MANY COLD AND SNOWY(ISH) WINTERS AGO…
OUR PASSION FOR “DOGS HAVING FUN” BEGAN
SO WE MADE A PLACE FOR YOUR DOGS TO HAVE FUN ALL DAY TOO
Welcome to Cool Runners, where your furry friend’s adventure begins! Inspired by the spirit and endurance of sled dogs, our dog daycare, training, and grooming business is designed to provide a fun, safe, and stimulating environment for your canine companion. Whether they’re dashing through our spacious play areas, learning new tricks in our expert-led training sessions, or getting pampered in our grooming spa, your dog will receive the care and attention they deserve. Join us at Cool Runners and let your pup experience the thrill of the run!
OUR STORY BEGINS WITH…
ONE HUSKY (THAT TURNED INTO 17!)
AND A VERY PATIENT WIFE
A husky seems like a good idea. famous last words.
Growing up, my family always had dogs. There was Scooter the Pomeranian and Harold the Miniature Schnauzer. But our most influential family dog was a German Shepherd named Crash. He was full of energy and needed an outlet. When I was 17, I began rollerblading alongside Crash as we raced around our neighborhood. He loved it and anytime I touched my rollerblades he would begin barking with excitement. Out of curiosity, I began timing how fast we could make it around our “trail.”
By the time I turned 24 I was fresh out of college and looking to get a dog of my own. Enter: Koivu, the world’s worst puppy! Koivu, a Siberian Husky, completely changed my life. His dad happened to be the lead dog on a recreational sled dog team. I never wanted to have a sled dog team, I had spent 5 years in college learning how to edit movies. But Koivu’s persistence soon had me heading down the right trail. Before his first birthday I found myself back in school taking a course to become a dog trainer.
While in school I volunteered at shelters and rescue groups and saw all the dogs in need of families. I told myself if I ever DID start a sled dog team it would consist of all adopted huskies. Enter: Fleury, Spezza, Mandy, Chara, Roenick, Mikko, Cookie, Backes, Marleau, Kaiya, Bure, Juneau, Yashin, Teemu, Hossa and Nanook. Their ages range from 2 (Hossa) to 16 (Koivu). Each dog has a story that is too long to type! Our “Breakaway Siberians” have competed in 17 sled dog races to date. I met my wife Leah because of Koivu and we have two wonderful boys: Lucca and Brady. Koivu even helped deliver Brady – no joke!