Sheep Mountain Update (contributed by Susie Rogan)

Actually Hans finished third, not second. Both Hans and Newton were supposed to run no faster than 10 to 12 miles per hour. Newton was bang on, taking 5 hours to do the first 50 miles and so on but Hans couldn't control himself and started racing during the last 1/4 of the race! He said with a smile, "I had to set a few things straight." It was like Sundance Film Festival of dog racing with mushers such as Jeff King (4 time Iditarod winner), Ken Anderson, Sebastian Schnuelle, Gerry Willomietzer, DeeDee Jonrowe (second place Iditarod), Aily Zirkle (1st place Yukon Quest), and Hans of course (3 times first place Yukon Quest and champion of many other races), etc. etc. Many were running this as a first race of the season, being careful and checking out their dogs under race conditions. The race could have been a lot more competitive if these people were giving it all they had, but they were preserving their teams for bigger races later in the season. Jessica Hendricks the winner specializes in the shorter races and this was her race to win. Newton also could definately have gone a lot faster but instead ran a perfect race and finished with all his dogs in great shape. The race vet approached me and said, "In case I don't get a chance to talk to Hans and Newton, would you pass on to them that Newton looked extremely good out there. Very professional. He had his check point routine down almost perfectly. You could tell he was having to think, but he didn't miss a thing." During this race we were witness to an extremely large full moon, it was in the newspaper as appearing 14% larger than normal due to being low on the horizon, and a big meteor shower. It was a magical night with the race starting at 1 p.m. and finishing at about 4 pm the next day. Enough said for now. It's -38 C here today and the shower is frozen so Lisa (the handler), and I are heading into town to the gym to take a shower. It's been a few days! Susie"

And the Season Begins!!!

Great start to the long distance race season for the JDT. Newton placed 21st out of 48 in the 150 mile Sheep Mountain race held this past weekend in Alaska. Big smiles and huge congrats go out to Newton for his accomplishment........Folks at home are so proud of you Newton!!

Sheep Mountain Trail

Great finish for Newton in the Sheep Mountain 150

Newton Marshall finished in 21st place out of 47 teams that started the race. This is a great warm up for the Copper Basin 300, Jan. 10-13. Championship musher and team trainer Hans Gatt finished in 2nd place, the winner was Jessica Hendricks. Congratulations to all of the great teams who participated. Check out the race results.

Mush mon.

JDT founder Danny Melville and Head Musher Devon Anderson inspect the new Coolline Misting System

Everyone needs to cool down on those extremely hot days, and our mutley crew is no exception to this.The JDT now boasts an all new misting system by Coolline which allows our mutts to experience the joy of this doggy oasis. What does our Head Musher Devon Anderson have to say about this?

"A great idea! One of the best additions we have made so far. This system strongly enhances the JDT's performance."

Newton presenting to one of the winners at the JDT Fundraiser.

Newton talking to Andrew MacGillivray who flew in from Victoria for the Fundraiser which was held in Calgary.

Ann and Dale Babala Win Ultimate Jamaica Vacation at Calgary Fundraiser

Ann and Dale Babala (pictured here with Newton on the left and Shannon Cunningham of WestJet Vacations on the right) won the Ultimate Jamaica Vacation courtesy of Danny and Carole Melville and WestJet Vacations. The team pulled out the stops auctioning off this one-of-a-kind, not just all- but everything-and-then-some-included getaway. Ann and Dale will live like five star locals in Old Jamaica style for 7-nights in a private villa at the home of the Jamaica Dogsled Team, Chukka Cove and will be looked after by Danny's personal staff who are more like family. Also included: airfare from Calgary to Montego Bay is compliments of WestJet; all ground transportation, including shopping trips into Ocho Rios and all meals and drinks -- plus a personal and private experience with the Jamaica Dogsled Team and all of the nature adventure tours from Chukka Caribbean Adventures all-day, every day. Wow. Thanks to everyone who came out to support the team, great party and looking foward to next year!

