We learned about Chinooks at an Experimental Aircraft Exhibition. I had been searching for a breed that would mesh with our lifestyle, and while talking about aviation, we got around to, of course, dogs. After hearing about the qualities of this northern breed, I did some research and decided this was the dog for us. My husband and I bought our first home, and immediately contacted a renowned breeder in the area - Amanda Bays of Channahan Chinooks. Amanda linked us with Patti Richards of Forever Greene Chinooks and we excitedly filled out paperwork and put down a deposit for our little Chinook puppy. Then came the excruciating 8-week wait while the pups grew and were weaned. Patti sent weekly photos and updates of the litter's progress and I filled the time by purchasing every cute squeaky toy I could find. When we finally picked up our puppy, she was happy, healthy, and knew to "sit" politely for treats. As first-time dog owners, we were grateful to Patti for all the hard work she did with the puppies before they were placed in homes -- health checkups and preliminary housetraining, and lots of phone, e-mail, and web advice after we brought our puppies home.
Although it was a bigger commitment, we decided to adopt a "breed potential" puppy. To my surprise, I have enjoyed taking her to dog shows (especially when we come home with a ribbon) and am excited about the prospect of a litter of puppies after she turns two years old. Having just passed Kaya's first birthday, we definitely want another Chinook in our home.
Having a Chinook has enriched many areas of my life. Walks are more exciting when seen from a dog's perspective. Personal items take on a whole new dimension when you consider chewability as a factor. Kaya loves to play with other dogs, and can wrestle (her favorite activity at day care) with the big dogs, and play gently with Buddy, the pug - trotting just slowly enough that he can steal the squeaky toy and run with it. She is a dedicated snuggler, whether in bed, on the couch, or crammed into a dog bed with her Golden Retriever pal Emily.
In warmer months, Kaya accompanies us canoeing, fishing, hiking, and camping. I was primarily interested in a sled dog because I do a lot of backpacking in the summer and fall. Because Chinooks are bred to pull in a harness, wearing a backpack came naturally to her. During our hike along Lake Superior in Minnesota she happily carried her supplies for a week-long trip. After Kaya realized that putting her backpack on in the mornings meant we were heading out on the trail, she would nudge her pack and whine until I put it on her. With our daily schedule exceeding 10 miles, it was an encouragement to see her so excited to start the next day. Kaya also loves to play in the water, but hasn't yet embraced swimming. While canoeing, she has jumped out of the boat and with a shocked expression, tries to climb back in. She now wears a life jacket with a topside handle.
During winter, Kaya is in her element. She gets a crazed air about her when the first frost hits, and when the snow actually flies, she wants to be out in it. I am a clumsy Cross-Country skier, but we ventured into skijoring this winter. Kaya was a natural at pulling, and loved to try and catch up to the skier ahead of us. Unfortunately, I was usually flailing my arms and shrieking behind her before making a face plant instead of a right-hand turn. But we're all learning and getting lots of exercise in the process. We wouldn't trade our Chinook-enriched lives for anything.