Name: Gary Oke & Lucy Teal
Member since: 2015 No of Dogs: 13 Dog(s) name(s), sex, age(s) and breed(s): Geeze Emma, I thought you said these questions were easy!! :D Loki, Male, Husky, 6 Tia, Female, Husky, 8 Kaala, Female, Husky, 5 Honey, Female, Husky, 5 Dylan, Male, Husky x Heinz variety, 5 Ludo, Male, Husky, 3 Rocky, Male, Husky x Bassett Hound, 6 Khaleesi, Female, Husky, 3 Pixie, Female, Husky, 2.5 Vixen, Female, Husky, 2.5 Finn, Male, Husky/Mal/GSD, 19months Roxi, Female, Husky, 4 Sasha, Female, Husky, 19months (phew!!) Occupation: Gary ; Self Employed running a Doggy Daycare Centre. Writer, producer and performer for a horror entertainment company. Lucy ; Dog Walker and K9 Hydrotherapist, Writer, producer and performer for the same horror entertainment company Lives in: Glossop Dog sports participated in: Gary ; Canicross, Scooter, Rig Lucy ; Canicross, Bikejor, Rig Question 1: How did you start in the sport? Gary ; After getting Loki in 2011 I soon realised that a normal trot round the block would never be enough for him and an off lead roam in the hills was out of the question so after researching found canicross was the way forward and it grew from there. I remember a friend of mine at the time joking that before I knew it I would end up with 6 Huskies, a van and a rig. I told them not to be silly, I would never have more than 2 dogs.....I now have 13 Huskies, 3 vans and endless equipment. Lucy ; I BLAME GARY (*Emma note – I am laughing a lot!!) Question 2: Which was the first dog/dogs you raced? Gary ; My first proper race was with Loki at the 10k Thunder Run at Catton Hall in 2013 Lucy ; Honey at 10k Thunder Run at Catton Hall Question 3: How did you come to own your dog(s)? Gary ; I got my Rottie Juno from Manchester Dogs Home in 2010 and noticed there were 10 Huskies there. Having known a Husky owner/breeder previously I knew they were a specialist breed and thought it was strange there were so many in a generic rescue. So when I got home I did my research, found out they were a breed in crisis so decided when she was settled that Juno's companion would be a Husky. I then got involved in Husky rescue and am a rubbish Fosterer (in a good way). Lucy and I then started racing multiple categories and found we were quickly running out of options for dogs to run so the pack grew :) We changed our jobs to fit 100% round them so we could accommodate more rescues dogs. Lucy ; I TOTALLY BLAME GARY (**Emma note: hahahahaha) Question 4: Interesting fact about your dogs - Some early members of our pack had behaviour issues or had no interest from people to be rehomed. Some were 'aggressive', 'feral', 'escape artists', 'unhandlable', 'destructive'...etc..etc. I'm not saying we haven't had our issues with them but we've found that working them in dog sports and as a team really has helped overcome their issues. Our core pack truly does amaze us. Question 5: Interesting fact about yourself - Gary ; I've worked with Duncan Bannatyne on a TV Show Lucy ; I used to be a Butlin’s Redcoat and was an Olympic Torch Bearer in 2012 Question 6: Biggest achievement in a race Gary ; Had a disastrous day one in a race (going the wrong way and being over taken by an ex foser dog I trained) to then doing so well in day two I actually managed to place. Lucy ; When Pixie and Vixen came in they were extremely scatty. They had been put in a kennel for the last 6 months of their lives and only thrown scraps of food and had no human contact. The Fosters before us did amazing work but they were still very flighty when they came to us. They couldn't walk on a lead and collar and we had to keep leads on them in the garden to catch them when they went out for a wee. Last year I ran them in their first ever race, in Novice canicross category and they were absolutely amazing. Would have placed if I'd have not chosen to run 'not for competition' ;) Question 7: Dogs favourite treats - Natural Chicken Strips (I'd get the name of them but if I opened the cupboard right now there would be a riot). Question 8: Favourite Song Gary ; Iron Maiden, Number of the Beast Lucy ; David Essex, Hold me Close Question 9: Favourite Film Gary ; Flatliners Lucy ; Labyrinth Question 10: Favourite cake Gary ; Carrot Cake Lucy ; Anything but Carrot Cake (YUCK!!) **Emma note; and this is why we love our NATB members :)!!
