Nature's Kennel Mighty Mutt Club 2012-2013 Join the Mighty Mutt Club to love up your favorite mutt this season! Mutts are currently being added...so don't worry if your favorite is not on here yet! We will have Ed's 2013 Iditarod team listed, along with our Mighty Mutt tour dogs. If you have a favorite puppy you wish to sponsor, let us know and we'll get him/her listed as well. New for 2012-2013...Inspired by the Art Dogs and suggested by a Mutt Club member, you'll get a tiny wooden cut-out to decorate or sign your name on for your mutt. It will be hung on the Mutt's house so everyone will know which mutt is yours!
$100 Mighty Mutt Membership
With the Mighty Mutt Membership you will receive a 2012-2013 Nature's Kennel Mighty Mutt Club embroidered fleece hat, a photo of your Mighty Mutt, an NK racing poster, a set of used booties used by your Mighty Mutt in a race, and your name or business name displayed with your Mighty Mutt on www.natureskennel.com!
$500 Iditarod Mutt Membership
The Iditarod Mutt Membership includes: all of the benefits from a Team Dog Membership plus a 2013 Jon Van Zyle Iditarod poster autographed by all of the finishing 2013 Iditarod mushers, a 2013 Iditarod DVD, an Iditarod Insider Subscription, a 2013 Iditarod patch, and a 2013 Iditarod race program!
To join the club and sponsor a Mighty Mutt, either print off the 2012-2013 Mutt Form and mail it to PO Box 5, McMillan MI 49853 or click on the Paypal "BUY NOW" button above. THANK YOU!
2013 Iditarod Race Team--Adult Dogs:
Ayn Female Born: 09/17/2007 Proudly Sponsored By: Rob and Cici Birnberg, Deerfield, IL !Ayn is one of the super stars of the kennel. At only a year and a half old, Ayn finished the Iditarod and the Taiga 300. During a run, her usual playful, puppy attitude is put aside, and she becomes completely focused on the trail ahead. At only 40 lbs, she is one of the hardest pulling dogs in the team. Of course, Ayn also loves her fair share of bed time and is well known for her exceptional snuggling capabilities. Ayn will tuck her head between your chin and shoulder, nuzzling in for the whole night.
Baba Ganousch Male Born: 06/14/2008 Proudly Sponsored By: Jim Studley, Hale, MI!There is never a bad day in Baba’s world. One of the most athletically gifted dogs on the team and so crazy happy too. Baba is possibly a once in a lifetime dog. He always does more than his fair share of the work and never seems tired. To win his friendship all a person has to do is scratch him gently between the eyes and he will coat your face in dog kisses.
Bolt Male Born: 08/16/2009 Proudly Sponsored By: John and Becky Whittemore, Beaverton, OR!Bolt and his sister Enzo are two amazing young sled dogs. Bolt finished the Iditarod last year and Ed has a lot of hope for him again this year. Bolt is one of our most photogenic dogs and always has a smile on his face. He is a running maching and never seems to get tired.
Bomb Male Born: 03/28/2010 Proudly Sponsored By: Jim and Sally Sepluveda, Incline Village, NV!Bomb is one of those "old souls" who has always seemed mature beyond his years. He's a fantastic sled dog and always trying to do the right thing.
Bradshaw Male Born: 04/09/2009 Proudly Sponsored By: David Hawthorne and Hawthorne Oaks, Elizabethtown, PA and Ms. Anderson's Class, Wealthy Elementary School Grand Rapids.Bradshaw is named after the famous quarterback Terry Bradshaw a.k.a. “Mr. Steel Arm.” With his athletic build and silvery streaked coat, perhaps we should nickname Bradshaw Mr. Steel Paw instead. Bradshaw is really playful and adores going on walks so he can run around like crazy. Hooked to the gangline, however, he works really hard and can be counted on to be no-nonsense.
Chuck Male Born: 05/05/2009 Proudly Sponsored By: John Miller, Palatine, IL!Named after Ed's uncle in Alaska, Chuck was the least athletic of his littermates. It took him the longest to figure out the whole sledding thing. He would bounce up and down in the gangline like a bunny, looking around at all the branches and snow. That has all changed! Chuck is now a fabulous, focused sled dog and was a superstar on the 2012 Iditarod team.
Conch Male Born: 03/29/2010 Proudly Sponsored By: Helynn Schufletowski, Humbird, WI!Conch is one of the sea shell puppies. He is super friendly, super happy, and super ready to race this year!
Cupid Male Born: 2/14/2006 Proudly Sponsored By: Tom and Carolyn Drake, Clemson, SC!Cupid is as lovable as his name suggests. Most of the dogs in the kennel can give hugs, but Cupid’s hugs are exceptional and much more embracing than any other dog. He will actually wrap his paws around your back and not let go! Cupid has passed his hugging style onto his puppies, the Steelers, but no one can do it as well as Cupid. A three-time Iditarod finisher, Cupid is one of the hardest pulling dogs in the kennel.
