--to think back to then for me now, a different life all together. I would take a train to Chicago if I wanted on a Friday night, just because. Now on a Friday night, I'm training my dogs for the Iditarod.

I learned a little Italian, a little Chinese, little French and a little of a lot of languages...Now, totally different place in my life but equally as wonderful...I have family in Europe and LOTS of friends through Mushing in Norway, France, Hungary, Austrailia, Italy, Germany and Spain. With a scheduled trip to Germany/Norway in April and with many German and Swiss guests for our summer cabin business..It's time to brush up and learn to speak more fluently. And I love to teach my daughter these things as she lovea it---too!! She is very good with language.

from the heart;

Avec les chiens, les montagnes, neige et glace, je suis complet. Je n'ai pas besoin de plus. Merci à mes huskies pour leur amour inconditionnel, merci à ma famille pour votre soutien et merci à Dieu pour moi fullfilling. Mon destin.

Mit Hunden, Berge, Schnee und Eis, bin ich komplett. Ich brauche nicht mehr. Danke an mein Huskies für ihre bedingungslose Liebe, danke an meine Familie für Ihre Unterstützung und danken Sie Gott für fullfilling mich. Mein Schicksal.

bonsoir, avec amour,

Zoya

dogs for sale

2011-09-29T13:09:00.000-07:00

Race quality dogs for sale- Gee/haw Leaders. --------serious inquiries please.

Mambo; 6 yr old, spayed female, #50lbs

Ran the Copper Basin 300, Gin Gin, Taiga 300 and Iditarod. $450.00

Gatt lines.

Bongo; 7 yr old, intact male, #60 male Very good leader.

Ran Copper Basin, Gin Gin, Taiga 300, Klondike and Iditarod $800.00

Gatt lines.

Galen; 5 yr old, neutered male,#50, shy. Leads well but does better with support of another strong leader.

ran Copper Basin and Iditarod. Sailor lines.

$300.00

We have some wonderful huskies retired from racing and ready to join your recreation team or home/family. These dogs are free to a good home.

Chucky- intact male, 10 yrs old, leader. 55#

He's in great shape, looks and acts much younger, very healthy boy! Great with kids, other dogs, can be turned loose, good in house or out and comes when called. Would be great for skijoring, too. Chucky has raced many races over the years and is now retired but would still like to run for fun.

Wilbur- neutered male, 10 yrs old, 55# ready for a retirement home where he can run a few days a week, short distances, no pressure. Gee Haw leader, great with kids and other dogs.

Zither- littermate to Wilbur. Zither is a team dog. Would be nice to send these two dogs together to the same home. Zither runs best one up from wheel. Can be a little shy with men but warms fast.

Probe- 10 yr old, intact male, team dog. Will run lead for short periods. Probe is a little shy naturally and just retired last year from racing. He's in GREAT shape!

Please email Zoya at teamzoya@yahoo.com for more info and or pictures. You are welcome to come and try the dogs out first before you buy or adopt. Our kennel focuses on keeping dogs healthy, happy and in very good shape. They are well socialized and friendly. Come and meet the dogs and be pleasantly surprised!

Zoya
I get a ton of email asking training questions, qs about my team and some of the background of some of the rescues..I am working on getting a Q&A link up next month.thanks all for your interest. We do have GREAT dogs and bloodline and we're happy you are paying attention--the dogs deserve it.

Team Eukanuba!

2011-09-29T12:15:00.000-07:00


	Fall training is going strong!

Hunter! training an old dog new tricks..(Yes! It's possible!) a few behind the scenes snaps

2011-09-27T13:51:00.000-07:00


"Ok, Hunter, time to practice, practice, practice!" Hunter needs to learn to lay down and stay still---his Wolf character for the movie needs to play dead for the last scene.

We begin filming with the crew on October 4th & 5th, all day with our dogs near Donnelly Dome, half way from Paxson to Delta Junction.

Jona is helping of course, moral support for the actor dog and ear rubs between takes.

So funny they are, the dogs make us laugh!

Learning to sit---takes just minutes.


After a few times, Hunter had it down. He'll lay there and act dead...only a few times asking him what we needed. What a good dog, smart boy.

We're really excited to begin filming and look forward to seeing the film of course..we're really proud of Hunter. He's a natural, making our job more pleasurable and much easier, too.

cool running

2011-09-26T13:59:00.000-07:00

cool crisp morning dog run before the valley wakes---the sun rises quietly behind the hills and several moose feed in near by ponds. Their heads turn to have a look as we pass by in silence. Trumpeter Swans fly south and fresh Caribou tracks on my trail. Tour buses, hunters and most folks gone until next season. The road is mine early this morning. A strong, fast and good looking team in front of me.

pinch me.

Zoya

2011-09-25T11:39:00.000-07:00

sweeping snow from play yard toys

Mushing clinic, day #2, DNP dogs and ranger

First Snow

2011-09-24T09:37:00.000-07:00

Did I say something about it being warm and dry??

...Happens every time! Snow is here and it's still coming down!

3 Day Mushing Clinic Begins today!

2011-09-23T13:51:00.000-07:00

Our mushing clinic begins today at noon and runs through Sunday at 2pm.

This is a clinic for beginning to intermediate mushers wanting to learn our natural & positive training ways and beyond. We will teach in this course how to handle and train dogs "the right way" based on optimum nutrition & positive training methods that work for ALL dogs and various programs for conditioning.

We'll cover nutrition, basic handling, "thinking outside the box" innovative training, kennel management, equipment, training schedules, dog health, dog safety, spay and neuter and why it's so important, working with problem dogs, getting the most from your team and training new leaders. --All the while keeping a confident and happy dog team.

If you are missing out---we'll host another clinic in the spring. Check back later for pictures. Have a great weekend!

Zoya & Kennel

We will post pictures soon.

Kennel update

2011-09-21T19:17:00.000-07:00


Libby (team dog) and her daughter, Pelly.

Libby has run in the Taiga 300 & Tustumena 200. She's a sweet dog, can be turned loose, runs around at your feet and gets along very well with other dogs. People are always pleasantly surprised when they meet our dogs and see for themselves just how friendly they are. They all have their own personality and individual needs, we understand & work with what we have. We pride our work and training with dogs based on trust. The secret to successful training &conditioning where dogs are happy, confident & productive members to their team ---- positive training with patience.

RAINY. She's an up and coming star in my team. 1 yr old.

Rainy is fast, focused, leads and trots so smooth you could balance a glass of water on her back. She has her fathers trot and speed.

This morning we ran about 10 miles down the Denali Highway. I stop the team for a drink in the creek on the way home & Sadie is seen here shaking the water off her head. One of my favorite lead sets is this one; Spicy (on left) and Sadie! They are pure energy!!

Spicy is one amazing lead dog, she will do anything for me--Sadie, the same thing. I feel very lucky to have dogs like this in my team. I love them both and we have such a strong bond. Both are very sassy, bossy, dominant, excitable and all business on the trail. The more I work with these amazing athletes, the more I realize day in and day out that I have the best job ever doing what I love the most!


Fender & Fat Chance pictured here in team.

Not only is my dog team awesome with power & speed, I think they are such a good looking crew.

Cinnibar and Elwood in swing.

We've been crazy busy here at the kennel for the last 2 weeks. Things have been coming together nicely and we're excited to share!

Training dogs! Fall training has been getting hot--literally, a little too hot by mid day with full sun! A big change in the last week or so. The ground isn't even hard yet! I'm wearing light polar fleece and jackets for my runs! Stopping in open creeks so the dogs can lap up some water. What month is it again??
Back to early morning & evening runs for awhile. Seems unusually warm for this time of year but we'll take it, we would love to stay here on the Denali until Mid October if the weather and road hold up.

I'm training my bunch daily and John is training his bunch in between takes on the house. My bunch is a solid team and very much like a freight train on auto pilot. I say "go", we go. I say "whoa", they whoa. They respond on a whisper. Most of these dogs I've raised, trained and raced. The core is a wonderful athletic team and it's been about building the team up for the past 5 years.

John is working with the young up and comers for my future teams...and shining are Rainy, Rohn, Pelly, Ruby, Kate, Sparkle, Pushy, Nellie, Ellie and Jim.

I'm up very early to do the kennel chores & run dogs. By 10-11am, John is on the hill working on the house. About 2pm when Jona takes her nap, I'm on email for about an hour or two tending business as usual. Then, dog walks, make lunch for all and up to the hill to assist on the Maclaren Mountain House.

We are getting there..a little more roofing, a few more windows to put in and a little more siding. Another week from now, the house will be totally enclosed and we'll stop till spring. We decided to build another rental cabin before we close up for the winter. Logs came in from Delta about a week ago. The demand is there--we're full through the end of this month and I just took another reservation for the weekend. We are so grateful there is the need..and the weather...it's perfect for building right now! Warm & dry! So another cabin it is--will feel like nothing compared to the house. A cabin--we can get up in a week! Funny how perspective changes after years of doing many things out here.

