We were fortunate to have a local dogsledder, Kate Walrath of Run By Dogs, give us a demonstration at the village Library. She told us about different types of sled dogs, including the Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Husky. The latter is a smaller, rather plain looking dog. I was surprised to discover these canine competitors were about the size of my own Sassy June (a Chow-Husky mix called a Chusky). I thought sled dogs would all be big, strong 60-pounders. The small black dog with some white on her face (I wish I could remember her name) is actually a retired racer from Alaska. Racing dogs get a share of race winnings, and they are put into a “doggie 401k”. Kate’s place, called Run By Dogs, is a retreat for retired sled dogs as well as a training facility and a place to learn and enjoy dogsledding. The monies in the 401k’s pay for the dogs’ boarding and veterinary expenses.
Click any image to start a full-size carousel.
Kate Walrath of Run By Dogs
Informative Presentation
Hands-On
Siberian Beauty
New Friends
Dog Helpers
Alaskan Husky
Dogs Love Kids
Kids Helped
Another Alaskan
Pink-Coat Was All Business
The Queen-The Retiree
Who’s Ready To Sled?
Let’s Get To It!
And They’re Off!
Who’s Next?
Pink-Coat Gets Her Turn
Kate Coaches Kids & Dogs
Oh! To Be A Kid Again!
A Little Rest
And Another Rider
Snowy And Cold
The Queen Was The Fastest
Snack Time
All Hands Assisted
These Dogs Get A Lot Of Love
Up You Go!
Time To Head Home
Braving The Cold
Clear Trails!
It was very cold that Saturday, as you can see by the apparel. It was in the mid-twenties, but no wind. It didn’t bother the dogs a bit, though. For the retired Queen from Alaska, this is probably equivalent to retiring to Florida!
It’s good to get a different perspective sometimes.
Until next time,
Paz