Journey Turns 1 Year Old Today!

Journey at 8 weeks old when I first laid eyes on her

Journey and mom, Cranberry. She knew this little girl was going to need some special attention. She consistently put her mouth on Journey while leaving the other litter mates alone to play.

House training after the big "journey" from Alaska to Minnesota

No fear even at 10 weeks

Her introduction to a harness and the training cart was at 4 1/2 months as she hung out with the resting team after a run.

At 5 1/2 months she was placed in the team for a slow one mile run. Her eyes were always focused on the trail and in front of the lead dogs.

At 7 months old, Journey needed to live on a chain for the winter at Gunflint Lodge
for our winter adventures and quickly adapted.

At 7 1/2 months she was tested in lead with Zulu and amazed us all with her focus and drive!

At 10 months old she had her first lake run in point position which is directly behind the leaders.

She did so well on her first lake run at 10 months old, that on the way back she was placed in lead with Klaus and did some open country leading. She wasn't the least bit thrown by the lack of a trail and followed Klaus' cue.

Journey enjoying a birthday bone at 1 year old.

Journey is a Hedlund Husky that Points Unknown traveled to Mush Knik Networking in Knik, Alaska, to retrieve in August of 2007. Her Father is McKenzie, formerly from Mush Knik Networking in Knik, Alaska, now residing at Points Unknown Kennel. Her mother is an Alaska bush trap-line sled dog that was added to the Hedlund line for diversity.

Journey has matured quickly from likely the most mischievous puppy I have ever encountered, to the very even tempered, quiet, intelligent and slightly stubborn girl of today. She has gone from a puppy having absolutely no focus whatsoever, who would run full speed ahead and leap up into my arms unexpectedly at the last moment, catching me completely off guard, to a mature sled dog that doesn't keep her eyes off the trail and who thrives in lead and when running directly for me, now sits at my feet.

She was a precious gift to our kennel and we look forward to seeing more of her potential shine through as the years go on.

Happy Birthday, Journey girl!