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Mark & Karen
Ramstead
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North Wapiti Siberian Husky Kennels
Iditarod 2008 - 'Sponsor-a-dog' Program

As part of our fundraising we are offering the opportunity to sponsor a specific Iditarod dog. For $300 Cdn. sponsors get their name listed on this website, a 2008 bandana, a certificate and some other cool NorthWapiti 2008 Iditarod memorabilia. (Click this link for information on currency exchange rates.)

Of the dogs listed, 22 of these will accompany us up to Alaska and only 16 will be chosen for our team. We cannot guarantee anyone's sponsored dog will make the final 16 - but certificates, bandanas, and other memorabilia will be issued to all sponsors regardless of whether or not their dog of choice participates in the Iditarod.

Sponsorship :
Payable To:
Karen Ramstead
Mailed To: Colleen Hovind
Box 163
Craven, Saskatchewan, Canada
S0G 0W0

Or sent via PayPal

(Click on each dog's picture to visit their individual page)

The Active Training Pool


Kara
Ch. NorthWapiti’s Valkyrie Kara
(Striker x Breezy)

1983 Iditarod Champ Rick Mackey claims Kara is so cute "you can't help but smile when you look at her." She also proved to us  that she is more then just a pretty face by doing a huge amount of leading in our Iditarod. A hard working sled dog, a good little show dog and a dream to live with in the house - darn near the perfect dog, as far as I'm concerned!

 

Main Leader
Champion Showdog

8

Iditarod 2003
2003 Knik 200 Finisher
Iditarod 2004 Finisher
2005 Copper Basin 300
2005 Knik 200 Finisher
Iditarod 2005
2005 Sheep Mountain 150
2006 Knik 200
2006 Copper Basin 300
2006 Goose Bay 120
Iditarod 2006
2006 Sheep Mtn 150
2007  Neckbone 120


Odie
NorthWapiti’s Odin
(Striker x Breezy)

Another of the beautiful and talented Norse god and goddess litter. In harness, Odie has always been the star of this bunch. Hardworking to the core!  He has made every Iditarod team since 2003!

 

Leader

8

John Beargrease Marathon
Iditarod 2003
Iditarod 2004 Finisher
2005 Copper Basin 300
2005 Knik 200 Finisher
Iditarod 2005
2005 Sheep Mountain 150
2006 Knik 200
2006 Copper Basin 300
Iditarod 2006 Finisher
Iditarod 2007
2007 Taiga 300
2007  Neckbone 120


Loki
Ch. NorthWapiti’s Loki
(Striker x Breezy)

Loki is well named after the Norse god of mischief. He always has a prank up his 'sleeve', but he never lets it get in the way of putting in a solid performance whenever he gets hooked up! He has made every Iditarod team since 2003!

 

Champion Showdog

8

Iditarod 2003
Iditarod 2004 Finisher
2005 Copper Basin 300
2005 Knik 200 Finisher
Iditarod 2005
2006 Knik 200
2006 Copper Basin 300
2006 Goose Bay 120
Iditarod 2006 Finisher
Iditarod 2007
2007  Neckbone 120


Moses
Clout’s Moses of Velikaya

Moses is a dog with an 'all knowing presence' about him. His work ethic is simply inspiring to all. A very valued and key dog in our team!  He has made every Iditarod team since 2004. Mo is also one of Mark's favorite leaders!

 

Leader

7½

Yukon Quest 250 (with another musher)
Iditarod 2004 Finisher
2005 Copper Basin 300
2005 Knik 200 Finisher
Iditarod 2005
2005 Sheep Mountain 150
2006 Knik 200
2006 Goose Bay 120
Iditarod 2006 Finisher

Iditarod 2007
2006 Sheep Mtn 150
2007  Neckbone 120


Olena
Alaskan’s Olena of Anadyr

Definitely the 'Alpha Bitch' in this kennel. Ollie is tough as nails and knows it well! Although she took 2005 Iditarod off to whelp out an unexpected litter of puppies, she is a FORCE in harness and contributes big to the team whenever she is a part of it!