0 Comments
One of the NATB members completed a very tough run earlier this month, Cliffy describes his day in his own words - we are super proud of our 2 and 4 legged members for completeing this "nutty" event!!!
Team Tea left home at 3am for the drive to Talybont on Usk in the Brecon Beacons. Wanting to join the M4 at Reading finding the junction closed lead to a diversion through Reading !!! So the military precision timing was going to be off slightly... The pups we're loving their new accommodation in the MB conversion cages and it seems to have had the added bonus of stoping Stanly from singing the entire journey. Arriving in the dark we were directed to a local farm for parking which proved to be a great spot for the support vehicle where Sally and the other pups would wait & support from base camp. Starting at 0800 the first 12 miles were evil . We had a steady up hill for three miles before turning onto a narrow very muddy track strewn with stones and very steep! We then came out onto the side of the first mountain and proceeded to climb up into the fog at the summit. What goes up must come down as we descended to the valley floor , this was the routine for those first 12, with more stiles than I could count !!!! On reaching checkpoint three we had a few miles of uphill again but on a stoney cart track. Checkpoint four at the furthest point out and a steady return towards Talybont , thinking a steady downhill to the finish was in order, but no we took a turn and then climbed back up to the ridge for checkpoint five at 22.5 miles ! This was so hard and then a downhill in a rock infested stream bed where the focus was not to turn your ankle. After an undulating run on the Taff Trail we finally reached the Brecon canal meaning the finish was nearby. The hounds we still running well and we finished in 5.26 mins for a distance of 28.2 miles , Stanley was ready to go round again !!! I finished 38th overall and 9th vet. I can safely say this was the hardest, most extreme course I have completed to date! Sally was tracking me on find my iPhone and panicked at one point cause the signal was appalling so she thought I had got lost or fallen down a hill. Thankfully I literally appeared at the finish just as the signal came back. Lovely to be greeted by the wife and NATB support club namely Izzy. BSA New Forest
At the end of November Emma, Roy and Petra attended the BSA New Forest event. A firm favourite with the club it was a great weekend. After arriving super early they were pleased to bag pole position for parking for the weekend, right at the top of the hill! This event was a nemesis for Petra, it being where last year she had a bad fall off her rig causing a back injury. So her plan was to just complete the course and not go for any records. Emma was racing Hannah’s boy Oki in Bikejor and the woos in the Freight class. All set and with temps below zero the dogs were all bouncing! This course is 3.4 miles of safe wide fire tracks. Emma went out first with Oki who ran like a dream, his first ever bikejor event and he loved it! The young man completed it in a very respectable time of 15 minutes. Petra went next in the 4 dog rig, she successfully completed the course in 19 minutes, crossing the line with a look of relief and euphoria as her fears had been beaten! Finally Emma took part in the 2 dog freight class, the woos trundled round in a respectable 25 minutes. Day 2 saw cold temps again and super keen dogs, Oki flew off the line and was catching up the team in front of him when Emma realised she had picked up a puncture, absolutely gutted for him as he was going faster than the previous day having realised he could catch people up! With just 0.9miles completed they had to return to the van. Oki was a tad confused so Emma decided to give him a run out in the Rec class at the end of all classes, this being a class where you can run any extra dogs you have with you, or younger/older dogs. It’s a 2 mile course, to ensure Oki didn’t think it was normal to stop and turn home a run out in this class was needed and enjoyed! He loved it and showed he is going to be a great dog as he matures. Petra again completed the course successfully on the Sunday, only running 3 of her dogs this day as her girl had misbehaved a tad the day before! More training to not focus on the wheel of the rig required! The woos completed the course the second day slightly slower than the day before - no surprise there, day 2 is never their strong point - unfortunately they are typical Mals who think you are crazy to ask them to do the same thing 2 days in a row! Roy was his normal Mushers Mucker helpful self, ensuring we had the extra hands where needed and supported us hugely. A great event which was run like clockwork, huge thanks to Matt Eames and his team at the BSA. Results Bikejor Emma Giles - 12th place 4 Dog Rig Open Petra Broadbelt - 6th place 2 Dog Freight Emma Giles - 4th place Today the NATBs would like to remember one of our 4 legged members, the beautiful Dushka. She was taken from her family far too soon and unexpectedly earlier this month. She owned Kelly, Isabelle and all the Thompon family. She was a beautiful mal with a lovely temperament. Kelly has written some memories down of her beloved girl.
