Hi friends! I want to introduce you to some other friends of mine. I think you’ll like each other very much.
As you know, I’ve had the opportunity to train in Alaska with the legendary Raymie Redington and his dogs. I can’t wait to go on an adventure with them.
Our girl Helli trained with the team and ran in the ceremonial start today. 
Now I’d like you to meet...
This is Kiwi, age 4. Goofy Kiwi is full of energy, all the time, and always wants to play.
He likes stopping (suddenly) to poop and expects the whole team to stop, too. But he can’t stand stopping when he’s not pooping.
The Berington twins gave him his name.
He likes stopping (suddenly) to poop and expects the whole team to stop, too. But he can’t stand stopping when he’s not pooping.
The Berington twins gave him his name.
On the left is Kiwi’s BFF Lance, age 7. He’s mature and super-strong, which is a great combination. These two love running together in wheel. Except that when Lance slows to poop, Kiwi barks at him to hurry up, and then Lance gets excited and hurries up and forgets to poop.
Here’s Roamer, age 4. He’s a team dog who’s pretty chill, which makes him good at conserving energy (rest!) and he’s made it to Nome several times. He gets along great with every dog on the team and he prefers that you don’t touch his feet.
There are a lot of dogpelgängers on the team! Are you ready?
Here’s Charley, age 7! Charley is a total powerhouse team dog. He’s shy with new people but loves ear scratches once he gets to know you. For reasons known only to Charley, he can’t stand Kiwi, but he runs well with everyone else.
I think Haley (age 5) is a Russian spy.
Whip, age 4, is Helli’s best friend on the team. He’s incredibly steady and motivated and he’ll flomp over for a belly rub as soon as you meet him. This is what he looks like when he’s waiting for his belly rub, please and thank you.
Yentna, age 5, is a superstar team dog who usually runs with Whip. He’s so steady and well-adjusted that I forget to think about him when we’re running, but at the same time I appreciate him every moment. He’s like the Clem of this team.
Yentna wants to remind you not to take yourself too seriously.
Bonus pic of Whip and Yentna lounging together during the W300
King, age 7, is one of my lead dogs! He’s an Iditarod veteran who led start to finish in a winning Kobuk 440, but he hasn’t let it get to his head. He’s just happy every single day when he runs. Blair says he is the softest dog on my team with an SDSI of 14.
Kate (age 7) is half of my fearless swing duo, which means she runs right behind the leaders, helping to set the pace and keep the team on track. She’s a curious girl who loves a good group howl. Lance is her brother.
Ruby (age 4) is the other half of my swing duo. She is all kisses and love when she’s not running, but once she’s in harness she will break your heart and ignore you completely because, excuse me, she’s working. This description is by Blair.
Senior (age 4) is an incredible leader and an absolute joy to work with. He’s brilliant and collaborative and is just as excited to run laps around a park as he is to run across Alaska.
Senior used to have a different name but Michi Konno loved him so much that he started calling him Senior, after Joe Redington Sr., and the nickname-of-honor stuck.
Seymour (age 4) is a huge cheerleader. I’ll put his booties on last at checkpoints, because as soon as he knows he’s running, he barks and howls and gets the whole team revved up. He also likes peeing on things and curling up in cozy places.
Noorvik (age 7) is my backup leader. She’s shy around humans and leads best in the open wilderness. Not to be confused with her sisters Cool Cat (Matt Failor and @lrainesktva) and Fake Noorvik (with Ryan R).
Last but not least! Tang (age 5) is one of the most well-mannered dogs I’ve met and is the best eater on the team. He likes it when you touch his feet and he always runs on the left side of the gangline. Tang loves massages.
And now it’s time to get up and get ready! #Qditarod