 

Leader

7

Iditarod 2003
Iditarod 2004
2005 Copper Basin 300
2005 Knik 200 Finisher
2005 Sheep Mountain 150
2006 Knik 200
2006 Goose Bay 120
Iditarod 2006
Iditarod 2007
2006 Sheep Mtn 150
2007 Taiga 300


Nahanni
NorthWapiti’s Nahanni

Nahanni is a beautiful dog. Fast, focused and tough as nails rounds her out! Although circumstances always seem to line up against Nahanni to stop her from running major races, she is still a real asset to the team!

 

Team Dog

7
Iditarod 2003
2005 Copper Basin 300
2005 Knik 200
2006 Knik 200
2006 Goose Bay 120


Herman
Chlout’s Herman of NorthWapiti

'The Hermanator', as Mark often calls him - Herman is all business. He just wants to get to work! One of the most consistent and solid sled dogs we own. Irreplaceable. He has made every Iditarod team since 2004!

 

Team Dog

6

Iditarod 2004 Finisher
2005 Copper Basin 300
2005 Knik 200 Finisher
Iditarod 2005
2005 Sheep Mountain 150
2006 Knik 200
2006 Copper Basin 300
Iditarod 2006 Finisher
Iditarod 2007
2006 Sheep Mtn 150
2007  Neckbone 120


Hector
Chlout’s Hector of NorthWapiti

Hector is a character. During Iditarod 2004 he took great delight in starting 'group howls' in checkpoints along the Race. Just outside of White Mountain - on a cold, clear morning - he led the team in a stirring song to start us on the last leg of our journey to Nome. It is a memory I will always cherish. He has made every Iditarod team since 2004!

 

Leader

6

Iditarod 2004 Finisher
2005 Copper Basin 300
2005 Knik 200
Iditarod 2005
2005 Sheep Mountain 150
2006 Knik 200
2006 Copper Basin 300
Iditarod 2006 Finisher
Iditarod 2007
2007 Taiga 300
2007  Neckbone 120


Hilda
Chlout’s Hilda of NorthWapiti

Although nicknamed "Broom Hilda" after the cartoon witch - there is nothing 'witchy' about Hilda - she is sweet and hardworking. A real delight to have in the team.

 

Leader

6

Iditarod 2004 Finisher
2005 Knik 200
2005 Sheep Mountain 150
2006 Knik 200
2006 Goose Bay 120

2006 Sheep Mtn 150
2007  Neckbone 120
Batdog
Batdog
NorthWapiti’s Seeley Lake
(Odin x Kaylinn)
Everyone thinks 'Batdog' was so named because he has big ears, but that's not the case. When he was young, he loved to be hung upside down and survey the world from this vantage! He reminded me of a little bat - hence his call name. Batdog is maturing beautifully and is showing real promise in harness.

Leader

5½

 

2006 Knik 200
2006 Copper Basin 300
Iditarod 2006 Finisher

Iditarod 2007
2007 Taiga 300
2007  Neckbone 120

Holly
NorthWapiti’s Holland Lake
(Odin x Kaylinn)
AMAZING is really the only word to describe this little girl.  She is definitely going to be a special dog. During the 06/07 season, Holly has stepped up and fast becoming the leader we have always believed she was!

Leader

5½

 

Iditarod 2007
2007 Taiga 300
2007  Neckbone 120


Sprite
NorthWapiti’s Sprite
(Butch x Jumper)

Cute, athletic, and energetic - Sprite was the only girl left in my team in Unalakleet in the '05 Iditarod. An amazing girl!

 

Leader

6

Iditarod 2005
2006 Knik 200
2006 Copper Basin 300
Iditarod 2006 Finisher


Barq
NorthWapiti’s Barq’s Got Bite
(Butch x Jumper)

Barq is to be one of the fastest dogs we own. He took awhile to mature and make our main string - but he is SO worth the wait! He looks and acts a lot like his half brothers - Draco, Orion, and Surge.

