Together with Amarok, Illa was one of our first malamutes. Her name means companion in Inutsituk. She lived up to it. The Piano Lesson For More pics of Rok and Illa in Philladelphia, see The Philadelphia Years Illa and Rok came to Arizona in 2003. They met Kopi when she was still a puppy. Illa and Kopi ran our first sled dog race with "Ted" in lead. He was a retired but experienced sled dog kindly loaned to us by Cheri and Frank Engelhardt of BP Powerpaws. Mid-race, Ted decided he wasn't sure it was such a good idea to have 2 big malamutes behind him and decided to turn around and go back regardless of commands from the musher (Gery). Gery had to take him out of lead and put Illa and Kopi up front. They finished the race in double lead and came in sixth place. It seemed clear that Illa really enjoyed this! Ever the Recliner Girl! Good Night Sweet Illa! You live always in our hearts!