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.

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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