Denali, The dog everyone loved to Hate…

Denali didn’t come from the most prestigious breeder.  He didn’t have the flashiest pedigree.  He accumulated more than his fair share of controversy along the way.  Denali didn’t know any of this.  What Denali did know was he was loved, he got to travel and do fun things that many dogs don’t get to experience in their lifetimes, and he accomplished quite a bit in his life.  Beyond any of this he was my companion, a cherished pet, and avid athlete.  He accompanied me on many hikes, trails, errands, and pretty much anything else.  He was fantastic gentile friend for our toddler and we had hoped that he would be our oldest’ s introduction to the show ring this fall.  Time had other plans for us.

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Denali was our first show dog and ultimately became the first AKC Champion in our kennel.  For his critics it wasn't enough.  I had members of the parent club telling me to neuter him, re-home him, get rid of him since you don’t fill your kennel with garbage….based solely on who his breeder was.  I was told that he would never be a quality dog and to give up on him…it was difficult for me being new to the show world to understand why people took such a dislike to my dog and why they felt it was justifiable to be so cruel about it.  

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While people were focusing on who he came from and how unassuming his pedigree appeared Denali excelled in a variety of harness sports.  Originally running on the team as one of my first lead dogs- eventually he would find his home in wheel as it was pretty undeniable he was a powerhouse worker.  Having found he also performed well in weight pull it was obvious where he belonged on the team.

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While receiving this dog as a gift from someone who ultimately took a chance on a novice Siberian owner and refusing to throw him away when told to may have cost me a great deal in reputation….Ultimately I wouldn’t trade the experience of having him for the world.  From the show ring, to weight pull, dryland and dog sledding, pack hikes, and multiple trips around the country….Denali may not have been everyone’s cup of tea but he was one heck of a first show dog, companion and best friend. 

You left us too soon my dear friend…you are missed so very much.  Your boy still asks where his DD is, and that my friend is a mark of the goodest boy if there ever was.  Rest easy and were your Silver Harness with pride.  You have earned it.

AKC CH Kaniska’s Ashen Hotshot Denali
11/25/2010 - 03/13/2023

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