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The Story of Rex of White Way, The Blizzard King
Gold medal winner in April 2013 in
Global eLit competition for Best in Animals/Pets. Silver medal winner in August 2013 in Animals/Pets-Nonfiction in a different EBook competition. Finalist, Regular Category,Single Breed Books--Dog Writers Association of America. If you like dogs and adventure stories, you will like Rex! An historical biography of a pure-bred Samoyed dog who lived in California from 1946-1957. Contains easy to read text along with color and black and white illustrations. Rex excelled as a working dog and is behind almost every Samoyed alive today in the U.S. He was involved in over 30 human rescues, worked on the U.S. mail run as lead dog, delivered the doctor to the 226 stranded passengers and crew aboard the snowbound City of San Francisco train at Yuba Gap near Donner Pass in 1952. Worked on a movie set and appeared on TV, was a show dog, won many freight and speed races and held the title "Stongest Dog in the World." A touching memoir that tells the story of how an underdog became a superstar.
Global eLit competition for Best in Animals/Pets. Silver medal winner in August 2013 in Animals/Pets-Nonfiction in a different EBook competition. Finalist, Regular Category,Single Breed Books--Dog Writers Association of America. If you like dogs and adventure stories, you will like Rex! An historical biography of a pure-bred Samoyed dog who lived in California from 1946-1957. Contains easy to read text along with color and black and white illustrations. Rex excelled as a working dog and is behind almost every Samoyed alive today in the U.S. He was involved in over 30 human rescues, worked on the U.S. mail run as lead dog, delivered the doctor to the 226 stranded passengers and crew aboard the snowbound City of San Francisco train at Yuba Gap near Donner Pass in 1952. Worked on a movie set and appeared on TV, was a show dog, won many freight and speed races and held the title "Stongest Dog in the World." A touching memoir that tells the story of how an underdog became a superstar.
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First published January 1, 2012
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April 13, 2013
The Story of Rex of White Way, The Blizzard King
Jim Cheskawich
Creating a legacy of a person you often begin with their childhood, education, goals and their contribution to society. Added in you might discuss their marriage, careers, and their final days. Sometimes you create a tribute to this person because they were notable in a specific field of science, politics, on the silver screen or television. But, one man decided to create a different kind of tribute or permanent legacy to an entire family, an entire breed of dog and to one special dog who provided, joy, love, safety, freedom and hope for so many. Rex of White Way, was more than just the Blizzard King. This amazing dog, called the Blizzard King was a Samoyed. Unique in that most thought at first glance that he was really not the typical Samoyed not tall enough, not good enough to meet the “standard for the dog show world’s Conformation Ring, because he was over the height standard, his coat was not what they thought it should be, and his legs were as they are referred to gangly Rex I guess would not win any dog beauty contests but he had hidden attributes and qualities that many people wish they did have or that leaders in our government might want to adopt.
Heroes serve as role models. Some overcome obstacles, injuries and disabilities. Rex was a pure-bred Samoyed dog who you might say was more than just an achiever. He reached huge heights in many areas. So, when reading this book and presenting the review I decided to skip over some of the beginning and get to the what you might say is the Main Event and tell readers about this dog. But, first some important notes from the Introduction provided by our author so that you, the reader can learn something about his past, his trainer and his breeder before taking the journey back in time and meeting Rex.
Rex according to reliable sources weighed from 62-70 pounds. This bog was in outstanding shape. He was fit, had muscles from working hard and definitely had a temperament that aided him in order to race, lead a pack of dogs, and earn the respect of other dogs in his team. Never challenged, questioned Rex was diligent, persistent, strong and calm. Rex did many things in his eleven years that most rescuers never accomplish. Imagine doing mail runs, working on a movie set and rescue and saved many lives. The author states at the close of the introduction that his purpose in writing this book was and is to “educate and inform the general public as well as the dog owning and dog showing public about Rex’s heroic life.” Not exactly a hot looking dog as some would say and referred to as an Ugly Duckling, once again appearances and physical attributes should not come into play when judging a person and in this case Rex. Learn more right now as we forge ahead with the story of Rex.
