Dogs of Persistence
ATAO Kennel
I have the great privilege of working with the incredible Alaskan Huskies at ATAO Kennel. Please visit their website to learn all about these world class athletes!
Persistence Couch Potatoes
Meet Sarah’s personal house dogs who work hard keeping the bed warm and going on all sorts of non-mushing adventures!
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Nymira is my original adventure dog. She’s been with me since I was stationed in Pearl Harbor, HI, years before I ever knew my dream of living in Alaska would come through. She flew with me back to Washington after I separated from the Navy. A few months later she was my co-pilot up the Al-Can Highway on our way to Alaska. She’s usually the voice of reason in the pack and is always sure to let the others know when she thinks they’re being too silly and need to calm down. Her greatest passion in life is snuggling under a blanket with whatever human is willing to oblige.
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Peter was born the day before I arrived at the kennel I spent my first winter with before I joined ATAO. He was one of the smallest puppies of several litters and frequently got picked on. He quickly became one of my best buddies. He didn’t really fit the build that the kennel was looking for in their team so when I left the kennel he came with me. Despite being from championship sprint mushing lines, he’s never shown interest in pulling. He is far too reserved and gentlemanly for the chaos of a dog team. Peter is not a big snuggler but loves to be near his humans and friends. His favorite thing in life is getting special tasty snacks.
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Finnigan is technically my partner’s dog but we’re all family at this point. Finnegan is the biggest in the pack but also the baby and he will not let you forget that. Finnegan has no idea that Mastiff mixes are not intended as lap dogs and will attempt to smother you with his love and affection. Finnegan is a clown who loves to play with his friends and has a large repertoire of silly noises he likes to make. He also has a bit of a naughty streak and if you do not make sure your food is in a very secure location he will find a way to help himself to a treat.
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Pepper is my love bug and shelter fail. I spent a couple years working as an assistant animal tender at the local shelter. I had made it over a year without giving into any temptations and bringing a cute, sad shelter critter home. The moment that Pepper was dropped off, however, I knew she had to come home with me. She was named for her “Pep” and she lives up to that every day. She is full of love and joy and is always down for a good romp-about or wrestling match. She loves to play with her humans and doggy pals and is always the last one to get worn out. Pepper always has a positive attitude and just seems genuinely delighted to simple exist.
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Gus has been a part of the family since he was a puppy but just joined the Alaska part of the pack this fall. I got him to keep my mom company after my brother and I had both moved out. While she was initially very annoyed with me for getting her a puppy, he quickly became her best little buddy and they did everything together from going to the grocery store to going on camping trips. Sadly, this past spring, my mom lost a long battle with breast cancer. I wasn’t sure how he would do with my dogs as he was used to being the only dog. I shouldn’t have worried though, he fits right in. He and Pepper are particularly best friends. I’m very glad he’s settled in well. Having him here has definitely helped ease the grief a small amount.