CCA Winter 2025 Advocate by Chinook Club of America

BOB GRCH Forever Greene Fly Me To The Moon “Serenade” owners Kiersten Ludwig, Dennis Ludwig, Alex Ludwig

BOS GRCH Desert Sol Col Illahee “Coulee”

owners Ashley Bray, Kristy Jolly, Steve Showalter

2024 AKC National Championship

Chinook National Specialty

CHINOOK CLUB OF AMERICA NATIONAL SPECIALTY

BOB GRCHB Forever Greene Iglaak Perry (Perry) owner Shelly Londer

BOS CH Mystic Pond Katyaaq (Kiana) owner Daniela Metz

Select Dog GRCH Desert Sol Col Illahee (Coulee) owners Ashley Bryan, Kristy Jolly, Steve Showalter

Select Bitch GRCH Forever Greene Fly Me To The Moon (Serenade) owners Kiersten Ludwig, Dennis Ludwig, Alex Ludwig

BOB GRCHB Forever Greene Iglaak Perry

BOS CH Mystic Pond Katyaaq

Select GRCH Desert Sol Col Illahee

Select GRCH Forever Greene Fly Me To The Moon

The Chinook ADVOCATE

OFFICERS

President KATHLEEN RILEY Minnesota 612.558.1369 (Talk/Text) chinookclubofamerica vp@gmail com

Vice President PERRY RICHARDS Maine

Secretary HEATHER OSBORNE Connecticut 617-852-1666 chinookclubofamerica secretary@gmail com

Treasurer JO-ANN SMITH Connecticut chinookclubofamerica treasurer@gmail com

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

KEIRSTEN WAGNER (PA) - AT LARGE OPEN - HEALTH

KIRSTEN LUDWIG (NH) - JUDGE’S EDUCATION JOAN MCMAHON (OH) - MEMBERSHIP OPEN - PUBLICITY PATTI RICHARDS (ME) - SHOW, TRIAL & TRAIL

Editor

KATHLEEN RILEY PO BOX 1824 Minnetonka, MN 55345-0824 612 558 1369 Talk/Text chinookclubofamerica vp@gmail com

Committee Members

WENDY MCCANCE SARA TEMTE JANET CRAM

2024 Royal Canin AKC National Championship

Select Bitch CH Nittany's Greene Time Keeper

CH Platform’s Predict This BCAT CGC TKN VHMP “Divi”

Royal Canin AKC National Championship

BOB GRCH Forever Greene Fly Me To The Moon “Serenade” Owners Kiersten Ludwig, Dennis Ludwig, Alex Ludwig

BOS GRCH Desert Sol Col Illahee “Coulee” owners Ashley Bryan, Kristy Jolly, Stever Showalter

Select Bitch CH Nittany's Greene Time Keeper “Caoimhe” owners Patti Richards, Virginia Burrell

JAM CH Platform’s Predict This BCAT CGC TKN VHMP “Divi” Owners Meredith Maps, Anastasia Logan, Breeder Anastasia Logan

BOB GRCH Forever Greene Fly Me To The Moon BOS GRCH Desert Sol Col Illahee

Dear Chinook Club of America Members,

Happy New Year! As we enter 2025, I’m excited about the opportunities and adventures that lie ahead for our wonderful Chinook community. Whether you’re a longtime enthusiast or new to the breed, this year promises countless ways to celebrate and enjoy life with our incredible Chinooks.

Conformation Shows

For those who love showcasing their Chinooks in the ring, 2025 is packed with opportunities. Conformation events provide a platform to highlight the beauty and structure of our breed while meeting fellow enthusiasts. Keep an eye on the club’s calendar for upcoming shows and special Chinook-supported entries. Let’s work together to make a strong presence at these events and celebrate the unique qualities of our dogs.

Performance Events

Chinooks are a versatile breed, and there’s no shortage of ways to showcase their talents. From obedience and rally trials to agility and scent work, these activities strengthen the bond between you and your dog while providing mental and physical stimulation. Don’t forget about drafting and carting— activities that tap into our Chinooks’ working heritage and are always a crowd favorite!

