Philosophy of The Salty Dog Kennel

Kennel Philosophy

Many Reasons, One Aim

Puppies Play with Andy

There are many reasons to include 30 sled dogs in your family: Some reasons are obvious, others are not. Who wouldn't enjoy traveling above tree line by moonlight, quietly floating through a snow filled mountain valley lit to various shades of blue? Who wouldn't love to travel into Denali National Park effortlessly, knowing that motorized vehicles are prohibited in the area, and that the potential to see wolves or caribou is high? How could you beat the joy of hiking with several of your canine athletes in the summer, watching as they eagerly play a game of tag? These are some of experiences valued greatly by the Moderow family.

Yet experiences alone won't sustain the level of interest necessary to maintain a sled dog kennel: It is the human-dog relationships that provide us with the most inspiration. Activities year round help us to understand each athlete, and likewise, each athlete is provided with ample opportunities to understand us. Every dog is different. Like their owners, each has their own personality quirks that are revealed only through interaction. Some are shy: They require us to be very aware of how we present ourselves. Others expect to roughhouse. Some like to play with gloves. Some bark at ravens. To others, nothing beats a fish snack.

Juliet Jumps for Joy at a Race Start

With many different personalities included in the kennel, one thing brings a common reaction. Pull out the harnesses, and excitement radiates throughout the kennel. Some sit and watch the mushers every move, waiting to be hooked into the team. Others bark uncontrollably, running circles until they are harnessed up. Beware of Little Su, Toklat and Juliet: If you walk past them without putting them in the team, they'll bite you in the butt. Literally.

Running the dogs is what they, and we, love to do more than anything else. Yet it isn't the act of traveling that brings us the most pleasure; instead, traveling helps us to get to know our athletes better. The many hours on the trail have allowed us to build close bonds with our dogs.

Sure, the scenery has been great.

But the journey has been remarkable.