Great news for these two! Miller & Bomber have been adopted out--going to a nice mushing team in Germany. They will be flying out November 9th. Their new musher has been here renting our cabins for the past week and a half and after having met them both, spent time running them on the ATV, we have decided this would be a good fit for all.

Cranberries!!!!! We have been picking low bush and high bush berries like mad over the last 3 weeks and still picking....and making tons and tons of jams and sauce! It sure goes well with dark meat--fresh moose steak, that is. Jona and I can spend hours picking on the hills around home. I pick, she eats. I pick, she eats..

Our boarding dogs from earlier this fall, Alaskan huskies--Riddick and Jimmi just arrived today and back for another 2 weeks while their owners go out of State--their owners drive all the way from Matanuska Glacier area to board their dogs with us, second time this summer! That means a lot to us! We enjoy meeting new dogs, for sure.
.

We will be filming soon on the 4th and 5th Oct. - already had a nice prelim. meeting in Paxson just yesterday. The crew met with all the dogs and had a little time to connect with Hunter. He's perfect for the main role. We could all see it. The way he moves, the look--he's got it. We felt connected right away with the people, turns out the actor is from my home land--Madison, Wisconsin! And the other members are from the Mid west. It was fun exchanging stories. We very much look forward to working with them. The energy is good! The filming will take place around the Donnely Dome area, half way to Delta Junction. The Director contacted me about 2 months ago for this feature because of our efforts with rescues and rehab of unwanted dogs. How fitting for Hunter to receive this role. Beautiful!

Wildlife--everywhere! I've seen a lot of moose out here this fall, so many fox and Caribou, too. Just this morning I was coming back from a 10 mile run and we chased down a little herd about one mile from the kennel. My dogs were so excited-some were trying to nip at the heels. Finally, they ran off into the tundra off the road and I had to stop my team and give them a breather. I was reading an email from Norweigean musher, Nina Scramstad yesterday morning (check her out on facebook, she's amazing!) and drinking my coffee at the table in front of the picture window facing down river -----and got to the end of her email where she is asking me if I see much wild life out here...(perfect timing I thought!!)....I look up because my daughter says "Mommy, look, there's a moose!" I look up and Yes!, there's a nice bull about 500 yards from our kennel standing there feeding in the swamp. John looked with his binoculars and laughed-saying the moose was legal for a hunter but all the hunters next door at the lodge were in the lodge, facing up river --in the lodge. The dogs never looked that way, the air was silent and we were thankful the moose finally meandered off, safe and back to grazing. Yesterday was the last day of moose hunting out here and today from the hill...we saw the bull again, feeding in a new pond. So Nina, yes, we see wild life often. I guess we take it for granted but we shouldn't!

I seriously need to get my updates up and over to Theresa Daily -webmaster at Daily's Web Design. Check back soon..really, I mean it. By November, my stuff will be in order!

New handlers coming in soon--Anna and Sera join us the first week in October. Looking forward to having kennel help. Since letting go the last handler, it's been more busy work at times for me but the atmosphere is back to vibrant. The hardest part of owning a busy dog kennel is ---needing help & finding the right fit. I have heard that we are hard to work for, maybe it is so. And if you are a future handler reading this, it's good for you to know in advance. Our expectations are great and we have high standards in our kennel when dealing with our dogs, the public and how we communicate to one another. We expect people to do their best while here, take pride in their work and meet the day with a smile. I look at the handler wanted ads up on sleddogcentral. com including my own & the mushers requiring these things: tough, hard working, athletic, reliable, dependable, willing to learn, needs a sense of humor, etc and I think well...DUH. It's sad when you have to start putting all that in an ad, you would just think this was a given when coming to work at a dog kennel in Alaska. I am SOOOOOO thankful for good help when we have it. We take good care of our help and will always continue to seek the best people suitable for our kennel...with a smile.

And, Ok, there is one more thing off the top of my head....

I've been invited to be a Judge for a very prestigious event taking place in Anchorage in early November. I can't give away the event until after the day I do my "judging duties"...let's just say it's not related to mushing at all, it's something I know a lot about from my background, I get to dress up like a girl for a day and be on the other end of the cat walk! I'm honored to be invited and looking forward to meeting new people from this other..world.

Happy Trails!

P.S. I mentioned on my facebook fan/athlete page that we will be offering dog transport service to Europe and to check back soon-------If you are buying dogs from other mushers and or us and need them brought to you--we will be coming over in the spring (mid April 2012) You can contact me directly for details. We will have an informational link on our website soon.

zoya

Iditarod & Yukon Quest finishing dog "Hunter" Filming Soon....

2011-09-16T17:36:00.000-07:00

Destined for the big screen, Hunter will soon be famous! From rescue /shelter dog to raising his paw and saying "Um, hey guys, I wanna go racing!" to finishing the Yukon Quest with John in 07 and Iditarod with me in 2008---he can now add "Movie star" to his impressive resume.

We've been hired by a film co. from the States & begin filming in early October! The movie will be based on the Jack London short story, "Love of Life" and many of our dogs will be featured in scenes as wolves in this feature film.

Hunter will be the main star having several scenes of his own.

He's a very outgoing, confident and a clever dog. He can be turned loose like so many of our dogs, comes when called, leads, trains the yearlings each fall and will do pretty much anything asked of him especially if it includes a good belly rub and some scratching behind the ears.

We're excited to work behind the scenes of a feature film and will announce more at a later time.

HUNTER

Loves a Good Belly Rub

Leading on the right, last year out of Paxson

Hunter led me 75 miles in the start of Iditarod 2008

Hunter and Bongo giving me a walk in Nome after a strong finish, 08

Hunter was a feature in our 2008 Kennel Calendar--in this shot, he was helping me sort out the issues with the snowmachine engine....:)

Hunter was going to be euthanized at the Fairbanks Animal Shelter for aggressive issues. We showed up just in time. The little we do know; Hunter comes from very good blood lines, was from an accidental litter, was given to a nice family and was raised in the house with other dogs and kids but was quickly sprouting and outgrowing house and kids (it's not a surprise, take a look at this leggy energetic boy!) and finally after feeling overwhelmed with little options, the single mother of three sadly brought him to the shelter. Since having brought him home in 06, the mother of three has visited Hunter in the kennel and keeps track of his life progression. All worked out for everyone!

a lifestyle

2011-09-15T15:24:00.000-07:00

Salty, the unexpected surprise-and she is an excellent lead dog.

Charlie, a handsome boy.

Towel please!

DUDE!!!

When John is away, my little helper is on her toes! She loves to help me gather wood!


I didn't learn how to do anything like this until I was in my late twenties.

Here Mommy, another piece!

Adding more scrap wood into the fire..keeping the cabin nice and toasty. It's in the 40's now..

All this-----for the love of dogs!

new pic's

2011-09-13T16:06:00.000-07:00

Jona & Pilot

John and Ellie (Ellie is just a year old this summer)

Lugnut on the left. training for Iditarod 2012

Rainy on left, yearling in training.

It's a family training day! When the weather is good, Jona goes along!

The beautiful colors along the Denali Highway

Storey, the heart of my team and again in training for Iditarod 2012

training for Iditarod 2012

Bligh, as tough as they come.

Sparkplug, 2 yrs old. Iditarod 2012

Bongo & Mambo, training leaders for the yearlings this year.

Storey loves to hug into me, I'm trying to capture the moment!!

Yearling team dog, Jim. Bligh's son.

2011-09-11T20:05:00.000-07:00

retired sled dogs Polar & Henry are now officially "house dogs"...yep, we're hopeless. We're up to four permanent house dogs and one or two floaters.

Jona loves Henry! and Henry loves the blanket.

daily runs on the Denali Highway

between training runs, this mom is busy switching gears...and we're making things like these cute felted owls...

good day to paint a rock. this rock sits on the hill where we're building our summer house..

coming along!

home after a longer run

Someone needs to sponsor Robin, she's on the team again and she's better than ever. Robin is 5 yrs old, runs lead. She finished Iditarod 08 and is the mother and now grandmother to many several dogs in my team. She's one tough cookie. C'mon, send me an email and tell me you want to learn more.

Just got great news over the last few days.

Sponsors and new friends from Germany, Kerstin and Ralph are flying in to send us off down the trail, arriving March 1st. Kerstin started her sponsorship soon after my Copper Basin 300 race last season and has been a loyal supporter for team dog, Elwood. We are very excited to meet you Kerstin and Ralph! Also... Ania, our past handler and friend from Poland (from the 2010 season) is coming back in March and will see us off down the trail..Iditarod 2012. She will bring extra luck, I know it.Wonderful news for us!

zsd

Fall training

2011-09-10T16:24:00.000-07:00

Fall training is off to a very good start, the weather is cool enough almost all day to run dogs. 46 dogs in the running program. I'm training about 26 dogs, 12 and 14 dog teams. I'm going 10-15 miles. John is training about 20 some as well, going about the same distance. We vary in speed....
.
My team dogs have either been racing with me and have proven to be solid race dogs and or promise with potential. John is training all the pups and a few unknowns..some of the dogs in my group may bump back to his team later in the season when appropriate--and as some of the pups mature from his group, one or two may step up to my main team for awhile.

