Gary and Kris Johnson live just west of Cambridge. Their kennel, named Atajuq (meaning "faithful" in
Inuktitut) consists of thirteen Malamutes - eight adults and five future team members.
They picked the name Atajuk from the material Terry Miller brought back from her stay on
Baffin Island.
Kris was introduced to the Malamute by a local Siberian breeder, who put her in touch with Linda Dowdy. She was convinced she wanted to own a Malamute and eventually became the owner of Fire 'N Ice Limited Edition.
Kris and Gary met when they were both working for Knapp Woodworking. Gary had been interested in the breed, and it was this mutual interest that drew them together. Gary wanted to learn how to work the Malamute in harness. Up until then, Kris had concentrated on the conformation and obedience show rings.
Kris and Gary were married in 1993. Daughter Makayla was born in 1995. They are active members of both the Cambridge Minnesota Kennel Club and the Minnesota Malamute Club. They each run their own team, and this year daughter Makayla made her debut in the mini-mush event of Snowflake Days. In addition to sharing an active life of working and showing their dogs, they also enjoy four-wheeling and camping.
Gary has served on the board of directors for both the Cambridge Minnesota Kennel Club and the Minnesota Malamute Club.
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Copyright © 1997 Linda Dowdy, last revision 000216