The author begins with the history of Samoyeds or as he relates the beginning. He states that the beginnings of this dog started over one thousand years ago. This is an exciting breed of dog. He includes much more in Chapter One about this dog, relating back to over 1500 years ago and the derivation of the name Samoyed, Polar Expeditions, Royal Connections, The First Imports to the United States and much more.
Samoyeds are one of the oldest breeds of dogs as related in this historical biography of Rex. They were bred and developed by a tribe called the Samoyed. Their main function or job was for reindeer herding. They also did tasks in difficult environments such as sledding, packing and guard dog and even a companion. These dogs, like Rex had the ability to get along with people a lot better than we do at times. According to history these dogs came from an arctic environment and were referred to as dogs with smiling faces or the dogs of Christmas. Throughout the first few chapters you will learn more about the history of this breed, their roles, Agnes Mason Rex’s breeder a hardworking business woman who trained these dogs in her White Way Samoyed Kennels. Czar Nicholas is pictured on page 18 with her daughter and CH. Herdsman Faith, Rex’s Dam on page 20. The history continues with information about WWII and Parachuting Samoyeds, and article in the April 1952 Western Kennel World magazine, plus more about the Samoyed today. Chapter 2 relates The Rex Story where it all began and we learn more about White Way Kennels and his breeder. Including where she was born Mary Agnes Bauer Mason was an amazing woman. Believe it or not she was much more than just a dog breeder. She started and ran a direct mail auto registration in California. I bet you did not know that this grew in the present California Department of Motor Vehicles. But, she did much more. Imagine being the first woman in California’s state legislature. If you read the rest of the chapter you will be amazed at what else she accomplished. Learning about the Early Days, the trainer for breaking the dogs to sled, Bill Thompson, how her daughter comes into play plus a picture of the dog team on page 31 bringing it to life. The remainder of the chapter includes information on the White Way Kennels’ Breeding System, Agnes Mason’s Legacy and more. The following chapter introduces his trainer, Lloyd Van Sickle. Agnes sent dogs to this man to grow some coat and then take them back to put them in the show ring. But Lloyd was extraordinary and did much more. He and Agnes were you might say the pioneers of sled dog races. Lloyd owned the Hilltop Lodge, which you can see pictured on page 43, learning how he did business follows and tons of Lloyd stories. Chapter four you can read on your own to learn the art and technique of training lead dogs because Chapter Five you might say is the main event: Rex.
To entice readers the author includes important historical facts throughout the book paralleling them with important events in Rex’s life. Born in 1946 the author relates information about Winston Churchill, Jackie Robinson, President Truman and Rex from the years 1946-1951. He includes information his birth, his size, his appearance and why he was loaned to Lloyd Van Sickle to train as a work dog. From what he was referred to as an Ugly Duckling to a dog with outstanding leadership skill, Lloyd took pride in training this precious dog. Rex was and you can see for yourself when you look at the amazing photos included a handsome and beautiful dog. Learn about Rex to the Rescue on page 75, his attributes, the California State Fair and more historical facts from the years 1949-51. Reading the article on page 82 titled Dog Teams Rescue Four Men After Crash Landing On Snowfield at Truckee will keep readers glued to the printed page to learn the final outcome of the rescue and wanting to learn more about Rex.