The dogs in training with me:
Sebe, Sadie, Spicy, Salty, Cinnibar, Robin, Dude, Bligh, Storey, Peak, Elwood, Fender, Sparkplug, Mulder, Fat Chance, Djembe, Slick, Lugnut, Mudflap, Bumper and Charlie.

Charlie, 3 yrs old, rescue dog

Charlie is new to my team. He came to our kennel last winter with his sister Sparkle from the Kenai area. Both were very shy to begin with and now after 6 months with us, Charlie is like ..a new man. And Sparkles, I can turn her loose and she runs around my feet. Charlie is gaining confidence through daily running and consistent routine. He is a fast and happy trotting dog who seems to thrive on the big team personality. I love the fact that he's already making the team for me and showing all signs of a solid long distance racing dog. We'll keep you posted on his progress.

In about a week, you can go to my homepage and look for the link: Zoya's Team and see pics with short bios of each dog.

John is training-- Kate, Jim, Ellie, Nellie, Pushy, Rainy, Ruby, Pelly, Rohn, (these pups are all a year old) Sparkles, Bongo (training leader), Libby, Motta (training leader) Hunter (training leader and soon to be famous actor dog:) more on this later...), Demon (training leader), Pilot and Miller (training leader)

Pelly, 1 yrs old. (from our bloodline) Libby/Storey

Mambo, Bonnie, Salsa are all heading to Cali in about a week, sold to a musher who is qualifying for the 2013 Iditarod.

Mambo flies out of Anchorage on the 14th of this month. We will miss you girl!

Jericho was adopted out about 2 weeks ago to friends and sprint drivers in Chisochena, AK. He's headed to Tok for training this week. He was a fun dog to know, train and race! Jericho came from the Fairbanks Animal Shelter just 2 yrs ago. Jericho came from sprint blood. Since 09, he's been on TV in the film, ALASKA DOGS and has raced the Copper Basin 300, T200 ..and won the 10 dog class sprint race in Tonsina, AK last Feb. with John. He's not cut out for distance racing because he doesn't know how to pace himself--he gives 250 percent and burns up about 200 miles in..this dogs loves to go and he's going to have a ball being back in a sprint team where he belongs.

Jericho (in white jacket) in lead after two days at the kennel in 08.

More in the kennel news;

If you are interested in adopting a dog for skijoring OR a nice house dog who is still active, family friendly and or would love to hang out at your feet...We might have a dog or two like this for you! We have a few VERY nice dogs who are done with racing/running in team and would love to be your house dog/companion.

Naked, 6 yrs old. Neutered. House trained, great with other dogs and kids.

We are hosting another musher clinic on the 23rd-25th of this month at our summer kennel on the Denali Highway. We have one opening left if interested.

The Gin Gin 200 forms are now available for mushers! To download and print, go to our business site at www.denalihighwaytours.com Sign up opens on Oct. 1st.
We will have Gin Gin 200 very cute and really warm woolly beanies for sale at the start/finish.

And yes...I'm in. deep....

Living large.

I'm addicted to dogs. No way of getting around it either. Home is where the heart is and that's wherever my dogs take me...over ice and snowy trails... in love with old man winter and our life with dogs. I can spend several many hours, days, months and years with these dogs and still..want more.
I am so thankful for my sponsors who believe in me and support me, my mushing dreams and our lifestyle. We're able to provide the best for our dogs and live comfortably focusing on the bigger picture...getting my team ready to race. I'm so grateful to have Eukanuba as my backbone, I am so honored. Specsavers has been a huge supporter in the past years and I can't say Thank You enough...Daily's Web Design, too. Theresa Daily always does an amazing job with our websites. xo

Zoya Kisses Jona goodbye at the start of Iditarod 2011

It's better now that she is a little older and can walk/talk and communicate feelings. In the past, it's been rough on the heart strings for sure saying good bye to my precious little girl..but she understands that Mommy has her thing to do with dogs and is so fun about it..makes leaving with my team so much easier. She cheers me on from our porch right now (sometimes at 7am or 10pm in her jammies) and is excited for me to " hook 'em up MOM!"..she hollers like a real pro.

I'm feeling so good, rejuvenated. So strong and confident (maybe one of the most important ingredients!) and only looking ahead....there will be many races this next season including the Iditarod 2012. And many many kisses goodbye for a few days on the trails.

....and no more feeling bad about being away on the races like I had in the past.....What I do for myself, or set out to accomplish...I do for my daughter, too.

Zoya

putting meat up for the winter

2011-09-03T16:33:00.000-07:00

First day of moose hunting, John leaves the house at 5:30am. By 9:00 am, he's brought home a med size moose.

hanging the first hind quarter. Our family will use every part of the moose..

This moose will feed our family and kennel help through the winter months.

Hunting for us is usually a one to two day operation. We keep things simple, no fooling around with atvs, noisy air boats and or running the highway with our vehicles looking for our moose. We live on their rich feeding grounds and as we run dogs, build our house, hike with our family..just go about our normal daily life routine, it's easy to see what's happening with the animals. We're surrounded by wild life and we spend almost all of our time, working or playing--outside.

John had seen this bull for weeks prior to opening and was certain with all the people coming in and large camps setting up along highway-someone else would surly be going for the same moose, morning of. The young bull stayed still feeding in the very same place for over a week. We could hardly believe it. John knew it would take time to kayak to..and hike in about a mile or more to get the shot. He left our cabin at 5:30am with the kayak and by the time he came home with our moose, all the hunters were just getting set to head out. By 5pm, our moose was up and cared for and we were on the road to town for more building supplies and dog feed. It always feels good, like security to have our meat up and in place early.

We process the meat ourselves. We'll make several steak cuts, hamburger, roast and stew meat, package and label all right here...the hide and legs go to the dogs. We are thankful to that moose and before taking his life, say a prayer of thanks and gratitude.

zoya

Our Maclaren Mountain House

2011-08-30T11:27:00.000-07:00

Our Maclaren Mountain house is going up...

This is going to be our summer home, not a bnb or lodge. So many people stop and ask if we are building such a thing and we keep explaining that this is our private residence. And a lot of people assume we will live here in the winter, that isn't true either. Summers only:) And people ask if our Paxson place is for sale, it is not. We will have our summer home closed up, windows in and roof on in just a few weeks. Then start on the walls inside. Next spring, we will worry about finishing the decks and three season porch/sun room and all the inside things..we are having great time fine tuning the design as we go. This is certainly beyond everything we had dreamed it could be and now has turned into a family affair..jona is also playing a major role in design. So much fun!

We're having beautiful weather to build right now.

working from the second floor

and headed up to the observatory room

from the back of house, half log and half frame.

tongue and groove frame

and back at the cabin.....retired race lead dog, Bridle takes over the couch ....

Sparkplug, in training for the Yukon Quest 2012

Bumper, in training for the Iditarod and Yukon Quest 2012

After a long working day on the house, we need a little break..

Fresh Caribou tracks

taking a hike

Grateful Momma

Jona enjoying the view...Caribou, ducks and Beaver down the Maclaren River!

Headed home about 9:15pm

Sept. 1st..Moose Hunting opens and we'll head out..by foot.

zoya

Eat, Pray, Love ..and run them dogs!

2011-08-19T17:58:00.000-07:00

Robin & Salty in lead on the West Fork Tr.

Mulder & Sparkplug, amazing team dogs.

Elwood and Zoya

We work from trust---a platform that is solid and routine. My dogs are eager to please and running is the best part of our day--indeed!

zoya

changing colors

2011-08-15T22:19:00.000-07:00

Fall is among us--the temperature is dropping significantly, we're busy picking berries and making jelly & jams. The Fireweed is almost topping off, it's getting dark at night, leaves are changing colors, the Caribou migration is taking place through our yard and best of all---it's time to run the dogs!

pulling hard, with a lot of heart. (pic taken last fall)

We have several things in the works for the weeks ahead, come join us!

More puppies due soon! Fender and Bligh pups are due on the 20th August. Fender and Bligh come from our own bloodline, they are both in the main race teams and have natural raw ability, both are physically talented with a lot of heart & drive. I'll be adding a link this fall to the website so you can meet ALL the race dogs for this upcoming season of races....picture and bios. Well over-do.

Fender, 2 yr old, tough and tireless female lead dog

Our summer cabin business on the Denali is keeping us busy till the very end of season...for us, till the 28th September this year--stop by and check us out if you haven't already. Visit us at www.denalihighwaytours.com for cabins and custom tours. The cabins are very nice, private, cozy and affordable. You can cook meals in your cabin or dine out next door at the Maclaren Lodge, within walking distance. We cater to all; families, special groups, birders, hunters, mushers and local Alaskans.. we're pet friendly, too. I love our business... we meet people from all walks of life and it's great t make warm connections but it sure keeps us running from cabin to cabin to laundry house & back to cabin..and then for me, I quickly zip through dog yard for a quick hello and dog fix before zipping back to check the laundry and make another bed....

