Dog Sled Rides

Fitting everything into my schedule can be tricky but fortunately everything seems to fall into place each season. In summer I do mostly retail work, occasionally training the dogs (if its cool enough) and doing annual dog yard repairs and rebuilds. In the winter I train the dogs, try to fit in as much art as I can, maintain our winter retail clients and fit in the occasional dog sled ride.

All the work I do is very time consuming and brings in a livable income but it sure does leave me drained at times. Due to my flexible schedule I can work in just about every client but most times this leaves little for myself. Such was the case yesterday fitting in the three dog sled ride clients.

Normally we only take on two on the trail at a time but we managed well. The client riding in the basket with me was a special needs person and a real delight. He observed time and time again how smart the moose chasers where (Spock and Mercury) and commented that he had read you could train a German Shepherd to be your best friend. I told him this was entirely true and that Spock and I have been best friends for a very, very long time. "Wow..." was all he said but the awe I felt in his voice was truly special.

So often I don't have the time to really stop and enjoy those around me, to really sit, listen, hug them and be in that moment. Some times it takes a special person to remind you of these things... yesterday was my reminder.

After the rides were over I gathered the team together, turned them around and headed out again. It was just starting to get dark and after avoiding night running all season I wondered if I should pack it up and head home. I couldn't do it... we had to go...

The truck has been broke, now fixed, its been cold, now warm... so many things getting in the way of our personal trail time. Its been wearing away on my mind and body. When I released the snub line and watched them hit the trail in one fluid motion... no words could describe how beautiful that sight was... no words what so ever...

We took the short trap line loop and all dogs looked great, every one was moving effortlessly. I turned my headlamp off for most of the run and absorbed the darkness... so beautiful.

On the way back the trail was so smooth, the dogs so quiet, everything was in line, everything perfect. I had to shut my eyes for a few moments and feel everything. No sight, no sound, just darkness and the perfect rhythm of the team. Just what I needed to unwind... a perfect night.

When I opened my eyes I noticed two dark shapes through the darkness. The dogs didn't see them until I turned my head lamp on. A large cow moose with a large calf... the light spooked her and the calf, Spock and Merk took off to do their job and the team passed without incident. Seeing the moose was a shock, especially since I just had my eyes closed!

We haven't seen moose much this season but it seems like they are migrating back to our trails again. Its nice to see them... I didn't realize how much I missed their presence, observing their behavior and experiencing the wild as we do every year.

On this trip I was able to try out my new parka ruff. Its made of two fox tails and is so very warm. Its perfect for keeping the wind out and my face from chill. I wish it has been a bit colder that night but at -9 I couldn't complain. Its much better than the day before at -25...

Aquila had to stay behind again. Her ankle is still tender and I think she may be off the trail for the rest of the season. I will try to run her during our puppy training but I don't have high hopes for that. She is showing no sign of improvement. No pain is evident either so we will continue to watch and hope it heals.

Juno is getting her commands down VERY well now. I'm very impressed with her quick learning abilities and her desire to stay up front. She keeps nagging at Ichabod that he took a wrong turn even when he does right. Not sure if she will ever let that go. Shes so bossy... most of the dogs brush her off so it hasn't been a big deal but I wonder if she would rather run alone. Maybe during pup training I can try her up front in single lead.

Salmon will be out for a while. She is at the vets now getting spayed, her tooth pulled and a mammary tumor removed. Nyx is showing signs of coming into heat so she may have to stay at home for a while as well.