Mush Mon.

2008 Sheep Mountain Lodge 150 Sled Dog Race

Newton will start the season racing in the 2008 Sheep Mountain Lodge 150 Sled Dog Race, December 13-14, 2008. The first of 50 teams will head out from Sheep Mountain Lodge at noon on Saturday.The race starts and finishes at the Sheep Mountain Lodge, three 50-mile legswith two mandatory 5-hour layovers at the Eureka Lodge. The Sheep Mountain Lodge is located along the Glenn Highway between Palmer and Glennallen about 2 hours drive from Anchorage. If you're in the neighborhood come root for the teams.

Mush Mon.

Newton Trades the Dog Yard for the Zoo in Calgary

Newton took some time to visit the Calgary Zoo when he was in town for the Team fundraiser, and mugged for the camera doing the now familiar "Lightning Bolt" pose in homage to fellow Jamaican and Olympic Gold Medalist Usain Bolt. Newton had never seen most of the animals at the zoo and was in awe most of the time. His favorite was the gorillas and most of all the 4 month old baby.

Fundraiser in Calgary a Huge Hit

Newton Hans Gatt and Danny Melville came out to meet supporters and help Calgary party Jamaica style at a fundraiser for the Jamaica Dogsled Team on Oct. 25. Danny said this fundraiser "will help to cover the costs of our team for their racing season and after visiting Calgary this summer we decided it was the perfect place for a party." The team sponsors supplied great prizes including a dream trip to the team's home at Chukka Cove Farm in Jamaica with air provided by WestJet as well as items autographed by Jimmy Buffett from founding sponsor Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville.

Mush Mon.

Whooaa!

Look at Newton as those mutts kick off with the rig being tested for the PBS program Design Squad. ....can't wait to see this episode~
Hold on Newton!!!!

Smile for the Camera!

Associate Producer Michael Rossi of the PBS programme Design Squad, poses with one of the Directors of Chukka Caribbean Ltd Daniel Melville Jr and our very own Hannah Wright, Group Projects Manager.
Michael and his team were filming the JDT on Monday July 28th, for an episode of the TV program which will air very soon on PBS.

PBS Design Squad-shooting and soaking up the sun in Jamaica with the JDT!

Jamaica Dogsled Team Joins with "Design Squad" TV Show

The Jamaica Dogsled Team is teaming up with the Emmy award-winning reality competition show DESIGN SQUAD! DESIGN SQUAD on PBS (pbs.org/designsquad) features two teams of three aspiring college-aged engineers, led by 20-something host, inventor and mechanical engineer Nate Ball, as they work on a design project. We asked the cast to design and build snow sled rigs for dryland training that can be used on grass, but feel like they are running on snow. The two designs built by Design Squad's competing teams will be tested and judged by Jamaica Dogsled Team members Newton Marshall and Damion Robb, and the winning rig will be used in the team's summer practice sessions to help them prepare for winter competitions.

The episode will air soon on PBS - keep checking back here for more information!!

Ranchman's

From bobsled to dogsled: Danny Melville at the famed Ranchman’s in Calgary, Alberta, Canada admiring a permanent exhibition of the Jamaica Bobsled Team’s gear 20 years after that team’s historic participation at the 1988 Calgary Olympics. Ranchman’s played a co-starring role in “Cool Runnings” the feature film based on the Jamaica Bobsled Team. Melville was on-hand for the Calgary Stampede.

Pictured left to right: George Davidson, Consultant, RepeatSeat Ltd.; Aaron Wyers, Operations Manager, Ranchman's; Danny Melville, founder Jamaica Dogsled Team, CEO Chukka Caribbean Adventures; Bob Christianson, C.O.O. RepeatSeat Ltd.