 

Team Dog

6

2006 Knik 200
2006 Goose Bay 120
Iditarod 2006 Ceremonial Start

Iditarod 2007
2006 Sheep Mtn 150

Dasher
Ch. NorthWapiti’s Dasher
(Butch x Kara)
Dasher is very much unlike her sweet and loveable Mom, Kara. She is bossy, opinionated, and demanding of getting her own way! She is proving to be an amazing leader and was a key dog up front for our last 3 Iditarods.

 

Leader
Champion Showdog

6 ½

 

Iditarod 2005
2005 Sheep Mountain 150
2006 Knik 200
2006 Copper Basin 300
Iditarod 2006 Finisher
Iditarod 2007
2006 Sheep Mtn 150
2007 Taiga 300
2007  Neckbone 120


Crunchie
NorthWapiti’s Crunchie
(Grover x Visa)

Although being a Grover son automatically earns you a favoured position in my heart, Crunchie wasn't happy 'inheriting' that and has definitely earned his status all on his own.  Crunchie is a very significant dog in my race team. He has never been dropped nor injured in the 4 years he has been on my race team - and he has done every race with me since first making the team as a 2 year in '04. A cool dog - one of my very, very favourites.



 

Leader

6

Iditarod 2004 Finisher
2005 Copper Basin 300
2005 Knik 200 Finisher
Iditarod 2005
2005 Sheep Mountain 150
2006 Knik 200
2006 Copper Basin 300
Iditarod 2006 Finisher
Iditarod 2007
2006 Sheep Mtn 150
2007 Taiga 300
2007  Neckbone 120


Jr
NorthWapiti’s Long May You Run
(Grover x Joey)

JR is well named - he is a junior Grover, but with the vivid blue eyes of his mother, Joey.  I'm beginning to see the same stride and carriage in him in harness that his Daddy has. That makes me very excited about his future!

 

Leader

5

 2006 Knik 200
2006 Copper Basin 300
Iditarod 2006 Finisher
Iditarod 2007
2006 Sheep Mtn 150
2007  Neckbone 120


Q
NorthWapiti’s Q
(Grover x Kluane)

Q is a stunningly built boy.  Another exciting Grover son! Q had a great season last year, living up to many of our hopes for him, but a late season injury kept him off the Iditarod team in '07.

 

Team Dog

4

2006 Knik 200
2006 Goose Bay 120
 Iditarod 2006 Ceremonial Start
2006 Sheep Mtn 150
2007  Neckbone 120

Jinx
NorthWapiti’s Jinx
(Grover x Kluane)

A pretty, little black girl, born on Friday the 13th. James Bond fans will figure out the connection between that and her name. Jinx is long, lean and built to move. She was a solid girl in her rookie season, just falling short of making the Iditarod team. Some of our very best training runs are with Jinx in lead and we look forward to this translating to the trail down the road!

 

Leader

4

2006 Knik 200
2006 Goose Bay 120

2006 Sheep Mtn 150

Spider
Tumnatki’s Ms Muffet N’Wapiti
Spider has stepped up and worked her way to the front of our main string. She was given the honor of being one of the leaders choosen for the re-start of the 2007 Iditarod. Quite an privilege for a rookie Iditarod dog. We are certain she will lead the team in many important races to come.

Leader

 

Iditarod 2007
2007 Taiga 300
2007  Neckbone 120
Charge
Charge
NorthWapiti’s Charge
(Surge x Olena)
We weren't entirely sure of what to think of Charge when he was young. He was big and lanky, even as a puppy. Now there is no question - he is a real favorite! He is as driven as any sled dog I've ever hooked up. He is famous in our yard for being as difficult to put away after a long hard run as he was to hook up. I don't know if this boy ever gets tired.

 

Team Dog

3

 

Iditarod 2007
2007 Taiga 300
2007  Neckbone 120
Tesla
Tess
NorthWapiti’s Tesla
(Surge x Olena)
As a yearling, Tess was not very outstanding. She was just a solid, but plain dog in harness. This year she boldly announced that she was sick of being a 'wallflower'. Tess is shaping up to be one of the most exciting leaders I've worked with in years. I grin ear to ear every time she is in lead!

