Puppies and a New Job!

Hi everyone,

I apologize for how long between posts it has been. I have been as busy as a one armed coat hanger, and Kaia has been busy too.

I have gotten a new job!
About a month ago Tim Hunt contacted me and asked me if I would be interested in working for Dr. Tim's in Europe. I played it cool and said (very cooly) YESYESYESYES OHGODYES. He was impressed with my coolness and after interviewing with him and VP Denny Zogg, I got the job and started cracking! My official title is Barry Siragusa Boy of Destiny.
Ok, Not really...
My real official title, (honest) is European Representative for Dr. Tim's Premium Petfood.
I am basically the sales consultant for the working dog market for all of Europe!
I am thrilled and have been having a blast since I got started. After sending the emails letting all the "little people" know that I would not forget them on my rise to the top, and the following emails apologizing for letting it all go to my head, I have gotten hard to work getting Dr. Tim's into the market and stomachs of sled dogs in Europe.
Thanks to Tim and Denny for the vote of confidence!

Yesterday we picked up some puppies. Two to be Exact. Ben and Jerry are their names.
We considered Chunky Monkey and Half Baked, but in the end we went with the mundane, and Ben and Jerry it is.
The pups came from Trond Ørslien and Anita Pettersen. They are super friendly and beautiful pups. We are very greatful for the chance to corrupt young minds.

Updates as events warrant!

Home again and a new Sponsor!

Hello everyone,

I am home after 16 days in the US.
I had a great trip home. It was great to see friends and family, and meet some new friends. I met a big fluffy puppy that eats rocks, a big white dog named polar, and his brother who should be named Alpine but who answers to Big Al. All three are the newest members of the Mornington Crescent gang. Caroline and Andy have there hands full with those big fluffies.

I got to spend 4 full days with my grandma and that was wonderful.

I have been back for almost a week. The dogs are all looking great. Kaia has done a wonderful job taking care of the dogs while I was gone. They all look sleek and happy, just like they should.

Orion has officially retired and moved to life as best friend to a 2 year old and couch potato.

Soka and Langbein have been busy making puppies. I was up to Hjerkinn yesterday to pick Soka up from Øyvind Mortensens. Øyvind cooked great food, we took a sauna, and went out training some dogs.
I managed to sneak a dog away from Øyvind for the winter. Miss is her name. She is still settling in and a little unsure, but we are sure she will be fine in a few days.
She's a small gal so I was able to sneak her away in my jacket...

We are hoping to start training again within the next few months. We are waiting for the last of the dogs that are not ours to leave, and then we will be going full blast with our own dogs and our own programs!

We are pleased to announce that Ropphaugen Huskies has gotten a new Sponsor. Cody Strathe of Dog Paddle Designs will be sending an awesome sled over to us this summer. We are very excited to be working with Cody and we are sure that we will turn some heads with these awesome new sleds he is making! Barry will be racing the Dog Paddle Designs sled this winter.
For you norwegian sport fans, Cody will be at the Hakadal Seminar in August. Come and see his sleds and meet the man behind the magic.
Check out Cody's website here

Since Kaia and I will be racing at the same time, Kaia will be driving another sled. She will be running with a Tera sled made by Slovakian LGO champion Milos Gonda.

I hope everyone is having a great summer.

Cheers, Barry

USA, Puppies, and Cake Eating

I have been in the USA for the last week. I flew over after the death in the family. Since arriving here, I have been working hard with Dr. Tim's Premium Pet Food to get distribution deals in place in Europe.

It has been good to be back in my childhood home again for a visit. I was sorry to miss our friend Natasha Vindings confirmation, while I have been here. I wish I could say "Next time".

While I have been away, Kaia drove to our friend Oyvind Mortensens, to get Soka bred to Langbein, and we are hoping to have puppies within a few months! Kaia was the Ropphaugen delegate to Natasha's confirmation and, I am told, ate enough cake for the both of us. Which, for those of you who have seen me eat cake, is no small accomplishment.

I will write a more in depth update as soon as I am back in Norway.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful springtime!

Updates as events warrant