Eastwood

Dr. Richard Watts checks out Eastwood

Health update! Eastwood, a member of Newton's dog team who went with him on the Percy and will be going to the Quest, has been having problems with his eyes. Susie Rogan looked on as Dr. Richard Watts, optometrist extraordinaire in Whitehorse, examined Eastwood and found that he has a cloudy cornea secondary to a high ocular pressure (glaucoma). With Timolol .5% medicine given twice a day to reduce the pressure, Eastwood should be back for a checkup later this week to make sure he is recovering well.

Dr. Watts said "Eastwood was very calm and behaved better than the majority of human patients I have to work with!"

Ken on the mend!

Three long months ago, Ken broke his wrist coming back from a fishing trip - and he's still on the mend! This picture shows Ken's 12th cast, decorated in the colors of the Jamaican flag, which should come off just before the 4th of July.

A few new pup pictures!

Pretty-eyed Cheers, 5-31

Mini-loggers! Blossom and Clem

Mercer and his big paws, going to work!

Recent pics of the pups

Here are a few recent pictures of the pups. We have changed the name Goose to Blossom and the male named Otto is now Merlin.

Ken Davis
Elfstone Kennel

What's mom eating?

What's mom eating?
Stella

Puppies everywhere

My head just won't fit

Fat thoughtful

Cheers getting a hug

Hello....Thought I would give a puppy update. They are all doing wonderfully and Crystal is still taking great care of them. The cuteness factor is very high. All are eating regular food and starting to ween off of Mom. The pic titled 'My head just won't fit!' is of Mercer trying to swallow Stella. Take care. Ken

DOgGy DiSH-PINKY~

Pinky-The Deaf Dynamite

Our blue eyed adventurer is very playful by nature. She is interested in playing with anthing and everything; birds, paper, grass-you name it! She'll try to get your hand in her mouth (just to warm and wet them up), to let you know that she likes you.

Distingushing Trait: The prettiest blue eyes on this side of the world accompanied by the pinkest mouth (hence the name pinky).

Pet Peeves: K-9 Crowd. Pinky is very particular with who she choses to play with.

Interesting Fact: When she craves attention, she turns her butt towards you so you can rub the small of her back.

DOgGy DiSH~COVE

Cove-The Hugger

Having a bad day and all you need is a little hug? Come visit us at the JDT, we have our very own official hugger-that's what we think anyway. Meet Cove, she just needs to sniff you she'll gear up to give you a great big BEAR hug (YEP-species confusion).

Distinguishing Trait: Cove wiggles and shakes her entire body all day long. She's just so excited to meet new people and get visits from her human friends.

Pet Peeves: Stray Goats

Interesting Fact: Cove led the entire team off trail during a practice run just to chase a goat (which was way out of sight)

First-born pup christened Kearney

We liked Kearney, Ontario so much that we named the 1st born and biggest male 'Kearney'. He is the only one named as yet. They all have started to open their eyes and walk around a little as of today. Took these pictures today, April 22, 2008. Take care. Ken

Ken Davis
Elfstone Kennel
Saginaw, MN

Crystal's pups will open their eyes any day now

Hello...The pups haven't opened their eyes yet but will any day. Some have started to try and stand up. Crystal is eating well and very happy.

Ken Davis
Elfstone Kennel
Saginaw, MN

Jimmy Buffett hits the snow with a sled dog team in Quebec

After rooting for the young mushers of the Jamaica Dogsled Team all winter, Jimmy Buffett, the team godfather hit the snow with a sled dog team at Mont Tremblant, Quebec to the tune of "Mush Mon." "Now I can swap 'mushing' stories with Newton and Robb on my next visit to Jamaica," said Buffett.

Newest JDT crew

We had to move Crystal and her crew; they are calling for 30-50 mph winds and blizzard conditions, Thursday night through Saturday, 14-18” of snow. Crystal and all the pups are now in the downstairs guest bathroom (Robb’s) and are quite comfortable. All are gaining weight and look good. Hard to believe these guys are only 1 1/2 days old. They're huge!

