Princess was our first dog, our very special lady, our first rescue.  This website and our life with Sled Dogs would not have been possible if she hadn't readily accepted them into our home.

In her youth she would enjoy chasing Army tanks on Salisbury plains.  She was a wonderful babysitter to both human babies and our kittens. She kept an eager eye on our rats when they were let out to play, making sure they didn't go anywhere they shouldn't.

In her later years she contracted CDRM where she sadly lost control of her back end but never lost control of the pack. She was such a happy dog right up until the end of her time with us.

Not a day goes by when we don't mention her or think about her. 

Wi-Ski

Wi-Ski came to us in December 2000 from the Siberian Husky Club Welfare.  He was just 12 months old.  We first met him when he was being fostered by Barbara.  Even though he was not an Arctictrek dog we always felt he was one at heart.

There are no real words to describe him as he was one in a million. There will never be another husky like him.  He was Unique.  We only had him for a short time as he died in January 2004 at the tender age of just four years.  We all miss him terribly.

He was the food critic of the dog world.

How many Siberian Huskies do you know can be walked by a young child?

Wi-Ski worked for Ryan like he never worked with the rest of us.  They were that close. 

His Harness and Collar have pride of place in Ryan's bedroom, a constant reminder of such a wonderful dog.

Hike on Little Fellow!

Jack

Having had the opportunity to run Sue's Kodi at a few Agility shows I felt it was something I'd really like to do and enjoy doing.  After careful consideration about what sort of dog I would like I decided to get a rescue dog.  I found Jack at the Battersea Dogs Home Belle Mead Kennel.  Princess and Soldier liked him and they seemed to get on well so Jack came to live with us.

Sue introduced Jack and I to the agility equipment.  Jack took to them well but didn't seem to share my enthusiasm for the sport.

When we took the dogs training Jack would come with us.  When Paul was out on the trail Jack and I used to muck around and play a few games together until they were due back. One morning Jack was watching everyone lining their dogs out and going off down the trail.  He became very interested when it was Paul's turn to go out.  He watched them go off down the trail and in the distance around the corner.  I decided not to let him off the stake out quite so soon so waited until I thought he'd lost interest.  How wrong was I?  Jack tore off down the trail after them.  I was calling and calling but he wasn't listening.  I started to panic.  He'll be lost in the forest, perhaps get hold of a deer.  I couldn't leave the van as Paul had no keys and Ryan was too young to be dragged around the forest.  I stopped every jogger and cyclist and told them what had happened.  I then saw the Forest Ranger approaching and explained to him as well.  He said he'd keep and eye out.  What was Paul going to say?  I looked down the trail to see if he was coming.  It was then that I saw Paul just coming over the hill.  He seemed to be pointing down towards the ground.  As I looked I could see Jack running beside him.  He'd caught up with them.  Oh thank God! Once back at the van Jack kept looking at the harness laid on the floor.  He was trying to tell us something.  He didn't want to be an agility dog but a sled dog.  After he'd recovered somebody threw me a harness and we tried him on a short run of about 1/2 mile.  Yep, it was confirmed that was what he wanted to be.  it was at least another year before I allowed him to compete in open classes as I wanted to be sure that was what he wanted to do.

Unfortunately Jack left us on the 10 February 2005 to join his best friend Wi-Ski and our Princess at Rainbow Bridge.  We all miss him.  Things just aren't the same without him.  He was a good boy, adored by us all and many others that knew him.

We got Rocky through the Alaskan Malamute Rescue. He was approximately 16 months old when he came to live with us.  We first got to know about him through following his story on the Icebay Malamute Forum.  He had a sad story.  A Malamute bought for the wrong reasons, he'd been neglected and chained up since he was a puppy.  We'd always said we'd wait until Soldier was older before we took on another male Malamute.  Then we find ourselves phoning Julie at Breed Rescue offering to take him on.  He was bigger than we thought he'd be but considerably better behaved than we were expecting.  He knew nothing really but Rocky was willing to learn and eager to please.  He soon made friends with the rest of the dogs.  He had a huge human fan club too!

Rocky had completed basic and advanced obedience courses and could even do several tricks like cross both paws, play dead and bow.  I must be honest and say I don't personally know of many Malamutes who loved to perform tricks as much as Rocky did.  We were so proud of him.

