Denali

A few months prior to Denali’s birth, I had been admiring her parents on the Sibersong Sleddogs website. When I learned that a litter was planned between them, I was elated. Even better, a fellow musher knew the breeder and offered to recommend me for a pup. The stars aligned, Denali was born, and I was approved. Towards the end of May, I traveled up to New Hampshire and brought home my second dog.

I have grown up around dogs, but I never had more than one at a time. Dexter and Denali hit it off, as I knew they would. Dex always falls in love with every dog he meets and Nali was no exception.

Denali started learning commands in an adjustable puppy x-back harness at around 4-months-old. At around 40 pounds, she pulled with the spirit and intensity of a dog three times her size. Her focus never wavered and she used to drag 60-pound Dexter away from distractions. She caught on to commands almost instantly and has certainly followed in her dad’s footsteps as a lead dog.

After leading the team for several years, Denali began to lose interest in running with the crazy young dogs. Although she’s retired from the race team, she will still join us for the occasional short run. She much prefers to hike solo with me, which has been a lovely transition into her golden years.