Respect your elders
ODR - Old Dogs Rule Class
The dogs of the ODR class have the desire and drive to run with the team, but can't keep up any longer. Some are retired, some have bodies that no longer cooperate. These pups are all heart and still want to get out on the trail with their people. There is no greater reward for handler or dog than time spent together.
Trail Legends
The owners of these seasoned veterans are the lucky ones. Trail Legend dogs are dog over the age of 10. These dogs are still getting out on the trail and getting things done. They are part of the regular Iron Paws classes, and show us every day how to be happy and live life to its fullest.
Trail Masters
The Trail Masters are getting a little grey around the muzzle, and may have started to slow down a little. Nobody told them they are getting older though, and they still have so much to give. These dogs are confident on the trail and have the smarts to keep those young 'uns in line.
Sasha
Age 16
Sasha is a can-do dog that has helped her person learn about dog ownership (she's the first!), backpacking, hiking, snowshoeing, and of course, dog mushing. It's been an adventure moving across the country, training the "new" pup, and getting her human through 8 years of college. Chronic kidney disease and malignant cancer has slowed her down, but she's not ready to throw in the towel yet!
Lex and Twinka
Lex (left) 14 and Twinka (right) 13
These two are long time lead dogs on our competitive race teams. Neither one of them is ready to retire just yet, so they are going out at least once a week to get their ODR points!
Chappy McCann
Age 13
Chappy McCann, 13 inches tall and 13 years old. Chappy is my first dog I have done sports with, and he has been active in many. A true friend and companion from the day I brought him home. My first year in IP he was an active team member, last season he was coach and cheering section. Always happy and looking for fun!
Maddie McGee
Age 13
Ms. Maddie McGee is celebrating her 14th winter and 7th Iron Paws. She is one of the happiest creatures on earth. There aren’t many photos of her where she doesn’t have a HUGE smile. She reminds me every day how to Carpa Amet (Seize the Fun)! At 13, she learned how to play Frisbee, so Old Dogs can learn new tricks! Ms. McGee is my best friend and, while she can’t run like she used to, she still runs with a smile. OLD DOGS RULE!
Lola
Age 13
I am Lola. I am 13, almost 14! I began my Iron Paws career as a part of Midnight Express with my dad Travis and my human dad Dan. Then I went to 1 dog bikejor and skijor with my human mommy Kathi. The last two years I have been in canicross with my human dad Dan but he is getting slow, so I have decided to give him a break and run in the ODR class, where I can have the fun I deserve. Let the games begin!!!
Quick
Age 12
My name is Quick. I turn 13 the last week of IP so I’m hoping there’s cake or something. I was sidelined in September with a disc issue, and then to ice the cake, see how I used a pun here (I’m a Borderjack after all and humor is our game), I suffered a Geriatric Vestibular incident. And then the week of Christmas I had an emergency removal of 3 teeth. My Fall wasn’t the best. Iron Paws ODR is perfect for me!
Misty
Age 12
Misty is my 12 year old Flat Coat Retriever X rescue dog. She is too smart to keep her line very tight, but is good at teaching other dogs to do most of the work. She is my demo dog, as she is so happy go lucky. I've used her as a therapy dog previously. Her current main job is livestock guardian. We are mostly snowshoeing canicross this year as she is slowing down.
Pitter Patter
Age 12
13 years a Star of Stargazer for 12 years. Claimed from the Kent Animal shelter. As smart as she is beautiful.
BJ Wyatt
Age 12
12 years and last of the BBoyz still running in harness. Began life as the little runt with the loudest voice. He has come to his own in his latter years. A strong athlete.
Brio
Age 12
Brio is a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, and one of the Blonde Flames. He loves walks, going for a jog with me, hanging out at home and car rides. He can keep up with his younger teammates no matter how far we go. He has learned this year to be part of a 3 dog team , pulling a sulky, and he quite enjoys it.