The Loon cabin

We are hosting another Mushers Clinic on Sept. 23-25th here at our kennel on the Denali Highway. This will be for intermediate mushers--they bring their atv training wheels, their dogs and we teach a three day intensive providing one on one instruction and housing. Will post pictures and more info as we get closer to the clinic time.

Each year we hunt one moose in the fall--this will feed our family & our kennel staff for an entire year. This is a large part of our daily diet. Moose season for us opens on the 1st of Sept. We always hunt on foot, sometimes by canoe and always within a 5 mile radius of our home here on the Denali. We'll pack the meat out on our backs and or by dogteam if feasible. We use every part of the moose, nothing is wasted and no hunt in vein.We have been processing the meat right here at the cabins over the years and will continue to do so, teaching our daughter the same things.

Jona is already helping make Maclaren Berry Jams and Jellies! We've added "Jams for sale" on her Farm Fresh Egg stand and already she's making a bundle. I can't keep up..so tonight while John is working on the house, me and the girls (Jona, Maudie dog and handler, Lema, are having a Berry pickin party in the hills....

Jona & Maudie on the hill near the West Fork of the Maclaren

Dreams do come true....there's so many things in our life that are real that were once just a dream for me..I don't know how it all came together exactly but I do know that it took time, love and faith. The journey....it's an incredible journey with my family and dogs. My dreams back when seemed so far away...now they are real and unfolding, just 7 years later...3 years ago, one year ago...I keep dreaming, I keep the faith and I continue to work hard and believe. I'm looking forward to fall training and beyond. There's no such thing as stop going forward..

little tiny blessings and lessons;

As my daughter climbs these small but steep gravel hills around the cabins during our berry picking hours, she sometimes slides down out of frustration and says " mommy, I can't do it!" I say over and over from the best place in my heart, "yes, you can, of course you can, just keep trying and you'll get it." And I hear this echoing in my head and think to myself, "of course I can, too. I can do it, too..." And then I hear her say "LOOK, I did it!!" I look up and she's at the top...! I have this strong push within to keep going and allow myself to achieve the things I've held myself back from achieving..out of fear...fear of failure? Maybe so, so......... we've taken these huge and uncomfortable steps to explore those issues and feel like we're on the road to progress. Obsessed with my own discontent and a slave to the things I love and believe in...success isn't an option for me...bound and determined to make those dreams my reality..we will. I'm that stubborn.

Miller, healthy & happy.

Tomorrow, me and the girls head to Fairbanks for a dog neuter appointment, some shopping, gathering of supplies and fuel and other things. Will be a nice over night break. The people part of our summer business has been super intense this year, certainly more than we are used to but happy to have it. I am hoping to deflate tomorrow night in a hot tub...and maybe a morning yoga class.

Back later in the week with training pictures and a Meet the dogs profiles...many many young dogs in training this year and many yearlings with great race potential. Also a few new rescue dogs and their stories..

Our kennel handler, Lema will join in with her new blog later this fall and share her experiences. She's on a special journey of her own as she learns to train teams, manage a kennel and trains for her first dog race. I'd love to see her in the Gin Gin 200 or Sheep Mountain 150 with our second team this year.

ciao for now:)

Zoya

Gin Gin 200 sled dog race is on, please take note the changes.

2011-08-11T19:03:00.000-07:00

Working on it now, hoping to have a few more sponsors and better purse by race day.

The forms to sign up and rules for the 2011 race will be available on the Gin Gin 200 website soon.
Check back in about a week or two.

What I can tell you now is this;

The Race start will start Dec. 28th, 11:00am Paxson Lodge. 12 dog teams. 11am women, 12pm, men.

The route and checkpoint changes; Paxson Lodge to Alpine Creek Lodge (they are located at mile 68 on the Denali Highway) and back to Paxson Lodge. Mushers will head up the Denali from Paxson Lodge for 42 miles, turn left on our property and come down onto the Maclaren River, heading down River to the SU, from the SU to Alpine Creek Lodge. (from start to checkpoint: 125 miles) 8 hr layover at Alpine.

Our Denali Highway cabins at mp 42 will serve as a hospitality stop on the race; cabins will be open and wood readily available.

Sign up opens: October 1st
Deadline to sign up: Dec. 1st

Gin Gin 200 Race posters and Hoodies will be available after November 1st.

check back for more soon:)

Zoya

Mushing Clinic

2011-08-10T16:19:00.000-07:00

Crazy Dog Kennels will hold a 3-day Mushing Clinic, September 23-25^th. The Clinic will be for the intermediate dog driver. We will be covering comprehensive long distance regimes. Training schedules, feeding programs, veterinary care, and equipment options will be discussed in detail. There will be major emphasis on working with and training the dogs you have; getting the most from your dog yard.

Housing will be provided. Participating mushers should bring a ATV and six-eight dogs. Cost is $750 per team, there is a 4 team maximum. For more information and detailed schedule--- contact John Schandelmeier & Zoya DeNure at schandelmeier@yahoo.com

Puppy Walkin..

2011-08-10T15:51:00.000-07:00

up, up and UP!!

Bearing on the Maclaren River sandbar

Axle coming down a giant gravel hill

Puppies crossing water

Axle, headed for take off.....

Water? ....ah, no big deal!

Momma Ellie and her pups

C'mon, let's head up river....

Ellie

puppies back at the kennel with Auntie Kate (and Stone)..

2011-07-29T13:05:00.000-07:00

Madison & Alison after a dog run with Jericho

Yes--that is right! Right here. we offer affordable nice cabins!

Puddle hopping around!

catching up...

2011-07-29T12:43:00.000-07:00

It's been in the works, many drafts started but also many interruptions taking me away from writing...I would try to catch up on here and then have to put it down, some of this will seem disjointed and that is why...

The last 3 weeks were pretty busy around here...kind of crazy really but all good things come with the territory. While John was away commercial fishing for a month and a half, I'm wearing several hats a day---so our life with dogs, business and family run smoothly. And smoothly is over a 5 acre parcel, with a 2 year old, 60 dogs, puppies, a new handler in training, cabin rental business and touring guests! Some days, my head felt like it was spinning! We had great help again mid summer with friends from Paxson part time and full time handler, Lema. She came in during a busy three days about a month ago with constant wall to wall people and activity --she jumped right in and got to work. She's our dog handler, my personal runner (thanks girl, you're awesome) and family helper. She came up for air about 5 days ago and told me how much she loved it here with us..good thing Lema, we weren't planning to let you go anytime soon!!

We have another gal joining our kennel team October 1st--we're excited to welcome Anna from her place of work in Antarctica.
With a busy schedule in and out of kennel, it's important to have good help. There's no way to do without it & I'm oh so grateful.

The dog yard was fairly quiet for a few weeks this summer, it is hot by mid day most days ...good thing because there is much happening behind the scenes, other things that need our attention right now. Exciting developments we will share when time appropriate. The dog running will come as soon as we have cooler temps! I can hardly wait to be honest! Typically, we begin formal training in late August. We've been doing a lot of loose dog walks and free running. I've been working with new dogs to kennel like Sparkle and Spicy and Bomber. They love to run loose now and they always come when called..and they almost seem grateful to have this trust thing going with me. They will run ahead and play and then run back to me to check in and then run ahead again to play and on it goes. The dogs are all happy and healthy, getting loads of attention...

Lots & lots of visitors this summer here at our place on the Maclaren River--it's been great! Kennel guests from past Crazy Dog Kennel tours coming back through again to see me, Jona and dogs, some of our kennel sponsors have made the time to come see us... friends from as far away as Switzerland and Amsterdam visiting now. I sure do love my job on days like this, catching up and re connecting feels so good. We are giving tours by reservation only this summer, large groups and families seem to be more popular this season. Our cabins are booked mostly through August and all the way through Sept. 28th! We are pleasantly surprised to say the least!

The other things this summer in full swing; interesting business opportunities, dog sales and adoptions, sponsor meetings, hiring handlers for up and coming season and prep for this fall's events. A lot of this takes place during the working day right now--which means I'm on the computer, i phone and or cell and in that case, I have to drive 11 miles one way to have a phone conversation on the cell. Worth it! Feels like a modern day little office over here now with Hughes Net, printers, laptops, i phone4...I didn't want to work in an office or inside for that matter once I hit 30 (that's what I said when I was 24 and headed north to Alaska to spend a year with sled dogs in Nenana) but now working for myself, for my dogs and family hardly feels like work at all but the long days pay off because we're able to live our dream everyday together, doing the things we love to do.

It's a special thing to live OUT HERE and have such good communications--this allows us to run things successfully in the summer! If you have been out here, you understand we are a long ways from everything but yet we are so very connected to all parts around the world.