Donna will take everyone to the vet this morning at 8 to have Mom & pups checked out plus take care of dew-claws. This is only our 3rd litter so we tend to go overboard on everything. The official count is 6 males and 3 females.

Ken Davis
Elfstone Kennel
Saginaw, MN

Newest JDT crew member!

Feeding time-early 4-10

What a cutie in Mom's tail

Look at our champs~

Newton and Robb can't get enough of the paparazzi!

Official JDT superstars. Both have made us incredibly proud. Hey, is it even safe to put Jamaicans on the snow? All that Heat!!!!

He's Baacckkkk!

OMG-Newton is finally home, everyone was happy to see him! The team is reunited and you know how we do in Jamaica-all smiles all day.

9 beautiful new pups at the Elfstone Kennel

Crystal had a total of 9 puppies. There are 3 white with black, 3 black & tan, 2 grey & white and 1 brown. Haven't done the male/female check yet since it is pretty cold out right now. All look about the same size and sure are making a lot of noise :). Crystal seems to be an excellent Mom.

In the one pic the 9th pup is under her leg, I checked!

Ken Davis
Elfstone Kennel
Saginaw, MN

Crystal's pups are on the way.

Starting to get the new truck ready....meanwhile we're having fun.

**Crystal started having puppies yesterday evening....about 4 PM and has 8 right now (2:30 AM)...all happy, big and healthy.

Ken Davis
Elfstone Kennel
Saginaw, MN

Proud mom-to-be Crystal expecting 8 or 9 pups by April 12

Hello....the Vet said Crystal was going to have 8 puppies for sure and maybe 9. They are all looking good and healthy from what we can see from the X-ray. We will be seeing pups by April 12 at the latest. Crystal's tail was wagging the whole time she was at the Vet....she loves the attention.

Ken Davis
Elfstone Kennel
Saginaw, MN

APTN Interview with Newton at The Percy finish line

Check out this wonderful interview on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network Primetime News by Roxanne Livingstone with Newton at The Percy before and after the race.

Mush mon.

The Jamaican SuperStar!

It's all smiles for the Jamaican superstar as he shakes hands with Larry Bagnel, MP of the Yukon Territory in Ottawa, at a local banquet.

Student and Trainer

Hans and Newton pose for the camera by the Hans Gatt/Jamaica Dogsled Team truck.

Both student and teacher entered the 32nd Running of the Percy DeWolfe Memorial Mail Race!

Newton and Eastwood pause for the camera at The Percy Finish

Susie is right, Eastwood is looking mighty comfy in the sled bag at The Percy finish line. He must have pulled the snow over Newton's eyes for a free ride! Mush mon.

Newton Wins "Sportsmanship Award" for The Percy

Just got back to the hotel from the banquet and Newton did himself and Jamaica proud. Besides winning 7th place, which is the first money position paid, Newton was voted by all the other mushers as the best sportsman on the trail and won the ' Sportsmanship Award' for his friendliness and helpfulness to other mushers on the trail. Pretty damn nice!!!!!

Two French videographers did a private 7.5 minute video of the Percy and near the end interviewed Newton about how he sings reggae songs to the dogs while running on the trail. For the rest of the video as background they played " One Love" ....it was very moving!! It was a great evening for Dawson dog mushing and a proud night for Jamaica.

Danny you should be especially proud of your determination to see this venture through blood, sweat , tears and yes cash, to this point but I'm positive you and Jamaica have only seen the beginning of a wonderful human and canine interest adventure that will continue for many years.

One mush,
Dick

Susie from the finish line in Dawson

Hi Danny and all,

The race was FANTASTIC! Hans said the Americans in Eagle loved Newton. They were so into having a Jamaican there as a dog musher! Of course Newton read the food board and asked for the Curried Chicken.

