Chinooks New England!

An Affiliate Club of the
Chinook Owner's Association, Inc.

In the coldest part of each year, Chinook owners come together as a community to celebrate the purpose of the breed at the Chinooks New England! Winterfest.  While the temps outside might be cool, the hearts of the dogs and smiles of their owners are as warm as they can be! 

It was in this spirit that over 40 dogs and 60 of their owners descended upon Hickory Hill Farm in Standish, Maine for dog sledding, skijoring, pull training and camaraderie.  Dogs of all ages attended – there were two new puppies – Hurricane Daisy and Callicoon Tioga, some “tweenies” like Wild River Katie, Grand River Olo and Granite Hill X Denali, several yearlings, like GreatMountain Jackman, Rivertrail siblings Juniper and Zephyr, and Mountain Laurel Tamworth Tugger as well as some elder statesmen like WoodsRunner X Alyeska who is still going strong at 12 and Rain Mountain Sebecca, the gracious dog host of the event at nearly 9 years. 

Granite Hill Team - photo by Leslie Donais
Kenne and his daughter, Abnaki pull John Donais

Many dogs came to Winterfest for only one purpose – to work.  And work they did!  The GreatMountain, Granite Hill and Grand River teams took longer runs on the trails as did the accomplished skijorers – Polly Campbell with WoodsRunner X Kineo of GreatMountain and Ruth Lind Hickory Hill Rastro.  Some youth got to drive small GreatMountain teams and children got to ride in the sled baskets.  Many folks hooked up dogs to sleds and took them for short spins with the owners calling them for motivation.  Dogs who weren’t quite ready to be hooked into a team were fitted for harnesses and pulled tires for practice.  The puppies had a chance to romp in a safe enclosure.  All of the dogs had positive experiences, no matter what they were doing. 

At noon, folks gathered inside by the warmth of the fire to enjoy hot chocolate, soups, chilies and homemade baked beans and many other treats.  As is always the case, there was a competitive silent auction during lunch that benefited the club. Just about everyone found something they wanted to bid on and many went home with new treasures.  After a few more runs on the trails, some folks headed out, while others headed into the woods for an off lead romp with 15 Chinooks.  They had a blast running, chasing and playing together and all slept very hard on the way home. 

Dakota & Ginger try working on a two-dog team with Morgan driving and Sophie in the basket.  Photo by Susan Kolukisa.

Tug & Katie playing - photo by Bob Jones

Tanacross ready to go! photo by Penthea Burns

 

Each year at Winterfest, it’s great to reconnect with old friends and to meet new ones.  CNE thanks everyone who made the event such a success.  We offer special thanks to David & Elaine Bradbury who have opened their home to us for nine years. Having the event in this beautiful and safe place makes the event especially wonderful.  We hope everyone will join us again next year and that we'll meet a few new folks too!