 

Leader

3

 

Iditarod 2007
2007 Taiga 300
2007  Neckbone 120
Watt
Watt
NorthWapiti’s MegaWatt
(Surge x Olena)
Anyone who has visited the kennel knows I think very highly of Watt. Watt made the trip to Alaska with us in '07 - not an easy thing for a 2 year old to accomplish. We have very high hopes for him in the future!

Team Dog

3

 


2007  Neckbone 120
Boom
Boom
NorthWapiti’s Boom
(Moses x Kaylinn)
Boom is the first Moses offspring to contend for the 'A' string. If he maintains the drive and attitude he is already showing, there will definitely be more Moses kids kicking around the kennel in the future. Shish - Boom - Baa!

Team Dog

3

 


2007  Neckbone 120

Experienced Rookies


Newt
Four Wind’s Newt

Newt came to live with us an adult dog, he's done some sprint racing but never this distance stuff. Last year Newt was showing some real promise in harness when he managed to break his foot, putting him out for the season. We hope this year will be 'his year'.

 

Advanced
Rookie

5

Extensive trail training in 2006/2007

Roary
NorthWapiti’s Hear Me Roar
(Striker & Kaylinn)
Roary has a pedigree, build and personality much like Kara - so it goes to say that we have high hopes for this little red bombshell.

Advanced
Rookie

4

 


Extensive trail training in 2006
/2007

Togo
NorthWapiti’s Togo At Kelim
(Grover & Spot)
Although Togo is new to us, he isn't new to working in harness. He put a far number of mile in last season with his previous owners, Kim and Kelly Berg.
Togo is the closest looking dog to Grover I've ever met - so close it is spooky. We have high hopes that is performance in harness will be similar to his Dad's too!
 

Advanced
Rookie

2

 

True Rookies

Lingo
Lingo
Chlout’s Lingo
When Bob Chlupach called to say he had a young dog he thought would suit us, I asked no questions and just said 'Yes'!! Seeing that the previous dogs Bob though would suit us were Hector, Hilda, Herman and Moses - do you blame me??? Although still young, Lingo already acts like a mature dog in harness!

 
Rookie

3

April 2006
Runner
Runner
Kelim’s Running for NorthWapiti
(Lincoln x Diamond)
Runner's registered name is Kelim's Running for NorthWapiti - and running hard and strong he is. We are very pleased with the performance of this enthusiastic young dog.

 
Rookie

3

Fritz
Fritz

NorthWapiti's Fritz

(Grover & Spot)
'Fitzy' breeding was done to try and get as close a pedigree to NorthWapiti's Super Grover as possible - and we are already seeing many traits in common between father and son. The most obvious being the same quiet, confident and serious personality. I really look forward to watching Fitzy grow into his potential!
Rookie

2½

 

Minto
Minto

NorthWapiti's Minto

(Grover & Spot)
Honestly, 'Minto the Pinto' was not - and still is not - my favorite yearling in terms of structure. However, the very first time I free ran her next to the 4 wheeler, I knew she was a special dog. She remains the fastest dog I have ever free run. I'm excited to see what she can translate that drive to be fast into when she really starts working in harness!
Rookie

2½

 

X
X
NorthWapiti's Excelsior

(Squeaky & Olena)
X has been the favoured 'child' in this litter since they were about 3 months old. There is just something about him and he continues to be one of the very special ones in the yard. I guess when your nicknames are 'Xtraordinary' and 'Xcellent X' and 'Xquisit', how can you help but growing up Xtra special??
Rookie

2½

 

Paxson
Paxson

NorthWapiti's Paxson

(Squeaky & Olena)
I think Paxson has matured into the most beautiful of the 'Copper Basin' litter. On top of that, he is one of the sweeter personalities in that litter - seeming to take more after his sweet Dad, Squeaky then his evil mother, Olena!
Rookie

2½

 

Bongo
Bongo

NorthWapiti's Bongo

(Draco & Nahanni)
Bongo loves everything. Life is good, fun and entertaining according to this lovely young lady. A perpetual motion machine! Can't wait to get her really working in harness! One of Karen's up and coming favorite youngsters!
Rookie

