The process of outward diffusion of the nascent Seppala Siberian Sleddog breed is now well begun. (No, I'm not talking about the fake pseudo-Seppalas from S-L and S-A and the IXXXC... I'm referring here to the real deal, the Canadian evolving breed that has been a-building since 1997.) Up until pretty recently, the real Seppalas have been found only at Seppala Kennels, at least in any significant numbers. Now SK must face the prospect of cutting back and allowing worthy breeding stock to pass its gates into the hands of younger and inevitably less experienced breeders. It is at best a painful process.
Bitter disappointments seem to be part and parcel of the "satellite kennels" scene. There's the guy who tells himself "MY kennel could never suffer from an outbreak of parvovirus!", ignores experienced warnings and loses a crucial litter to the disease. Then there's the fellow who tells himself that Seppalas are so primitive that no attention need be paid to whelpings, leaves a pregnant bitch in her uninsulated doghouse in -30° Celsius weather when her time comes, and one morning finds her attempting to nurse a litter of frozen newborns -- and then tells everyone, "I'm afraid she wasn't a good mother." Or the one whose valuable stud dog runs loose every few days because his owner can think of nothing better than Quick-Links for putting chain tackle together. Or the person who thinks the animal pedigree association that serves the breed is a dictatorship, and decides that a one-member autocracy is the best way to build the breed. Not to mention the various individuals who decide that the rules should not apply to them, only to other people. Or those who decide that stud service or stock purchase agreements are meaningless and that it's unreasonable for the central kennel to expect them to pay for the dogs they agree to purchase, or to return those taken on loan to flesh out their novice teams for a season.
And yet, there is nothing for it but to soldier on. It's either that, or give up on the whole question of Seppala survival. Probably a thumping majority were always in agreement with those who insisted that it was WRONG for me to remove my dogs from the rigidly closed stud book of The Canadian Kennel Club, that I had no right to decide the future of my own dogs, that it was my obligation to provide unappreciated Seppalas to the showdog Siberian Husky contingent forever, even though none of them valued them enough to undertake to preserve the bloodline themselves. Yet to agree with that majority would be to condemn the Seppala lineage to oblivion by assimilation into the showdog breed population.
So, yet again, tiny groups of precious broodstock go to the vet, get their health and rabies certificates, are loaded into trucks, and travel to new locations. Who knows which of these spots -- if any -- will eventually become new stars in the Seppala constellation?
When Markovo Kennels dispersed thirty-five Seppalas in 1975, only ONE of the new owners achieved any sort of permanency or made a major contribution to the future of the bloodline -- and that solitary one-dog purchaser eventually dominated the Seppala world. Not for the better, IMHO. That person laid waste to the fruits of the Markovo rescue programme and set things up for a second try at Seppala extinction.
Still, the Leonhard Seppala strain survives, by the skin of its teeth, in spite of everything, of all the cards in the deck stacked against it. Will it now survive the new dark ages upon the brink of which our society seems at the moment to hover? Or will it even survive the transition to younger hands? These things cannot be known...
Posted by ditkoofseppala at July 10, 2009 09:28 PMOK. Poetry remains a valid language & form of communication too, agreed. So you got me in the mood finally. Here's a few strains of up to the minute verse of my own--
It's Time
To 'Put More Money
Where Your Mouth Is'.
Forget the Propaganda Emails,
The Poetry (however good or evil),
The Words Themselves--
Forget them.
It's Time.
Open the Wallet.
Reach In.
You Know Where to Send It (The Money, with the DNA).
(Not To Me, of course.)
'Nothing New And You Know It'.
'So Be It'.
Let Me Hear
The Results
Please.
