For me the dogs are at the heart and soul of everything. Every year I spend thousands of hours with them: training, feeding, letting them run loose, taking them out in the mountains for a walk. I usually have them out when I am doing something around the house so they can see what I am up to. They love to just be around and be a part of everything. In many ways they are my family.
Currently I have 14 adults and 8 puppies. One of the adults is a retired old man. He was the first husky I ever owned. I often laugh and say that everything is his fault. After guiding up north for a few years I took a break away from mushing. He made me realise that I missed having a team of huskies and that I missed being on the sled. Once I got him it did not take long before the others started to arrive.
Annapurna. She is one of the newcomers in the team along with her brothers and sisters. This will be the first year that she really participates in the training sessions and competitions. She is still growing and developing a lot, so for now she is taking it easy. She has grown a lot over the past months though! She is very sweet and very cuddly and to run and play with her buddies in her pen, they have a great time together.
Baloo. He is one of the youngest, born in the late summer of 2023. He amisvery cautious and very gentle. Of all the dogs in the pack, he is still the smallest in his head and is still very much a puppy. Recently he has been growing a lot and been super motivated. He is crazy about catching sticks, gnawing on legs, and also about cuddles and occasionally being allowed to sleep inside.
Bagheera. He is currently 3.5 years old and is by all means the most eager husky on the team. He literally lives to run. He is always happy, always wagging his tail and always has a lot to talk about. He is a giant cuddly goofball.
Bre. Another one who lives to run. The world around him disappears when he is in the team. Bre has a lot of character and can stand off to the other males. At the same time he is one of the biggest teddy bears in the pack.
Godfather 1: Lorenzo Muó. Godfather 2:
Bubbles. She has a huge personality and a giant heart at the same time. She is super driven, even though she is only 3 years old. She had her first litter this year and is doing a great job at nursing them.
Bull. The original husky. Bull is an incribly good-natured and loving dog. Until last year he was still running shorter trips with the team but now that he has well passed 12 years of age he is fully retired.
Dolpo. One of the Himalaya puppies and the biggest clown among his brothers and sisters. When he walks around the kennel, arms and legs are flying everywhere. You wouldn’t believe it, but he is also one of the most focused and efficient workers. He has a lot of energy, just like his dad Bagheera. He is also a big cuddler.
Dhaulagiri. In the kennel she is a shy little dog that prefers not to stand out too much in the group. Compared to my larger brothers or sisters, I definitely look very small. But when you put a harness on her and put her on a line, she becomes completely different. She has an enormous drive, a lot of motivation, and works very hard. She is already very good at leading, even though I am only 1.5 years old. I usually wait at the front for a training session because I really enjoy doing that. I prefer to gently place my paws on your shoulders to lean against you for cuddles.
Freke. Although with his 7 years of age now amongst the seniors in the pack he is still a true powerhouse. I often call him the kitty cat og the group as he loves to rub himself to the people he loves, just in the way a cat does. He is shy but once out of his shell he is your best friend.
Indi. This good boy has been the main lead dog ever since he arrived and is doing a great job at it. He is currently training a whole new generation to follow in his steps. Though he is 7 he is incredibly agile and strong.
Godfather 1: Yves Borms. Godfather 2: Yves Borms.
Lhotse. Also one of the newcomers in the team. Of all the young puppies, she is the most driven, most enthusiastic and the smartest. She am not only running in lead but she can also already follow the commands for left and right, straight ahead, and so on. She is always super happy when we go out for a run, and she is always ready to go right away. She has an enormous amount of energy, but also an enormous amount of love, and she really loves to come and get cuddles.
Mufasa. He is the brother of Baloo and ist he biggest of the entire group, even his dad Bagheera seems modestly small when he walks next to him. He is still very young and playful but at the same time he has a lot of enthusiasm and he really wants to collaborate with the team. He is always in a very good mood and happy from the moment he wakes up until he goes to sleep again.
Makalu. Of all the Himalayan puppies, he is the one that looks the most like his dad Bagheera, just darker in color. He is less ‘crazy’ and less hyper but definitely just as motivated and just as strong. He is very graceful and also a clever one, showing already lead dog potential. He is one of the biggest talkers in the group.
Mera. She is one of the sweetest, softest, and cuddliest little dogs in the group. Just like her sister Annapurna, she is still growing and developing a lot, so it will also be a bit quieter for me this winter. But she works very well and very happily! She is still very playful and often plays in her run with her buddies Annapurna and Mufasa.
Slush. One of the biggest boys in the kennel but very convinced that he is the size of a lap dog. He is incredibly gentle and sweet. His strength is incredible and he is a true working horse in the team.
Team Belgica 