MEET The Rock StarS - The Yearlings

Kona is confident, sweet, brave and very vocal. Kona is always ready for adventure and play. She is never far from your side when in the puppy pen, and always gives you a small bark to say hello. She is also unique with a small, diamond shaped patch of pink on her nose. Bia & Lightning are her parents.

Kona is sponsored by Elizabeth Brown of Lothian, Maryland. 

Tally enjoys walks with her siblings, especially when she gets to explore new trails and run across bridges. She can be sweet and gentle one moment, and filled with hyper energy the next. Tally is very smart, except when she decided to eat a rock and became one of our most expensive dogs in the kennel with her vet bills to have the rock removed.

Tally is sponsored by Jeanne Seward - Wallberg of Eugene, Oregon.

Yentna, along with her sister Gakona, are always ready to explore. Reserved until she gets to know you, and then affectionate when she does, Yentna has a lot of her mom Bia’s attitude. Loving to play with new toys and run through tunnels, we are very excited for her future as a Rock Star.  Bia x Lightning 

Yentna is sponsored by Lillian Brown of

Lothian, Maryland. 

Happy, as his name suggests, lives in the moment and never lets anything get him down. Joyful and excitable, he loves walks, running through tunnels, and everything about life. He is instantly best friends with every dog or person he meets. Like his dad Lightning, Happy effortlessly takes control of the team.

Happy is sponsored by the Gaulke Family of Holmen, Wisconsin.  Mike, Susie, Colten, Jackson, Kendall & their dog Onyx.

Copper

Kobuk is adventurous and curious, enjoying every new thing he comes to. He is a very outgoing yearling, and is always ready to go!

Colville

COLVILLE is sponsored by John & Claudia Berges of Missouri.

LEW is sponsored by Tom & Pam Monroe of Portage, Michigan.  

Charlie loves his food! He has one of the best appetites in the kennel. He is big and strong just like his dad, Noché. Charlie can easily knock us over with his exuberant energy to give the greatest hugs and he will also calm for the sweetest cuddles. He’s a great big Teddy Bear and we are excited to see this young powerhouse in action in front of the sled.

Charlie is sponsored by Mike & Sarah Warner of Coffman Cove Adventures, Coffman Cove, Alaska.  Their dog Buster is also cheering on the team from their lodge on Prince of Wales Island.

Fast and feisty, Annie is also very outgoing with new people, and nobody came help but love her when she looks at you with those blue eyes. She is smart and although she gets extra exited about life, she is learning to focus her energy while running on the team, especially when she gets to lead with her dad Nochè.

Annie is sponsored by Phil Rydel of Grand Rapids, Michigan. In loving memory of Phil’s sweet dog, Lucy. 

A smart and fearless escape artist, Jane enjoys walks with her sister Annie and wrestling with her brothers. With the same coloring as her dad Noché, she will have some big paw prints to fill . . . but she sure has the attitude for it.

Jane is sponsored by Shawnna, Maple, and Doggie Biscotti of Wyoming. 

Skipper has enthusiasm, heart & an unwavering drive to keep going.  He’s a workhorse, cheerleader, and dang good looking dog!  He also loves chasing butterflies and giving great big hugs. Skipper is a goofy, wonderful dog who gets along with almost every dog and person he meets. Photo by Whitney McLaren.

Skipper is sponsored by Dave and Karen Pfister, Indiana. 

Vitus is a stunningly gorgeous dog with his icy blue eyes and bold colored markings. He can be shy around strangers but explodes with confidence when he sees his harness, which he practically puts on himself. When Vitus gets excited he jumps up and down like a pogo stick, just like his dad, Skorpa, does. 

Vitus is sponsored by Jim Hill & Amber Honsaker,  Pennsylvania.

Lorina is a little firecracker of a dog! She always has energy for a run, a hike, or to cause a little mischief with her sister Aniak.  She is also our bounciest dog in harness.  You will see her jumping up and down with joy before, during and after a run. Boing…boing…boing!  Photo by Whitney McLaren.