We later found out after an eye test that he was almost blind.  Rocky had Posterior Polar Sub-capsular Cataracts in both eyes.  As the Cataracts are at the rear of Rocky's lenses they were untreatable.  We were told he may go through life with the little sight he had or he may lose his sight completely ,only time would tell.    Unfortunately for Rocky his sight deteriorated a lot quicker than we were hoping.  It soon became apparent that  he found life without his sight difficult to deal with so we had to make the heart wrenching decision for his quality of life to put him to sleep. 

Please, If you are thinking of getting an Alaskan Malamute or Siberian Husky please make sure the Sire and Dam have had their eyes tested and that the results were clear, you can ask to see the certificates!  This type of Cataract is hereditary so this condition could well have been could have been avoided.  Rocky was only four and half years old when he left us on 9th April 2007.  We are devastated.  

Shadow came to us in the winter of 2001. She was three years old. We've known her since she was an eight week old puppy. Paul trained her up and ran his first season with her and Soldier. Soldier adored her. 

Her previous owners could no longer work their dogs and as she was still so young it seemed unfair on her. As we've always been fond of Shadow we agreed to take her on. 

Soldier and Shadow always enjoyed running together so it was great to see them back in harness once again. 

Although Shadow took up showing quite later on at four years of age she's been incredible.  She's been placed in nearly every show she's entered, gained several Best of Breeds and those shows she's not been placed in she's been short listed. 

What a Star!!!

Shadow ran her last race with Ruth and Kody at this years Yateley Heath Rally before retiring.  We were hoping to pamper her in her more senior years but sadly she left us for the bridge.

We really miss having her around.  She was a wonderful dog.  I keep expecting her to come in from the garden for a cuddle.

Soldier - Arctictrek's Storm Trooper at Weyekin

Shepherdsway Wovoka of Snowolf X Arctictrek's Cherish Forever 

  

© Photo by Roger Hale 

Soldier was our first Malamute and oh how we were spoilt. We knew even when he was eight weeks old that he was going to be a very special boy. We were so proud to bring him home in August 1998. 

Soldier loved to please and didn't expect something for nothing. Show him a treat and he'd always look at you as if to say "Well, What do you want me to do for it?" 

His temperament was superb, a typical Arctictrek - Sound in everyway. Soldier loved to talk to you and could even open and shut doors. We took him to many rallies when he was younger even then his desire to work in harness was enormous. He was a fantastic working dog. Who gave 110% every time. He doesn't mind whether he runs on his own or as part of a team. 

Although only shown occasionally he never let us down. 

In October 2000 we were approached by Jan Sapsford of the Dankatchas Kennel who expressed an interest in using Soldier with her bitch Tahnee. It was something we'd never thought about before. We took our time thinking about it, after all temperament and standard of the breed was important and we didn't want Soldier to change in anyway. Tahnee was an excellent bitch again from Arctictrek so we agreed. 

In January 2001 Tahnee gave birth to 10 beautiful puppies. Several of these puppies have been successful in the show ring and on the trail. 

In 2008 Soldier sired our very first litter. We were so proud of him and the pups were of him. He was such a good Dad! 

Subject to Approval Soldier had passed his Working Dog Team title which will mean we can add the letters WTD after his name! 

 

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to the bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all our special friends so they can run and play together.

There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

 

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigour;

those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again,

just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, expect for one small thing;

they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

 

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. 

His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers.

Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carry him faster and faster.

 

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet,

you  cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.

The happy kisses rain upon your face;

your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet,

so long gone from your life but never absent form your heart.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together .............

Author unknown

Loved you the Best

So this is where we part, My friend,

and you'll run on, around the bend,

gone from sight, but not from mind,

new pleasure's there you'll surely find.

 

I will go on, I'll find the strength,

life measures quality, not it's length.

One long embrace before you leave,

share one last look, before I grieve.

 

There are others, that much is true,

but they be they, and they aren't you.

And I, fair, impartial, or so I thought,

will remember well all you've taught.

 

Your place I'll hold, you will be missed,

the fur I stroked, and the nose I kissed.

And as you journey to your final rest,

take with you this...I loved you the best!

Author-Jim Willis 2002