2

 

Bingo
Bingo

NorthWapiti's Bingo

(Draco & Nahanni)
As a pup, Bingo was a little standoffish, but living with her bubbly over friendly sister, Bongo seems to have brought Bingo around. Those two girls never stop moving. Very athletic, very promising.
Rookie

2

 

Bingo with her sister Bongo peeking over her back
Irving
Irving

NorthWapiti's Irving

(Draco & Nahanni)
A very promising and handsome young man. Full of energy and has a real zest for life!  One of Karen's up and coming favorite youngsters!
Rookie

2

 

Nitro
Nitro

Kelim's Nitro of NorthWapiti

(Dodge & Spot)
Nitro is a dog that I’m not tremendously fond of in the dog lot, but he continues to challenge me to really dislike him by putting remarkable performances in in harness. He maturing lovely and we look forward to seeing what he brings to the team in the coming years.
Rookie

2

 

 
Flash
Flash

NorthWapiti's Flash Gordon

(Grover & Kara)
Having Grover and Kara for your parents makes Flash a prince in the kennel right from the start. Big, handsome - but for some strange reason - NOISY!! Flash is one of the most exciting younsters in the yard.
Rookie

2

 

Wolvie
Wolvie

NorthWapiti's Wolverine

(Grover & Kara)
Wolvie gets more handsome and more loved as each day goes by. He was the pup that most displayed that serious, no nonsense, 'Grover' approach to life - and now, as he is growing, his father seems to be coming out in his conformation too. A very promising young man!! Another of Karen's up and coming favorites!
Rookie

2

 

August 2006
Wonder
Wonder

NorthWapiti's Wonder Woman

(Grover & Kara)
Beautiful and fun loving. One sweet pup. Wonder and Xena share a pen and their play times and antics in there amuse the whole dog yard.
Rookie

2

 

Xena
Xena

NorthWapiti's Xena

(Grover & Kara)
Unless you know them well, it is hard to tell Xena apart from her kennel mate and sister, Wonder. Xena is alittle smaller though and has a better sense of humour then Wonder, but they are both fun loving, happy chicks! Xena is a clone of her mom, Kara!
Rookie

2

 

 
Isis
Isis

NorthWapiti's Isis

(Grover & Kara)
Isis left the kennel, but has come back and made it pretty clear that she wants to be a working girl! She definitely has some of her Momma, Kara's attitude!
Rookie

2

 

 

Special Handling


Kara
Ch. NorthWapiti’s Valkyrie Kara
(Striker x Breezy)
Although she is a four time Iditarod Veteran, Kara is listed at the bottom of the page due to her special legion of sponsors. Kara was the last dog to be sponsored for Iditarod 2004, but a group effort then and ever since has made her the most highly sponsored dog in our Iditarod History! Many of those who sponsored her in 2004, 2005 & 2006 wished to do so for the 2007 Iditarod as well. Below is a list of her sponsors that have sent in their donations. Thank you to all of those below for stepping up to help sponsor this lovely girl, currently the only female Champion Siberian Husky to be both an "Iditarod Finisher" and the mother of an "Iditarod Finisher".


 
Lee Desjardins - Ancaster, ON

 

Main Leader
Champion Showdog

8

Iditarod 2003
2003 Knik 200 Finisher
Iditarod 2004 Finisher
2005 Copper Basin 300
2005 Knik 200 Finisher
Iditarod 2005
2005 Sheep Mountain 150
2006 Knik 200
2006 Copper Basin 300
2006 Goose Bay 120
Iditarod 2006

 Our "2008 Future Stars" Sponsors

Our Iditarod Dogs

Sponsorship :
Payable To:
Karen Ramstead
Mailed To: Colleen Hovind
Box 163
Craven, Saskatchewan, Canada
S0G 0W0

Add your name to Kara's Sponsorship list - send funds via paypal

Our Iditarod 2008 Main Page


Click on the paws above to follow the team back to our main page...