Lynx is a proud but humble dog with the biggest heart.  He will do anything you ask him to.  When he is in lead and you give him a command he puts his ears back and executes it with such vigor that both he and his musher can’t help but beam with pride and flash a great big smile.

Lynx is sponsored by Harry, Connie & Grizzly in Grant, Michigan. 

Skorpa is regal, distinguished and has a calm natured personality.  He was born and raised in Norway.  In 2018 he won the Iditarod! Skorpa is the oldest racing dog on our team and he brings wisdom, experience, and plays a veteran leadership role. He jumps up and down like a pogo stick when excited. He’s also a ladies man.  All the girls love Skorpa. 

 Skorpa is sponsored by Ziggy Bazela of Smyrna, Georgia.

Aniak is small and mighty! She is little and fierce.  She is a sweetheart and a force to be reckoned with.  Aniak embodies the spirit of our team, Rock On Racing. Aniak is also the dog on the logo. Aniak is the best snuggle buddy to have in bed.  She burrows herself into the covers and sleeps tight all night long while keeping you warm.  Photo by Whitney McLaren.

Aniak is sponsored by Betsy Randall and her dog Baxter of Ellsworth, Michigan.

Yupik lets his presence be known.  He works hard and loves hard.  He will happily stand up on his hind legs and put his big front paws on your shoulders to give you a great big hug.  Yupik’s loud mouth brings attention to his gentle soul.  Yupik loves to be brushed and his best friend on the team is  Lilly. 

Noche' is a powerhouse of a dog, an excellent leader, and the biggest sweetheart on the team.  Everyone loves Noche'!  He loves belly rubs and gives the most gentle kisses.  He will also give you a "high five" with his paw.

Noché is sponsored by Claude, Jennifer & Bob Bondy of Alpine Creek Lodge,  Alaska.

Photo by Whitney McLaren.

Joker is sponsored by Dwight & Edie Ortmann of  Redwood City, California.

The definition of the word Lightning is a giant spark of electricity in the atmosphere between clouds, the air, or the ground.  This is also the definition of this dog, so appropriately named Lightning. A leader, a positive energy, and a strong force of nature.

Lightning is sponsored by Rob, Kristal, Josie & Rylen Achenbach, Alaska.

Heart has some of the softest fur on the team.  She is the only girl in the Card litter with brothers Diamond, Spade & Joker.  When we need a burst of speed Heart is a great dog to put up in lead, as she enjoys running at a faster pace.  Heart always greets us with her signature sound, which resembles that of a joyful wookie from Star Wars. Photo by Whitney McLaren.

Agate is a fireball of energy!  This dog has the biggest and best smile and is just a happy guy. He does not walk anywhere, he bounds and leaps with joy and we are so excited to see what he will do this season.  Agate is part of the Rock Litter and he, along with his six siblings, will be turning four years old on the race trail this year.  Hold on tight because it’s going to be a fun ride ahead. 

Agate is sponsored by Jeanne Seward - Wallberg of Eugene, Oregon.

Boye is a gentle giant.  He loves to find the biggest rock he can get his mouth around and proudly parade around with it.  Sometimes he buries it and other times he just likes to keep it close by.  Bøye is so powerful in harness that he can surge the entire team forward by himself and yet he has the most tender and sensitive personality.  Bøye hardly ever barks and when he does everyone listens up. His mom was a great leader and he shines in that position as well as any other spot on the team.

Bøye is sponsored by James, Lindsay and Conner Bodden of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Spade is a devoted dog.  He is wary of anyone he isn't bonded to, and extremely loyal to those he is.  Spade is a bit of a Houdini in that he sometimes gets himself out of his area to chase after cats and  little dogs. He has developed into a leader and he enjoys running in any position on the team. Spade is a very loving dog to those he trusts and it is an honor to mush with him. Photo by Whitney McLaren.

 Spade is sponsored by the DeGraw Family from Saratoga Springs, Utah.

Oh Thundy Bundy!  Thunder is a happy little girl who isn't so little anymore, but she will always be that adorable puppy in our hearts.  Not only is she an excellent sled dog, she is working on her agility skills with her favorite musher, AddieAnn. Thunder takes the time to smell flowers, chase butterflies, and loves to play around with all of her teammates. She's definitely cute and she's also a fireball in harness. Roll Thunder roll! 