My day in the kennel is spent doing kennel and cabin business inside, answering emails, doing dog chores outside, caring for the dogs, hauling water from the river, sharing duties with Lema, dog house repairs, puppy time, general maintenance work, dog walks, etc. and enjoying time with my fur kids....listening to the river, hearing birds above arguing about something or another, looking at ways to improve our kennel, petting Bongo between the ears, turning Sadie loose so she can go play with Mudflap, rubbing Bomber's belly, kisses from Peak, so much love, all the time.... I really love our kennel atmosphere, the thing we've created here is really good and positive --the energy vibe is loving and open, the dogs are trusting, they have space and we give them a ton of freedom.....our healthy place of life and work here creates happy dogs, happy family, satisfied guests and happy handlers, too.

And then I look at my dogs and float back down to earth and thank god, because that's the best place to be...on earth, headed down the trails with my dogs.

My mother was here for a short time visiting but with her poor health in a constant state of flux, we decided it was best for her to go back home to be closer to her doctor. It was a difficult time; it's hard to see the people we love fail to poor health. Doesn't seem fair or right. I spent many nights up late with worry and up early with, worry. All we can do is all we can do, knowing exactly what that is, is huge and necessary. And I always pray...

Jona has been making a killing with her Fresh Eggs for sale business..her little roadside stand sure sees more folks than we would have imagined...RV's pull up and buy her eggs, the neighbors buy her eggs, her family buys her eggs...lots of friends stopping in buy her eggs...we can hardly keep up, it's pretty great. Jona checks the money jar when we go out to replenish the basket daily.

Jona is having a great summer--she has some new friends across the river she sees from time to time,we've had several nice families visit throughout the season and we seem to be going here and there a lot!....splitting our time between here and town, giving us the opportunity for her to see other little friends and enjoy other summer activities. It's been a good balance of things. Here, she has so much and keeps busy. We've created a nice playground for her and visiting friends. Her favorite things; the puppies and chicken and trampoline!

Johns daughters Allison and Madison are here visiting from MN for about a week. The girls are having a ball with Jona, their dad, the dogs and learning new things. Picking blueberries, making jams and pie from scratch, running dogs, hauling water from a natural spring, getting to know their little sister...

We head to Denali Park on Sunday for a few days in hopes to find them a bear or two.. and then to Valdez for a few days..in hopes to see a whale or sea otter...

Our house on the hill; the materials are all there but the time is not..we haven't been able to work on it yet since John came home due to the lack of time...we will begin to work on it from Aug. 6th on....and work until it is closed up, roof on and log oiled. Everyone that comes through wonders if it will be a new lodge. no, no, no...the lodge is next door across the river. That is our summer house going up...People seem to think all the time that we own the lodge, too. No, no, no...

We are only giving tours by reservation this summer. Kennel Tours with groups of 12 or more people have been the going thing this summer. Cabin business is up by over 60 percent this year and with just a few cabins and the growing demand, we will certainly have to entertain the thought of building more next year to accommodate the larger groups. We are designing some stunning things for the kennel next year....near the river!! ....stay tuned.

The Gin Gin 200 & Taiga 300 sled dog races; We will be hosting these races again for the 2011-2012 season but both races will be changed slightly...trail changes in the works and we will be pulling out the Maclaren lodge checkpoint on the river for both races. We will however include Alpine Lodge on the Denali for up and coming races if the location should remain the same. We have come close to scrapping the Taiga 300 sled dog race due to lack of time, money and lack of volunteers...we are a busy family with a busy kennel and working from home in remote AK...it's not easy to put on these races on our own each year...

We realize how important these races are for the sled dog sports, as qualifying races for the Iditarod and Yukon Quest and we do enjoy being not only participants in the sport but organizers, too....so we are working hard to figure it out so we can keep them going! We will be posting an article soon to explain more on our take .....Keeping the races alive and thriving & just what that entails.....stayed tuned as we will post on sled dog central, go mush.com and our website with article in about a week. I just read an article on the Kusko 300, looks like they too, are looking for help to keep that race afloat....we understand!

About next season concerning my race plans; so many people are writing me and asking...
YES! I'm racing, many races.....if you are asking if I will run the big one, yes is the answer...I'm just not running out in a hurry to sign up. I'm focused on what is in front of me, my dogs, the team...I've had a lot of emails from loyal fans, new fans, friends.. asking what my needs are for the dogs this year..I'm saying, we're covered...as far as dog food, clothing, gear and items.... but if you want to pick a dog in the running or in the kennel, sponsor a dog for a season...this would be a lovely thing to do and you will get something back in a hurry that you can have--- a picture of that dog and information on your sponsored dog. It's fun to track your dog as they take on a racing season through our journal.

On our facebook fan page, we will be posting more and more video clips of dogs, training, etc. Check back for more...
zoya

PUSHY

2011-07-22T10:09:00.000-07:00

Pushy is from last years litter, Mother is Robin, Father is Bligh. He's an up and coming super athlete in racing team.....watch for Pushy in later posts when we begin training....

valdez-----again!

2011-07-17T00:11:00.001-07:00

Who's walking whom?

Hello road, hello 5 hr drive, hello to my day away vacation to Valdez!

Worthington Glacier.

Who's the most grateful momma on this earth? Me, I AM!!!!!!!

She takes after her dad..she's looking for moose, again.

And my big Ol fuzz of love, Ethan. He says "I might NOT be a spring chicken, but never too old to go fishing!"

Lost in the Lush..

Mighty happy Gulls

Hanging out on Allison Point

Fishin!

"I want to go fishin, are we going fishin Mommy...are we there yet?" all the way to the city dock!

She's a Jim and Ellie's girl.

i promised her time on the water, next time around...

Promise, mommy? "Promise!"

at the end of the day, I reflect on all that is, all the many blessings in our life and the dreams we chase down...together.

Bearing, Tread and Axle

2011-07-16T14:53:00.000-07:00

The three pups get a lot of love & attention throughout the day!

Jona & Axle

Axle

Zoya & Tread

We love the sunshine!

Bearing

kisses for Axle

Puppies!

2011-07-14T09:37:00.000-07:00

Three puppies born to Ellie and Lugnut! Just about 2 weeks old...

Axle, Bering and Tread. They are lovely! Between our family, friend and kennel handler, Lema and kennel guests, these puppies should be well socialized..

More pic's coming soon!

I have many many many new updates to come soon---there hasn't been time to write it all down, I have started several started drafts! Wearing several hats to keep the ball a float and rolling smooth, this girl needs a little break, the ocean is calling....headed to Valdez now and back for the weekend.

Will update the journal soon. check back soon!

Zoya

rewind two years

2011-07-09T00:12:00.000-07:00

SALTY puppy

Thank you Monica for sending this pic! She saw the latest blog on Salty and surprised me with this photo. Monica was first a visiting guest at our Kennel two years ago, then when timing was right, came up for the real winter deal helping with kennel and family needs. And now, we consider Monica a good friend. And in her other life when she's not shoveling dog poo and playing with our daughter in the snow, she's a career woman and chemist! A woman of many facets and talents. Just an awesome person we're thankful to know. Thank you for sharing the pic with us.

Hi to Boston from Maclaren River, Alaska....

call of the wild

2011-06-29T21:30:00.000-07:00

Hi, my name is Salty. Just hanging out right now in my summer dig, too hot to run and so I day dream to pass the time...listening to the sounds of the river, the swallows and trumpeter swans over head, seeing my musher keep things nice and tidy, dogs coming and going for walks during the day, meeting the visitors; it's all nice and dandy but nothing compares to winter--ice, snow and running down that trail with my team behind me, counting on me to lead the way.

There we are, me and Spicy in the lead. Spicy is a very sassy girl with other females and no others can run with her until she blows off a ton of steam... but she seems to accept me, we run the line, tight. I have a feeling we will do a lot of this together next season.

I'm not much of a people dog, I like my dog friends. People call me shy. Once in awhile I will surprise Zoya and roll over on my back so she can scratch my belly. I like to get all the dogs in the kennel singing together, I always have the first howl. I have dreams of the things I will do next winter with my team and the things we can accomplish together. Lead is my favorite place in the team.

we're going back to do it again. it all starts with a dream. I can't tell you anything else but there's a lot of exciting and interesting things happening "behind the scenes" right now at the kennel and my musher is one energetic girl. till then, signing off. SALTY

summer family fun

2011-06-27T15:39:00.000-07:00

Zoya and Jona hauling water back from a natural spring near Paxson

So happy she could, burst!

Jona and Daddy on the Ferry

Ready for a road trip? We are!

John filling water bottles from Horsetail Falls

Biking to the Sea Life Center in Seward (from a near by camping spot:)

we love our arctic oven tent

roasting marshmallos

Valdez Boat Harbor

Hanging out in Girdwood for the day

Watching Sea Lions

Go places. Know Nature. Have fun.

discovering other forms of life

on the dock

and back at the kennel--helping hands!

the hens, they are a happy clacking bunch

Higher Mommy, Higher....