Outdoor Adventures

The New Year is perfect for planning outdoor adventures with your Chinook. Whether it’s hiking through scenic trails, camping under the stars, or embarking on road trips, our dogs thrive in the great outdoors. Consider exploring dog-friendly national parks or attending group hikes with other Chinook families. These experiences enrich our dogs’ lives and create lasting memories for us.

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The Beej

Minnow, Bailey, The Beej

The Beej

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Travel and Community

If travel is on your agenda, make it Chinook-friendly! Many hotels, campgrounds, and rental properties welcome pets, making it easier than ever to bring your Chinook along. Traveling with your dog can also be a fantastic opportunity to connect with other club members across the country. Let’s use these occasions to strengthen our bonds as a community and share our love for the breed.

Education and Advocacy

This year, I encourage everyone to become an ambassador for the Chinook breed. Participate in Meet the Breed events, share your knowledge with the public, and support responsible breeding practices. Educating others about our dogs’ history, temperament, and versatility ensures a bright future for Chinooks.

Club Initiatives

In 2025, the Chinook Club of America is committed to fostering engagement and supporting our members. Your input is essential so we know what you want to see from your club. Let us know if you wish to participate in virtual seminars, social media contests, dog shows, and meet and greets. There are opportunities to contribute to our shared mission, and your involvement makes a difference—whether by volunteering, participating in events, or simply sharing your experiences.

As we embark on this new year, let’s celebrate the joy our Chinooks bring to our lives and continue to support one another in this remarkable community. Together, we can make 2025 a year to remember for the Chinook Club of America and our beloved breed.

Wishing you and your Chinooks a year filled with adventure, success, and cherished moments.

Kathleen Riley President, Chinook Club of America

Celebrating Chinooks: A Legacy of Sled Dog Racing

The Chinook breed—a quintessential American sled dog—has a history intricately tied to the golden age of sled dog racing and the development of other iconic breeds like the Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute.

Born from the vision of Arthur Walden of Wonalancet, New Hampshire, Chinooks hold a cherished place in the annals of dog-powered sports.

Let's delve into the breed's rich past and connection to some of the most pivotal moments in sled dog racing history.

The Early Days of Sled Dog Racing in New England

Sled dog racing as an organized sport began to take shape in the United States in the early 20th century. While Alaska's harsh winters made it a natural hub for dog-powered travel, New England became a key player in the burgeoning racing scene. The first official sled dog race in New England occurred in 1921 when two three-dog teams competed over a six-mile course from Berlin to Gorham, New Hampshire. Later, W.R. Brown, owner of Brown Paper Corporation in Berlin and worldrenowned Arabian horse breeder, sponsored the first International Sled Dog Derby. This was a point-to-point race with three legs, one daily, totaling 123 miles. Running a nine-dog team, Arthur Walden of Wonalancet, New Hampshire, prevailed over the other three entries in 15 hours and 36 minutes.

By 1924, Arthur Walden had emerged as a prominent figure in the sport. Known for his prowess as a musher, Walden also had a vision for a sled dog club that would bring enthusiasts together and promote the sport. That year, he founded the New England Sled Dog Club (NESDC), setting the stage for more frequent and competitive races. In 1926, one such event in Poland Springs, Maine, drew significant attention, with Walden's Chinooks showcasing their strength and endurance.

Togo

Seppala and

W. R. Brown

In 1926, Leonhard Seppala and his dog Togo had name recognition in the lower 48 states. When a booking agent offered Seppala a contract to exhibit his dogs and give talks in several cities, he accepted. Seppala embarked on a U.S. tour, showcasing his Siberians at events and educating the public about sled dog racing. His journey culminated in an eight-day exhibition at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Following this, Seppala accepted Walden's invitation to stay at his Wonalancet homestead, where the two sled dog icons shared their knowledge and experiences.

Mushers in Alaska read of Walden's race, covering 40 miles in roughly four hours over two days at the 1926 race in Poland Springs. They decided to try their racing dogs at the same distance. (Thompson, Raymond. Seppala's Saga of the Sled Dog. Vol II. Lynnwood: R Thompson, 1970. 32) Three teams set out on the 40-mile course on March 9, 1926. Even with stormy weather and bad trails, Leonhard Seppala's time for the distance was 3 hours, 1 minute, and 17 seconds, putting him in first place. Seppala started thinking he wanted to take his teams to New England and put his Siberians against the teams and drivers there.

