Willie-Charlie
Most dogs have one name but Willie-Charlie isn’t most dogs. When we picked Willie up as a young pup in 2011 he was extremely skittish. He wanted absolutely nothing to do with Travis or I. When Travis went to load Willie into the truck the first time, Willie bit Travis’ finger.
At the time, a popular video was making the rounds. You’ve probably seen it: It’s called Charlie Bit My Finger. Well, ever since that episode Willie, has been Willie-Charlie.
When we got Willie-Charlie, Travis was still working forDallas Seaveyup in Anchorage. Travis couldn’t wait to show off the lanky long legged pup he’d just gotten so he brought him to work. As Travis pulled “Willie” from his kennel, Willie got so nervous he pooped all over Travis. Travis never lived that one down!
Three years later and Willie-Charlie has blossomed into one of the most amazing dogs in our kennel. Although skittish, he has found his place at the front of the team. He effortlessly takes commands, working alongside his nephew, Wrangler in lead. They are a dynamite pair up front who’s excitement never ceases. Willie-Charlie still gets shy from time to time, but has learned to trust both Travis and myself. Although a nervous dog, he has learned to calm down when we have guests and does especially great with children.
In 2014, Wille-Charlie finished the Copper Basin 300 and started his first Iditarod. Unfortunately, Willie-Charlie caught a nasty stomach bug and had to be dropped due to severe diarrhea. Our friends Robert, Mary, and Carly Meachum who helped with our dropped dogs last year were kind enough to take care of Willie when he was under the weather.
Now a year older and newly trained as a leader, we are excited to have Willie-Charlie leading the team.
Willie-Charlie really is one amazing dog. His relatives in our kennel include his sister Fidget and his nieces/nephews: Wrangler, Trunk, Penny, and Meena. His other nephews, Levi & Carhartt have played a crucial part in Nicolas Petite’s kennel. We are excited to watch Willie continue to grow in our kennel and are looking forward to his continued progress!