Author Jim Chesawich’s research is extensive and it took years to write this book. News articles, eyewitness reports, interviews and photos comprise just some of what is included in this book as you hear many different voices presenting information. Rex was the lead sled dog and believe it or not he was responsible for over thirty mountain rescues. You know the saying the Mail Must Go Through. Read Chapter 6 and learn how he did mail runs. Read The U.S. Mail Run from the Ward Book page 253 and you won’t believe what Rex did and you will find yourself wanting to read even more. A close encounter and then learn in Chapter 7 why he is called the Blizzard King. Read the letter from Mr. Harry Miller, Director of the Gaines Research Center from Lloyd Van Sickle and what he requested. The High Sierra Mountains Rescue in January of 1952, the snowstorm of the century you might say, The City of San Francisco Train Rescue, facing an avalanche and the author’s note on further research, Snowbound Streamliner Rescuing the 1952 City of San Francisco by Robert J. Church. Look at the picture on page 114 and learn about Drama in the Sierra followed by an article about a train stuck at Uba Gap. Chapter 9 includes more historical facts and Rex the Middle Years from 1952-1956. Read about the West Yellowstone Dog Derby, see a picture of Rex on page 123 smiling at readers and join him as he sets the world record in 1954 in a weight pulling contest and 1956 Big Bear Races. Chapter Ten is titled Force of Nature and to find out why you need to read it for yourself. But, he was one stubborn dog. Imagine working with John Wayne just read chapter 11 and then 1957 when Rex dies. Lloyd’s thoughts are heard in the chapter titled the Aftermath where he thinks Rex died of a broken heart because he lived with Lloyd to with him and felt abandoned. Sent back to stay with his breeder, Mrs. Mason he lived for just a short time. Read Chapter 13 to learn more. The author includes his life in a timeline on page 150, a plague created with his achievements and other awards and recognitions.
Those that loved this dog were many but Aljean Mason, the daughter of the breeder and Alta Van Sickle were partners of Agnes and Lloyd. Read the postscript as the author sums up Rex’s accomplishments, his life, the fact at the age of three he was written up as the Blizzard King and why is so invaluable till this day to Samoyed breeding.
Initially embarrassed by this dog, Agnes thought he was oversized, had four long gangly legs and was not exactly handsome. Like I said looks are not everything and this dog turned out to be more than just beautiful to look at but someone to be proud of and honored to have in their family. Rex will always be in the hearts of so many and was as the author states a “fine ambassador for the breed, having an amazing bond not only with dogs but with people too. This is one book that will teach trainers, breeders, students, vets, doctors, those related to dog shows and teachers so much about the Samoyed breed and an amazing dog named Rex.
Included are many resources, a picture of the author and Riley, plus Appendix A: Riley at the National, Appendix B: I Remember One and the request in Appendix C as well as Appendix D and E. To find out more exciting information and what the author included in each Appendix: read it for yourself. Straightforward, interesting and filled with many historical facts this book is a true tribute to Rex.
Fran Lewis: reviewer
Jim Cheskawich
Creating a legacy of a person you often begin with their childhood, education, goals and their contribution to society. Added in you might discuss their marriage, careers, and their final days. Sometimes you create a tribute to this person because they were notable in a specific field of science, politics, on the silver screen or television. But, one man decided to create a different kind of tribute or permanent legacy to an entire family, an entire breed of dog and to one special dog who provided, joy, love, safety, freedom and hope for so many. Rex of White Way, was more than just the Blizzard King. This amazing dog, called the Blizzard King was a Samoyed. Unique in that most thought at first glance that he was really not the typical Samoyed not tall enough, not good enough to meet the “standard for the dog show world’s Conformation Ring, because he was over the height standard, his coat was not what they thought it should be, and his legs were as they are referred to gangly Rex I guess would not win any dog beauty contests but he had hidden attributes and qualities that many people wish they did have or that leaders in our government might want to adopt.
Heroes serve as role models. Some overcome obstacles, injuries and disabilities. Rex was a pure-bred Samoyed dog who you might say was more than just an achiever. He reached huge heights in many areas. So, when reading this book and presenting the review I decided to skip over some of the beginning and get to the what you might say is the Main Event and tell readers about this dog. But, first some important notes from the Introduction provided by our author so that you, the reader can learn something about his past, his trainer and his breeder before taking the journey back in time and meeting Rex.