Eli Female Born: 04/03/2010 Proudly Sponsored By: Holly Freeman, Cincinnati, OH!Yes, another GIRL on the team! Eli is one of the Alaskan Mountain Range puppies. She has really worked hard this year to make the main team. She's a big, strong girl and Enzo and Swann are excited to have another female on the team!
Enzo Female Born: 08/16/2009 Proudly Sponsored By: Pat Berglund, Dexter, MI and Dale Tupper, Ann Arbor, MI!Enzo has proven herself to be a superstar from the beginning. She is a natural leader, has finished the Can-Am 250, the UP 200, and the 2012 Iditarod. She's ready for racing this year after having a litter of 10 pups this past summer! She is named after the main character Enzo in The Art of Racing in the Rain, and if you haven't read the book, you must. With Tuuli and Solomon as parents, Enzo is going to be a rock star!
Flynt Male Born: 09/17/2007 Proudly Sponsored By: Great Lakes Geoscience, Belding, MI and Mr. Morris' Class, Wealthy Elementry School, East Grand Rapids!Siblings and Iditarod veterans Flynt, Krister, and Ayn are all Tasha Canine offspring. They are fabulous Iditarod dogs, fabulous dogs to run, and incredibly loving and social. Flynt finished with Ed's Iditarod team in 2010, 2011 and 2012. He is as cocky as his namesake, Larry Flynt. This dog can run with the best, and he is not afraid to admit it to anyone. He has the speed for sprint racing and the endurance to run forever. His father, Maple, is one of our best dogs ever, and we think Flynt can outdo his father.
Krister Male Born: 9/17/2007 Proudly Sponsored By: Uke, Kazoo, Rupert and Fred Austin, Holly, MI and Mrs. Pearl's Class, Wealthy Elementry School, East Grand Rapids!Krister always does his job but doesn't get too over excited about anything. He eats just enough, he pulls just enough, he runs lead just enough and he smiles just enough. He finished Iditarod with Ed in 2010, 2011 and 2012 and is part of Ed's core group this year.
Mr. Schue Male Born: 9/2/2010 Proudly Sponsored By: First Baptist Church and Woodworth Elementary School, Leslie, MI.Mr. Schuester makes up in drive and determinatinon for what he lacks in size. A member of the Glee Club litter, Mr. Schue is a great sled dog. This is the first year he'll be running with the race team and he's excited to be part of the "big guns".
Puyol Male Born: 5/31/2012 Proudly Sponsored By: Rob Birnberg, Deerfield, IL!Puyol is new to the race team this year. He and Baba are the only dogs on Ed's team who were not born and raised at Nature's Kennel. Named for Spain's soccer star, Carles Puyol, our Puyol also loves to run. He is super slobbery and often has slobber all over his face when getting ready to run. No close-up kisses for this guy!
Rhu Female Born: 6/12/2005 Proudly Sponsored By: Jan Lloyd-Gohl, Elgin, IL ANDEdie and Katie Kunze, Clawson, MI! Rhu, her brother Gus, and her half sister, Ayn, are Ed’s go-to leaders. During the 2009 Iditiarod, during which bitter cold and extreme weather were common, Rhu lead Ed through the toughest of trail. Around the kennel, her slight build and calm demeanor can sometimes be overlooked. Of course, once in the gangline there is no questioning whether Rhu is in the team. Her excited pterodactyl cry can be heard for miles around and is always a topic of discussion at the starting line chute.
Scissors Male Born: 7/1/2010 Proudly Sponsored By: Jim Studley, Hale,MI!Scissors is a super sweet dog. He almost made it to the UP 200 last year but had a very weird to injury late in the season. He's fully recovered this year and is ready to show us what he's got!
Scott Male Born: 05/05/2009 Proudly Sponsored By: Michele Seng, Fort Wayne, IN! Scott is a member of the "Aunts and Uncles" litter. He's a big, hard working dog who can also be silly and entertaining. When he was a puppy, he was nicknamed "Scott the Stalker" as he loved to hunch down along the trail and stalk his littermates when they ran by. Scott finished the Iditarod last year and is on his way to superstardom with Ed's team this year.
Swann Female Born: 04/09/2009 Proudly Sponsored By: Garry and Kathy Hogan, Aliquippa, PA!Swann is another Steeler pup, named after Lynn Swann. She is a gorgeous dog with the most beautiful red coat and an adorable face. Just like her brothers and sisters, she is a natural leader and works super hard. She is really playful on walks and loves to play with the younger puppies, but hook her up to the gangline and she is as focused as the rest. She is an amazing leader, finished the 2012 Iditarod and Ed is really looking forward to having her on his team again this year.