Ethan, enjoying the shade

Jona and Grandpa Jim, climbing the Hill...

Going for an atv ride with mom, looking for birds again!

Air Hockey champion

dream.

our Maclaren River Play yard

summer fun

making brownies is a favorite!

The Maclaren River & Valley

Splitting our time here & there...happy girls on the go.

A Paxson Lake dog house Eagle...a new and rare kind.

daddy little girl!

2011-06-26T17:57:00.000-07:00


Susan Butcher.			My inspiration to follow a dream. To win, you have to believe in yourself & believe that you can win.

2011-06-25T15:36:00.000-07:00

....on the Denali Highway, wild life is all around you. Here's a very curious Fox.....

the store

2011-06-25T15:32:00.000-07:00

black dog leash with Crazy Dog Logo, other colors available: pink, purple, gold and black.


Gold leash with Crazy Dog Logo, $ 10.00 each

15 posters left, signed by the mushers on the 2010 Taiga Sled Dog Race. $ 10.00 each

Blue tye dye T-shirts $ 20.00 each

Pink tye dye

Porcupine quill earrings, chokers and bracelets, limited supply left.

We have Crazy Dog Kennel logo T-shirts in Red, Black & Forrest Green. We also have winter Hoodies, too. We have a nice but small variety left of quill designs for this summer. Please email comments, questions and specifics to teamzoya@yahoo.com

coffee break

2011-06-19T12:12:00.000-07:00

..ready for winter and it's not even July...

What's a girl with 57 sled dogs to do? Don't get me wrong, summer is a great couple of months in Alaska, short, sweet and quite beautiful but winter is in my heart. There's not a minute that goes by that I don't have a dog related thought going in and out or an hour that goes by where I'm not thinking about something to do with training dogs, snowy trails, those cooler temps. I'm a goner. Whipped and hopeless. Talk dogs, my ears go up...talk races, my heart skips a beat.

zoya

and the latest of things

2011-06-12T16:44:00.000-07:00

It's been a whirlwind around here and I didn't get a chance to write as I would have liked, we were pretty busy on the go. The move back to Maclaren took a bit longer than expected, all the little projects John and I were working on are mostly done but the cabin on the hill (the bigger project!) will have to wait until late July. We brought in siding, more insulation, another 2 windows and have everything we need to close it in but we simply ran out of time. I was filling jewelry orders and felt tied up for 2 weeks to add to the list! Lots of driving to town and back, for this and that..(town is over 400 hundred of miles per round trip) but that is the trade off for living out here, need to have everything in place for the season ---that way when we do go into town for visits, events, etc. we're not coming home with a huge load each time. We're stocked with Eukanuba 2 months or better, stocked on fuel and propane, too. Wood is cut for all the cabins. Cupboards are really full, life is good.

The weather here at Maclaren River has been very nice, warm and dry with minimal rain. The wind has been kicking up more than usual adding a little extra excitement...like "watch Zoya chase down work jackets being carried away by the wind, leashes and harnesses flying south and Jona's play toys headed elsewhere"..yeah, lots of running.

Traffic is slow on the Denali Highway all though our cabin reservations have been up.

John is in the bay working on the nets for our working drift boat as I write...the boat is ready to get wet and soon, he'll be fishing. Gone for over a month, always a little hard when he leaves! I hope to fly to King Salmon mid July to help wrap up the season. I enjoy commercial fishing and being on the water with him. We have Skype phone at the kennel now and we can touch base everyday! It's awesome! And very important when you have a 2 1/2 year old who needs to tell daddy all about "the brown duck in the pond over by the shower house or about the mouse that ate her tootsie roll, or about our friends yellow dog and it's really important to tell him all about the new movie with the sheep and lion in it..and the New play dough dog toy!" It's great for her to hear his voice, makes her all giggly. (me, too) And friends are catching on...we had a few calls in this afternoon. I'm still learning how to use it ....love it, I love to be able to live out here with my dogs & family in the mountains in a very simple way and still stay connected. What a world we live in these days! Hauling water for our kennel of 60 dogs, chopping wood for our cabins, hanging our cloths to dry...and having the iphone for calls and emails and internet...how awesome is that? We have a few laptops going, too. It's pretty nice.

Our Alaskan family, Jim and Ellie are back with us this summer..they have a home in Paxson, not to far from ours...Jona is fortunate to have grandparents right down the road in the winter season and each summer, right here on the property. She is so happy to play with Ellie all day long if you let here and Jim, too. Jim helps with chores, hooking up teams, assists customers when I'm busy with other things and boy, can he cook. We have fun with them and feel grateful to have such good people in our life. These two are simply, the best..they are so helpful, giving and fun. I've said it before and I'll say it again "they don't make 'em like Jim and Ellie anymore!" My mother is flying up next week to stay for a month, this will be her first time to Alaska in the summer! She's been here several times in the winter months over the years..I think she will like it very much. Jona is looking forward to seeing her Nana Jo.

The dogs are all doing great---enjoying long lazy days in the sunshine. We do a lot of loose walks, leash walks, walk -thru's to give out attention to every dog. I always feel a twinge of guilt in the summer because we're not busy running dogs--part of me feels like they would be happier with something more to do...we do our best! More later..see below for picture show! zoya

Another Sign..

Crazy Dog Kennels office/gifts

The side of Office/Gift Shop

Open for Cabins, Tours, Rides and Shopping

Jona's Farm Fresh Eggs

Informational Kiosk

Chicken eggs for sale .30 each, we check the basket daily to replace or refill and so far she's sold...over a dozen!

All the loose dogs at dinner time, chowing down

Happy Charlie, on the move!

In our cabin

We had a candle lit for Missing Musher, Melanie Gould..she's been found--prayers answered.

Jona is a bouncing happy kid!

Pilot, all stretched out near his house.

Dude, just chillin

Henry, about half asleep

Mudflap is giving me "the look"...

Capt. Bligh thinks the camera is food and that he should have it.

Peak is also giving me "the look"..she wants off her chain for loose time.

it's a Naked Yawning.

Storey & Fender

My girl, Sadie.

A snoozing Chuckie dog.

Slick is bored to death of this summer stuff...laying around is for the birds.

Pelly is one intense little girl, she looks like she could be related to the wild African dogs...

Rainy, gives a big yawn

JayJay WAS napping until I woke him up...go back to sleep buddy.

Bomber feels sleepy in the sun, full belly will do that to ya!

We hope you are enjoying your summer, too.

..My Bliss

2011-06-11T22:47:00.000-07:00

Sleeping in the Forest

I thought the earth remembered me,

she took me back so tenderly,

arranging her dark skirts, her pockets

full of lichens and seeds.

I slept as never before, a stone on the river bed,

nothing between me and the white fire of the stars

but my thoughts, and they floated light as moths

among the branches of the perfect trees.

All night I heard the small kingdoms

breathing around me, the insects,

and the birds who do their work in the darkness.

All night I rose and fell, as if in water,

grappling with a luminous doom. By morning

I had vanished at least a dozen times

into something better.

from Sleeping In The Forest by Mary Oliver

10 months old!

2011-06-10T12:27:00.000-07:00

RAINY

ROHN

RUBY

PELLY

These gorgeous & talented little pups have been having a ball, running in harness about 3 day a week. Pelly & Rainy are already assuming the lead position! I'm looking forward to our training together over the summer season, guiding them with positive training, nurturing their god given natural abilities and watching them develop, naturally.

Their mother is Libby and father is Storey.
zoya

Melanie Gould, still missing....

2011-06-07T12:23:00.000-07:00

It was one week & one day ago, she was last seen clocking out of her job at the Talkeetna Roadhouse in Talkeetna, Alaska...

Have you seen Melanie?

Melanie Gould at the 07 Iditarod re-start

Melanie Gould and Giovannie in 05' winner of the Gin Gin 120, Meier's Lake Roadhouse

The search has been underway by troopers/canine units since Saturday and nothing has turned up except her truck. Still, no sign on Melanie- if you have any info call 907-733-2256

It was one week ago today that we learned of her disappearance. John was at the kennel working, both Jenna and I were coming back from Delta Junction with Jona, a car load of flowers from the Greenhouse and groceries/supplies for kennel. It had been a beautiful day in town, a very full day shopping, relaxing and catching up. As soon as we were within cell range near Paxson, my i phone dinged, I checked the email and it was from Donna Quante with the missing person report. I was shocked...first thought was "no way..she's out and about, there's no way Melanie is missing...." We knew her very little through the mushing circles & she won the Gin Gin 120, Women's dog race in 2005..this was the first of many Gin Gin's.

Well, she's missing and what's worse..there's no sign of her or what has happened, no clues....she's just Vanished. Her truck was found parked near the Cantwell end on the Denali Highway, about 70 miles west of our kennel. It's quite heartbreaking feeling so helpless right now. Melanie is my age, 34...I guess being the same age, a woman, having a sled dog team, similar lifestyles, being an independent woman, loving animals and earth..just puts this thing right here in my heart, makes it personal..... too close to home.

