Checkpoint by checkpoint…

Posted on February 27, 2014 by Jodi

…is how you get to Nome.

Thistle and Orchid are happy to hear about their new sponsors.

Thistle and Orchid are happy to hear about their new sponsors.

MUSH THANKS to our new Checkpoint Sponsors and new members of Team Dew Claw!

  • Betty & Frederick Porter
  • Melanie Hennigan
  • Cynthia Lawrence Calkins & Family
  • Ev Vykin – sponsoring Elim
    Ev pointed out to me that Elim spelled backwards was Mile.
  • AND we were very honored that Iditaskate 2014 in Bethlehem PA was skating for the Dew Claw Kennel dogs. These skaters worked hard to support the Dew Claw Dogs and sponsor the Rainy Pass checkpoint.

Dan and I and the dogs are all in Anchorage. We had a safe trip and are now camped out with our dear friends Theresa and John.  The dogs had their vet check today and passed with flying colors, in addition to numerous compliments on how very friendly our dogs were! *insert huge proud grin here* Continue reading →

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Drop Bags and the Future~

Posted on February 11, 2014 by Jodi

As I stared out for this post I went on a search for a quote. One that would help illustrate the fact that as we plan for Iditarod we are doing everything we can to prepare for a situation where we are at the mercy of forces beyond our control.

In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.
Dwight D. Eisenhower

Now I like this one, it clearly shows the value of planning in spite of the fact that in the heat of battle they are often thrown away. Planning is the anchor, the root, the backbone. The results of and knowledge gained in the process of planning are the most important things you take with you as you head into the unknown. It can not be underestimated.

Everyone has a plan ’till they get punched in the mouth.
Mike Tyson

But then again; Mike does have a point.
And the ability to roll with the punches is something that can not be overlooked.

Being able to travel like this makes all the planning worth it!

Being able to travel like this makes all the planning worth it!

Yes this year more then most we are looking at planning for the unknown. News agencies are reporting on the possible re-route of the Iditarod trail. Extremely low snow conditions may force the Iditarod to start in Fairbanks, and use an alternative route until mushers travel to the Yukon River. Our local paper did a nice story on it. Continue reading →

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Who are we running with…

Posted on February 1, 2014 by Jodi
If you want to go fast, go alone. if you want to go far, go together. ~African Proverb

If you want to go fast, go alone. if you want to go far, go together. ~African Proverb

dew claw

Miss Thistle

First and foremost let me say MUSH THANKS to all the Supporters and Checkpoint Sponsors who are joining us this year.  Very glad to welcome back Pendra King who is sponsoring the checkpoint of Nikolia. Also happy to be working with NEOS Overshoe again this year. Dan’s mom has once again this year gathered together the WI Bootie Brigade  and sewed a slew of large booties. Along with the mediums our Paw Partner Connie Lykins made earlier this year we only had to purchase small booties. Yes, Team Dew Claw is shaping up to be a strong one this year –
Mush Thanks to our sponsors!

Spanky after a fun run.

Spanky after a fun run.

And then the canine team, also looking strong.  Thought it might be fun to share the Dew Claw Roster and let people see the canine athletes we are working with. So here is a little spreadsheet I put together with some information about each of the dogs in our yard.

 

Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence. ~Henry David Thoreau

Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence.
~Henry David Thoreau

 

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Have coffee with your favorite Dew Claw dog~

Posted on January 12, 2014 by Jodi
The Dew Claw store is open - check out the new Pup Mugs

The Dew Claw store is open – check out the new Pup Mugs

New Dew Claw Store  –  http://www.zazzle.com/dewclawkennels

With MUSH THANKS to the amazing graphic & web design team at IronThorn Designs I am pleased to announce that Dew Claw Kennel has a New Online Store! This is something we have wanted for some time, but time has also been the problem. Although I had a idea for what I wanted, I currently lack the technical skill and expertise to actually do it.**  And that is where Dave and Jessica at IronThorn stepped in and made it happen. With their help Dew Claw Store now has a clean new look, more options, new products, and choices for you to customize your products. Continue reading →

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Gearing up to Pack it in~

Posted on January 10, 2014 by Jodi
The time to prepare for drop bags is now.

The time to prepare is now.

 

Yup, you heard it hear first, we are packing it all up.

And sending it out on the trail
– for Iditarod 2014!

And it is starting
– Right Now!

Continue reading →

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It’s a Dogs Life at the Dew Claw Dog Spa

Posted on January 5, 2014 by Jodi

 

Everyone working together in team.

Everyone working together in team.

First off let me say I am very pleased to welcome Jeff Budington to Team Dew Claw! Thanks so much for joining us this winter as we work toward Dan’s run on Iditarod 2014.

Our sponsors get involved with the kennel for a variety of reasons: They are friends or family who support us in our mushing addiction. They have been following the Iditarod for years and want a way to get more involved. They value the idea of setting goals so huge no one person could dream of accomplishing them alone, and so they support them. And the #1 reason, we hear over and over again, is that they LOVE these dogs!

Look at that face, how can you not love ChaseUm?

Look at that face, how can you not love ChaseUm?

*And seriously who can blame them. These dogs are pretty awesome.*

It is safe to say that Jeff falls squarely in the dog loving category. So in honor of him joining Team Dew Claw, and for all our dog loving friends, I wanted to do a post taking about the Dew Claw Dog Spa. Continue reading →

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