Rex according to reliable sources weighed from 62-70 pounds. This bog was in outstanding shape. He was fit, had muscles from working hard and definitely had a temperament that aided him in order to race, lead a pack of dogs, and earn the respect of other dogs in his team. Never challenged, questioned Rex was diligent, persistent, strong and calm. Rex did many things in his eleven years that most rescuers never accomplish. Imagine doing mail runs, working on a movie set and rescue and saved many lives. The author states at the close of the introduction that his purpose in writing this book was and is to “educate and inform the general public as well as the dog owning and dog showing public about Rex’s heroic life.” Not exactly a hot looking dog as some would say and referred to as an Ugly Duckling, once again appearances and physical attributes should not come into play when judging a person and in this case Rex. Learn more right now as we forge ahead with the story of Rex.
The author begins with the history of Samoyeds or as he relates the beginning. He states that the beginnings of this dog started over one thousand years ago. This is an exciting breed of dog. He includes much more in Chapter One about this dog, relating back to over 1500 years ago and the derivation of the name Samoyed, Polar Expeditions, Royal Connections, The First Imports to the United States and much more.
Samoyeds are one of the oldest breeds of dogs as related in this historical biography of Rex. They were bred and developed by a tribe called the Samoyed. Their main function or job was for reindeer herding. They also did tasks in difficult environments such as sledding, packing and guard dog and even a companion. These dogs, like Rex had the ability to get along with people a lot better than we do at times. According to history these dogs came from an arctic environment and were referred to as dogs with smiling faces or the dogs of Christmas. Throughout the first few chapters you will learn more about the history of this breed, their roles, Agnes Mason Rex’s breeder a hardworking business woman who trained these dogs in her White Way Samoyed Kennels. Czar Nicholas is pictured on page 18 with her daughter and CH. Herdsman Faith, Rex’s Dam on page 20. The history continues with information about WWII and Parachuting Samoyeds, and article in the April 1952 Western Kennel World magazine, plus more about the Samoyed today. Chapter 2 relates The Rex Story where it all began and we learn more about White Way Kennels and his breeder. Including where she was born Mary Agnes Bauer Mason was an amazing woman. Believe it or not she was much more than just a dog breeder. She started and ran a direct mail auto registration in California. I bet you did not know that this grew in the present California Department of Motor Vehicles. But, she did much more. Imagine being the first woman in California’s state legislature. If you read the rest of the chapter you will be amazed at what else she accomplished. Learning about the Early Days, the trainer for breaking the dogs to sled, Bill Thompson, how her daughter comes into play plus a picture of the dog team on page 31 bringing it to life. The remainder of the chapter includes information on the White Way Kennels’ Breeding System, Agnes Mason’s Legacy and more. The following chapter introduces his trainer, Lloyd Van Sickle. Agnes sent dogs to this man to grow some coat and then take them back to put them in the show ring. But Lloyd was extraordinary and did much more. He and Agnes were you might say the pioneers of sled dog races. Lloyd owned the Hilltop Lodge, which you can see pictured on page 43, learning how he did business follows and tons of Lloyd stories. Chapter four you can read on your own to learn the art and technique of training lead dogs because Chapter Five you might say is the main event: Rex.
To entice readers the author includes important historical facts throughout the book paralleling them with important events in Rex’s life. Born in 1946 the author relates information about Winston Churchill, Jackie Robinson, President Truman and Rex from the years 1946-1951. He includes information his birth, his size, his appearance and why he was loaned to Lloyd Van Sickle to train as a work dog. From what he was referred to as an Ugly Duckling to a dog with outstanding leadership skill, Lloyd took pride in training this precious dog. Rex was and you can see for yourself when you look at the amazing photos included a handsome and beautiful dog. Learn about Rex to the Rescue on page 75, his attributes, the California State Fair and more historical facts from the years 1949-51. Reading the article on page 82 titled Dog Teams Rescue Four Men After Crash Landing On Snowfield at Truckee will keep readers glued to the printed page to learn the final outcome of the rescue and wanting to learn more about Rex.