There is a wonderful page on Facebook for Melanie Gould.."Have you seen Melanie Gould?" This page is a special place for us all to stay connected to Melanie during this uncertain time and perhaps learn of any changing news while troopers continue to search.

with loving thoughts and prayer for Melanie,

zoya, john, jona, jenna and kennel

dogs in training for the 2011-2012 season

2011-06-06T19:06:00.000-07:00

an early morning training run. Handler, Jenna in the lead:)

RUBY, a young dog with a lot of zip and enthusiasm.

ELLIE, looking ahead to the future.

Training pups is quite different than working with the main team--they are CRAZY and it's certainly more work and effort, but that is the fun part! That is why we call it, training! They have a lot to learn and every mile is a stepping stone to where we're headed, together. They are wild, restless and full of enthusiasm! It's contagious.

z

2011-06-04T19:19:00.000-07:00

Order your tye dyed Crazy Dog Kennel t-shirts this summer, limited supply & going fast! Your order helps support our rescue dog efforts and care.


Our laying 5 Hens lay many eggs daily and our daughter enjoys them so much, we had a sign made and will now offer Fresh Eggs, as well as firewood to add to the list....

Jericho and his gal pals will soon be heading together to California!

Bonnie, Mambo and Jericho will help one man live his dream running dogs and training for his first Iditarod.

Mambo is looking forward to a lighter running schedule and easier temps.

We're very selective when it's comes to selling dogs or adoptions to just anyone; we have to feel that the dog and person are a good match, no matter the dollar amount. I know that must sound crazy to some people and there's plenty of mushers (and non mushers) who laugh at this way of thinking but that is us and we just care what happens to the dog later down the road. We want the dog to have a great life when they leave here and finding a permanent loving home where they can run, thrive and be happy/healthy is our number one goal when moving dogs on. They have it made here--running loose, tons of attention, running programs designed to meet their individual needs, etc.

It's important to us that our dogs go to a good home and a place where their ability is nurtured. We work hard to rehab dogs we've rescued so they are able to move on when appropriate, we train all the dogs in our kennel so they are able to meet mushers needs and be fit enough to enjoy a running life when moving on to something else. Not all sled dogs born into the sled dog life want to run competitive or fast...some want to be your couch potato and some want to run but not 5 days a week in the winter months. Whatever--we figure all that out and then try to place the dogs where they belong. It works! And then you have not only a happy dog comfortable in their skin but a very confident friend.

Bonnie, Mambo and Jericho have all been here for at least 2 years plus under our training and care, all three have raced and all three are wonderful loving dogs with enthusiasm, drive and ability. We are excited to track their progress later down the trail....

More soon..z

Melanie Gould, musher from Talkeetna, AK has gone missing....

2011-06-03T20:37:00.000-07:00

She was last seen on Monday, the 31st of May.

Please phone 907-733-2256 if you have any info. There is also a "Where is Melanie?" Facebook page. Alaska is a big place but small town, someone has to know something....and the road system is very small.

John and I are going to drive the Denali in hopes to see a sign of Melanie, please keep her in your prayers. Back in 2006, Melanie won the Gin Gin 120, back when it was still the Women's dog race.

We are praying for Melanie, god bless. Zoya, John, Jona & Kennel

MELANIE GOULD WINS THE 2006
Gin Gin 120 RACE

Up & running on the Denali

2011-06-03T19:03:00.000-07:00

We're moved in and finally getting a little more settled...still much to do in the kennel as far as the house, projects and improvements go but over the summer season, we'll keep at it and slowly things will get done. It always takes longer than we think to move the operation back to Maclaren River. We've been putting in some very long days with many several trips to town and back for supplies, dog food, building materials, etc (that is over 400 miles round trip!) The Denali Highway is in good shape thus far and already (for May and first few days of June) we've had unexpected cabin guests and tours. We just wrapped up a 3 day mushing clinic, the next will be held in the fall and announced in late July. The weather is unbeatable--very warm and dry. Ok, today we have clouds and high winds! Long days filled with plenty of sunshine. I've been able to run dogs in the early mornings and mid day when the clouds roll in for an hour or so.

We have a few good trails near by with adequate water for cooling down.

Today I blog from our cabins on the Denali Highway/Maclaren River! John was able to install Hughes Net over a few days and I have been able to download Skype to my i phone. We are very modern now on the Denali! We will Now be able to stay in better touch with everyone (Monica, Regan, Ania and several other friends---I owe you an email, it's coming soon!)

Our cabins are happy with guests, our dogs are gearing up for a run, Jona is busier than ever with her arts and crafts, 14 ft trampoline and 5 laying hens:) John is enjoying good coffee while taking a short break and I'm looking out the window at our mountain views feeling thankful for the gifts of life, love and friendship.

More updates and pic's to come soon. zoya

Sparkle and the crew settled in at our Denali Highway Cabins

The happiest kid!

Jona pictured here enjoying the family trampoline! 14 footer w/enclosure.

John, our handler Jenna and the (future stars of the team) Bligh puppies!

crazy dog t shirts all tied up for a tye dye job


it's me, here at our cabin...HUGHES NET ROCKS!!!!!!!

making the move & more kennel updates

2011-05-19T17:01:00.000-07:00

23 dogs loaded. Peak and friends are ready to go!

Friends, Bomber & Trapper.

Trapper & Kate loaded in their traveling boxes

Only a few miles from the kennel, a flat!

And the Subaru, too! Grr....

Jenna, Jona and a car full of stuff

Arriving kennel with load #1

There is so much to do before we open up in a few days! We already have a cabin rented this weekend and the weekend after that, we are extra busy right now due to the demand on rentals. Seems like this summer is going to be crazy busy with our cabins. Our cabins are very nice and so are the rates! We sure would like to build more but it's very unlikely to happen this summer mostly due to time & all the other things we have going on. The wind and winter weather did a number on things at the summer kennel but that is OK, we aren't immune to working hard and putting in some extra long days and nights to be ready.

The dogs were so happy to arrive-you can see their spirits pick up as soon as we unloaded them--music to my ears, I love it when they are happy. The last 2 weeks in Paxson, the dogs had to deal with mud in the yard while the snow melted and drained down hill. The ground at Maclaren is gravel/glacier moraine, quick to dry when wet. The dogs need the mud like a fish needs a bike. Our dogs know where they are when we pull in --there is a lot of room on the property and I just turn most of them loose, letting them run around until we pick houses. The new dogs are just as excited, a new place with new scents..and a little snow! It's melting fast and yesterday was so incredibly warm. A beautiful day to move!

The dogs lazily slept in the sunshine while John worked a bit on our cabin porch, making a few little changes. I cleaned inside, threw a bunch of stuff away, unpacked a fair amount of things, re arranged furniture and made dinner for Jenna, Jona, John and myself. It's amazing how much stuff one can accumulate in such a tiny cabin! After that, I fed the dogs and we headed back to Paxson for more stuff, more dogs. Jenna stayed back with the pack. We have one more trip to Anchorage for supplies over weekend and after that I will be happy to stay put for awhile! Lots on my personal agenda; training the young dogs on the ATV, biking with Jona, helping with the house going up, little landscaping projects around the kennel, writing and training for small running events.We'll see how much I can get done, always trying to bite off way more than I can chew...

The house back in Paxson needs some attention, too...the kitchen looks like a bead bomb went off..I've been making jewelry like mad at the table-custom orders for individuals and a few large orders for Gift Shops around Alaska. I have a small spare room that has been a storage room all winter and so my office is in a corner in the living room, my space to make jewelry is the kitchen and the mud room downstairs is Johns work room for all the things he makes; fur owls, hats, mitts and carvings. The feed room for dogs is also the dog barn/gear room/and all other dog related stuff. We make it work but when we head to Macl. for the summer, it's important to organize/clean as we pack otherwise when we come back in the fall, it's downright scary. Ok, I better get back to work!! zoya

MORE Kennel UPDATES;

We are hosting a dog training clinic at the end of this month for 3 days at our Denali Highway Cabins on the Maclaren River -due to demand, this clinic has been quickly put together, last minute. There will be a ticker ad on www.sleddogcentral.com if you want to read more about it. You bring your own dogs & ATV. There's 2 opening left at this time.

We have several nice husky dogs ready to be re-homed; A few race quality dogs for sale and companion house dogs for a small adoption fee; these dogs are retired from racing or too old too run and would rather be in the house. Age range from 5-13 yeas of age, house trained, can be turned loose and come when called. Our dogs are well socialized and well mannered. If interested, I can send you pictures and profiles.

We have a handler ad going up on www.sleddogcentral.com in just a few days and will keep it running for 3 months. We are taking applications starting now for the 2011-2012 race season. Serious inquiries only please. email Zoya at teamzoya@yahoo.com for more info.

a few fav pic's...old and new

2011-05-18T11:41:00.001-07:00


the day we Married...	Happy 6th year wedding Anniversary to us, married May 13th, 2005


John at the start of Kobuk 440, 2011	Bongo & Salty in the lead, Fender and Sebe in swing.