Peace & Love,
Susan
From a SSSD supporter to another SSSD supporter,
Why in this world should you read
Something else than I write sincerly
May be I am an incomprehensible poet
Nothing new and you know it
So be it
Why in this world should you listen
To your own or someone else's songs
May be I am living far from your stereo
Nothing new and you know it
So be it
Why in this world should you tell
What I should do, write, think or not
May be I am an egghead that is not yet full
Nothing new and you know it
So be it
Why in this world should you be replying
To my public words, poems and calls toward you
May be I am going to where sharing meets something
Nothing new and you know it
So be it
Why in this world should you look at
What I am doing with your own glasses
May be I am someone who is different
Nothing new and you know it
So be it
Why in this world should you close your eyes
When I've been telling you up front everything
May be I am of those who are doing what he can
Nothing new and you know it
So be it
Why in this world should I gee back
Towards a trail I've been running into
May be I am of those who know where the loop is
Nothing new and you know it
So be it
Why in this world should you stay chill
When my heart beats for brother & cousin dogs
May be I am an unconditional part of the family
Nothing new and you know it
So be it
Why in this world should you feel
That I am and acting like anyone else
May be I am just myself and unperfect
Nothing new and you know it
So be it
I couldn't do it without others
Because others are important and worth efforts
And I am always taking time for them as I can
Nothing new and you know it
So be it
I am not sit on a fence
Because it has never been a comfort zone
I still run into the race that worth being run for
Nothing new and you know it
So be it
I am not away from the table
Because my table has to be filled everyday
And this is my first responsability
Nothing new and you know it
So be it
I am doing all of this for the ones I love
For the ones I call bests
The ones I take care everyday
Nothing new and you know it
So be it
Sincerly, wholeheartly, directly, redundantly
Thanks for everything
Nothing new and you know it
So be it
JM
Posted by: JM Belanger at August 5, 2009 03:45 AMJMB;
Re: "I couldn't do it without what these people have done."
Point remains, you still can't do it without what these people also remain doing.
I mean, 'Thanks' is great, but it sure does mean something different when you're saying it while backing away from the table vs. walking toward it. So, IMO, what you're really saying is more like-- 'Thanks, but NO Thanks' (which, in this context, would remain a very mixed message at best, and at worst more 'professional fence sitting', IMO).
And sorry to be short if I am being so. But I've had the flu this week and have damned little energy left to think and concentrate on the welfare of others outside the home kennel. So I'm just using as few words as possible to say what I am thinking, that's all.
Regards,
Susan
From a SSSD supporter to another SSSD supporter,
Trust and faith are much important.
And a musher who lives where and when he is.
Should know what those two values mean.
Often in a remote country during cold time.
Alone with his dogs and family.
That he calls friends and partners.
From the place where he hooks his sled and stretch the line.
To the moment when he harnesses his companions on the line.
Togo in the woods and trails, alone or with others, quiet.
His trust, he gives it in his inspiration, equipment and dogs.
His faith, in his previous work, readyness and a coming back .
All together, in one piece, with happy dogs and his emotions.
Living this way is the essence of what I do.
Doing it that way is the way I decided to live.
Who in this world can judge of who I am.
My only intention here is to say thanks.
To those who have done it through the ages.
Those who are ready to move on, to go somewhere else.
Because no matter how I spread my yearling's bird wings.
No matter how I express myself through reality.
I couldn't do it without what these people have done.
For me and for the ones I love.
Forever, day after day, ever, now and today.
The best I can, for the ones I call bests.
This is my mission with dogs.
This is my way of sharing.
This is what I have to write.
Thanks.
JM
Posted by: JM Belanger at August 2, 2009 03:31 AMJean-Marie, I don't understand what you mean.
Let's drop the metaphores and all, my question will be simple, hope your answer will be too:
What do you want to achieve by posting on this blog?
Posted by: Joël Lefebvre at August 2, 2009 01:58 AMJean marie,
Pretty words as always!!
You should be a poet.
But you see all of what you described can easyly be resume in 2 words trust and faith.
As human we are lucky,at least we dont get eaten when we enconter untrustfull or unfaithfull humans.
From India
Regards
Rejean
To a SSSD supporter from another one,
Learning to fly is, by its nature, a tough process for spring's bird.
This could be looked at as being inelegant or unsmart from human eyes.
Imagine how it is from the own "yearling" bird's eyes and body perspective?
Some fall down, break a leg or a wing and are swallowed by wolves and dogs.
Others touch the ground, take a deep breath, to get back in the air right after.
And sometime, one is getting up in the air and get it the first shot.
