Rita Antoniak
64 YEAR OLD YUKON QUEST Musher
Nationality:
Canadian
Current Residence:
Fort Smith, Northwest Territories
Occupation(s):
Retired
Kennel Name:
Nivek Kennel
Kennel Name Origination:
Husband’s name, Kevin, spelt backwards, “NIVEK” :)
Breeds:
Tagish Lake Kennel (Michelle Phyllips + Ed Hopkins)
# of Dogs in Kennel:
19
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Musher Question & Answer

How many years have you been running dogs?
35
Tell us about your dogs, particularly some stories or facts about dogs running the 2022 race with you

Most of our dogs are older dogs from Tagish Lake Kennel who would love to run the YQ100. Give them that racing thrill again and take a few rookie dogs and a rookie musher too! In the line-up look for wonder woman the “super dog”, Isis the goddess of many things, Silly Caesar, Nimble Ninja, big Saki boy, gopher hole digger Oakley, plus our rookies to be determined.

How did you get started running dogs?

In 1982, NWT winters were too cold to cross-country ski so we got some sled dogs instead. We knew nothing about running dogs and acquired 3 dogs. We didn’t have a leader. After running in front of our 3 dogs numerous times and having the dogs stop every time I did, I agreed to purchase a leader. We bought Turock. He became our teacher and really taught us the basics.

What do you love most about running sled dogs?
  • The thrill of being on the sled is propelled by dogs.
  • The cold, silent trails shared with the dogs.
  • Successfully maneuvering windy, twisty dog trails.
  • The challenge of running multiple dogs all with unique personalities.
How did your dogs get their names?/ How do you choose names?

Most of our dogs came from Tagish Lake kennel so they had names already.

What music do you listen to on the trail?

None!

Share a quick story about one of your indispensable Handlers

My husband Kevin. He handles for me and I handle for him.