Tuuli
Age 12
Beauty and grace inside and out. Two time finisher of the Iditarod with Manitou Crossing, setting then improving the Siberian record. Tuuli came to me at the age of 6, ready for shorter distances and a life in a recreational team. Hardworking, ever happy, puppy trainer and kennel patriarch. It's been a difficult year for him, retiring from the team, as arthritis is setting in. He has the run of the kennel, but his heart is ever set on the trails.
Santana
Age 11
At 11.5 years young Santana's energy and excitement is still the same as when she was a pup. She is always happy to go out for walks and really wants to run when she sees the huskies starting their run. She romps through fresh deep snow with pure joy even when it's really cold, although that lasts about 20 seconds and then I have to fetch her.
Granite
Age 11
Stonehusky Li'l G of Stargazer "Granite" 11 years Main leader of the Stargazers and the only one not out of rescue.
Mr. Cuddles
Age 11
Mr. Cuddles is running with the Mutt Hut team. He is a blind 11 year old Alaskan Husky, but he is still getting the job done!
Sable
Age 11
Sable was once awarded a rubber chicken at a competition for being the bounciest barkyface. That pretty well sums up her attitude towards life. She is nonchalant with strangers, but changes gears in a heart beat if they offer to play chuck it, flyball, or mushing. Sable is highly intelligent, easily trained, and a naughty dog. Whatever she gets into, she happily brings the evidence to show me what she has found.
Sophie
Age 10
Sophie has taught me that is doesn't matter where you come from, how much gray is on your muzzle, or how fast you can trot down the trail. What is important is who you met on the trail, what the air smelled like, and how the sun felt on your snout. Always show up and have fun even if another 5 minutes of sleep sounds better!
Bryg
Age 10
Little Bryg is a force to be reckoned with! At 12" tall and about 12 lbs Bryg gives everything 110%. Being 10 hasn't slowed her down much at all, she loves to be on the move. After running in 2 seasons of IP she is sitting this one out as a full team member. She does have a harder time keeping stride with a dog the size of my Bouvier, we won't tell her that though as she would be offended and try and prove me wrong.
Vlad
Age 10
Vlad is part of Hurrican Harleigh's 4 dog team. He does a great job of keeping things under contro on the trail for his tiny musher.
Kyra
Age 10
Kyra is as sweet as sweet gets. She will turn 11 at the end of this season. She ran lead for many years with Chance. Since Chance retired, she’s been running further back in the team as she counted a lot on him. She is happy enough to let the young whipper snappers take the pressure and responsibility of leading. Besides, at her age she sees no reason why she SHOULDN’T chase every squirrel that crosses the trail.
Festus
Age 10
I don't go fast and I don't go far, but I love getting out on the trails. I've been canicrossing/mushing for only a year and this is my first Iron Paws race. My mom and I are team Running on Sunshine.
Aurora
Age 10
Aurora of Stargazer, 10 years, found at 8 weeks in the snowy Mason County woods. Together with Bella, they make up Team Wooly of Stargazer.
Ruger
Age 10
Ruger is my 10 1/2 year old GSP and is a natural hunting and skijor dog. The pic is from his prime on one of our best outings in the Canadian Rockies. Normally we ski around our area - Kenora, ON. Due to joint issues he mostly runs rabbit now. Boy, do I miss his speed, stamina, strength & work ethic. The dogs I've borrowed are not my Ruger wunderkind. We will be getting more GSPs in future.
Skylee
Age 10
Skylee is in the 1 dog dryland class. She has been running with me since she was just under a year. Her favorite activities besides running are dock diving and cheering for the Seahawks. She is always up for adventure and snuggles. She is named after Skywalker and she is my best friend.
Bella
Age 10
Foxfire Bellatrix of Stargazer "Bella", 10 years, part of the Wenatchee Puppy Mill Rescue Operation. Together with Aurora, they make up Team Wooly of Stargazer.