Leonhard Seppala Meets Arthur Walden

Meanwhile, Leonhard Seppala and his legendary Siberian Husky, Togo, earned fame in Alaska for their record-breaking runs and heroic feats, including their role in the 1925 serum run to Nome.

On January 16, 1927, Seppala and his Siberians left NYC for Mt Whittier, New Hampshire, via Boston, where he spent the night. Arriving at Mt Whittier on the 17th, they were about 12 miles from Walden's place in Wonalancet. Some dogs and all the excess luggage, sleds, and equipment were transported to Wonalancet for ten dollars. Seppala drove one of his teams up to Wonalancet. Seppala was happy to be done with the tour and back in the countryside.

The Waldens provided housing for Seppala's dogs in one of their barns while he stayed with them. Shortly after settling in, Walden informed Seppala about a trophy-only race at Poland Springs Resort in Maine. Still, there were only ten days to condition his dogs for their first race.

A Shared Passion for Racing

While staying with the Waldens, Seppala prepared his team for upcoming races, including the trophy-only competition at Poland Springs Resort. Seppala trained his teams but held back to keep from showing how fast his Siberians were. Despite the short conditioning time for his dogs, Seppala's participation in these events marked a historic moment in sled dog racing—a convergence of Alaskan and New England traditions.

The Chinooks, bred by Walden for their strength, stamina, and cooperative nature, held their own against Seppala's Siberians but were beaten by the Siberian team. This period of camaraderie and competition highlighted the unique qualities of each breed while advancing the sport as a whole.

A Lasting Legacy

Today, the Chinook remains a symbol of American innovation in dog breeding, celebrated for its versatility, loyalty, and historical significance. The breed's story is not just about racing but about the people and dogs who forged a deep bond while braving the elements together. Walden's vision for a New England sled dog community and Seppala's daring journeys exemplify the enduring spirit of sled dog culture.

As Chinook enthusiasts, we honor this legacy whenever we share the breed's history, train our dogs, or participate in events celebrating their remarkable abilities. Let's continue to preserve and promote the Chinook's place in sled dog history for generations to come.

Sources:

Thompson, Raymond. Seppala's Saga of the Sled Dog. Vol II. Lynnwood: R Thompson, 1970. 32 Thomas, Bob & Pam. Leonhard Seppala The Siberian Dog and the Golden Age of Sleddog Racing 1908-1941, 2015.

Chinooks - Water Dogs?

Article and photos by Marion Koenigsmann

Does your Chinook love to swim? We have enjoyed sharing our lives with four Chinooks over the years, and they all enjoyed the water. 30 years ago, we took care of a friend’s Golden Retriever Zappa, as she was called, loved to swim. And we thoroughly enjoyed watching her So, when we got our first Chinook, Ekla, we wanted to make sure she would like the water. We introduced her to water soon after bringing her home, and she took it like a Chinook. Fish? Wait! Are they fish? Or are they dogs? She loved it. From that point on, we determined to instill a love for water in all our Chinooks And we have succeeded

Today, we have Vireo and Tikaani. While Vireo enjoys the water, she LOVES the snow more Go figure, a sled dog loving snow more than water! Tikaani, on the other hand, LOVES the water Bring her favorite ball with a launcher, and she will chase it feverishly into a pool, a lake, off a dock, you name it She will spend hours doing this In fact, we must set limits on her.

For example, on a road trip to Lake Superior, Tikaani was desperate to get in the water and fetch her ball. We humans complied and began the relentless game of fetch Now, mind you, the water temperature was between 35°-40°! She did not care. Of course, Vireo was thrilled to wade into the lake, too. But after noticing that Tikaani was shivering yet still wanted to play fetch in the lake, we had to call it

Living in the Midwest, we enjoy just about any activity, no matter the weather. We are so glad we have introduced all our Chinooks to water as soon as possible And all of them have taken to it. We will continue to instill the love for water in any pup that joins our family. Isn’t it interesting how humans are entertained by what our precious Chinooks enjoy? What amazing and beautiful gifts these creatures are!

