Native
Jonathan Nathaniel Hayes has spent more than two decades breeding, training and mushing Seppala Siberian Sleddogs from his home in Saint David, Maine. The dogs are uniquely special to Hayes because of their storied history as direct descendants of Togo, who was the lead dog that helped musher Leonhard Seppala deliver lifesaving medicine to a remote town in Alaska during a diphtheria outbreak in 1925.
“My dogs are true Arctic Spitz breed dogs, not the mix bred racing huskies,” Hayes explains, noting that their coats are thicker and their pads are tougher. “The colder it gets, the faster they run and the better they perform.”
As a trained wildlife biologist who focused on canids, Hayes says Nutrition is one of the three essentials to having a successful dogteam, with the other two being Genetics and Training. It was on a weeklong, 285-mile dogsled expedition across Maine’s remote Northwoods that Hayes realized he needed to find “better kibble” for his team — and landed on Native dog food.
“I was feeding my team another leading brand of kibble and supplementing with meat,” Hayes recalls of the expedition, of which a documentary called True North Legends of Dogs and Men is currently being produced. “After day two, my team refused to eat the kibble from that brand and would only eat meat. It was then that I knew I needed another, better kibble. I converted them to Native and the team has been thriving ever since.”
Hayes feeds his team Native 4 during the active winter season, and relies on Native 2 and Native 3 during the off-season. He saw results quickly that immediately impressed him.
“The team finds the food more palatable,” Hayes says. “And because of its dense nutrient concentration, they eat less, produce less stool and keep weight on easier.”
Hayes has written four books — including a children’s book about Togo that was published before Disney released its 2019 historical film about the sleddog and Seppala. Hayes has eight children who are all passionate about mushing and raising awareness for their heritage sleddog breed. He is helping to raise money to have a statue of Togo erected in Poland Spring, Maine, where the notorious sleddog died at the age of 16.
“For me it’s about honoring Togo and Seppala but also drawing attention to how special this breed is and how significant they are historically,” Hayes says.
He is proud of his role as a Native brand ambassador because he knows the ingredients are superior in many ways to brands that are specifically made for dogsled teams.
“I’ve seen the results first-hand,” Hayes says. “And Native does not need to be ordered from across the continent because you can pick it up at local Blue Seal feed stores, and often at a much more competitive price.”
Continental
Kennel Club
Whether you are a first-time dog owner or a seasoned dog breeder, CKC are committed to empowering you with the registration services, canine education, and practical resources you need. As a registry founded by dog breeders, they understand the economical and legislative challenges that breeders face. They provide ongoing support and affordable services to make the business of breeding a bit simpler. Their membership experience is equally rewarding for dog owners, including valuable benefits and resources to ensure a lifetime of faithful canine companionship.
27 Wolf
Photography
27Wolf Photography specializes in Pets & Families, Nature, and Fire Services photographic shoots.
They are based in Jackson, Tennessee and have been serving happy clients for over 30 years.
Cultro
From a simple one page website to an ecommerce store or an online community or classifieds site. Cultro can create your ideal online presence. Cultro is a full service media company and looks after Hosting, Domains, Graphics, Social and Online videos. Cultro can also show businesses the best way to use AI to maximise growth and profit.
Lakeview
Restaurant
Lakeview Restaurant is comprised of a lounge with full service bar, a patio with breathtaking views of Long Lake while you enjoy mouthwatering selection from their appetizer and beverage menus.
The campground features facilities that are brand new, restrooms that are clean with hot showers, dumping station – honey wagon, laundry and propane gas.
Our available activities will keep the entire family occupied doing what they enjoy, making your vacation very special.
Poland Spring Resort
Since 1794, guests have been drawn to Poland Spring Resort’s clean air, pristine water, and breathtaking scenery, often describing it as a slice of heaven on earth. The resort takes pride in its welcoming, home-like atmosphere and the exceptionally friendly staff who make every stay memorable. Poland Spring is also honored to be listed on the National Register of Historic Sites.
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