Author Jim Chesawich’s research is extensive and it took years to write this book. News articles, eyewitness reports, interviews and photos comprise just some of what is included in this book as you hear many different voices presenting information. Rex was the lead sled dog and believe it or not he was responsible for over thirty mountain rescues. You know the saying the Mail Must Go Through. Read Chapter 6 and learn how he did mail runs. Read The U.S. Mail Run from the Ward Book page 253 and you won’t believe what Rex did and you will find yourself wanting to read even more. A close encounter and then learn in Chapter 7 why he is called the Blizzard King. Read the letter from Mr. Harry Miller, Director of the Gaines Research Center from Lloyd Van Sickle and what he requested. The High Sierra Mountains Rescue in January of 1952, the snowstorm of the century you might say, The City of San Francisco Train Rescue, facing an avalanche and the author’s note on further research, Snowbound Streamliner Rescuing the 1952 City of San Francisco by Robert J. Church. Look at the picture on page 114 and learn about Drama in the Sierra followed by an article about a train stuck at Uba Gap. Chapter 9 includes more historical facts and Rex the Middle Years from 1952-1956. Read about the West Yellowstone Dog Derby, see a picture of Rex on page 123 smiling at readers and join him as he sets the world record in 1954 in a weight pulling contest and 1956 Big Bear Races. Chapter Ten is titled Force of Nature and to find out why you need to read it for yourself. But, he was one stubborn dog. Imagine working with John Wayne just read chapter 11 and then 1957 when Rex dies. Lloyd’s thoughts are heard in the chapter titled the Aftermath where he thinks Rex died of a broken heart because he lived with Lloyd to with him and felt abandoned. Sent back to stay with his breeder, Mrs. Mason he lived for just a short time. Read Chapter 13 to learn more. The author includes his life in a timeline on page 150, a plague created with his achievements and other awards and recognitions.
Those that loved this dog were many but Aljean Mason, the daughter of the breeder and Alta Van Sickle were partners of Agnes and Lloyd. Read the postscript as the author sums up Rex’s accomplishments, his life, the fact at the age of three he was written up as the Blizzard King and why is so invaluable till this day to Samoyed breeding.
Initially embarrassed by this dog, Agnes thought he was oversized, had four long gangly legs and was not exactly handsome. Like I said looks are not everything and this dog turned out to be more than just beautiful to look at but someone to be proud of and honored to have in their family. Rex will always be in the hearts of so many and was as the author states a “fine ambassador for the breed, having an amazing bond not only with dogs but with people too. This is one book that will teach trainers, breeders, students, vets, doctors, those related to dog shows and teachers so much about the Samoyed breed and an amazing dog named Rex.
Included are many resources, a picture of the author and Riley, plus Appendix A: Riley at the National, Appendix B: I Remember One and the request in Appendix C as well as Appendix D and E. To find out more exciting information and what the author included in each Appendix: read it for yourself. Straightforward, interesting and filled with many historical facts this book is a true tribute to Rex.
Fran Lewis: reviewer
September 5, 2017
Enjoyed very much.
Really enjoyed the history of Rex . I don't live too far from Sacramento or Truckee where much of the history came from. It's easy to imagine the terrain which Rex worked.
Really enjoyed the history of Rex . I don't live too far from Sacramento or Truckee where much of the history came from. It's easy to imagine the terrain which Rex worked.
March 12, 2013
Wonderful book about this famous dog which features so much information and brilliant photographs. The research that has gone into this book is truly amazing and I am enjoying every page. I can't put it down and it will be treasured forever. What a monumental task which has resulted in one of the best dog books I've ever seen. Congratulations to the author.
August 18, 2013
This is a history of the Samoyed dog breed, as told through one special dog, Rex. Author Jim Cheskawich describes how one dog worked his way into his family's heart and makes an impact on those around him. This story is about a dog that is a champion in many ways. It is missing a timeline covering the development of the breed through Rex's legacy, It does not have an index.
July 18, 2016
I really wanted to like this book, but it was so disjointed and badly written that I had to push myself to finish it, skimming over some repeated stories in the process. With a good editor it might be formed into a coherent story, but right now its a hot mess.
March 1, 2013
Great book! Great pictures! A must have.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews