Kyler - Winterchill Alaskan Malamutes Away

Written by Jackie Mifflin - I first met Gaylene when she was working at the vet clinic in Thompson. She just left me with the feeling that when I had to take my pet to the clinic she would take care of them like they were one of her own. I would also occasionally see her dogs at the clinic. I can still see the day that she got Tyson and had him at the clinic for a bath. What a little fur ball.

One day my husband came home and said that he heard that Gaylene was looking for a home for one of her dogs. Anyone that knows Gaylene would be shocked to think that she wanted to get rid on one of HER dogs, myself included. But, after I picked up my chin from the floor, I called anyway. It turned out that it was an abandoned puppy (one of the many, many, many abandoned puppies she has found homes for) that she was looking to place.

January 2004

Kyler and his buddy, Drew

Kyler on top of his world.

Well, to make a long story short, we ended up adopting this poor little stray. We called her Drew and although to see her she looks like a terrier cross, in her heart & mind she truly believes she is a Malamute. This must be from the time she lived with Tyson before she came into our home. Drew is the reason that Gaylene & I became the best friends that we are today. Not to mention that Drew & Tyson are best friends also.

Gaylene introduced me to Alaskan Malamutes and I have been in awe every since meeting her wonderful family. It still amazes me how quickly each one can attach themselves your heart. Gaylene also introduced me to the world of dog shows. I am the one that has been her shadow at many shows. I called myself her kennel help. Hey, at least traveling to shows gave me a chance to get out of Thompson and see some of the country. (Okay, so when you go to a show all you really see is the show building, show grounds and the hotel. But I can at least say I have been to many places.)

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2003

BEST OF WINNERS
2003

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WAMM SPECIALTY
2003

NEW CANADIAN CHAMPION
2003

BEST ALTERED
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2005

Then along came the puppies. Time to make the final decision. I wanted one so bad, but deep down I was scared to own one. Would I be a good Malamute owner? Could I really take care of a Malamute on my own?

Mind made up (okay, you caught me, there really wasn’t a doubt) I‘m taking a boy, but which one would it be (I asked Gaylene to pick out a puppy for me, or I would have ended up taking them all home). Good, now what should I name him. What - I need to think of a call name and a registered name? Oh, and not one but THREE choices for a registered name, just in case... I'm having a hard enough time coming up with the call name. YIKES!!

After tossing around about a million names (I mean this literally), Winterchill's Brave the Wild came along. This name came from our summer of camping on an Island with all the dogs (11 in total). It really was braving the wild!! His call name is Kyler.

Kyler enjoying his down time - March 2004.

Kyler was actually in his first show at six months of age (naked as could be), and he and I are slowly learning about showing together. It is extremely different from the inside of the ring (I still think I’m better at being kennel help). Let me tell you, those handlers make it look easy. Every show I learn something new. After telling Gaylene that I will never, never go in the ring, I do have to admit that the look of happiness that your dog can give when he looks up at you in the ring as if to say “we’re having fun aren’t we mom, I love doing things together with you” can take away your stage fright (but don’t tell her that I admitted that).

All Malamutes are special in their own way. Kyler will always be extra special to me because he is my first Malamute. For a long time after I brought him home, I would look out the window in disbelief that I actually owned a Malamute. He wasn’t just visiting and wouldn’t have to go home one day. He has a special way of making me smile and laugh. I can sit at the window and watch him amuse himself for hours with the oddest things. One day it was the ice clump from the water bucket. This morning it was his soft serenade to tell us it was morning. This afternoon, he is sitting on the grooming table looking at the window, hoping to catch a glance from someone in the house.

Living in Northern Manitoba, Kyler will have many chances in the summer for more camping and running free on the island, swimming, fishing and we are also hoping to attempt hiking and backpacking this year.

Thank you Gaylene, for entrusting me with this beautiful treasure! He is my companion, my laughter, my liberty, my life!!