The Steamboat Pilot & Today

Mohawkie Photo by Tyler Arroyo

Locals 2007

Locals 2007 — a celebration of our favorite personalities.

Steamboat Springs — It was a perfect match. Mohawkie needed a job and Craig Kennedy needed a companion.

Kennedy acquired Mohawkie when she was 5 years old.

Now, at 10 1/2 years old and between 110 and 120 pounds, this Newfoundland Akita mix has found her calling as a service animal.

“She has three jobs and helps with my disability by carrying groceries and stuff for me. She knows how to pull a cart and can pull me, and she knows how to do water and snow rescue,” Kennedy said. “And she provides security. She doesn’t look like it or act like it, but she is very protective.”

Kennedy broke his back while skiing in Steamboat Springs 11 years ago. He is a paraplegic.

Mohawkie also helps patients at Yampa Valley Medical Center and visits day care centers as a member of Heeling Friends.

“She is a master healer, and whenever we go into a room, she is great with everybody and just makes people feel better,” Kennedy said. “She’s the best dog ever. I know, everybody says that about their dog.”

Even the two cats Mohawkie lives with love her and rub themselves all over her and head butt her, Kennedy said.

He had to get a king-size bed, so Mohawkie could fit on the bed with Kennedy and his wife, Andi.

“When (Mohawkie) dreams, she yelps and shows her teeth,” Kennedy said. “It’s hilarious. Everything she does is cute.”

Mohawkie loves the snow but hates thunder and fireworks.

“We have a theory that in her past life, she was on a Vietnam tour,” Kennedy said. “Loud noises, banging and guns freak her out.”

Mohawkie even has a boyfriend.

“Her boyfriend is a three-legged chocolate lab named Reggie, and they met at a party,” Kennedy said. “They’ve been boyfriend and girlfriend for a year now.”