CJ
Age 10
Hi I am CJ and this is my fourth year in Iron Paws. I love getting out on the trails. When I was two, I fell and broke my back in two places. Three vets told my human mama I would probably never walk again. Well I fooled them. Not only do I walk, I run and I run fast. I love doing all sports: agility, flyball, nose work and urban mushing. I love to get out and hit the trails.
Olive
Age 10
Olive came to us as a re-homed, previously adopted, high energy 1-year old. She has always had a strong desire to run, if left unchecked she’ll run with such abandon it usually results in a visit to the Emergency Vet! We discovered skijoring as a way to channel her winter energy, picking up a few medals at local races, and makiing new friends along the way. Now at the age of 10, even after two knee surgeries, Olive still contributes 10-15% of our weekly mileage.
Eagle
Age 10
I got Eagle came from a musher in Oregon at 6 years old. He became my main leader on the Salty Dawgs team. He loves to give hugs with his front leg and get snuggles. His nickname is The Eagle Man. Currently he is 10+ years old but still loves to lead the team on fun runs and in dryland sprint classes.
Hazel
Age 10
Hazel excels in both flyball and mushing. A combination of grace and power, she has been my fastest dog in competition. Quite the Mommies girl, she has been broken out of every imaginable crate to come looking for me. In recent years she has begun to race (and mush) for my son who she adores. She has a sense of humor and loves to tease her mother Sable. She darts in and out. Catch me if you can.
Bruno James
Age 9
Affectionately known as the B-Man, Bruno's main sporting interests have been dock jumping and doggie football. He had a one event racing career, teaming up with his tiny terrier sister in the 2 dog bikejor. His likes are chasing birds on the beach, skijorring, sledding, and balls of all shapes and sizes. His dislikes include pushy people, overly-friendly dogs, and nights when there are no special treats with dinner.
Chaos
Age 9
Chaos (Chief Has Arrived On Scene) is a German Shepherd x Mastiff who has the appearance of a giant yellow lab! She hangs out with team Kickin' & Screamin'. Chaos trained to be a search and rescue dog, but decided she didn't want to work for a living. Now in her senior years she loves the outdoors, and loves the snow, but don't dare ask her to pull a sled, come when called, or do any ridiculous tricks!
Rocky the Rockstar
Age 9
When I got Rocky I wanted a high energy dog for disc and agilty. Rocky loves agilty, but has never really enjoyed running. Or catching. Or any sport requiring physical exertion and undignified behavior. Rocky will run with my team, but always leaves just enough slack not not to help with pulling, but not enough to be dragged. If told to pull, she will, but doesn't enjoy herself so she comes along as decoration.
Nico
Age 9
Niko joined our family and the Malcontent team at almost four years of age. After spending the first part of his life as a professional sled dog with a tour company, he had to learn to be a pet. Now he is our choir director and shares his gorgeous howl loudly and frequently. He’s also a collector, some might say hoarder. He gathers random items and carries them to his crate for safe keeping.
Orca
Age 9
Orca was our first Malamute. He was born on Thanksgiving Day, 2008. He didn’t start mushing until we got our second Mal two years later. Orca is a reluctant sled dog. He enjoys running, but doesn’t always pull his weight. He’s a big boy with a stubborn obnoxious streak. When he pulls his Malitude in team he stops everyone. With a single floppy ear, Orca is adorable.
Ranger and Vatra
Age 9
The amazing Ranger and Vatra, my brother-sister duo of retired Alaskan Husky sled dogs. They have been my teachers on the trail these past two years, and are currently my partners in 2 dog skijor. They still have lots of life and love ins them, I’m a lucky gal! I mean, just look at those faces!!!
Stella!
Age 9
Stella! has an exclamation mark after her name because she lives life large and LOUD!!! She gives 150% to everything she does. She's had a successful obedience and dock diving career. At 7 yrs, she started agility. In her spare time, she likes going to the beach, chasing squirrels and hiking. The only thing she doesn't like is canoeing; why be on the water when you can be in it!?! She learned to skijor 4 yrs ago.