Triton Male Born: 03/29/2010 Proudly Sponsored By: Terrie Hanke, Eau Claire, WI and Ron Kunze, Clawson, MI!Triton is another surprise for Ed's Iditarod team. He's a young dog who has really proven himself this year. He's just a sweetie who loves to run much more than he likes to travel in the dog truck (he's a little prone to car sickness!). He has a adorable gaze and will be one of our up and coming superstars this year.
2013 Race Team--Yearling Dogs:
Blast Male Born: 07/29/2011 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available!
Boggle Male Born: 07/22/2011 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available!
Carson Male Born: 07/07/2011 Proudly Sponsored by: Currently Available!
Charger Male Born: 05/15/2011 Proudly Sponsored by: Currently Available!
Chess Male Born: 07/22/2011 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available!
Cinna Male Born: 08/13/2011 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available!
Cuda Male Born: 05/15/2011 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available!
Fender Male Born: 07/07/2011 Proudly Sponsored By: Rick and Jo Fender, Tipp City, OH!
Hyside Male Born: 07/07/2011 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available!
Prim Male Born: 08/13/2011 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available!
Pump Male Born: 07/14/2011 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available!
Rye Female Born: 07/14/2011 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available!
Sorry Male Born: 07/22/2011 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available!
Swirl Male Born: 07/14/2011 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available!
Yahtzee Male Born: 07/22/2011 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available!
York Male Born: 07/15/2011 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available!
2013 Mighty Mutts--Touring Dogs:
Alaska Female Born: 05/16/2007 Proudly Sponsored By: Alec Poink, Port Huron, MI!Alaska knows how to work the crowd. From the moment you start to pet her, she becomes putty in your hand. It won't take long before she rolls over and gets you to rub her belly. When she's not winning everyones affection, she's running hard in lead, sometimes taking the team off trail to chase a grouse. Oh, and Alaska is waiting for the day that Ed and Tasha let her retire so she can live on Alec's couch!!
Aleut Female Born: 04/03/2010 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available! Aleut, named for the Aleutian Islands in Alaska, always has a mischievous gleam in her eyes like she knows something you don't. She can be stubborn and definitely thinks she's smarter than all of the humans in the kennel, but she can also be really sweet and playful. She's a great sled dog who is comfortable running anywhere in the team.
Army Male Born: 12/28/2011 Proudly Sponosored By: Currently Available! Army is part of the Military Branch litter names in honor of US soliders and veterans. He is still a puppy who is learning how to pull but he is surrounded by quite a few older dogs who are teaching him a thing or two. Like most puppies, Army never seems to run out of energy.
Azali Female Born: 03/19/2007 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available!Azali, Brady's sister, is just as big of a sweetheart, if not bigger and pulls just as hard. After a run, on her platform, she'll burry her head between your arm and chest. Walking off leash she won't stray more then 20 or 30 feet away.
Bafana Female Born: 5/31/2010 Proudly Sponsored By: Charlie and Mary Campbell, Slippery Rock, PA. Bafana has the metabolism of a hummingbird. No matter how much she eats, she can barely gain any weight. She's still a big girl and pulls just as hard as the big boys.
Basio Male Born: 087/29/2011 Proudly Sponsored by: Currently Available! Basio is a member of the Blood litter. His energy is through the roof and loves to get attention from anybody nearby.
Belle Female Born: 07/04/2012 Proudly Sponsored by: Sharon Smith, Lima, OH! Belle is the super sweet Peanut's sister (named after Snoopy's girlfriend). She doesn't let her brothers push her around at all and makes sure she gets her fair share of her dinner!
Beretta Male Born: 05/05/2007 Proudly Sponsored by: Currently Available! Beretta is a great team dog who pulls well. He is an average dog who can get lost in the large number of dogs in the kennel. But once he is noticed, he becomes a big lovebug who enjoys a good bellyrub.
Big Ben Male Born: 10/5/2002 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available! Where do we begin?? Big Ben was purchased by Ed in Nome at the end of Iditarod in 2005. Ben has become the charmer of the kennel, has run in seven Iditarods and has led Ed and Tasha's UP 200 winning teams. Ben would be voted most likely to be kennel president (and would even get Tasha's vote too). Although Ben is no longer racing, he is still a top pick for tours.
Big Mama Female Born: 03/19/2007 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available! Big Mama! How do you say that name and not smile?! Big Mama is a sweetheart of a dog. Her loveable kisses and eager smile make anybody near her in a better mood!
Bog Male Born: 04/11/2010 Proudly Sponsored By: Jeff Pierce, Indianapolis, IN!Note: Bog's sponsorship goes directly to off-set the cost of all the necklines he ravenously chews! Bog is a loveable oaf. He's big but doesn't through his weight around. He can be found playing with Finn or sitting on his house with his legs on either side. His only bad habit is chewing necklines but he is slowly becoming a good leader.
Boo Female Born: 03/19/2007 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available!Even though she's small, Boo is solid muscle. She can run well in the front of the team, but spends most of her time somewhere in the middle of the pack. She's another one of our neckline-chewers, but makes up for it by being a great pulling dog.