Dushka was born on 22nd April 2010 and came home with us at 8 weeks old. She was our first mal and the start of all the mushing madness. She was in charge of the pack keeping them all in line and ensuring all new toys were defluffed and de squeaked before anyone else was allowed to play with them. She was always a great steady dog out on the rig, not built for speed but an amazing wheel dog who would drag you through anything. Last year when Isabelle became old enough to take part in the treks Dushka became her trusted trekking partner. They made a great team, they looked out for each other and they were amazing to watch. As a team she helped Isabelle to become the youngest musher to complete a trek in the UK making her even more of a star. She was out training right to the end doing what she loved with her mini musher. We all miss her desperately - Thank you Dushka for being part of our lives, we will always love you x ------------------------- When God had made the earth and sky, The flowers and the trees. He then made all the animals And all the birds and bees. And when His work was finished Not one was quite the same. He said, "I'll walk this earth of mine And give each one a name." And so He travelled land and sea And everywhere He went, A little creature followed Him Until it's strength was spent. When all were named upon the earth And in the sky and sea, The little creature said "Dear Lord There's not one left for me." The Father smiled and softly said "I've left you to the end, I’ve turned my own name back to front And called you Dog my friend.' ------------------------- Huge apologise for the delay on this blog, life has taken over recently so everything is a tad delayed!
So Halloween weekend saw some of the NATBs attend the hotly anticipated Checkendon Challenge Halloween event - and we were NOT disappointed. What a fun, welcoming and well run event (as always). This event is always a firm favourite but there was something special and extra friendly about this weekend which made it extra special. The NATBs are working with the husky rescue SHWA (Siberian Husky Welfare Association) so we all camped together, ensuring a friendly atmosphere and fun evenings. Ma SHWA (Kerrie) organises with military precision the food for all who camp and the NATBs greatly appreciated and enjoyed their hospitality for the weekend, so we pass on our huge thanks to them for making our weekend extra special. The NATBs in attendance did well but more importantly enjoyed the sports they take part in with their dogs Sally organised the auction for the charity being supported by the event this time round which was the Fox Hound Welfare UK, what an amazing auction which raise £1200.00!! an amazing figure that is going to be very hard to beat. Everyone who took part did so with great support - good effort everyone :) So the result, which to be honest are not important, the fun factor was, but i still have to report on them! Results Male Scooter Cliff Tarrant - 2nd Female Scooter Gemma Bond - 4th 2 Dog Canicross Izzy Powys - 4th Emma Giles - 5th Female Bikjor Emma Giles - 10th Sally Tarrant - raced NFC with Gizzie on first event ever - well done :) Canicross Midlands had their first event of the season on 24/25th September which saw a few of the NATBs attend.
We have done something different for this blog and have got 2 self written “diaries” from 2 members who attended – enjoy! Helene Pettit – The course was different to last year to avoid the long finish next to the lake; only half the lake this time. Good course with a couple of small hills but mainly flat with some rough terrain, lovely chunks of course by the lake for dogs to dip into or in the case of Emily Thomas, to go in herself!! I narrowly avoided being in myself purely by a blade of grass! Isobel was off to a cracking start on day 1 I didn't see her start day 2 but a great finish both days and a good time as well which I think surprised her! Emily I didn't see as she was running after me but she had a great finish both days, lighting up the finish in her cherry leggings J I had a great run day one despite being nervous on the downs after my fall there last year and on day two I was hoping last year's didn't doom this year's; the good news is it didn't and I was off to a literally flying start, plus scream, I'm sure courtesy of the nonstop belt I borrowed off Emily. Lovely venue, gorgeous weather; day 2 course shortened due to humidity, brilliantly organised by the canicross midlands crew. Isobel Powys I reached Box End at about 6 ish after a bl**dy sh*t journey, M6 and M1 pretty much crawling pace the whole way. I tried to walk the course before it got dark, just made it. Flo was really scared, with the water sport stuff going on. She calmed down on the walk. Made myself a massive dinner once set up, in the hope it would see me through to the race. This race, my first of season, and the earliest I've entered a race after lazy summer. Because of the heat the races were set early. I'm not good at early. But managed to crawl out of bed to feed Sam and Flo at five-ish a small meal. Got myself up at 7ish, for the hundred pees for me, between taking