Leaving the nest, either by instinct or as being the result of a push.
Is always a courageous and a necessary action to assure adaptation.
Assuring that July's skies will cary swallows eating flies and bugs, altogether.
And us, human, when we are witnesses of such things, what are we doing?
Happens all the time here, where comfortable swallow nests are all around the place.
I did evolute in the way I was treating birds, listening to my sons and family members.
If men are wolves for man... and man-wolves into the nature of things... where should we go?
If man are wolves for birds... and man-wolves into the nature of things... where should birds go?
And if man are wolves for dogs... and man-wolves into the nature of things... where would they go?
In my own real world, dogs are dogs, birds are birds and man are man...
But how good would it be if we were swallows and be eating flies and bugs by dozens...
But how good would it be if we were dogs and eating swallows by the dozen day after day...
Everyone has its own perception, reality, truth, hunger and thirst of things.
Do we all have to be ones like the other ones to carry what others are carrying?
Spread your wings and learn to fly, rain or shine, and then, lets get to the buffet by dog sled.
If they are SSSD by what has been done since 1909, 1930, 1969, 1975, 1990, 1997, 2009.
Then, "we'll" have done something human, good, useful and true to get there...
Because "our way" are not the "highway", nor the "no way" nor always "gone far away"!
Posted by: JM Belanger at July 30, 2009 04:30 AMSeems this was written while I was preparing my truck to load another tiny group of YOUR CHILDREN and travel to Minnesota.
Yes That's right JEFFREY'S CHILDREN!
Do the other commentators here understand that?
Do the supposedly slighted thin skinned (in my view) supporters understand that?
I think not.
I will be doing my best to live by the standard of W.W.J.D. in all aspects of the care and raising of your kids Jeffrey.
And at the same time strive to become a dogman that even you might turn to for advice.
W.W.J.D. That's - What Would Jeffrey Do.
And I Thank you for your faith in Shelly and I
I am familiar with the Seppala Story ...
it is one of endurance of faith!
Feel the strength in truth-it is unmistakable and unstoppable!!
The road is not easy, nor are there directive signs...it may be dark,and cold, but you will find your way!
lisa Joy banzhof
ssdca/issr
Shiloh Shepherds
Being the only guardian of a little canine population probably put a lot of weight on the shoulders of you and your wife.I don't want to sound negative, but, since there isn't much serious supporters of the breed, and since past experiences had shown that Seppalas are often mixed with mainstream or dispersed when new owners make their own path over the years...I don't see very shining stars for the futur of the Seppalas.
I found it frustating to have lost members that had the potential to be futur crucial breeders in the devellopment and evolution of the SSSD.
The cooperation between the supporters is the most important thing for the futur of these dogs for now....not anyone can support an entire population like Mr Bragg do.
When will people still stick to the project after buying breeding stock, instead of going on their own?
Jeffrey, putting these dogs into others hands is probably a necessity, now. Many of your stresses and struggles this past winter have come from being forced in to the position of having to do way too much with way too little. I've said before and continue to say, you have dedicated Project supporters; don't alienate them. Please exercize some forgiveness. I know it's got to be hard to put your life's work and greatest treasure into the hands of those less capable, but I read this blog and was saddened. You had a beginning once, too. Which one of us, running or breeding dogs, has never made a mistake, even some serious ones? And hopefully we learn from them. People will learn more effectively with gentle leadership, not public malignment. These people have continued to support you through thick and thin; of course they are dedicated to the dogs!!
So let your dogs go; I think you will find that in the end, it was the necessary and correct thing to do.
Ruth
Posted by: Ruth King at July 28, 2009 04:08 AMAfter spending an hour reading back through your blog, I am amazed that you are still sane enough to put your words together so eloquently. Your struggles are huge and your energy amazing.
I see the similarities with the Shiloh Shepherd breed evolution, and it is a hard road to comitt to. But the rewards far outweigh the pettiness and meanness. Tina mentions you on our forums and encourages us to follow your story.
Please continue your qwest for this amazing breed. Hold your supporters close to you and try not to waste valuble energy on the rest.
You are a good man, trying to do right by these dogs and the breed as a whole. My prayers are with you as you struggle toward your goals.