Brad Male Born: 04/16/2011 Proudly Sponsored by: Hawk, Brad's brother (and owners Larry and Vicky Begalle) Escanaba, MI! Brad is a dog from the Boyne Highlands Litter. With his warm demnor it is impossible not to love John instantly. He is calm and wise beyond his years which makes him a great candidate to train and be a lead dog in the future.
Brady Male Born: 03/19/2007 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available! Brady is a big sweetheart with a loud mouth. He'll find just about any excuse to bark but when he's in harness and on the move he is one of the best pullers on the line. He's always a cheerleader, barking like crazy at the rest stops to get the team moving again.
Carver Male Born: 11/13/2008 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available! Another scientist dog, Carver has the intensity of George Washington Carver. When he focuses on something, there is no diverting his attention. Carver is a natural athlete, and always has a wise look in his eyes that is reminiscent of his namesake. He has a distinctive howl that can be heard across the kennel.
Caullie Female Born: 6/12/2005 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available! Caullie is another hotshot from the vegetables themed litter. She’s one of Ed’s favorite dogs due to her jolly and cheerful outlook on life and confident conduct. Any time that you approach her, whether it’s walking by her house in the kennel or unloading her from the dog trailer, Caullie will become a ball of merriment, hopping up and down with one paw in the air.
Charlie Male Born: 07/04/2012 Proudly Sponsored by: Sharon Smith, Lima, OH! Charlie Brown is a sweetie of the Peanuts. He was one of Nate's favorites as a little puppy (second place to Snoopy) and he was always the one jumping into the stroller for a free ride during puppy walks.
Checkers Female Born: 07/22/2011 Proudly Sponsored by: Currently Available! Checkers might win the award for the "best looks" in the kennel, she lives up to her name of mulit color fun. She loves to run and has one of the most photogenic faces in the kennel. She is smaller than her brothers who are on the race team but Checkers has a good chance at making Jess's Copper Dog Team in March.
Clark Male Born: 8/20/2003 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available!Clark is the happy-go-lucky dog of the kennel who always loves to run. He is the main stud of the kennel and has many relatives throughout the yard. As a 5-time Iditarod runner, Clark is a great dog to help train leaders who need to learn a thing or two about being up front.
Cowboy Male Born: 02/01/2009 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available! Cowboy is a shy guy most of the time, but he is a big talker at mealtime and hookups. He is always very enthusiastic once he is on the gangline. Although he is independant at times, he will never pass up a nice pat on the head
Cranium Female Born: 07/22/2011 Proudly Sponsored by: Currently Available! Cranium is just like her mom, Gallea in her love to run. She is on Jess's yearling female race team this year to work on her eating habits as while she was on Ed's team she was a bit of a picky eater. We hope to see her blossom as a leader and hopefully she will gain a big appetite so she can make the A-Team in the future.
Crunch Male Born: 07/15/2011 Proudly Sponsored by: Currently Available! Crunch is a member of the candy bar litter. He is very athletic and quick on his feet. His unique coat and fluffy tail make him standout in the crowd.
Cyborg Female Born: 05/19/2009 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available! Cyborg is a small dog with a lot of heart. She pulls hard all the time and always seems ready to go. She loves being brushed and then trying to catch her hair while it floats around.
Dagny Female Born: 07/19/2012 Proudly Sponsored by: Currently Available! Dagny is the only puppy in the litter with a mohawk. It was passed down to her from her great-grandmother, Mohawk, the matriarche of the kennel. She has big paws to fill with that kind of heritage but she seems up for the challenge. Whenever we bring the puppies back from a walk, she is always the last of the little puppies left in the big puppy pen.
Darc Male Born: 05/05/2009 Proudly Sponsored By: John and Becky Whittemore, Beaverton, Oregon.Darc is a big, loveable dog who has a teddy bear personality because he likes to give hugs to anyone who will come into his circle. He hasn’t met a person or a dog who he does not like. Darc has a bit of a funny gait for a sled dog his size, but he is a strong puller. Soon he hopes to be a leader like Clark, his dad.
Dover Female Born: 05/05/2006 Proudly Sponsored by: Currently Available! Dover is one the biggest cheerleaders in the kennel. At any rest stop you can hear her distinct whine, asking to keep doing. In the yard you can find her sitting on her platform, poised, waiting to be fed, harnessed, brushed, or walked.
Eddie Female Born: 07/19/2012 Proudly Sponsored by: Currently Available!
Edison Male Born: 11/13/2008 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available! Edison is one of the most mellow dogs in the kennel. You can find him sitting on his platform or under it, patiently waiting to be harnessed, walked, or fed. His thick coat keeps him warm in all weathers, which is great because he never sleeps in his house.