the dogs for their pee's and poo's, and my ablutions. Warming them up, more last minute wee for me. Flo still not very happy, until I got her running harness out, and with that wrigglebum appeared. Sam thought we had to run everywhere, so we were dragged to the start. Our running order was just behind Helene. Off she went at her usual sh*t off a shovel pace. 20 secs later our turn, bl**dy hell dogs steady on! We gained on Helene, not for long of course, I had to slow down to shove my lungs in. We were overtaken fairly early, but that gave us a boost, however, I do get disheartened when peeps disappear into the distance. And then we met the first hill, not really a hill but still hill enough for me. I think we made it, down through the narrow path out in to the open only to meet a loose dog, lucky for me Sam is so nice and Flo was scared of the people the other side of fence, but off putting none the less. Not that I need an excuse, by this time my breathing is not great and I'm dripping in sweat. Wondering if I can go on, thankfully someone needed to overtake, so we could pull over pop the lungs back in and hitch a lift. It was a hill start so not the best lift. All in all I had to stop a couple of times to let peeps by and had to walk, till I could breathe again. And down hill towards the lake was nearly a swim but someone was in at that point, so Flo thought again, until that was the next clear spot to dive in, in we went. They had a dunk and a drink, then off again, on the long straight to the finish. Managed it in 26:56.6. Having that, really pleased, with that time first of season. Sam was amazing, steady as always. Flo missed having any muddy puddles to dive in and I had to run behind her in an effort to keep her ahead. But she did ok for her, the odd bounce towards other dogs. Our race over, time to relax and take a walk around to warm down. Sort the hounds out for drinks, put Flo out of stresses way, Let her hide in the caravan. Leaving Flo to hide in van, Sam and I went off to watch the rest of the races. Something heart-warming about watching the novice, vets, kids, odds and bods. Perhaps it is because cheering them on seems to count more. Or its cos my serotonin levels have kicked in? Back to van give hounds a short walk then another small meal. I had a snaky nap, before waking up to get ready to watch. Some of the peeps go to do the water fun activity. Which was worth doing, bloody funny, but you had to be there. (May give it a go sometime. If I don't feel too ancient). Cooked dinner, fed dogs, went over to BBQ with dinner, ate it, went back to get chair, chatted to Helene, got back just in time to get hot chocolate with Baileys (good girl), back to walk dogs, went to bed. Slept fairly well, but was woken by the rain in the early hours!! Fed dogs went back to sleep, woke up a little bit later, which would have been fine if I hadn't chatted so much. Still both dogs had poo's. As the course was shortened for Sundays race we could use first part of Saturdays course to warm up, still in good time for start of race. Perhaps in too much time, 'cos by this time Sam is off the wall, Flo joined him in between being nervous. They, mostly Sam wanted to have their go 'NOW', so I had to take them out of the line. (bearing in mind, as much as Sam loves agility, he will line up so chilled as to looking like he is disinterested. But once on the start, 'keen as'). It took a lot to hold on to them at the start, our best pace was 3.29min/mile, that was the start that they launched me at, we soon over took the person in front. I'm sure they were the only peeps we over took, and they had already scootered. There dogs kicked up a fuss as we pasted, I'm not used to the passing thing, we are usually being passed!! Even though the course was shortened, it meant we met the first hill sooner. On that hill Flo stopped for a poo, then later for a wee. I had to walk long enough to pop both lungs in and breathe again. They remembered they swim stop, so we were in the lake again, this time running more of it to encourage them to keep moving. I swear it wasn't any easier even though it was a shorter distance. My thighs hurt like hell. Over the two days. It is normally my right ham that tightens, Emily said I must have put effort in, I think I could have may be given a bit more. Second day was 3k done in 21:26.3. I still can't work out if that is better or worse than Saturday. Again really pleased with my hounds, Most of credit goes to Sam, 'good effort but could do better' goes to Me and Flo. I think we came 7th out of 9 on Saturday and 5th out 7th on Sunday. Making us 5th over all, in two dog.. Over the moon with that. This is a real mix, mind you had I'd done one dog in MF, I'd be in just about the same place over all. My first time at this venue, quite liked it. Staff at box end were brilliant. If you are a family into water sports (not kinky stuff), it is a fab place to visit..... There really ends my story!!! I am still laughing and I have read them many times – enjoy and well done canicross Midlands on another fab event J The fun begins again with the first Checkendon Challenge weekend mid September.