And this is how it begins...

Contact Spook Nook Chinooks for more information: http://www.spooknookchinooks.com/

New Titles

CHAMPION

CH Platform's Predict This BCAT VHMP Sire: GCHB CH Forever Greene Iglaak Perry RI FDC CAA DCAT RATM CZ8B DN CGCA CGCU TKE ATT FITG FTI Dam: CH Rain Mountain Sapata Song RN BCAT CGC TKI Owner: Meredith Mapes & Anastasia Logan Breeder: Anastasia Logan.

Rally Novice

Frontier Pure Of Heart RN CGC TKN Sire: Rain Mountain Frontier Shuksan BN RI Dam: Frontier Halona Joy Kasute RN CGCA TKA Owner: Susan Fletcher Breeder: Susan Fletcher CH Frontier Tamanawas Tukamonuk RN FDC CGC TKN ATT Sire: Metolius Hercules Mulligan Dam: Rain Mountain Tova Of Frontier CGC Owner: Kathryn Dunscomb & Susan Fletcher Breeder: Susan Fletcher

Rally Intermediate

Frontier Still Water Runs Deep RI FDC NAP CGC TKI ATT Sire: Rain Mountain Frontier Shuksan BN RI Dam: Frontier Halona Joy Kasute RN CGCA TKA Owner: Susan Fletcher & Mrs. Kathryn M Dunscomb Breeder: Susan Fletcher

DCAT

GCHB CH Forever Greene Iglaak Perry RI FDC CAA DCAT RATM CZ8B DN CGCA CGCU TKE ATT FITG FTI Sire: Carrigainmountain Hyas Talapus Dam: CH Forever Greene An Affair To Remember OAP OJP NFP CAA ACT2 ACT2J CGC TKN Owner: Shelly Londer Breeder: Patricia Richards

Scent Work Container Novice

CH Forever Greene Sangiok Clover RI FDC CAA DCAT SCN THDN RATM DS DJ CGCA CGCU TKE ATT FITG FTN Sire: Carrigainmountain Hyas Talapus Dam: CH Forever Greene An Affair To Remember OAP OJP NFP CAA ACT2 ACT2J CGC TKN Owner: Shelly Londer Breeder: Patricia Richards

Canine Good Citizen

CH Platform's Predict This BCAT CGC TKN VHMP Sire: GCHB CH Forever Greene Iglaak Perry RI FDC CAA DCAT RATM CZ8B DN CGCA CGCU TKE ATT FITG FTI Dam: CH Rain Mountain Sapata Song RN BCAT CGC TKI Owner: Meredith Mapes & Anastasia Logan Breeder: Anastasia Logan

Trick Dog Novice

AKC Temperament Test

Frontier Still Water Runs Deep RI FDC NAP CGC TKI ATT Sire: Rain Mountain Frontier Shuksan BN RI Dam: Frontier Halona Joy Kasute RN CGCA TKA Owner: Susan Fletcher & Mrs Kathryn M Dunscomb Breeder: Susan Fletcher

CH Frontier Tamanawas Tukamonuk RN FDC CGC TKN ATT Sire: Metolius Hercules Mulligan Dam: Rain Mountain Tova Of Frontier CGC Owner: Kathryn Dunscomb & Susan Fletcher Breeder: Susan Fletcher

FETCH Intermediate

GCHB CH Forever Greene Iglaak Perry RI FDC CAA BCAT RATM CZ8B DN CGCA CGCU TKE ATT

FITG FTI Sire: Carrigainmountain Hyas Talapus Dam: CH Forever Greene An Affair To Remember OAP OJP NFP CAA ACT2 ACT2J CGC TKN Owner: Shelly Londer Breeder: Patricia Richards CH Forever Greene Sangiok Clover RI FDC CAA BCAT THDN RATM DS DJ CGCA CGCU TKE ATT