Erie Male Born: 7/18/2005 Proudly Sponsored By: Opal Krout, Malvern, Arkansas.There is never a sad moment in the life of Erie. Erie's radiant happiness is as consistent as his tight tug line, and he can always be counted on to have a wagging tail to greet you. Erie has been adpoted for the Mutt Club by Opal, who is also waiting for Erie to officially retire so he can live with her clan in Arkansas!
Eros Male Born: 02/14/2006 Proudly Sponsored By: Opal Krout, Malvern, Arkansas.Eros is one of calmest and most well behaved dogs we have ever had which must be due to the fact that his mom is Hedgie. Eros loves to run free around the yard and is a great walking buddy. Eros has been adopted for the Mutt Club by Opal who is waiting for him to retire so she can adopt him for keeps. She, may have to arm wrestle a few people for him though, as there are a few others who have been waiting for him!
Fedor Male Born: 05/19/2009 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available! Fedor is the brother of Cyborg and is always calm and cool. He never rushes to or from the gangline, prefering to take his time. He loves a good rub down and hanging out on his platform.
Finn Male Born: 9/2/2010 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available! Finn, named after a character from the show Glee, is a little bundle of energy. Even after an 8 mile run he will find the strength to dig holes around his house. When he's not digging, he's looking for someone to play with. Whether it's his neighbors or someone passing by.
Force Female Born: 12/28/2011 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available! Force is the happy dog at the front of the class wanting to get all of the affection from everyone who enters the kennel. She is watching and learning fast from her older classmates who are running everyday, while she only runs every few runs in harness. When in harness you would think she is already a yearling but she will have to wait a few more months to make it past puppy status.
Fox Female Born: 08/13/2011 Proudly Sponsored by: Currently Available! Fox is a unique looking dog with a completly white tail compared to the rest of her mostly black body. She is very smart and we expect great things from her in the years to come. She acts like an adult already and seems to enjoy every minitue of being in harness. Compared to her sisiters Peeta and Kat she is a standout in all catagories.
Gail Female Born: 04/16/2011 Proudly Sponsored by: Currently Available! Gail is the reserved, quite one of the Boyne litter. She likes to just hang back and observe whats going on around her however she makes up for her laid back personality with her ability to run in lead. She has been in front quite a few times this fall and just like her mom, Tuuli she seems to be a natural in lead. We look forward to seeing her blossom over the season.
Gallea Female Born: 03/10/2010 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available!
Galt Male Born: 07/19/2012 Proudly Sponsored by: Currently Available!
Gimli Male Born: 8/20/2003 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available! Gimli is one of the best leaders in the kennel and is a no nonsense teacher with the younger leaders. He can act like a crotchety old man with dogs that don't behave and even with his musher until you earn his respect. He is also incredibly affectionate and loves to rest his chin on your collarbone, looking you square in the eye, while you give him a rub down.
Greed Male Born: 05/01/2007 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available! Greed is one of the happiest dogs in the kennel and will try anything to get your attention. Once he has it, scratch above his tail or on either side of his sternum and he'll be your best friend forever. He's a good leader and pulls with everything he has.
Gus Male Born: 6/12/2005 Proudly Sponsored By: Kelly Neuman, Ann Arbor, MI!Gus, short for Asparagus, is one of the late bloomers of the kennel. Until he was three years old, he was on the ‘for sale’ list. How lucky we were that no one else realized his potential! Now one of the main leaders at the kennel and a standout in the Iditarod, Gus has surprised us all with his unfailing trot, always-cheerful attitude, and gold star behavior.
Hallah Female Born: 07/14/2011 Proudly Sponsored by: Currently Available! Hallah still is very much a puppy at heart even though we are almost positive she has never barked once in her life! She is full of life and just an overall happy dog just like her brother Swirl and Pump on Ed's Team.
Ham Female Born: 04/09/2009 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available! Ham is one of the superstar Steeler pups, named for linebacker Jack Ham. Since her first time in harness, she has been a natural leader. She likes to chew on her necklines, but makes up for it by being one of the sweetest dogs in the kennel.
Harold Male Born: 04/16/2011 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available!Harold is a member of our Boyne Higlands litter. He is super lovable and calm in harness and never causes any trouble. He's one of the bigger dogs in his litter and he loves running in the team.
Hawk Male Born: 05/05/2007 Proudly Sponsored by: Currently Available! Hawk is a gentle dog who is very smart. He is starting to become a strong leader at the touring kennel. Although his grey nose makes him appear much older than five, he is still a puppy at heart. When people are near his platform, he will usually wave hello to get attention.
Heath Male Born: 07/15/2011 Proudly Sponsored by: Currently Available! Heath is a member of the candy bar litter. He has been one of the cutest dogs in the kennel since the time he was a puppy. He loves attention so much that his whole body shakes when you get close to him.
Huckleberry Male Born: 03/10/2010 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available! "Huck" is a character. He is amazingly confident and is always up for learning something new. At this point, he is not as athletic as his sister Gallea but he makes up for it with guts.
