Meet the Musher: Becky Loveless

Tell us a little about yourself and your kennel.

Dashaway Kennels Roy, Washington..( the wet side)
Currently 10 running dogs, aging Alaska Huskies.
61 year old Grama...been running dogs 38 years.
Sprint and mid distance. 6 dog middle distance class is my favorite these days.
1988 I started Alpine Outfitters sled dog Equipment,
Worked on a few Movies, raised a family and handled for my husband Joe.
10 years ago I sold Alpine Outfitters to take care of and spend more time with Joe who passed from cancer 18 months ago.
I am still running dogs, sewing again and loving my grand kids. This sport has given me an incredible life and l look forward to helping the sport grow and see what's around the next corner on the trail.

What introduced you to dog mushing? What was your first experience like?

1984 The local club NWSDA got my name and address from a local dog show program ( I was showing my first Siberian husky).
We were invited to an introduction to sledding.
We brought our dog and watched as he was hooked up.and run. 8 months later we decided to get just 1 more dog to show. It turned out the couple that ran our dog were the puppy sellers. We instantly connected with them, the both ran teams and encouraged us to attend a local dryland race. We were loaned all the gear and a few dogs to fill out a team..and so it began.

Describe the dogs on your team. What about them do you enjoy the most?

I currently have 7 running dogs. Alaska Huskies.
I love the way they connect with me and each other.
It took a lot of years for me to figure out how to achieve thier authentic respect. I love feeling we can go and do anything together.

What does your training regimen look like? How long are you on the trail with them?

It get challenging every season as more and more people move in around me. Those areas are disappearing.Dryland is what I have year around.
I do travel to British Columbia, Canada and train on snow. Staying with friends
My runs are from 1 - 4 hours..camping with the dogs is my passion these days. Dryland or Snow.

What do your dogs do in the off season?

Being from a milder climate we can run longer albiet on dirt.
Daily free play, I put up a small pool for All of us.

What has been your most memorable experience as a dog musher?

6 weeks in Alaska helping a friend train her Iditarod team. It left a longing for more trail time there.
Running under the shadow of Denali, making new friends and many miles and hours behind an amazing dog team.

What’s your advice to other mushers?

Connect with a mentor, I had many and still do.
Connect with a mushing club, group...it will benefit you greatly. Ask questions!
Be realistic about the lifetime commitment to the dogs
Time and Money! It also affects all the people around you.These days you can have 1 dog and still have an exciting fulfilling experience in the sport..