The History of TrailRoc
History | Kennels
Denali with Tanaray Top Brass and Tanaray Top Note
Trailroc was born out of my love for the keen intelligence and slightly aloof character of the Siberian, the thrill of gliding over a snow covered trail with the whoosh of the sled runners, and the soft panting of dogs as they do the work they were breed for.
My goal is to share these experiences with anyone who is willing to learn to appreciate the talents of these special animals.
In 2002 I bought my first Siberian, Denali, from Seadream Kennels. Denny and I learned the rules of the show ring together as we worked toward his championship. When Denali was about a year and a half old, we went for our first ride on the sled at Kimlan and from that moment I knew I was hooked.
Denali and Cinder waiting to run
With the help and support of friends I was able to continue to enjoy this winter sport, borrowing gear and dogs to run while I learned about mushing. Starting out with four-dog teams and graduating to a six-dog sled, with requisite bumps and bruises.
It wasn't too much longer before Cinder came home from Kimlan to terrorize the Tanaray dachshunds. This is when our real Siberian education began. Digging, climbing, chewing; all the things that Denali forgot to tells us about.
When Cinder's first winter came around, she quickly decided that the lead position is where she belongs and she hasn't looked back since.
Eric on the sled with Denali and some Kimlan dogs. Photo: Rosemary Hooker
In the summer of 2008 I refurbished an old sled back to its former glory, learning how to make my own lines with the fids1 at the same time.
Now with a solid dog, a leader in training, knowledge, a sled and my own gear, something was missing; the rest of the Trailroc Team!
I am a member in good standing of the Canadian Kennel Club, the Eastern Canada Dachshund club, President of the Chateauguay Valley Kennel Club and Vice President of the the Siberian Husky Club of Canada.
What's in a Name?
It took a long time to come up with a kennel name that I liked. Something that hints at my love for mushing and the spirit of these amazing animals. When I finally decided on TrailRoc, the logo design sort of took care of itself.
The mountain which comes from Denali's registered name, "Seadream's Mountain Spirit" and the Siberian head in the logo bears a strong resemblance to Denali by design.
1. A fid is a conical tool made of wood or bone or plastic used to open the "lays",
or strands of rope, synthetic or natural, for splicing line. wikipedia.
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