Jazzy Female Born: 05/05/2006 Proudly Sponsored by: Ellen Dhaseleer, Charlevoix, MI!Jazzy is the smallest dog in the kennel, but she more than makes up for it with her giant heart. She's a great leader and pulls as hard as any of the bigger dogs in the team. She loves to give dog kisses to anyone who goes to her house.
Jekyl Male Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available! When Jekyl first arrived at Nature’s Kennel, the name Mr. Hyde might have suited him better. He came with the reputation as a fighter and shy around new people: however, with lots of love and care, Jekyl is deserving of his name and rarely relapses to Mr. Hyde. Running and rump scratches remain Jekyl’s favorite pastimes. He has turned into an excellent leader and is one of Jess's favorite's on her team.
Jester Male Born: 05/01/2004 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available!Unlike his name suggests, Jester doesn’t joke around but is a solid and dependable member of the team. He is a strong leader and responsive to every command. Of course, he does put on a show whenever the team isn’t moving, slamming into his harness and jumping up and down. You will most likely find him running tours with Jess, as she negotiated her return to Nature's Kennel based on having Jester on her team!
Joe Cool Male Born: 07/04/2012 Proudly Sponsored by: Sharon Smith, Lima, OH!Joe Cool, with his signature floppy ears, is a very laid back puppy. Prefering to lye down and chew on a stick to wrestling with his brothers and sisters, he can appear to be a loner. Don't let that fool you. He loves attention and playing around.
John Male Born: 04/16/2011 Proudly Sponsored by: Currently Available! John is another dog from the Boyne Highlands litter. He is very calm in harness and easy to love. With Johns smarts he is in training to hopefully become lead dog in the future.
Judge Male Born: 09/17/2007 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available!Judge is named after one of our favorite people on the planet, Judge Charlie Stark. The human Judge is calm, collected, and full of wisdom. In contrast, the canine Judge is cocky, hyper, and full of energy. He is almost a carbon copy to his father Maple who is one of the greatest sled dogs we have ever run so we expect great things from Judge.
Kat Female Born: 08/13/2011 Proudly Sponsored by: Olivia Melville, Westland, MI! Kat is the scatterbrain of Jess's team, she loves to run like her sister but has not figured out at the end of a run to head back to her house by herself. Everytime she gets loose she sprints around the kennel like crazy, bothering everyone in her path. When she does make it back to her house she looks at you like "what, I'm here... see."
Kenai Female Born: 04/03/2010 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available! Kenai is a small dog with a lot of pulling strength. From the moment she's attached to the gangline until the end of the run she'll be lunging into her harness to keep going. She run's best with males and if you are lucky enough to be the one to clean her teeth or clip her nails, be ready for a wrestling match.
Kneehi Female Born: 05/05/2006 Proudly Sponsored by: Currently Available! Knee High is our pirate dog. She has one eye because of an infection when she was a puppy but you'd never know by the way she plays and runs. She runs on either side of the gangline and can run up front but isn't quite comfortable in lead yet.
Kohler Female Born: 8/22/2004 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available! Kohler is a steady, dependable sled dog. She gets along well with any dog she runs next to, but prefers to keep to herself when she's not running. She's not a big fan of early morning runs, preferring to stay in her warm, cozy house sleeping in. (Much like some of our guides!)
Lickety Female Born: 07/07/2011 Proudly Sponsored by: Currently Available! Lick, Lick, Lickety is what Jess likes to call this awesome little female. She might be smaller than her brothers Carson, Fender, and Hyside but she she works just as hard. She is one of the aspiring leaders on her team and is just as smart as her mom Enzo. She always has a happy-go-lucky personality and is going to be a tour favorite.
Linus Male Born: 07/04/2012 Proudly Sponsored by: Currently Available!
Lois Female Born: 04/16/2011 Proudly Sponsored by: Currently Available! Lois is the most athletic of the Boyne litter yearlings, and is showing a lot of potential as a leader. She is very sweet and has a lot of charisma for her smaller size. We hope to see great things out of her in the next few years.
Lucky Male Born: 05/05/2007 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available! Lucky is always so excited by meal time and attention from people. His tail wags in full circles, which causes his whole back end to shake. Sometimes he even “dances” for his meals. Lucky is a great leader and he is trying to help develop other leaders in the kennel.
Lucy Female Born: 07/04/2012 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available! Lucy is a curious little one. She will watch your every move from the puppy pen, studying you but if you enter the pen she'll be jumping all over you. She is a chewer and is good at jumping up and grabbing any loose clothing.
Marcie Female Born: 07/04/2012 Proudly Sponsored by: Currently Available!
Marine Male Born: 12/28/2011 Proudly Sponsored by: Currently Available! Marine is another member of the Military branch litter named after all who have served for the US. While in harness, Marine lives up to his namesake because he is a tough guy who never gets worn out. When he is on his platform, he loves to get scratched behind his ears.
