It all started when we adopted 'Teaka,' a Lab/Husky cross, from the SPCA back in 1991. Teaka was Rick's fishing buddy, almost always accompanying Rick on his fishing trips out West. Teaka passed away on January 10, 2005 at the age of 14 1/2 years old. We miss her a lot.

In 1994 came 'Tasha,' a purebred Siberian Husky. Jackie wanted to compete in obedience trials, but crossbreds were not allowed (since then the CKC has instituted PEN #'s to allow non-purebreds to compete in performance events). Getting a Siberian Husky to do obedience is often considered an oxymoron - but Jackie's obedience instructor at the time was proving that wrong with her own Siberian. Tasha, (OTCH Sirius's Anastasia on Ice CGC) also showed that a Siberian can indeed be obedient (most of the time!), earning multiple High in Trials and being the #1 Siberian Husky in Canada for obedience 4 times.

When Jackie decided she wanted to get another Siberian for obedience she started looking at working lines of Siberians. Karen & Mark Ramstead, Northwapiti Kennels, were aspiring Iditarod mushers at the time (Karen is now an Iditarod veteran - first Canadian woman to finish the race with purebred Siberian Huskies, including show Champions) and had a very exciting litter planned. We went to Northwapiti Kennels for a visit and were offered an opportunity to run our own 6-dog team on the Ramstead's trails. That one ride clinched it for Rick - he wanted his own team of Siberians! Tucoldturain Siberian Husky Kennels was born that day.

In 1999 we moved to our current acreage and began the process of building our own dog sled team. It is a journey that we have been thoroughly enjoying ever since!

Rick Austin & Jackie Wepruk