The Athletes: Etna & Miss Cleo

Etna was the first racing sled dog that I purchased in March 2006. She came from Jacques and Magali Philip in Nenana, Alaska. I bought her with the intention of breeding her to Doug Swingley's Ricky, but the timing just hasn't worked out yet.

Etna is a shy female, 5 years old, who isn't keen on any stranger, especially men. I have put a lot of time into our relationship and she is now a very funny dog. But she rarely shows that side to anyone but me.

Smooth running dog that she is, Etna is a leader though not one that I trust in a lot of situations. She can be less than reliable when she feels like she has too much responsibility in the front of the team. She works hard and takes care of herself and is a solid team dog. Etna likes to eat and drools if she has to wait too long at feeding time.

Maybe this summer Etna will get to be a mom and hopefully she will be ready to go for the 2010 Yukon Quest.





Miss Cleo is one of two dogs I got from Matt and Sarah Hayashida from Willow, AK. She ran most of the 2007 Iditarod with Matt but stayed in Elim with a slightly sore wrist.


Cleo has run with me almost every run the last 2 winters and is a very reliable team dog. She will not run in lead and tends to take off after shadows in the woods if you ask her to, but she is always working and never gives me reason to scold or leave her at home for the day.

Though Miss Cleo has the "no one loves me" look down to a science in the dog yard, she LOVES to be a sled dog. She is the one who barks for the first mile. She will scold the dogs in front or next to her if she thinks they are slacking. She thinks she has the best job in the world. Miss Cleo loves people and any attention they will give her. No matter where her path leads her, I am sure that Cleo will find a couch in her future, maybe when she retires.

Miss Cleo is my best girl for school visits. No only will she allow 80 kids to take a turn to pet her, she adores the chance to get that much loving all at one time. Although she isn't quite as fast as she used to be, Miss Cleo is on the roster for next year's Quest team for sure.



Come back again to meet more of the athletes and get updates on there training and adventures.