Mason Female Born: 04/09/2007 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available! Mason is a really calm, relaxed dog right up until it's time to hook up. Then she gets as excited as a puppy, jumping up on her house and running around in circles. She's comfortable running anywhere in the team, from lead all the way back to wheel.
Meta Male Born: 07/29/2011 Proudly Sponsored by: Currently Available! When you first see Meta in his classic pose laying down with his front feet over the barrel, you will think he calm cool and collected. However as soon as you begin to play with Meta or hook him up in harness he turns extremely energetic and cant wait to hit the trail. His energy is contageous to everybody around him.
Mitch Male Born: 08/13/2011 Proudly Sponsored by: Currently Available! When you first see Mitch you can't help but smile! Mitch is one of the Bigger Dogs in the Hunger Games litter. With his athleticism and energy he is an instant hit at the Kennel.
Mouch Female Born: 07/19/2012 Proudly Sponsored by: Currently Available!
Mussel Male Born: 03/29/2010 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available! When Mussel is not busy trying to keep his tugline tight he spends his time playing with his neighbors Mylo and Seg. He loves belly rubs and and burrowing into the straw.
Mylo Male Born: 07/29/2011 Proudly Sponsored by: Currently Available! Mylo will get anybody to try and play with him. He loves attention and loves running even more. If he is getting attention from other dogs in the kennel he is usually winning over the hearts of visitors.
Norris Female Born: 05/09/2008 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available! Norris is Sly's sister and is a little more down to business. She also has her sister's short legs and like Sly, pulls with brute strength. At rest stops and at the end of the run she'll lie down with her back legs spread open and her belly flat on the ground.
Onyx Male Born: 11/4/2005 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available! If human, Onyx would have long since been diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. He is continuously running, whether it’s in circles at his platform or along the Iditarod trail. The only time that he sits is when waiting in the gangline before a run, a time when all other dogs are exploding with energy. With a flowing tail and black eyeliner accentuating his eyes, Onyx could be called pretty, but since he is such a beast of a sled dog, it would be better to call him handsome.
Paper Male Born: 7/1/2010 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available! Even at two years old, Paper still thinks of himself as a puppy. He works hard and plays harder, sometimes pulling so hard that he breaks his tuglines. When he goes on walks with the puppies they think of him as the "cool older brother," following him around and imitating everything he does.
Pat Female Born: 05/05/2009 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available! Pat is a small superstar female. She LOVES to wrestle and play while in harness, so she has to be paired with a more serious, focused dog when running. That can be quite a challenge, because she's so happy go lucky that she can usually entice anyone next to her to have a good time! She has a contagious smile and acts like a drama queen coming back from a run. She will act soooo tired but as soon as she is let loose for her house she tears around the kennel like a maniac.
Pig Pen Male Born: 07/04/2012 Proudly Sponsored by: Sharon Smith, Lima, OH!Pig Pen is one of the biggest pups in the litter, one of the smartest, and has an appetite that could match Dave's, one of our guides. He was the first to figure out how to get up on top of the puppy house where we put their food dishes when we fill them. He also adjusted very quickly to being inside and sleeping in the guides cabin.
Pirate Male Born: 05/05/2006 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available!Pirate is an independent dog who has the most unique look in the kennel with two blue eyes and spots like a Dalmatian. He likes to talk, especially when he is jealous of other dogs getting attention. Pirate has an endless amount of energy, which has taken him on a quest for buried treasure. He digs holes the size of the Grand Canyon trying to uncover the bounty of bacon covered bones, but each new spot in the kennel yields no treasure for this Pirate.
Pro Female Born: 07/29/2011 Proudly Sponsored by: Currently Available! Pro like her sister is one of the smallest girls in the kennel but she makes up for her size in cheerleading ability. Her and her sisiter Band are incredible fluffballs of energy, however Pro likes to think she is the boss around her section of the kennel.
Punchy Male Born: 06/14/2008 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available! Punchy is one of the hardest workers in the kennel. He is always raring to go on a run and revs up the team by barking, jumping, and drooling. Because of all this excitement, Punchy is also one of the biggest water hogs of the kennel.
Ragnar Female Born: 07/19/2012 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available!
Robben Female Born: 5/31/2010 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available! Robben ran the Iditorod with Ed last sesaon but now is full of energy for tours this winter. She is still young and is working on becoming a leader, however we are still figureing out how to harness all the energy she has. She is helping with her experince last season from Ed's team and training the yearlings in how to be great sled dogs.
Ruger Male Born: 05/05/2007 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available! Ruger is a curious dog who always seems to have his head tilted when looking at something new. He is one of the most patient dogs during feeding time. Ruger loves to run anywhere and with anyone.
Seg Male Born: 07/29/2011 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available! Seg is a super cute dog with an intense amount of energy. Even though he is small in stature he makes up for it in energy and enthusiasm.
Sheldon Male Born: 06/28/2009 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available! Sheldon is an all around good sled dog. He has no bad habits and rarely has a confrontation with another dog. He is just as good off leash as he is in harness.