Re-Start of the Iditarod 2008, Hunter & Bridle in the lead.

This years team during the Iditarod Ceremonial Start. Salty & Spicy in lead, Sebe and Peak in swing. I have high hopes for my dog team, they are one of the best out there and I hope to prove it in the years to come.

Me & Ethan, the other love of my life. Ethan just turned 13, this April 18th.

Being a mom is an incredible gift, another adventure, a challenge and awesome journey.....

some moments are more precious than others, I feel so lucky.

Ania & Polar coming back from their overnight expedition up Paxson Mnt. & back, 2009

Fender & Djembe; incredible athletes on my team.

The Denali Doubles race in 2010; Ania and I took 20 dogs on a 240 mile race across the Denali Highway on a double sled custom designed and built for that race by my hubby. Amazing was Demon taking us to the finish line in lead and humbling was the fact we came in dead last and survived (I though I would die if I ever came in dead last!) We had 6 females in heat-the last 80 miles, we watched sadly as everyone in the field passed on by while we were stopped re arranging the team positions. It seemed like the longest 80 miles of our life, but we made it and my husband brought me flowers & chocolates out by snowmachine about 20 miles from finish line--it was Valentines Day, after all:)

Loose walks with dogs and pups on Paxson Lake...Polar, Sand, Patsy Ann and Salty. Winter Fun!

North, content after a nice run!

Ania, handler from Poland, bringing up Bligh to the line.

Jona, about 2 weeks ago excited to walk the trail at Creamers Field in Fairbanks.

visiting new places

My two favorite people in the world...ok, besides my Mom:)

camping in Valdez. Something about sleeping outside, having a cup of coffee at midnight, waking up in a tent, hanging out with no big agenda for a weekend...

Horsetail Falls near Valdez, AK

A mother moose and her calf, feeding in a pond near Delta this spring.

kennel update

2011-05-11T17:18:00.000-07:00

The future race team is always changing, a little. There's always younger dogs coming up into the mix, some of the older dogs, retiring. (from racing, that is) This summer some of those younger dogs including the two puppy litters from last summer (they range in age from 9 months to 1 year) will run 3 days per week in a program with me on the ATV throughout the summer months. I feel like they will benefit greatly with the extra attention, training and basic conditioning. Having more experience and base miles on the youngsters will help the transition go smoother when we begin rolling up our sleeves in the fall for the day to day race training & conditioning. It's important these young dogs are in excellent shape both physically and mentally before joining the main team.

Having self confidence and a little training under their belt won't hurt. They will learn how to move from side to side on the line; stepping over without tangles (which cost time on the trail), changing gates at speed and gaining an understanding of how to "get their feet underneath them"--this mean dealing with varied terrain at varied speeds without injury and with ease. We rarely have injuries in our kennel and I believe this is due to how we condition. We're pretty careful with our dogs, we're reading them (their heads and body language) all the time.

Another good reason for early training; Manners! The pups have none! (I say this with a very big grin)
They will certainly have manners by the fall season. Ok, so they are young and restless; ready to pounce..and chew up all the lines if I shall take too long hooking up the team!

The pups are a handful to put it lightly, absolutely wild. Mouths wide open! They try eating the harness as you try to slip it on, every time and their teeth and tongues flapping and dancing in a dangerous but comical way, they are doing back flips and lunging over our back as I approach.....they live to run. I laugh every time--I love their energy; it's so pure. I don't think we've ever had a litter quite like this one and they certainly seem to have it all going for them at this point. The Bligh/Robin litter is Kate, Nellie, Ellie, Jim & Pushy. They turned 1 about 3 weeks ago. We have the Libby/Storey litter; Rohn, Ruby, Rainy & Pelly. They have the best of both worlds going for them--Mom is sweet & quite motivated and they have their fathers build (he's all legs, straight back and trots smooth enough to balance a water glass) & trot....they already trot!

The last litter in 2009; 6 pups with Storey/Robin..the Auto theme litter..all 6 dogs trained for the main team and 4 made it in this winter- all 6 are future racers next season. We have our own bloodline we've been working with awhile now and we're liking what we see very much--they seem physically talented (fast with minimal effort, good coat, driven, good eaters and happy. Plus you factor in how they are raised, they are a secure and confident crew.

The snow is melting fast on Paxson Lake and we've been busy preparing for the move, filling jewelry orders and spring cleaning (I really could use a house cleaner!) Our summer handler is here and enjoying the view, the dogs and kennel--it's good to have great help once again with the dogs/yard while we're in between places. Good to know our dogs are in good hands when we're super busy. Thanks Jenna!

We will make the move to our cabins on the Maclaren River in just about 12 days. There is much to do when we arrive for good this spring! Installing the Hughes Net Sat dish/wireless is first on the list; John took a 12 hr class in Fairbanks a few days ago and is now certified to install systems....he did the class for his own knowledge and for us since we live 200 miles from the city and if there is an issue, there is no calling the internet guy in town for a quick fix. We'll have very good internet this year (knock on wood, right?) and wireless for our handlers, friends and cabin guests and Skype...through my iPhone4....wow, phone communications at mp 42 on the Denali? Now we're getting really civilized! After last year, we both had had enough with the lack of communications. We lost a ton of business and felt like we weren't able to stay on top of things as we would like with our family, friends and kennel sponsors.

....Hmm where was I...Oh yes! The much to do list at our Denali Highway Cabins; log oiling the cabins is a must, painting touch -ups to the business signs, a new chicken coop is in order for Jona's 5 laying Hens....opening up the rental cabins & shower house (we are pretty much booked out in July!) It's going to be a good summer... We're building a gate for closed hours, putting up a log entry way to the drive and working on closing up the house & putting the roof on...all before the 10th June! I hope the weather cooperates!

I always look forward to the change each season from Paxon to Maclaren, seems really normal and easy to spend 12 hr days, outside in the summer months. Our place on the river is really nice with a ton of room... in the thick of nature in the mountains and on a route to Denali Park--people come through and stop in because they have heard of us, read about the kennel, love the area or just have to see the dogs...I enjoy meeting new people from around the world who are on their trip of a lifetime--falling for Alaska... like I did. And I appreciate what our business has turned into..the cabins do well for themselves, the tours are more organized and people are making reservations now in advance. And we don't have to cook & entertain from sunrise to sundown in our living room! I am so thankful there is a full service lodge next door to meet those needs of traveling guests. It works well for us and our own guests.

We are heading out with the family/car/bikes and going to Valdez first for our wedding anniversary this weekend, from there we will ride the Ferry for the trip to Whittier, drive to Seward and play for bit there before driving home next Monday. Jona loves biking with us & lives to see Sea creatures.... and she's never been on the Ferry...

enjoy your week!
zoya

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T22:26:00.000-07:00

Happy Feet going forward

Everyday is a brand new day with little miracles bursting on the horizon, a great big bag full of amazing little surprises, new & colorful thoughts, spinning ideas, interesting projects, exciting possibilities with a generous heart --anything is possible! The world through her eyes & heart send us spiraling back to a special magical time in our lives when we were tiny little people ourselves--when all that really mattered were playing outside in the puddles, making new friends, petting the dogs, feeding the chickens, goodnight kisses, Hello hugs & tootsie roll candies.

Jona & Ellie making Banana Creme Pie!

The Happy Momma Look

And to think back I just shake my head a little & laugh and say to myself.."no, not me, really?" --there was a time in my life, very early twenties..it wasn't going to happen, having kids, that is. I didn't think kids and having a life could happen, together! I was used to being on my own & independent since a very young age and having all the freedoms for so long of coming and going as I please, traveling on a whim, making the rules and calling the shots, like most...... single people, without kids . A little selfish and unwilling to compromise those things in my life for ..hmm...Kids. Well, all that changed after having been around awhile, meeting my life partner & coming to the realization that I could possibly still have it all, do maybe half as much as I set out to and do it with a family to share it with. What a concept!

I've changed over the years and thankfully so..what little do we know about all that until we have ...kids. Our life is pretty one dimensional when it's all about "me"....all though we don't think so at the time. Being a mother is a blessing, a gift, a walk in another world and boy is it a whole lot of fun most of the time. Yes, there is much work involved, too. There is always work to do! Having sleds dogs for nearly 10 years certainly prepared me well for all the patience and responsibility involved. Half the time, I'm in tears because we're laughing so hard at something she's said or is doing or we're completely immersed in learning something new or involved in something we're teaching her. Watching her interact with other kids and adults is a pleasure (so far!!) as she is very kind, generous and patient. And helpful, thoughtful...beyond what I would think is normal for a 2 year old. She loves other children, too! Everyday we're making steps in helping teach & guide this wonderful young lady in becoming the best person she can possibly be, she's got all the love, nurture and support in the world!

It's great stuff--most of the time. This whole, Mom-thing, that is.

Zoya