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle Schubring at July 27, 2009 11:12 PMIt takes many people to save a breed or bloodline. In the end just one person working alone cannot save or reserect a breed or bloodline with out either having a kennel of 200-300 dogs or having a kennel of 50 dogs and loosing the genetic diversity that was the goal in the first place. Working with others, education, mentorship and not alienating experienced people, especially those who have that bloodline, is what will keep the dogs viable.
Posted by: Shanz at July 27, 2009 09:24 AMOver 10 years ago Tina B dropped a link to one of your articles on her Shiloh Shepherd email group. Your article confirmed for me what Tina was doing. So many parallels that I wish the geographic distance between wasn't so great.
I've stopped by online through the years to see what was up and remember that pup you told the Shiloh folks about a while back. Sure would be easier without all the people problems, but the dream, the drive, the vision is about the dogs.
Hang tough, you never stand alone.
Posted by: Corinne at July 27, 2009 02:14 AMMr. Bragg,
No matter how you do perceive reality, allies and/or rivals.
Your past or present locations, countries, failures, successes as per ours.
Through supportive or desperating people emails, Websites, pictures, phone calls, languages, provinces, visits, deadlines, politics, religions, values, ethics, associative works, quietness or simply things reported by others that could have been each other's friends or rivals.
There are still people who do care much, day to day, month after month, year after year, about SSSD and "your ideal".
SSSDs as you lived and do live with them, researched about, report their history, integrate this information, present it in Websites and/or educational tools, put hours into having a legitimate Association in Canada and many other things as per how they are different and the reason why they are who they are.
I do recognize that they truly are the "Authentic Siberian Sleddogs". Never Alaskan. Never comfortable as Husky and not "it" anymore.
They are the dogs you have loved and have given, along with others, your life for. The right way / the hard way. Twice!
SSSDs as they are now in our kennels, training companions in the trails of our life, fields or forests. Interesting animals with a renewed old soul but always bright eyes.
Evolving through what they are in 2009 - 100 years after their first import. Generous prime sleddogs and / or old friends.
Part of history through our own researches. Part of present days through their own performances, own speed and ours, as we often are the "slowest ones".
Nothing is perfect. I am the first to say I'm not. Living in an ideal world is, after all, an utopic ideal. But doing our best for our bests is, realistically, the only thing we can do.
I want to take this rare opportunity to thank you, with no sarcasms nor irony, for all you did for them and for me.
A new era is raising. With its risks and challenges. So be it! You're a Great One.
Sincerly,
JM Belanger
Posted by: JM Belanger at July 26, 2009 05:40 PMI, too, am with Tina Barber and her ISSR Shiloh Shepherds.
Your article is very touching and speaks to the same kind of trials and tribulations Tina has had to endure.
Those of us who stand by Tina and her vision also stand, in spirit, by you and your vision. We have some understanding of the enormity of the problem and how sometimes you can barely hang on to your dream.
Wishing you, the honest people who help you, and your Seppalas all the best.
Posted by: Pam H. at July 26, 2009 03:42 PMHang in there. It's hard-hard-hard, but if you believe in your dogs, you can't give up. Educate your new owners, provide them the best support you can, and pray a lot.
Best wishes and prayers for events to break your way.
Posted by: Laird at July 26, 2009 12:06 PMI am not a breeder but I do love the TRUE dog. I hope you continue to fight for the pure breed you are developing. You should take pride in the fact that your dogs are stunning. One could get lost in the gaze of their eyes. Take heart and stay strong, you will prevail. Many regards.
Posted by: Kelly at July 26, 2009 09:12 AMPlease don't give up. I have been associated with Shiloh Shepherds for a while and Tina Barber went through nasty trials also. There are good people out there to help.
Posted by: Susan Trim at July 26, 2009 09:10 AM>
Don't give up!! I know exactly how you feel, but you WILL survive -- just put your dogs in the Lords hands!! & when you feel down -- read about MY horrors -- then know that we are getting stronger all of the time!! WE SHALL OVERCOME!! ;-)
Posted by: Tina Barber at July 26, 2009 07:59 AM