The "double-L litter" were born in our farmhouse in Spain, Masía Maurí in the Prepirineo foothills. The sire of LLOP, LLUNA and the rest was Doug Willett's famous "Hank," HERCULES OF SEPP-ALTA (by Ash of Markovo ex Alma of Sepp-Alta) out of our foundation bitch KARCAJOU'S DREAMA OF WINDIGO (by Xephyr of Sepp-Alta ex Ali-Sons Vixen of Seppin). It was the enthusiasm and desire to run of these dogs that convinced us to return to Canada where they could better fulfil their destiny as sleddogs.
As we trained them as yearlings in the Yukon, it soon became apparent that we had three leaders out of the five we had kept! LLEO, LLOP and LLUNA each had his/her own distinct personality. Isa began running LLUNA and LLOP at double lead; on their bad days they became known as "Airhead and Bonehead"! LLUNA had a tendency to be dizzy and distracted, LLOP to be stubborn. Nonetheless, the pair established their credentials as fast, strong leaders in spite of personality issues.
LLOP became such a fine, fast leader that he was promoted to the job of leading Jeffrey's eight-dog strings, while LLUNA tended to stay with Isa's six-doggers. LLOP's speed and heart were soon matched with the rising young star of TONYA OF SEPPALA. Together they made an unbeatable lead pair, reinforcing one another's strengths. TONYA always loved to "race" the dog beside her and she specialised in connecting up the "places where we lope," thus improving our times. LLOP found that quite to his liking and seemed very happy to be paired with a young co-leader whose watchword seemed to be, "Hey, let's RUN!"
Eventually as LLOP grew old his position beside TONYA was taken by her young daughters HAPPY and later MOKKA. LLOP went back to partnering his sister LLUNA on Isa's teams in the sunset years of his career. Finally he retired to housepet status, living in the log cabin with Isa. His sister LLUNA went before him over the Rainbow Bridge, but had only four months to await his arrival in the fields of gold. LLOP was the most affectionate male Seppala I ever owned. The icing on the cake was that he sired a new young leader i n LIZAVETA OF SEPPALA who may well outshine any of her predecessors. For all you gave us, Lloppie old fellow, we give our heartfelt thanks to you! And to you, SEPALLUNA-Ji, bright star -- watch over us all until we shall be together again, blessed spirit.