The weekend saw some good warm weather, which of course is not good for some of the double coated dogs so the organisers Jan and David ran a poll to ask people if they minded starting earlier at 7am. There was a resounding agreement to begin early for the good of the fur covered athletes! The weekend as always was fun packed, well organised and extremely well attended having sold out within 48 hours of date release! The NATBs attending were in great spirits and enjoyed catching up not only with their fellow club members but everyone else too. One member (Emma) was unable to race due to a shoulder operation so hopes were pinned on 2 newer members stepping up to the mark and run her dogs for her, which they did with great success and enjoyment - huge thanks to Hannah and Roy for helping Emma out! Cliff managed to fall off his scooter on the Saturday (don't ask!) and suffer a badly cut leg (photo below). However in true NATB style he didn't let this affect him! He went back out on the Sunday and managed another amazing time winning him the class! The weekend also saw an amazing £700+ being raised for the rescue SHWA - the NATBs partner with SHWA so we cannot say enough how amazing this value raised is :) Results were great as always and another fab weekend was enjoyed by all members. Results Bikejor male - Cliff Tarrant - 2nd place Roy Giles - 11th place Scooter Male - Cliff Tarrant - 1st place Scooter Female - Roxi Rose - 2nd place 2 Dog Canicross Female - Claire Spencer - 1st place Emily Thomas - 3rd place F1 Canicross - Hannah Giles - 5th place NATBs Claire and Elsie recently attended the CaniX Summer Splash weekend at the Cotswolds water park.
The weekend is meant as a fun social weekend with a short early morning race around the lake. The course was only 3K for both adults and kids, it was well shaded with plenty of opportunities to enter the water if needed. Only canicross was on offer and all classes were well supported. Claire ran in the 2 dog canicross extreme female class, winning both days and taking the fastest female time of the weekend. Elsie ran her little dog Tinkerbell in the Cubs class, coming second on day 1 but winning on day 2 giving her a big enough margin to win overall. The weekend was lovely and relaxed with plenty of opportunities for both dogs and humans to swim in the lake. Bit of a delay on reporting on this event due to holidays (not complaining!) but its important to advise the great effort made by members of the club to sponsor a fun dog show for a wonderful charity The Williams Syndrome Foundation. The event took place in Alton, Hampshire on the 30th July in Anstey Park and had the normal classes associated to a fun dog show. These were:
Best Puppy (3-12mnths old) Best Young Bitch – (1-7 years) Best Young Male – (1-7years Best Veteran Bitch – (7+) Best Veteran Male (7+) Best Fancy Dress Best Junior Handler (child age 0>12) Waggiest tail The show had a brilliant turn out and at only £3 entry per class it was great to be raising money for the charity. Each winner was presented with a rosette, chocolates, certificate and a bag of dog biscuits. Each class rosettes were awarded to the top 4 dogs. Judged by Mark Bird he had a tough job, especially choosing the Best in Show. He ended up choosing a beautiful German Shepard owned by the Beard Family and shown by their daughter Elsie who won the junior handlers class. She was very pleased to have won! We also gave out information and demos of the various sports we do with our dogs, it created a lot of interest which can only be good for the sport! We have agreed to sponsor the show again next year as we enjoyed doing it so much - well done and thank you to everyone who took part and supported the charity as well as to the club members who helped stage the event. On the 17th July Roxi and Cliff took part in the Midnight Marathon, unfortunately at approximately 8 miles Cliff had to drop out as Vinnie (also know as Jesus!) hurt his back pads, so Roxi powered on with her amazing Millie.
Roxi's own words after completing the marathon are - That was one of the hardest marathons I have done mentally and physically. The course was tough going and the humidity drained so much energy. The last 4 miles where agony after my back and knees went, but with plenty of water stops and racing against my head torch battery life we crossed the line. Millie was a superstar as always and can't grumble at a 5hr 30 time. Top dog! |
AuthorThe NATBs will be keeping you up to date on their members, their dogs and events for the 2015/2016 Season. Hope you enjoy! Archive
April 2019
Categories |