Sierra Female Born: 07/07/2011 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available! Sierra is one of the biggest female yearlings this year and she seems to know it. She already acts like an adult in harness, off-leash, and in the yard, just like her mom Enzo. She has been running in lead and seems to really enjoy being up there. She is a dog you almost forget about in the team because she is so easy going and happy.
Skor Male Born: 07/15/2011 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available! Skor is a member of the candy bar litter, which is why he is a sweet dog. He is a playful pup who is excited to do anything. He seems to have springs in his feet as he bounds on and off his platform, especially at mealtime where he has a whole acrobatic routine.
Sly Female Born: 05/09/2008 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available! Sly is an angel. She rarely has problems with other dogs, except around the water bowl. She has short legs but has a lot of brute strength behind behind them. After a run, she'll run beck to her platform and wait to be loved up and rubbed down.
Snickers Female Born: 07/15/2011 Proudly Sponsored by: Don Lewis and Suzanne River, Lindstrom, MN! Snickers is a nice big female that is very happy all the time. She is a great eater, no problems girl. Snickers is still a little scatterbrained to try up in lead but we think as the season continues that she will blossom just like the rest of the yearling females. Snickers will be a tour favorite this year with her personality and cute smile.
Snoopy Male Born: 07/04/2012 Proudly Sponsored by: Sharon Smith, Lima, OH!Snoopy is a natural leader. When the puppies are all out walking he is always out front leading the way. He is also one of the first to figure out how to get back to their house. Unlike some of his other siblings, he doesn't seem too interested in chewing on peoples shoe laces.
Stinky Feet Male Born: 06/28/2009 Proudly Sponsored By: Daniel Wallstrom, Kernville, CA!Stinky Feet always seems to be a kennel favorite, either due his unique name or unique personality. Stinky was very sick last year and overcame his illness to become a great sled dog. He always seems to run with a smile on his face and is ready to lick anyone in the face.
Susi Female Born: 04/03/2010 Proudly Sponsored by: Currently Available! Susi was named for the beautiful Susitna River in Alaska. She's one of our leaders in training but she can run anywhere in the team. Even though she's a hard worker, she still likes to goof off and play like a puppy at times.
Tasha Female Born: 09/15/2002 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available! Tasha Canine is our superstar house dog. Her favorite person happens to share her name, so you rarely see Tasha Human without Tasha Canine in tow. Tasha Canine, or T.C. for short, has learned that as long as her children are superstars, she can sleep inside all day long, so she makes sure to teach the puppies manners. Other than puppy wrangler, Tasha has also taken it upon herself to keep the birdfeeders squirrel free.
Thresh Male Born: 08/13/2011 Proudly Sponsored by: Currently Available! Thresh is another litter mate of the Hunger Games. When he is not having the time of his life in harness he is cheerfully playing with all of his nieghbors in the Kennel. From his front two white socks to the tip of his tail he is one of the most playfull dogs in the Kennel.
Tuuli Female Proudly Sponsored by: Joyce Tchozeski, Belding MI! Even though Tuuli is one of the smallest dogs in the kennel, she is a natural powerhouse. Whenever stopped for a break, Tuuli will pull expectantly and bark until it’s time to go. A lover and attention hound, she also can be very independent. Tuuli once lead her puppies on an adventure through the surrounding forest for a few hours, sending all at the kennel on a wild goose chase. Luckily, a neighbor tracked down Tuuli and her two pups, Enzo and Bolt, and brought them home.
Veeya Male Born: 5/31/2010 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available! Just like his namesake, Spanish soccer player David Veeya, Veeya is a world class athlete. He loves to run. As soon as he's hooked up to the sled he starts howling, and won't stop until he gets moving. By the end of every run his face is covered in slobber and drool, which he "cleans off" by wiping his face in the mud. He's highly energetic and doesn't seem to realize how big he is.
Vera Female Born: 04/16/2011 Proudly Sponsored by: Currently Available! Vera is amazing! She is awesome off-leash, is a phenomenal leader in training, runs like an adult and is shaping up to be the best yearling in Jess's row. She is one of the smallest in size and stature but she make up for it in her fun, energetic personality.
Wink Female Born: 5/5/2005 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available! Wink is a super sweet, great sled dog. She runs well just about anywhere in the team, and she pulls her heart out. If you're lucky you can catch her living up to her name as she throws a wink your way.
Woodstock Male Born: 07/04/2012 Proudly Sponsored by: Currently Available!
Wxcl Female Born: 03/19/2007 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available! WXCL stands for Weather Cancelation, but there isn't weather out there that could stop this dog from running. From the moment you pick up her harness, she turns into pure power. Whether shes on leash or on the gangline, she'll pull with everything she has, and on the rare occasion she'll drag her musher along the ground.
Wyatt Female Born: 07/19/2012 Proudly Sponsored By: Currently Available!