Thunder is sponsored by Marty & Don of Battle Creek, Michigan.

Diamond equals power. He used to be the final dog we hooked up in the team when going for a run because his over the top excitement to run could overtake the rest of the team.  Diamond has matured into a dog that can perform well anywhere in the team and he is a joy to mush with.  Diamond enjoys taking walks with our Border Collie Mackey and running side by side in races with his brothers Joker & Spade. Photo by Julia Redington.

Diamond is sponsored by Tim and Lisa Hughes of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Granite is one of the most noticed and talked about dogs on our team.  His pointed ears, tightly curled tail and storm gray coloring make him stand out.  What we like best about Granite is his great big happy smile and friendly personality.  He is a smaller male dog and just as powerful as dogs twice his size.  Granite likes to quickly poke his head and squeeze his body though your legs from behind you and looks up at you like "hey there!".

Granite is sponsored by Tom & Pam Monroe of Portage, Michigan. 

Bia is shy and quiet until she is comfortable with you…. and then watch out because she won’t stop talking or giving you the most beautiful affection.  She is a gorgeous dog and an expert in the wheel position where she dances around the gangline taking the team artfully around corners.  Bia is a 2018 Iditarod Champion with Joar Leifseth Ulsom's team. We are so blessed to now have Bia as a Rock Star!   In the future we plan to breed her for future Rock Stars.

Rosey appears to be an up and coming superstar!  Even before she was one year old she was showing strong leadership qualities.   Rosey takes her job seriously and wants to be up in front of the team.   Rosey loves big ball toys, chasing her five brothers on hikes, and she especially enjoys wrestling with her sister Thunder.

Rosey is sponsored by Kathy & Pat Odom of Huntingtown, Maryland.  To honor the fighters. #liveon   In remembrance of our Amanda.  #BeStill #DeMandacure  

Marble is a young big dog!  He loves to run, play fetch with a stick or ball, and is quick to pick up on new commands. Marble will bring us his bowl after feeding time when he sees us picking them up. When we deliver a meal to Marble he will look at his bowl and then run over to the delivery person and say thank you with a kiss or nudge of his nose before devouring it.

Marble is sponsored by Karen Wiggers and her canine companions Ivy Rose, Ginger, and Bandit in Corry, PA.

CHERT is a strong and resilient dog. At 4 months old he took himself on a 3 day solo adventure into the mountains.  He climbed up a perilous avalanche chute multiple times, sought out safe areas to bed down and eventually found his way home by following a long trail of kibble, salmon and clothing. We knew he was going to be something special! Friends who helped search for Chert still refer to the mountain trail as “Chert’s Trail”.

Chert is sponsored by Jeanne Seward - Wallberg of Eugene, Oregon.

SLATE is probably the goofiest dog in the kennel and he goes absolutely bananas over anything in your hand like a hat, glove, stick, ball, you name it!  He is also the best sitter on command and goes from crazy to cool in one second. When Slate is focused he’s a powerhouse in front of the sled.  When he’s not moving forward he does things like jump ON the sled.  He’s a loving and sensitive guy and we are excited about his 2023-24 race season.  Watch out world, here comes Slate!

Slate is sponsored by Grahame Reffell of Fort Bragg, California.

Lilly is the sassiest dog on the team. She is the Queen of the kennel and she lets everyone know it.  Lilly tattles on her teammates, claims ownership to her neighboring dog houses, and knows of every bird, coyote, wolf, moose, bear or mosquito that comes near. She was a wonderful mama to her seven puppies and still aims to keep them in line every chance she gets. Lilly is also a very loving and loyal dog and the smallest adult dog on the team.  Shhhh don't tell her, because she sure doesn't know it.

Lilly is sponsored by Ann Brown of Deale, Maryland.

Kalgin is a dog that makes you feel like the most important and most loved person in the world.  When he wants your attention he commands it with a long outstretched leg and paw. For those closest to Kalgin he shows his admiration for you by gently holding your hand in his mouth.  He's one of a kind and we are glad he is ours. He enjoys playing and running with his brother Lynx.

