Summer of Sorrow

This morning the woman who I feel contributed more to the Chinook breed than anyone since it's founder Walden, died of breast cancer. I was privileged to be able to call Joyce Maley of Hurricane Chinooks a friend. Joyce championed the breed when there were fewer than 100 Chinooks and no one knew anything about them. She continued to do so until her death. Joyce won more National Specialty Best of Breeds than any other kennel and placed more dogs in Top Ten as any other breeder.  Her dogs have become well known for their excellent movement and the wonderful pedigrees of hip ratings, some with two and three generations of OFA Excellents.  Her bloodlines have provided foundation stock and contributed to the bloodlines of virtually every other Chinook bloodline in existence today.                       In 2003  I needed a stud for McKenzie. There were no unrelated males on the west coast at the time so, I asked Joyce if I could borrow Janacek. To think of it now, I am amazed.  Joyce and I had just met. I obviously knew nothing about breeding. Janacek was the most titled Chinook ever and Joyce lived in South Carolina. Joyce still agreeded and three months later BrownStone Chinooks was conceived. Willy and Lupin were fathered by Janacek.

In 2003 and 2011, Joyce traveled to Seattle with a van full of Chinooks. In 2011 she had 15 dogs. I believe there were even more in 2003. Joyce had just completed chemo and radiation prior to her 2011 trip yet never let on she was ill.The breed will miss Joyce's tireless dedication and campaigning for Chinooks. I morn a friend. 

2011 Chinook National Specialty - Joyce with Hurricane Tafarri. Me with BrownStone Koyuk.