In 1995 Laika became the first Alaskan Malamute bitch in NSW and the third bitch in Australia to get her Companion Dog Title. She followed this up in the same year with her Australian Championship to become CH Diomede Mai Laika CD, the first bitch in the country with both of these titles.
(Photo courtesy of M. Burke)
Also during this period Laika greatly increased her
regimen of “tricks” and started working on the higher levels of
obedience trailing including directional retrieve and scent
discrimination. She is capable of retrieving any object, metal or
otherwise.
(Photo courtesy of M. Burke)
In 1997 Laika ran in her first sled dog races. Malamutes are not a speed dog, but Laika's abilities amazed me, even with myself as a "lazy" sledder, she came mid-field amongst the faster Siberian Huskies. Laika and our other kids have enjoyed a number of visits to the snow over the years, and sledding on snow is really FUN!
In 1999 Laika completed the requirements of her Working Pack Dog Title. To achieve this she had to walk 64 kms with one third of her body weight in a pack on her back in bush conditions. Here she is on one of her training days prior to the packing expedition.
Still even as an 8 year old Laika still manages to win in the show ring. Here is her first outing as a Veteran and her BVIS at Forster CH Show August 2000
But never forget, Laika is my very very special girl, and always my companion first. Here she is enjoying a quiet moment with her "Mum".