FITG FTI Sire: Skyland Harper Of Grtmtn Dam: CH Forever Greene An Affair To Remember OAP OJP NFP CAA ACT2 ACT2J CGC TKN Owner: Shelly Londer Breeder: Patricia Richards

2025 National Owner Handler Series

GCH CH Forever Greene Tagluk CGC RN

5/27/2011-11/4/2024

Tagluk was always the quiet, unassuming member of the family, our gentle giant. He loved his people and his brother and nieces. Tagluk did not give out kisses like most Chinooks do; he gave what we called “nose bumps” instead. He would sniff your eyes and then push his big nose into your forehead. It was just one of the ways he was so special. His quiet nature was perfect for his frequent role as “neutral dog” in CGC tests.

When we went to Westminster in 2015 we stayed at a friend’s house just outside the city. There were two Bernese Mountain Dogs and two cats that lived there. Tagluk got along fine with all the furry family members and even stuffed his 90 pound body into one of the little cat baskets.

In 2015 at the Westminster Dog Show in the Working Group ring at Madison Square Garden he was a perfect gentleman until his down and back. He went down beautifully but on the back he saw a big piece of chicken left by the handler before us. I didn’t see it and was nearly pulled out of my shoes when he dived for it. Nothing like having all of Madison Square Garden, along with a national TV audience, laughing at your silly boy! He was also my protector while we were in NYC, pushing up against me when a man stopped to ask about him on the street.

Tagluk was also our resident clown, doing silly things at the most inopportune moments. He was invited to do a photo shoot for In The Company of Dogs catalog. He was a great model until they put a silly mad bomber type hat on his head and some little bands around his ankles. He tolerated it but certainly didn’t look like the excited holiday dog they wanted. As soon as we relaxed a little he shook his head sending the hat flying and did a beautiful play bow just as the photographer snapped the picture. This is one of my favorite photos of Tagluk because it perfectly shows his silly nature.

He made the huge move to Maine from the only home he had ever known with grace and dignity. He left us just before the final trip to Maine. He was a huge presence in our family and is so very missed by all of us, but mostly by his little brother Atka.

Meeting

Minutes January 16 2025

Email addresses?

Changing addresses on Google seems to be too complex to get accomplished easily. Options that could help are each of us creating a new email that is not office/position centered. See if there is a way to create the emails with a forwarder from the chinookclubofamerica.org domain.

Keirsten made her own new email for the CCA and suggests that this is the best way to go forward.

Board members, please create appropriate email addresses and send them along to Keirsten when ready Email address should include CCA somewhere and should not indicate title or position, so that the address can follow you regardless of position changes

AKC Parent Club Education Flyer

Did anyone in our club receive “an email and response form”?

Nope

H. will write Peter and add our voice to the general “we never got that”

We agree that the general statement on Chinook breeding, "We encourage and promote the owning, breeding, and training of purebred Chinooks while striving to enhance their natural qualities " should be on the CCA website

Archiving historical information

Need to know how much material, of what type, in order to get time and cost quotes Patti has some paintings; if we could get them professionally scanned and turned into a limited-edition print series, it could make a great fundraiser

Painted by DeWitt Whistler Jayne

Club debit cards

Pushed to next month

Showsight Magazine webpage for Chinooks

https://showsightmagazine com/dog-breeds/chinook/

AJ and Kathleen spoke about opportunities for enhancing this page. There are no costs to CCA for having this information on their website. We can add what we would like to the Chinook section

Try to pull together some photos: historical photos, Chinooks working in harness, playing, etc

Meeting Minutes January 16 2025 - Continued

Website-Email addresses and stages of updating (would like to start with new litters….but what next is important?) Keirsten is digging through and updating valiantly Get news and future events to Keirsten!

Positions up for election:

Secretary–(yes, I would like to continue as Secretary-H)

Director of Health and Genetics

Director of Publicity–Keirsten would like to continue, huzzah!!

National Specialty 2025

PNW

Colorado

Florida

We need members in the area who will pick a club with a show they like that has good Chinook judges and get their permission to run our designated specialty with that club’s show. From there, the Board can provide paperwork support and help with ribbons/prizes

Meeting adjourned

Next meetings:

Feb 20, 2025

March 20, 2025