Newton gave lots of interviews on the trail, well lot's for up here on a dog race anyway, so I can tell you some of the things I heard him say to the people. First, he said he sings to the dogs to get them moving faster. They asked what he sings and he started singing a reggae song right there in the check point, dance moves and all. It was just great. He was there in his big parka with his dog team behind him. They asked if he could sing as he left the checkpoint but I don't know if he did or not.

Newton said that the race was very tough but enjoyable. He said the glaciation was the worst part, having the dogs skidding all over the place and his sled fish tailing downward toward the jumble ice, (which is brutal by the way - you have no idea. It's like four foot chunks of steel sticking out of the river at all angles.) But he said he made it and liked it.

Hans was debating whether to wait for Newton at that particular point because even in his opinion, it was really bad. Then he thought no, Newton's on his own and this will really test his skills and his ability to keep going. It was dark at the time as well by the way, making it just that much scarier and worse. Also, Newton lost the trail on the river at one point. That might sound like no big deal because after all, you are on a river. But this river is a km wide at points and that is not even the big deal at all. The problem is that at some places in the center or even close to shore, it is open water. You fall in that and you are dead. Next worse thing to the open water is the jumble ice as I described above. It can ruin the team, the sled, and the musher. You tend to bounce over the first two or three chunks then you smash into one.

There was very little rest. Newton ran a hundred miles straight, then spent 6 mandatory hours in Eagle, Alaska, during which time he had to feed the dogs twice, massage injured shoulders, take care of feet, put out straw etc. plus eat himself and then get the whole outfit set up to take off again which takes about 45 minutes if you really know what your doing, just on its own. As a result, Newton had about 2 hours to himself over 2 one-hundred mile runs. He said he slept about 1 h 45 minutes, then was up looking after the dogs again. Welcome to the Yukon Quest.

Anyway, Newton wasn't even tired when he got into Dawson. We think he's going to make it on the Quest.

Newton came into Dawson with Eastwood in the sled bag, that being his largest dog. Eastwood looked a little too comfortable in that sled bag! There were lots of good pictures.

John Stewart had a great run too, and most importantly they are both qualified for their 200 mile race for the Yukon Quest now. They came in far ahead of the required time limitation behind first place so they made it easily into qualifying. In fact, out of 16 mushers, Newton came in 7th, meaning he did very, very well especially for a FIRST serious race. Most would have rested a lot longer in Eagle, waited for daylight and so on, but he took off right on time.

That's all for now.

Take care all, it was a great race and there is a lot more to tell, lots of laughs and so on.

Susie

Newton Finishes 7th in The Percy!

Guys, I can't get anyone on the phone in Dawson....but from the official results
Newton is 7th, in a time of 24hrs and 44mins. This is a wonderful result;
the winning time was 22hrs and 20 mins. Hans was 4th with 22hrs 58mins.

Newton has now completed one of two qualifying races for the Yukon Quest. I
can't tell you how proud I am of this young Jamaican braving -20C and racing
on a sled for 24 hours........try it if you think it is easy.

More when I talk to Susie, Hans and Dick.

One mush
Danny

Newton on his way in The Percy

Newton and his team began their run in The Percy at 10:14am PDT. According to the Dawson City page on the Yukon tourism site it's -21C -- that'll get anyone mushing!

Keep track of Newton in The Percy with Google Earth

The Percy DeWolfe Memorial Mail Race is now underway. There are live hourly updates on Google Earth. Very cool, check it out just click the link from The Percy homepage (thepercy.com).

Go Newton.
Mush mon!

More on Crystal from Ken at Elfstone Kennel

Crystal was born March 23, 2003. She is always on the right side in the photos of Robb's team. She is due April 11 with her first litter. Right now she looks like a big sausage with legs. Cute as can be. She either has 4 big ones in her or a whole herd. Not sure which.
Top: Donna with mom-to-be Crystal
Bottom: Crystal in action on Robb's team

Ken (proud papa)
Elfstone Kennel
Saginaw, MN