Jameson

Sponsored by Patrice and Jack

Of the nine puppies, Jameson was always the one that reminded me the most of his mom Aurora: it’s his intense eye contact, his stoic serious personality, his post-feeding whining and talkative voice, and his slight social awkwardness. It’s possible that Jameson is even more serious than Aurora, and Aurora is one of the most serious dogs I know. As a puppy, Jameson was stubborn, challenging, and wildly intelligent. I knew as I spent time with him and trained him and bonded with him that if I managed to cultivate trust, we’d go places together.

Jameson was the first yearling to indicate he wasn’t ready to run with the big dogs in big teams. He started getting overwhelmed, would look back at me with the kinds of emotions you don’t want to see in a sled dog. My first thought was the wrong one: maybe he isn’t cut out to be a sled dog. The next thought, after talking to my friend Al, was recognizing that he was stressed—take the pressure off, give him a break, and build up his confidence.

Right around that same time, I created the puppy team, a true puppy team that runs shorter miles and has no real goals other than positive experiences. I started rotating the yearlings in lead with Foxtrot, and by chance one day I put Jameson up there.

Jameson seemed to calm down and focus more once he was in lead. He was more energized, and something seemed to click. Some of it was also likely due to Foxtrot, a happy go lucky and hardworking dog—the kind of dog who’s positive attitude is contagious to others, a calming influence. Unintimidating, he’s the kind of dog who is perfect for training puppies. Jameson co-lead almost every run he ran with the patient and happy Fox.

The Jersey Shore pups have always distinguished themselves by wanting to make good decisions. I’m finding they also have a surprising emotional sensitivity, almost like they can psyche themselves out by overthinking. Not quite from their mom, not quite from their dad, but something that will take time.

For most of the 2020-2021 training season, Jameson had to be in lead. I say ‘had’ to be in lead because if he ran anywhere else he’d lose focus and drive, but put him in lead and he stayed driven and consistent.

As a two year old, Jameson just might do best in lead solo. Having single-led a few runs he has the same focus and drive, and directs all of his energy forward rather than occasionally messing with his co-leader. Jameson, of all of the dogs in this litter, is the one I have sunk the most emotional energy into, creating a clear-voiced connection.

Good boy, Jamie.

In naming the litter after the Jersey Shore, it was not just about the location but about the memories of the place in general, and in honor of my cousin Suzy who had passed away the day the pups were born. Suzy was a party girl, and I knew one pup had to be named after her favorite adult beverage. Which, of course, was Jameson.

The Jersey Shore litter was named in memory of my cousin and godmother Suzy, who died the same night these pups were born after two years of fighting cancer. Suzy was a relentless cheerleader for me, and loved all the dogs, and took great pride in her Jersey Girl-ness.

Born: 7/26/2019

Aurora (Stielstra) x Zippo (Hendricks): Jersey Shore, also known as the ‘Lilliputians’

Race Record

2022
Wilderness 35: 1st place
Laconia Open Class: 8th place