Carmen and Isis
Age 9
That's Carmen on the Left and Isis on the right. These fun loving girls enjoy running on the trail, but rely on their younger sister to keep them moving forward. They also play agility, rally, and barn hunt.
Ruby
Age 9
Ruby is 9 (hard to believe). After many years of skijoring, she was the first dog who gave me the courage to start entering dryland and snow races. She was in the original Iron Paws 6 years ago, and every year since then. She hopes to participate in Iron Paws for many more years to come.
Yogi
Age 8
Yogi is 8 years old which makes him a veteran in Newfie years. He is the most active Newfoundland I know and loves to run with his Kelpie sisters. Don't tell Yogi Newfies can't be fit and active. He holds his own with our skijoring team. When he's not running with the team, he's busy flirting with the ladies and sharing slobbery kisses to all his friends. Gotta love this goof ball!
Frida
Age 8
Frida is our toughest sled dog. Weighing in at 20lbs, I'd pit her, pound for pound against any champion sled dog. She skis, bikejors, canicrosses, and has even pulled a sled for a short distance with her pack. She had a challenging past that we know very little about, but now that she has found her calling as a sled dog, she is much more confident and relaxed on the trail.
Sandy
Age 8
Sandy is a hard-working, hard-playing, hard-loving dog whose body just can't keep up! After several chip fractures, tendonitis, bone spurs, sprains, strains, broken toes, and a blown CCL, she was forced to retire at the young age of seven. However, Sandy likes to prove she's still part of the "snug tug club" when she gets to join the team on a hike.
Rosie
Age 8
Rosie is a shy and demure little lady. She is 8 years old. She enjoys salmon and sardines and sunny winter days.
Badger
Age 8
Badger is 8 and leading team Kickin' & Screamin' for the 3rd year this year, but only if they're doing well. Like your typical border collie he gets upset when things go wrong. His favourite thing in the world is lost gloves, and he's found them in the most unusual places!
Cali and Jesse
Age 8
We are Jesse James and Calamity Jane and we are brother-sister. This is our 6th year in IP. We ran as Shades of Grey for a couple of years and then went to Blue Thunder. Last year we entered 4 dog so we could run with Cali's kids Rebel and Gigi. We ended up as large team champions. This year we are running in two teams (never on the same day), Paws of Steel and Black and Blue Magic Thunder. This year we are not trying to defend our championship, instead we plan on having as much fun as possible and to complete our goal of finishing another Iron Paws. Mush on!!!!
Kiana and Firenza
Age 8
Kiana and Firenza are two of the Blonde Flames. They love to run, pulling a scooter, sulky or skijoring. They also love to go on walks, jogging with me, car rides and to hang out at home. They are sweet girls with great enthusiasm for life. They rarely bark, but they rooorooorr or Kiana makes purring or whirring sounds when she is excited. I still get asked on a regular basis if they are young or if they are puppies!
Durango
Age 5
Durango has Siberian Husky PolyNeuropathy, a neuromuscular disorder for which we are in the process of doing DNA research to find the genetic mutation. He made it known that he was born to be a sled dog and that’s what he wanted to be... and, so he is!
Faith
Age 3
Faith also has Siberian Husky PolyNeuropathy. Faith loves running in harness and doesn’t care that her muscles move differently than a “normal dog... and, neither do I!
Luna
Age 2
When she was 1 1/2, Luna underwent surgery for Elbow dysplasia. In June 2017, she was diagnosed with Hip Dysplasia. We tried to avoid surgery, but in Aug 2017, a big dog t-boned her at the park and dislocated her hip. It could not heal in a cast, so next came emergency FHO surgery. The recovery has been slow. She is still suffering from pain in the other hip, so her activities are very limited.