Kalgin is sponsored by David & Jeanette Weinberg and family. Nashport, Ohio. 

Dart was a warrior on the trail when she ran thousands of miles across Alaska with the Bundtzen Burners.  Dart could run in any position on the team and she was an excellent swing dog.  Now Dart runs around our living room, enjoys laying on the couch and sleeping in our beds.  Dart still sometimes hangs out in the dog yard and spends time with her former teammates, but most of all she just wants to be right by our side wherever we are. Dart is 13 years old and retired.

Red is the biggest of the six Freedom pups!  He is very independent and has a confident voice that he likes to use.  it seems he always has a story to tell.

Red is sponsored by Carol Reffell of Fort Bragg, California. 

White is a curious and playful puppy.  He loves wrestling with his brothers and is also happy to stand alone and explore a little farther than the rest on romps through the woods. 

White is sponsored by Dianne & Paul Taylor of Raymond, ME.

Blue is one of six puppies from the all male Freedom Litter.  Lightning x Cessna. He loves playing with balls and toys and he  is quite the talker.

Blue  is sponsored by Brenda Calhoon & Jim Rowlett  of Anchorage, Alaska

In honor of Carol Byrnes  1955-2022

Along with his always sweet personality, Stars’ bright blue eyes can show a calm focus or over the top excitement. He is always ready for a hike or run, and has boundless energy and a drive to work. Although young, he has potential to be a good leader. Stars is one of six puppies from the all male Freedom Litter.  Lightning x Cessna.  

Stars is sponsored by John & Claudia Berges of Missouri.

Stripes is a smart young dog, a natural alpha of his brothers, and is learning to be a leader on the trail as well. His intelligence and calm temperament shows most when running, as he has learned from a young age to pull hard without wasting energy.

Brave is the first born pup from the all male Freedom Litter.  Lightning x Cessna. He is just like his Dad in looks and energy level.  Brave appears to be a natural born leader who wants to go go go!!!

Brave is sponsored by Brandon, Jade & Kabar Kanouff of Blairsville, PA. 

Mackey the Border Collie excels at keeping moose, bear, and birds out of the dog yard. He is also great at sweeping the trail ahead while on hikes. He is friends with every dog, and occasionally joins in with the team. He enjoys walks with his many sled dog friends and runs loose on short training runs.

Nugget is our newest addition to the Randall Family and Rock On Racing team. She is not a sled dog but she will have a lot of brothers and sisters to play with and I’m sure she will be hooked up with the team once in a while for fun. We love our little gold Nugget and she has easily stolen our hearts from day one. 

Sol has retired from her career as sled dog, and she now stays active bikjeoring, hiking and canacrossing with her loving owner Laura Wright. Sol still comes to the kennel for visits and has fun seeing her siblings  and old teammates. She was one of the our original "Mini-Mights", a group of girls, Sol, Lorina & Aniak, who are mini and mighty. Sol was always the first to notice wildlife near the trail, and she was notorious for quickly taking off her booties before a run. 

SOL is was sponsored by Chuck Fasnacht of Addison, Texas

Cessna is strong and steady with a soft fur coat that you never want to stop petting. She gets excited about EVERYTHING.  Whether it’s time to run, time to eat, time to play, or time to snuggle, Cessna lets you know she’s ready for it.     Cessna x Lightning had 6 boys on 7/11.  She is being an amazing mama to her puppies. Photo by Whitney McLaren.

CESSNA was sponsored by Lia Keller & The Alaska Forest School.

Raven

August 2010 - January 2024

Dart was a warrior on the trail when she ran thousands of miles across Alaska with the Bundtzen Burners.  Dart could run in any position on the team and she was an excellent swing dog.  After she retired, Dart ran around our living room, enjoyed laying on the couch and slept in our beds.  She still  hung out in the dog yard and spent time with her former teammates, but most of all she just wanted to be right by our side wherever we were. Dart will live on forever in out hearts, and she was the aunt and great-aunt to many of the dogs on our team.